Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner Models:
Toyota 4Runner Problems
Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages
At higher mileages, (125,000-150,000) the automatic transmission may not shift correctly. This can be caused by the throttle position sensor being out of adjustment or a shift solenoid needing to be replaced. Typically the transmission does not need to be completely overhauled.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Charcoal Canister
The evaporative emission (EVAP) system may illuminate the vehicle's Check Engine Light due to intermittent failure of the charcoal canister purge control solenoid valve or canister failure. Upon failure of the charcoal canister, debris may circulate around the EVAP system causing other emission control problems.
Car Won't Start Due to Worn/Corroded Solenoid Contacts in Starter
If the car will not start, the most likely problem is worn or corroded solenoid contacts in the starter. Usually, these parts can be replaced without purchasing a new starter.
Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations
Front brake rotors can wear causing a pulsation felt in the brake pedal. Our technicians tell us this condition is best corrected by replacement of the front rotors and brake pads.
Check Engine Light Due to Restricted EGR System
The EGR System tends to get restricted or blocked with carbon after 100,000- 125,000 miles which will cause an emissions test failure for NOX. If the EGR system is equipped with an EGR temperature sensor it will trigger a Check Engine Light for improper EGR flow. The repair is to clean out the EGR passages and the EGR Temperature sensor. Our technicians tell this repair is pretty straight forward and takes about 1-1.5 hours. It is al...
Toyota 4Runner Recalls (Recent)
Toyota Recalls 1996 4Runners Due to a Missing Warning Label on Sun Visor
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota recalls 1996 4Runner trucks because the label that warns consumers about the special handling conditions of the truck is not affixed to the driver's side sun visor. If the driver is not aware of these conditions, a loss of control may occur. Dealers will install new sun visors that include the missing sticker.
Learn more »Toyota Recalls 2003 Trucks Due to Improper Lug Nuts for Spare Tires
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota has recalled certain 2003 4Runner and Highlander trucks because the lug nuts used for upgraded alloy wheels are not suitable for the spare tire and wheel. If the existing lugs are used, the spare tire may loosen and come off. Dealers will provide owners with newly designed lug nuts, a warning label for the spare wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.
Learn more »Toyota Recalls 1990-1998 Trucks Due to Cracked Steering Relay Rod
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota is recalling 1990-1995 4Runner, 1990-1995 pickup, and 1993-1998 Toyota T100 trucks because the steering relay rod may crack under stress. This may increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering relay rod.
Learn more »Toyota Recalls 1996-1998 4Runners Due to Poor Steering Response with Heavy Load
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota has recalled 1996-1998 4Runner trucks because when they are loaded down fully, steering response and handling may be compromised, which can cause a loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace the rear suspension parts.
Learn more »Toyota Recalls 2001-2004 Trucks Due to Scratched Lower Ball Joints
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Toyota has recalled 2001-2004 Tacoma, 2002-2004 Tundra and Sequoia, and 2001-2002 4Runner models because the surface of the lower ball joints may have been scratched during assembly, which may have compromised their integrity. The ball joints may loosen and fall out and the driver may experience a loss of steering control. Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Learn more »Toyota 4Runner Questions and Answers
I have an issue with my 1990 R-Runner. When I'm at about 50-65 mph and apply the brakes, the brake pedal goes all the way down & if i hold it steady it eventually comes back and then it ...
My front wheels vibrate a lot when I'm going over 70 mph. If the wheels are balanced correctly, what could it be?
My 1990 runner just idles when i hit the gas. i only have 115,000 miles on it. what could be the problem?
My 1990 runner blows alot white smoke when it gets hot. i just had my heads re-done. so i haven't blown a gasket. could it be my radiator or my hoses or what?
My toyota over heated slightly, one morning, I went out after letting it cool would not start. Found water in the nmber 5 & 6 cylinders. What would cause this and how can I fix it. Thank you
Toyota 4Runner Reviews
i purchased my 4runner 2 years ago brand new and its probably the best car i've ever owned and i've owned many cars, looks great and makes me feel good driving it. never anything wrong with it. the only problem i have are the dealerships that sell and service these cars, just horrible service. dealer experience is why ill never buy another Toyota, not the car itself.
This is specifically about the Heating/AC System. In cold weather, it will not stay in the recirculating mode. It cuts out after about three minutes. Thus, outside air is sucked in. This may not be a problem for many people, but for those of us adversely affected by exhaust fumes, it borders on life threatening, especially when caught in heavy stop and go drive time traffic. I have talked to two dealership service managers and both told me there is nothing they can do about it. I hope somebody who matters reads this post.
I LOVE my 4Runner! I bought a 94 about 5 years ago and have kept up on maintenance so it runs like a champ. The 3.slow engine can be frustrating when going up hills but it is great for 4wheeling and driving in the snow. I put KM2 tires on it and even with the slower engine my 4runner can hold its own in the mud and snow. They just dont make em like this anymore...
When shifting into overdrive there is a knocking or rattling sound which comes and goes when shifting into overdrive it is comming from the engine or transmission. Brakes seem to lock causing car to lunge foreward. Has anyone had these problems.
Brakes are aweful, and Toyota needs to fix this issue or I will never buy another Toyota. When you step on the brake pedal, nothing happens for the first few inches of brake pedal travel, so you tend to jab the brakes at that point as you are not stopping at all. Then the brakes activate all of a sudden and you are nose-diving. The modulation is terrible! You expect more for $40k, to say the least. Also, it is very easy to setoff the stability control going around corners, which is very disconcerting. The suspension is unsettled, which makes the vehicle feel tippy.