CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
Corroded, high pressure transmission fluid line burst suddenly while driving. Transmission failed almost immediately with no warning of what had happened. Fluid covered the entire underside and back of the vehicle, and I'm very surprised it did not ignite the cloud of fine oil droplets that witnesses described. BTW, repair cost reported only for the replacement lines and labor. Unsure of how or when transmission will get repaired/replaced.
Update from Sep 21, 2021: New transmission replaced under warranty, but had to pay for the new fluid lines. Very strange that Toyota would choose tubing materials susceptible to corrosion in their transmission systems. And they are not cheap!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Corroded, high pressure transmission fluid line burst suddenly while driving. Transmission failed almost immediately with no warning of what had happened. Fluid covered the entire underside and back of the vehicle, and I'm very surprised it did not ignite the cloud of fine oil droplets that witnesses described. BTW, repair cost reported only for the replacement lines and labor. Unsure of how or when transmission will get repaired/replaced.
Update from Sep 21, 2021: New transmission replaced under warranty, but had to pay for the new fluid lines. Very strange that Toyota would choose tubing materials susceptible to corrosion in their transmission systems. And they are not cheap!
- Chris M., Opelika, US