2009 Toyota 4Runner Problems: 16 Known Issues
2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner has 16 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Brake booster pump and accumulator failure with warning lights and alarm (owner reports). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2009 · All trims · 1GR-FE 4.0L V6
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All 16 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota 4Runner problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner has 16 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake booster pump and accumulator failure with warning lights and alarm (owner reports), Power steering whine and fluid leaks (owner reports), Transfer case shift actuator stops engaging 4WD (owner reports). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner has 16 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Brake booster pump and accumulator failure with warning lights and alarm (owner reports). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Brake booster pump and accumulator failure with warning lights and alarm (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report the brake booster pump and accumulator failing: the pump runs continuously or squeals, the ABS, BRAKE, VSC and TRAC warnings light with a loud continuous alarm, and one owner needed much harder pedal pressure to stop. Applies to: 2003-2… Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Power steering whine and fluid leaks (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report power steering whine with dark, old fluid and choppy steering, and fluid leaks at hose connections that can empty the reservoir. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. The owner reports linked here are from fourth-generation trucks, one… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Transfer case shift actuator stops engaging 4WD (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report the transfer case shift actuator failing to shift into 4WD, with the 4WD indicator lights flashing. One owner who opened the actuator found water and corrosion inside it after driving through water. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Catalytic converter efficiency codes P0420 / P0430 at high mileage (owner reports)?
Owners of high-mileage fourth-generation 4Runners with the 4.0L V6 report catalyst efficiency codes P0420 and P0430; in one case only replacing the exhaust-manifold catalytic converters cleared them. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6. The owner reports… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Front wheel bearing whirring or humming noise (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report worn front wheel bearings causing a whirring or humming noise while driving that changes when turning, fixed by replacing the bearing or hub assembly. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. The owner reports linked here include 2004 and… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Speedometer needle stuck or erratic from a failed gauge motor (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report the speedometer working intermittently, staying at zero, or sitting at a false reading and overshooting while driving. One owner traced this to a failed stepper motor behind the instrument cluster. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner Power rear hatch window sticks or won't go up or down (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth- and fifth-generation 4Runners report the roll-down rear hatch window moving only an inch at a time, sticking partway, or not going up at all. When the glass is not fully closed, owners also lose the rear wiper and defroster. Applies to: 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner X-REAS linked shock absorbers leaking (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners with the X-REAS cross-linked suspension report leaking front or rear shock absorbers and the front end bottoming out. Toyota's technical description says X-REAS oil cannot be bled or changed, and parts replaced for an oil leak should be replac… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner Harsh or abrupt automatic transmission shifts (owner reports)?
Owners report harsh shifts from the automatic transmission. On fourth-generation trucks they describe intermittent hard engagement into drive or reverse and clunking downshifts when stopping; on fifth-generation trucks, harsh 1-2 upshifts and hard downshifts when coming to a stop… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Fuel gauge reads wrong because of a worn sending unit (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report the fuel gauge reading empty with a full tank, swinging erratically after fill-ups, or reading too full so the truck ran out of fuel; owners trace this to the fuel level sending unit in the tank. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. Th… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Heater blend or mode door servo clicking behind the dash (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report a clicking, buzzing or grinding noise from behind the glove box caused by a failing HVAC damper servo, and climate control that no longer directs air correctly, such as air stuck on defrost. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. The own… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Upstream oxygen / air-fuel ratio sensor heater fault code P0031 (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report code P0031, a heater circuit fault for the bank 1 upstream sensor, often together with P0051 for bank 2, with the check engine and VSC lights on. In one 2003 V6 case, replacing both sensors and the engine computer did not clear the code… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner Clogged sunroof drains letting water into the cabin (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth- and fifth-generation 4Runners report water leaking into the cabin and onto the floor when debris clogs the sunroof drain tubes at the corners of the sunroof tray. Applies to: 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner with a sunroof (moonroof). The owner reports linked here are f… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner EVAP system codes P0441 / P0446 / P0455 (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report check engine lights with EVAP codes such as P0441, P0446 and P0455. Causes owners found include a fuel cap that did not seal and a suspected failure of the vent valve on the charcoal canister. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. The o… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Noisy serpentine belt tensioner pulley bearing (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth-generation 4Runners report the serpentine belt tensioner pulley bearing becoming noisy, causing a squeal from the front of the engine until the pulley or its bearing is replaced. Applies to: 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. The owner reports linked here are from a 2003… Severity: low.
What is the 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 oil leak at the front timing cover (owner reports)?
Owners of fourth- and fifth-generation 4Runners with the 4.0L V6 report oil leaking from the front timing cover, including low-mileage trucks repaired by the dealer under warranty. Toyota bulletin text reposted on an owner forum describes a small oil leak where the bank 1 cylinde… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.