NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 493 owner complaints for the 2000 Toyota 4Runner. Most complaints involve structure (256) and suspension (103). The EPA rates it 16–19 mpg combined.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 4Runner model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 165 |
| 1997 | 264 |
| 1998 | 264 |
| 1999 | 332 |
| 2000 | 493 |
| 2001 | 190 |
| 2002 | 251 |
| 2003 | 708 |
| 2004 | 678 |
| 2005 | 425 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 147 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 60 |
“The frame is rusted almost in half a mechanic said it's not safe to drive it will kill someone. The car lot that is selling me the car said he can fix it but it's being held together by welds and c foam. He wants me to still pay for it. I've complained about not being able to drive over 45 without swaying badly and they keep doing stuff to it saying it's fixed and it's not. It's to dangerous to drive. I have a video of underneath but it won't let me upload it”
“The hole underneath frame is rusted into and there is a bunch of wielding done to it and it's very unsafe to drive and the car lot guy keeps saying he wants it back on the road”
“The frame is rusted thru in many places that hold the rearend in the frame and along the side rails of this 4 Runner Toyota 2000, the suspionsion arm rusted and broke free from the frame.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| 4Runner 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| 4Runner 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| 4Runner 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| 4Runner 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| 4Runner 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| 4Runner 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 493 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (256), suspension (103), power train (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Toyota 4Runner at 16–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).