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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.

3.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,667 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.

2009 Toyota 4Runner drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2009 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #3

May 082017

4Runner

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Excessive rust on frame with jeopardized integrity at joins connecting brakes, fuel lines and suspensions system.

- Prairie Village, KS, USA

problem #2

Sep 152010

4Runner

  • 3,500 miles
I am filing this, my second, complaint about my 2009 Toyota 4runner. My first complaint was filed in February 2010. I complained to my dealership about the problem since right after purchasing the 4runner which we bought brand new in May 2009. The problem occurred when slowing down to turn corners to about 15 mph, and then stepping on the accelerator to speed up, the car revs, sometimes 2500-3000 rpms before the transmission engages and we lurch forward. Now, 17 months later and many trips and E-mails to my dealership, who can't get a response from Toyota that makes sense, and my 4runner still exhibits the same problem. My husband had a kidney transplant in August 2009, which requires travel to a big city about 90 miles from home several times a month, that has heavy traffic flow. Last week, I had to make a quick acceleration to merge into oncoming traffic, and for the first time, the 4runner actually did the same think it does on turns. When I stepped on the gas to merge into oncoming traffic, the 4runner just revved for a few seconds and then lurched forward into traffic. Luckily no accident resulted, but we were very scared. I participate in forums on different car sites and there are many, many of us having the exact problems and yet Toyota has no answer or puts us off with some lame explanations or worse, tells us that is just the was the 4runner is because of the computer. My dealership has reset the computer and did not remedy the problem. I am reporting this newest incident for documentation in case this problem actually causes an accident, my complaint will be on file. Thank you

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #1

Jul 082010

4Runner

  • 19,500 miles
In a parking lot, while trying to stop and park on reverse, the vehicle kept accelerated on D (drive). I had not change the stick yet to reverse. I was just trying to stop. I had to step on the brakes very hard to control the car and turn off the engine and change the stick to P (parking). The rear right wheel left a mark on the pavement.

- Santo Domingo, 00, USA

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