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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
94,394 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4 runner. The contact was driving 20 mph when the steering wheel failed and became stiff without warning. The contact mentioned that the driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where it was diagnosed that the linkage to the steering knuckle was fractured and as a result, the steering knuckle, stabilizer bar, steering linkage, upper and lower control arms, wheel and bearings, and the rotors would need replacing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 66,000.
2004 Toyota 4runner. Consumer states there was a clicking noise coming from the steering wheel while turning right or left the noise was a faint clicking, increasing only slightly in volume over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an inspection revealed the inner shaft showed grooves where the bearing race had cut into the steering shaft to the extent where it could have caused complete steering lock-up at any time. The consumer was informed that the entire steering column needed to be replaced.
I have a 2004 4 runner I recently have had a steering vibration that is making me crazy it flutters around 55 to 65 I have gone to different dealers and independent shops plus I have done lots of testing with no luck on a permanent fix I have researched the internet for 6 months since the problem really started the only thing I can find is this tsb st001R-05 050908 steering that relates to my problem I have had 9 new sets of tires and a set of new wheels and all new suspension no matter what I do I can not get rid of the flutter it some times perfectly smooth even over bumps sometimes it is wobbling all over I have already encountered a collision due to this issue it was just a fender bender no major damage but the only thing left for me to do is find out more on this tsb I discovered I really like my 4 runner but I cant have this death trap putting people in jeopardy please help with any info thanks.
- Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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