Best & Worst Toyota 4Runner Years [Models To Avoid]

The Toyota 4Runner is capable of handling off-road terrain. It is true that some model years are better than others, and others should be avoided at all costs.

In the auto industry, it’s rare to find a car that has stayed true to its roots for over 35 years. While this is true, the 4Runner’s legacy really began with the Trekker, a truck that came with a bed cap in 1981. The Trekker would be assembled by Winnebago, while the 4Runner would not be assembled by Winnebago.

In contrast to other vehicles in its category that have adopted trends, its purpose has remained static. This vehicle can take the road less traveled, whereas its car-based competitors cannot.

Although rugged vehicles were intended to be capable off-roaders, they have evolved into supple, roadgoing machines. The 4Runner’s off-road capabilities remain excellent, but it has some problems.

Follow the guide below, or use the cheat-sheet at the end, to avoid buying a dud.

Toyota 4Runner Generations

With the first-generation 4Runner, Toyota launched the compact SUV market in 1984. Furthermore, it laid the foundation for future models with its simple design and off-road capabilities.

The limited data and relative age of this generation prevent us from considering it.

Let’s take a quick look at all Toyota 4Runner generations:

It is easier to understand the evolution of the 4Runner with the help of this table. Consider the significant changes between generations when making your purchase decision.

Toyota 4Runner Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

The following factors are taken into consideration when developing our rankings, but are not limited to:

• Owner reliability surveys (reports)
• An annual breakdown of maintenance costs
• A safety rating
• Consumer Reports’ reliability rating
• Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction score
• Complaints, investigations, and recalls filed with the NHTSA
• Edmunds owner reviews
• JD Power owner ratings
• Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
• VehicleHistory owner ratings
• Reviews on Cars.com by owners

Here are the best, neutral, and worst years for each generation:

Besides “Best Years” and “Worst Years,” we also distinguish between “Neutral Years,” when the 4Runner failed to stand out from the competition but still made a strong case for itself.

Some factors, such as NHTSA recalls, can negatively affect the ratings. Automobiles with more recalls are considered less reliable, resulting in lower ratings.

Let’s examine each model year in more detail.

Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation [2010 to Present]

Currently, the 5th-generation 4Runner is available for the 2010 model year. Our favorite square 4Runner returns as the new 4Runner.

There is a new 4.0L V6 engine in the redesigned ute, along with dual variable valve timing and intelligence (VVT-I). As a result of dual VVT-I, both performance and mileage are increased.

Furthermore, there is a very limited-production version of the 2010 4Runner with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Nearly all of them, however, come with V6 engines and automatic transmissions. On the same platform as the FJ Cruiser, there’s also a 4Runner.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

• Years to Avoid: 2014-2016
• Better Years: 2010-2013
• Best Years: 2017-Present

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the new 4Runner is the safest yet. The only category in which it performed poorly between 2010 and 2012 was roof strength.

Toyota received the Top Safety Pick award for the 2013 model year as a result of the roofing strengthening. Testing results for the 2014-Present model year show a marginal driver-side small overlap score and poor headlight performance.

It is, however, important to note that Toyota Safety Sense P comes standard on all Toyota trims.

Toyota’s quest for off-roading SUV reliability seems to have no end in sight. Each model year, the NHTSA received approximately 50 complaints about the 4Runner. The most common complaint was about airbags between 2010 and 2013.

It is unlikely that they pose a threat since Takata has recalled them. The most common problem with 2014-2016 models is a failure of the door lock actuator.

Since 2017, there have been no reports of common problems.

Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation [2003 to 2009]

In 2003, the fourth-generation 4Runner debuted in showrooms barely recognizable from the previous model. Compared to the previous generation, which looked more like a truck, this version had rounded and car-like exteriors.

A power rear tailgate, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and lumbar support for the driver round out the 4Runner’s features.

The 4Runner still maintains a solid reputation for off-roading despite these updates. Unlike other on-road vehicles, the 4Runner has a solid rear axle and standard skid plates.

Power was provided by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 245 horsepower. 4Runners were offered with this 265 horsepower V8 for the first time and for the last time. Off-road capability was another selling point for the 4Runner.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

• Years to Avoid: 2003-2005
• Better Years: 2006-2007
• Best Years: 2008-2009

The fourth generation of the 4Runner further improved safety. Despite the exception of head restraints and seats, all categories received good ratings from the IIHS. If the head restraints and seats are not designed properly, the dummy may suffer a concussion.

Airbags were also added to the new 4Runner in 2008, making it much safer in an accident.

Toyota 4Runner drivers, however, were helped avoid crashes thanks to the Star Safety System. ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, and vehicle stability control are among the safety features included in this suite.

Over time, Toyota 4Runner reliability improved after a rocky start. In the 2003-2007 period, the NHTSA received over 400 complaints per model year.

Compared to 2008-2009, there were only 54 returns for the 4Runner. There are once again many complaints about rust.

The 2008-2009 model years appear not to be affected by this issue. Consequently, any 4Runner should be checked for rust before purchase.

For the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner, 2008-2009 are the best years because curtain airbags are standard, head gaskets are improved, and there is little rust. There have been problems with head gasket failures in the years 2003-2005.

Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 3rd Generation [1996 to 2002]

It was in 1996 that the third-generation 4Runner was introduced to the market, bringing some exciting changes with it. While some parts of the new Tacoma were shared with the 4Runner, it had its own body and chassis.

Toyota Tacoma engines were shared, however, only with the four-wheel drive 4Runner. In place of the old 2.4L I4, a new 2.7L I4 with 150 horsepower was standard.

A more reliable 183 horsepower 3.4L V6 was installed to replace the unreliable 3.0L V6. Also included were a larger interior, dual airbags, ABS, a liftgate, coil-spring suspension, rack and pinion steering, and a more aerodynamic shape.

As a result, third-generation models were more focused on off-road performance than highway comforts, separating the wheat from the chaff. It was here that the 4Runner earned its reputation.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

• Years to Avoid: 2001-2002
• Better Years: 1996-1998
• Best Years: 1999-2000

The IIHS is testing the third-generation Toyota 4Runner for the first time. As with the previous two generations, safety was not a concern for the third generation. Thus, it received a satisfactory grade, just shy of a good grade.

The 4Runner’s bumpers cracked too easily in safety tests, making them the vehicle’s Achilles heel. Reliability was an issue with the 4Runner, however.

Approximately 250 complaints were received per model year, according to the NHTSA. The majority of complaints were related to rust on the 4Runner.

Every model year had excessive rust.

Ultimately, the third-generation 4Runner made two safety gains, but regressed in reliability.

There is no better model year than 1999-2000 due to its extensive redesign and full-time 4WD. Toyota 4Runners were no longer equipped with manual transmissions or locking rear differentials in 2001-2002, reducing their off-road capabilities.

While the third-generation 4Runner’s V6 was improved, Toyota failed to resolve the rusting issue.

Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 2nd Generation [1990 to 1995]

The second-generation Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 1990. Even though it was a new generation, the new 4Runner looked very similar to the old one. As far as the B-pillars were concerned, there was almost no difference between the 4Runner and Pickup.

The second generation was equipped with both the 2.4L I4 gear-driven engine and the 3.0L V6 chain-driven engine. Although the rear suspension had been upgraded to coil springs, the saggy bottom syndrome still existed. The I4 was considered more reliable even though it had less power than the previous generation.

First-generation 4Runners came with full-steel integrated frames mounted to full-steel bodies. On the old 4Runner, there was only a fiberglass bed cap.

This makes it impossible to remove the top of the 4Runner. The previous generation’s turbocharged engine has also been eliminated. Second generation models were also available in four-door models, making them a better choice for families.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

• Years to Avoid: 1990-1995 w/3.0L V6
• Better Years: 1990-1993 w/2.4L I4
• Best Years: 1994-1995 w/2.4L I4

Since light trucks are not subject to high safety standards in the U.S., the lack of safety in the second generation is not surprising. Passenger safety was rated four stars by the NHTSA, while driver safety was given one star.

A pair of sheet metal doors was constructed using two pieces. Thus, the front occupants were only protected by a window and sheet metal in case of a crash. A crash can be very damaging to these materials. Side-impact beams were introduced for the first time in 1994.

In the V6 engine, failing head gaskets affected reliability. Besides rust and leaks, older vehicles should also have sagging suspensions.

The V6 is unreliable, so it is recommended that you avoid it. In addition, the 1994-1995 models of the 4Runner have side-impact beams, which make them the best option.

Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 1st generation [1984 to 1989]

A new generation of Toyota 4Runner was introduced during the 1984 model year.

Toyota may have added it to their lineup, but it’s hard to call it a new model. This model was heavily influenced by the pickup truck (yes, that’s its name).

Heavy influence, on the other hand, is more conservative. Toyota pickup trucks are basically 4Runners with rear seats tucked in and a camper shell attached.

Unlike pickup trucks with caps, the 4Runner’s rear windshield retracts into the tailgate.

It shares the same platform as the Toyota Pickup, a two-door, short-bed pickup truck. The vehicles also featured a 2.4L I4 engine rated at less than 100 horsepower, along with a removable top.

There was also a 3.0L V6 available, which produced 135 and 150 horsepower, respectively, in addition to the 2.4L I4 turbo. There were two transmission options available on these engines: automatic and manual.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

• Years to Avoid: 1988-1989 w/3.0L V6
• Better Years: 1986-1987 w/2.4L I4
• Best Years: 1984-1985 w/2.4L I4

NHTSA’s website does not contain many complaints about the original 4Runner. One of the most common problems was sagging suspensions. When Toyota converted the Highlander into a Pickup, its rear springs were not upgraded.

Additionally, the 2.4L I4 engine was extremely reliable; however, the 3.0L V6 had a notorious history of head gasket leaks, with online forums flooded with complaints. Due to design flaws in the heads, many posters suggest replacing the 3.0 V6 with a 3.4 V6.

Aside from rust and worn-out parts, there are several other common problems. Off-road capabilities are also a major reason for the first-generation’s popularity.

In spite of the fact that few of the original 4Runners were produced, they can be quite expensive.

Furthermore, if you plan to use the 4Runner off-road, you must consider some issues. There is a need for more horsepower than the 100 horsepower produced by the 2.4L I4 engine in off-roading scenarios. Due to the rarity of the turbo edition and the reliability concerns of the V6, this is not a good sign.

A heavy-duty rear differential was also available on both optional engines. However, these vehicles feature chain-driven transfer cases and upgraded transmissions.

While a chain-driven transfer case is quieter on the road, it is not as good off-road as a gear-driven one.

In terms of off-roading, 1984-1985 were the best years. If you need more power, however, you might not have enough horsepower. Those years are known for their good transmissions, solid axles, and reliable engines due to gear-driven transfer cases.

For those who can’t handle the 1984-1985 model years, there are plenty of other years to choose from. Unless it’s the V6, which is notorious for its reliability issues.

Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable vehicle over the long term. There are some issues with the Toyota SUV, despite its reputation for reliability:

Braking system problems

The 4Runner had brake system problems from 2014 to 2017. It has been reported by many owners that their brakes have failed and locked up. Other reports reported warped and prematurely worn brake master cylinders and brake rotors.

Rust/body/paint problems

There was a tendency for the 4th-generation 4Runner to suffer from rust and corrosion damage around 150k miles. Owners’ 4Runner frames and suspensions were severely corroded or rusted after a shop visit revealed they weren’t running properly.

Damaged/cracked dashboard

Many 2004 4Runner dashboards were sticky, melted, or cracked. Several dashboards have been damaged by direct sunlight, either melting or deteriorating. In addition to making the airbag look unsightly, the issue may prevent its deployment.

Transmission issues

Between the 1990s and 2016, Toyota 4Runner models had transmission problems that resulted in rough shifting and power loss. It is either necessary to replace one or both shift solenoids or throttle position sensors.

Is Purchasing a Used Toyota 4Runner Worth It?

Toyotas are known for staying on the road, so they are worth buying if you are looking for liability. Toyota 4Runner years to avoid are the first-generation model with a 3.0-liter V6 and the second-generation model with a 3.0-liter V6 from 1990-1995. There is no point in spending money on an engine if you won’t get any results.

If properly maintained mechanically, the Toyota 4Runner can take a beating even if it has rust. When shopping for a used 4Runner, it is important to consider its mechanical condition. A 4Runner should have fewer miles whenever possible, and regular maintenance should be documented.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid

Conclusion

Toyota 4Runners are high-quality vehicles without a doubt. There are still some reliable years available, even though the used options are less than ideal. In spite of some issues, 4Runners are well-known for their durability and excellent reputation.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found it helpful! There are a lot of years to choose from when choosing a 4Runner, but these are some of the most reliable. 

When purchasing a used vehicle, it is important to consider its reliability. Due to this change, your car’s cost will increase dramatically and your travel time will decrease. It is a good choice for reliability if you have a Toyota 4Runner in your garage.

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