TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota 4Runner cruise control problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
8crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 13 cruise control complaints filed for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Toyota 4Runner in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the above listed model and model year vehicles. This feature will cut engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedal at certain speeds and in certain driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On July 24, 2013, the settlement of claims for Economic Loss arising from allegations of unintended acceleration was approved. As part of the settlement Toyota will be launching the third phase of a Limited Service Campaign to install Smart Stop technology on March 31, 2014., for the following models:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe three related acceleration problems on the 2006 4Runner, all occurring at low speeds with the foot off the accelerator and on the brake. The most common issue is sudden engine surge while stopped—idle jumping from 550 to 1300 RPM—that repeats intermittently and stops only after the vehicle moves or restarts. A second pattern involves full-throttle acceleration during parking, turning, or reversing that catches owners off guard; shifting to neutral or hard braking eventually stops the surge. A third group reports the brakes simply not working: the vehicle won't slow down at low speeds even with firm brake pressure, sometimes requiring two-footed braking.
The problem has occurred since at least 2007, across vehicles with mileage from 45,000 to 130,000 miles. Several incidents resulted in collisions with property and injury; owners had to stomp brakes, swerve, or shift to neutral to regain control. One owner reported over $20,000 in damage. Owners emphasize this is not a floor mat or sticky pedal issue—their feet are clearly positioned on the brake. Toyota has received complaints through their website, but dealers cannot find diagnostic codes to explain the failures. One dealer offered a 10% discount on repairs; most offered no help. The 2006 4Runner sits outside existing Toyota acceleration recalls, leaving owners questioning whether this represents an unaddressed electronic control problem.
Same Toyota 4Runner cruise control reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended Engine Acceleration at Stop
Engine surges to higher RPM (1300 RPM reported) while vehicle is stopped with foot on brake, not on accelerator. Occurs intermittently and randomly, especially after coming to a complete stop or in low-speed parking situations. Engine returns to normal idle only after leaving the stop condition or restarting the vehicle.
When: Since new; reported incidents from 2007 to 2020; mileage varies from 45,000 to 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges from normal idle (550 RPM) to elevated RPM (1300 RPM reported); Vehicle shaking and bouncing; Sudden acceleration with foot on brake; Intermittent and unpredictable occurrence; Check engine light illuminated in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer offered 10% discount and repaired the vehicle but type of repair not specified; dealers unable to diagnose failure in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota website received at least one report; technicians ran tests but were unable to diagnose failure; offered no assistance in at least one case. Vehicle not included in existing acceleration recalls.
Unexpected Full Acceleration During Maneuvers
Vehicle suddenly accelerates to full throttle during normal low-speed driving maneuvers including parking, turning, and backing up. Occurs without driver input on accelerator and with foot on brake. Requires hard brake pressure or placing vehicle in neutral to regain control.
When: Incidents reported from 2007 to 2020; mileage range 45,000 to 130,000
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden full throttle acceleration during parking or turning; Vehicle does not respond to brake initially; requires hard brake pressure; Occurs at low speeds (2-45 mph) with foot on brake; Vehicle continues to accelerate even when transmission shifted to neutral; Accelerator pedal in normal position despite high engine RPM
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs completed at dealerships but specific details not provided; one incident required vehicle to be towed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technician testing performed but unable to diagnose failure; no recalls issued for 2006 4Runner despite similar issues to other Toyota acceleration recalls
Acceleration Not Abating with Brake Application
When applying brakes at low speed during forward or reverse motion, vehicle does not slow down as expected and continues accelerating. Driver must use both feet or apply brakes with significantly more force to achieve deceleration. Described as electronic rather than mechanical issue by owner.
When: Timing not specified; one case at approximately 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to slow down when brakes applied at low speeds; Requires double-foot braking or excessive brake force; Vehicle lurches forward as brakes are applied; Occurs when backing up or moving forward at slow speed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicles not included in existing acceleration recalls
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I experienced unexpected acceleration twice. Once was a month ago after starting the 4 runner in the garage. The rpms increased and as I put it in reverse the car accelerated stopping only as a pushed hard on the brakes. Today, 12-6-20, while the car was in motion and as I pulled into a parking spot, the vehicle again accelerated stopping only when I forcefully applied the brakes.
Had cruise control trouble with your 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 50,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/4Runner.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.