toyota 4Runner problems
0 safety recalls. 22 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I PURCHASED MY 2009 4RUNNER NEW LAST YEAR. FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT I NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ANY TIME THE VEHICLE SLOWS BELOW 15MPH AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVS TO A HIGH RPM AS IF SEARCHING FOR A GEAR AND DOES NOT…
I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS OIL THROUGH PIN HOLES, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE. THE CAR BARELY HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE DIFFERENTIAL SHOULD LAST AS LONG AS THE CAR. THE RISK IS THAT IT WILL RUN DRY, SEIZE, AND THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THEY CRASHED INTO A COW WHICH CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…
STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO DO AND REALLY JERKY.TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PIN NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. YET ANOTHER PART I HAVE TO EAT THE COST DUE TO CORROSION. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS.…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Toyota 4Runner?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota 4Runner has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Toyota 4Runner?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.