What are the most common Toyota 4Runner problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2006-2006 Toyota 4Runner has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake Booster / Master Cylinder Internal Leak Causing Hard Pedal and Reduced Braking Assist, 4WD Transfer Case Actuator Seizure from Infrequent Use Preventing 4HI/4LO Engagement, X-REAS Suspension Hydraulic Shock Leaks Leading to Harsh Ride and Expensive Replacement. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
The 2006-2006 Toyota 4Runner has 8 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Brake Booster / Master Cylinder Internal Leak Causing Hard Pedal and Reduced Braking Assist and 4WD Transfer Case Actuator Seizure from Infrequent Use Preventing 4HI/4LO Engagement and X-REAS Suspension Hydraulic Shock Leaks Leading to Harsh Ride and Expensive Replacement and 1GR-FE V6 Head Gasket Failure with External Coolant Leak at Rear of Cylinder Head and Secondary Air Injection Pump/Valve Failure Triggering Limp Mode on 4.7L V8. 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota 4Runner problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota 4Runner issues range from $150 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Brake Booster / Master Cylinder Internal Leak Causing Hard Pedal and Reduced Braking Assist, typically costs $1,200-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Brake Booster / Master Cylinder Internal Leak Causing Hard Pedal and Reduced Braking Assist?
Multiple 4th-generation 4Runner owners report the brake pedal becoming hard, requiring excessive effort to stop, often accompanied by ABS/VSC/TRAC warning lights and a buzzing or continuously running brake actuator. Toyota issued service information for brake booster pump/master… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Transfer Case Actuator Seizure from Infrequent Use Preventing 4HI/4LO Engagement?
A well-known 4Runner problem is the transfer case shift actuator sticking or seizing, especially on trucks that spend years in 2WD or full-time mode without regular 4WD cycling. Owners report flashing 4WD lights, inability to engage or disengage 4HI/4LO, and in some cases being s… Repairs typically run $600-$2,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner X-REAS Suspension Hydraulic Shock Leaks Leading to Harsh Ride and Expensive Replacement?
4th-generation 4Runners equipped with the optional X-REAS cross-linked shock system commonly develop leaking shocks or hydraulic line failures as mileage climbs. Owners notice a bouncy or harsh ride, fluid seepage at the shocks, and degraded handling, but the real pain point is c… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2006 Toyota 4Runner 1GR-FE V6 Head Gasket Failure with External Coolant Leak at Rear of Cylinder Head?
Early 4th-generation 4Runners with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 are known for head gasket failures, often presenting as an external coolant leak near the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head. Owners report gradual coolant loss, sweet smell, overheating risk, and misfires if the leak wo… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2009 Toyota 4Runner Secondary Air Injection Pump/Valve Failure Triggering Limp Mode on 4.7L V8?
The 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 used in later 4th-generation 4Runners is known for secondary air injection system failures involving the air pump and switching valves. When the system sticks or fails electrically, the truck may illuminate the check engine light and enter reduced-power or limp… Repairs typically run $900-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Cracked Exhaust Manifolds on 4.7L V8 Causing Ticking Noise and Exhaust Leaks?
The 2UZ-FE V8 in 4th-generation 4Runners is known for exhaust manifold cracking, especially as the vehicle ages and heat cycles accumulate. Owners usually hear a cold-start ticking or tapping from the engine bay that quiets somewhat as the manifolds warm up, and some eventually g… Repairs typically run $700-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure Causing Inaccurate Fuel Level Readings?
A recurring owner complaint on 4th-generation 4Runners is an erratic or inaccurate fuel gauge, often reading empty when fuel remains or failing to move smoothly after fill-ups. The usual cause is wear or contamination in the fuel level sending unit inside the tank, though wiring… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Dashboard Cracking and Melting from Heat/UV Exposure?
Many 4th-generation 4Runners develop cracked or sticky/melting dashboards, especially in hot climates. Owners report the dash surface becoming shiny, tacky, and prone to deep cracks around the passenger airbag and instrument panel. Toyota acknowledged similar interior panel mater… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: low.
