2018 Toyota 4RUNNER problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
40
Recalls
5
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Median mileage
27,400 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion is the most-reported problem area, named in 9 of 40 complaints (23%).
  • Steering (6) and engine (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 27,400 mi.
  • Owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
  • The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER has 5 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 10th of 22 Toyota 4RUNNER model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 150% more complaints than the 2017 model year (16).

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER problems by category

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    9 complaints
  • Steering
    6 complaints
  • Engine
    5 complaints
  • Brakes
    5 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 2 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Suspension
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Steering6
Engine5
Service brakes5
Unknown or other4
Fuel system, gasoline4
Air bags4
Fuel/propulsion system4
Power train3

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k1010k–30k730k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints that list mileage.

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls (5)

  • Recall 20V682000Nov 4, 20201,525,742 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

  • Recall 19V670000Sep 20, 201934 vehicles
    STEERING · SUSPENSION

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

    Risk: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

  • Recall 18V753000Oct 25, 20181,295 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

  • Recall 17V831000Dec 20, 2017649 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Risk: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

  • Recall 17V763000Nov 29, 2017431 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.

    Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.

Recent 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jul 16, 202686,000 miVTElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy per a Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,862. However, the Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 61,000 in April 2022; 90,000 in February 2023; and 54,000 towards the end of the month in February 2023. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was 86,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11750896 · source
  2. Filed Mar 27, 2026MDAirbagsBrakesEngine
    The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they…
    NHTSA complaint #11727554 · source
  3. Filed Jan 10, 2026NMBrakesSteeringSuspension
    this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback…
    NHTSA complaint #11710152 · source
  4. Filed Mar 25, 2025MOCrashAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw…
    NHTSA complaint #11650452 · source
  5. Filed Aug 31, 2024MASuspension
    The front shock springs cracked and snapped due to cold weather. I have been waiting for 2 months for the replacement parts and cannot drive my vehicle. The parts are 4 months out on a waiting list. The vehicle is not safe to drive. The dealer has inpected the vehicle and said it is not safe to drive for safety reasons. There were no warning and I only found out when I went to replace the original tires. The car has 25K miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11611918 · source
  6. Filed Jul 28, 2024MDBrakes
    While attempting to stop vehicle for a traffic light brake pedal suddenly goes almost to the floor. This occurrence is random and unpredictable. No dash lights or messages come on indicating any problem. Brake master cylinder is at the proper level and no signs of leakage. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any technicians. Vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. As a retired Police officer and former FAA certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic I am familiar…
    NHTSA complaint #11604973 · source
  7. Filed Jul 18, 2024AZEngine
    Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11603235 · source
  8. Filed Apr 18, 2024IAFireOther / Unknown
    I do not know what component or system failed. I was at an appointment with my son when the receptionist informed me that my car alarm was going off and there was smoke coming out of it. I went out to investigate and it sounded like the engine was attempting to start continuously. My key fob would not unlock the car. The engine continued to attempt to start and i was certain the car was going to start fire. We called 911 and went back inside to avoid anyone being hurt. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11583941 · source

Compare the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER with another vehicle →

Other 2018 Toyota models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology