The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Toyota 4Runner electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 54,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 4Runner | 3 |
| 2011 4Runner | 6 |
| 2012 4Runner | 3 |
| 2013 4Runner | 4 |
| 2014 4Runner (this page) | 24 |
| 2015 4Runner | 12 |
| 2016 4Runner | 17 |
| 2017 4Runner | 5 |
| 2018 4Runner | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 24 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Toyota 4Runner, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 16 model years of Toyota 4Runner we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 24.
Electrical accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
DP: The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles are equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system. Due to incorrect programming in the DCM software, after November 2nd, 2019, the GPS coordinates for this system will be calculated incorrectly. This will cause the system to use incorrect vehicle coordinates if one of the system?s features is activated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0P CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 19TE12 SAFETY CONNECT SYSTEM ? VEHICLE LOCATION INACCURATE CERTAIN 2013 ? 2019 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER 2011 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR LAND CRUISER 2013 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS 2012 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS V 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR MIRAI Updated 010/25/2023
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type. This Service Bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Electronic Wiring Diagram (EWD) and/or Repair Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Door lock actuators are the biggest pain point. Drivers report power locks failing on one or multiple doors—driver's side, passenger side, rear—usually between 35,000 and 61,000 miles, often right at or just after warranty expiration. When they fail, the fob and interior buttons stop working; owners have to manually flip the lock lever to secure the door. Multiple actuators tend to fail in succession within months of each other. Repair costs run $500–$800 per door, and some owners end up replacing three or four actuators. Several owners note this is a pattern they've found discussed on Toyota forums, not an isolated case.
The Entune infotainment system (a Panasonic unit, model 57080) freezes randomly and without warning. The radio, navigation, and backup camera all go unresponsive for several seconds, then reboot. Some owners say it happens 3–4 times per hour of driving. Toyota issued a TSB with a firmware update to address it, but some units reject the update and dealers have told owners they need a full unit replacement out of pocket.
A few owners report complete electrical shutdowns while driving—engine and all systems go dark, and the key doesn't respond for 5 minutes. Backup cameras sometimes won't activate in reverse. One owner had a transmission range sensor corroded internally, causing the dash to not display which gear was selected, making it impossible to confirm the vehicle was actually in Drive or Park. Another had all four door locks fail within the first year, raising concerns about child safety locks.
Same Toyota 4Runner electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Door lock actuator failure
Power door lock actuators fail to lock or unlock via key fob, door button, or automatic lock-on-drive function. Affected doors include front driver, front passenger, and rear doors. Owners must manually flip the lock lever to operate. Multiple actuators typically fail within a few years or months of each other. The child lock function is also compromised when actuators fail.
When: Between 35,000 and 61,000 miles. Most commonly right at or shortly after warranty expiration (3-3.5 years)
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not lock or unlock via remote key fob; Door will not lock or unlock via interior door button; Automatic lock-on-drive function does not work; Manual lock lever must be used to operate door; Child lock feature becomes inoperative; Keys do not work from outside to unlock or lock; Multiple doors fail in succession
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of power door lock actuator per door. Owners report repair costs of $500-$800 per door. Repair at dealer while vehicle still under warranty. Multiple doors often require replacement, compounding cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued despite multiple complaints. Dealer states vehicle is out of warranty and owner must pay. One inspector determined vehicle was no longer under warranty, owner responsible for costs.
Infotainment system freeze/reboot
The Entune Premium Audio System with Navigation (Panasonic Model 57080, software version 0101A5) randomly freezes without warning, rendering radio volume control, rear-view camera, and navigation unresponsive. System reboots after freeze. A TSB (Toyota Technical Service Bulletin) exists to address the issue via firmware update (software 0101B1), but some units will not accept the update. One owner reports the system will lock up 3-4 times within an hour-long drive.
When: Starting around 20,000 miles. Some units freeze within the first hour of driving. One owner experienced the issue shortly after purchase in March 2017 with 13,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/infotainment system freezes without warning; Volume control becomes unresponsive during freeze; Rear-view camera will not activate during freeze; Navigation display goes blank during freeze; System reboots after freezing for several seconds; Freezing occurs repeatedly during a single drive; Occurs regardless of input source (CD, radio, Pandora, navigation); Occurs whether vehicle is in motion or stationary
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 0101B1 firmware update is available but some units reject the update for unknown reasons. Some owners report dealer recommended full radio unit replacement. One owner was told to pay out of pocket for replacement; another had system update performed at dealer but problem continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for firmware update (software 0101B1 to address freezing). Entune Support Department unable to provide alternative fixes beyond dealer contact. One dealer denied warranty coverage.
Backup camera failure
Rear-view backup camera does not activate when vehicle is in Reverse. Some owners report needing to shut off the engine, open and close the rear gate, and restart the vehicle for the camera to work again. Camera failure is often associated with infotainment system freezes.
When: Timing not specified in narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera does not display when shifted to Reverse; Camera works intermittently; sometimes functions, sometimes does not; Camera does not activate when infotainment system is frozen
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs mentioned by owners. Workaround reported: shut off engine, open/close rear gate, restart vehicle.
Transmission range (PRNDL) sensor corrosion
Internal corrosion develops inside the transmission range sensor (also called PRNDL switch), creating physical resistance that prevents the vehicle from properly indicating gear position on the display. The sensor failure causes the gear shift indicator to not confirm the selected gear on the dash, posing a safety risk to the driver.
When: Timing not specified; failure occurred during normal driving after purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift indicator does not display selected gear on dashboard; Vehicle will not display 'D' when shifted to Drive; Vehicle will not display 'N' when shifted to Neutral; Vehicle will not display 'P' when shifted to Park; Vehicle shifts out of Drive to Neutral on its own while driving; Vehicle continues to rev higher when not in Drive; Difficult to shift gear lever; Driver cannot confirm vehicle is in Park
Codes mentioned: PRNDL switch issue (per dealer diagnostic)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission range sensor replacement required. Sensor was adjusted with Techstream data list and health check performed post-replacement. Dealer noted this is not the first occurrence they have seen.
Automatic running board sensor failure
The automatic running boards deploy but then retract when stepped on or retract on their own before being accessed. The failure is traced to a defective computer sensor in the running board system. Per TSB 0278-17I, the running boards are too exposed to weather elements and the design is considered faulty by the dealer.
When: At 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards fully deploy but then retract when stepped on; Running boards retract on their own without being accessed; Running boards retract before the user can step on them
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of running board sensor and/or running boards. One dealer estimated the owner would need replacement again within a year if running boards are replaced. Cost to customer not specified in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 0278-17I issued. Manufacturer inspector visited dealer and determined vehicle was out of warranty, so owner must pay for repairs. Dealer acknowledged the design is faulty and running boards are too exposed to weather.
Key fob not recognized with multiple fobs present
When two key fobs are present in or near the vehicle (as when a spouse is traveling in the passenger seat), the push-button start system does not recognize the driver's key fob. Warning lights illuminate on the dashboard and the vehicle will not start. The vehicle will start only when the spouse leaves the vehicle or when the driver places the key fob directly next to the push-to-start button.
When: Timing not specified; issue occurs during normal operation with both fobs.
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob not recognized when second key fob is in the passenger seat; Warning lights display on console when second fob is present; Vehicle does not start when second fob is present; Vehicle starts only when spouse exits vehicle; Vehicle starts only when key fob is placed directly next to push-to-start button; In an emergency, the vehicle cannot start due to warning lights
Horn failure
Horn stops functioning without warning, with no diagnostic codes or check engine lights displayed. This is a safety concern as the driver cannot alert other road users.
When: Timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for repairs at dealer. Exact cost not specified.
Complete electrical system failure/shutdown
The entire vehicle electrical system shuts down while the vehicle is in motion, including the engine, lighting, and all electronic systems. The vehicle does not respond immediately to ignition key; restart takes approximately 5 minutes after failure occurs. Dealer diagnostics find no issues and cannot replicate the failure. After diagnostics and audio system update, owner reported picking up the vehicle but did not report whether issue was resolved.
When: December 2018; two instances within 3 days (12/24/18 and 12/27/18)
Symptoms owners cite: Entire vehicle electrical system shuts down while driving; Engine stops; All lighting systems fail; All electronic systems fail; Vehicle does not respond immediately to ignition key after shutdown; Vehicle restarts only after approximately 5 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed diagnostics test; no issues found. Audio system update performed.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Vehicle was in motion on a city street on 12/24/18 when the entire system (engine, electrical etc.) completely quit. I was near a stop light, so I stopped and restarted the engine and resumed travel. On 12//27/18 I was in motion in a parking lot and the entire system failed again. At this time no systems were operable including lighting and the vehicle did not immediately restart with the…
I have been having issues with my radio/backup camera system freezing and restarting since I purchased the vehicle in 2015. I have now had my passenger front door actuator go out last month. This is a huge safety concern and inconvenience.
Power door lock actuators are malfunctioning on front doors. Also, the radio/navigation system locks up multiple times on any given day.
The automatic door locks do not function properly and will not lock or unlock without manually flipping the lock or forcing the key to unlock it. This is a safety concern because if this vehicle was to be in an accident, it would be difficult to get a person in or out of the vehicle quickly and safely. Any instance in which someone may need to get in and out of the vehicle quickly the failure of…
This complaint relates to a defect in the Toyota entune premium audio system with navigation. Audio software version 0101a5. Unit is produced by panasonic. Model 57080. The system randomly and without warning "freezes" thereby preventing the driver from lowering or muting radio volume. The volume cannot be lowered or muted until the vehicle is stopped, and the ignition is turned off. The reverse…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Toyota 4Runner?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 23,000 and 78,500 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,000; a quarter make it past 78,500. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2014/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.