Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Toyota 4Runner problems

Owners filed 36 complaints about the 2017 Toyota 4Runner with NHTSA between Feb 2017 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes (9).

Complaints
36
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Service brakes9
  2. Electrical system5
  3. Air bags3
  4. Fuel/propulsion system2
  5. Engine2
  6. Steering2
  7. Suspension2
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Structure2
  10. Power train1
  11. Latches/locks/linkages1
  12. Wheels1
  13. Seat belts1
  14. Seats1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20177
201810
20193
20205
20211
20223
20230
20242
20253
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Service brakes

9 reports
“Failed brake master cylinder, this is still a rather new vehicle and the mechanics said this is unlikely in a new low mileage vehicle. I did research and this has only happened a few times, seems like a safety recall should be put in place.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 17, 2022Service brakesODI 11452492

Electrical system

5 reports
“For the 2nd time in 5 weeks, the main wiring harness and knock sensor have been eaten and destroyed by rodents. This has caused thousands of dollars worth of damage, and it's due to the soy based wiring used in the wiring harness. I cannot keep this vehicle outside for any period of time without the threat of the harnesses getting chewed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2026Electrical systemODI 11722858

Air bags

3 reports2 crashes
“A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, DRIVING 50 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE HIT, ALL 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG UNDER STEERING WHEEL, CUT UP MY LEGS HORRIBLY, VERY SWOLLEN, REFUSED HOSPITAL DUE TO COVID 19 FEAR. THE AIRBAGS CUT UP MY LEFT ARM AND MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT ARM(SHE WAS PASSENGER). VERY HAPPY THAT WE WERE SAFE, BUT THE SERIOUS CUTS ON MY BODY SEEMED QUITE SEVERE FOR THE HIT WHICH WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND BY A DEER.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2020Air bags, Seat belts, StructureODI 11329874

Fuel/propulsion system

2 reports
“2017 Toyota 4 runner SR5 While driving on the highway the vehicle stopped apparently the fuel pump stopped working and could not get going anymore. I had a mechanic come to the house with a PC and test it. He told me that’s a change that will need to take place in a garage. Luckily I was able to stop on the side and paid someone to bring car home”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11663273

Engine

2 reports
“Throttle has a lag when depressing gas pedal (occasionally a dead petal symptom) research indicates a TSB T-SB-0166-10 exist that relates to this issue. Lack of Toyota dealer assistance with this issue when contacted (Toyota of Round Rock Texas 78664) This issues is a safety concern when operating vehicle due to lack of throttle response when accelerating into traffic. When issue occurs, vehicle "stalls" and creates a dangerous situation that eventually will result is an accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11649210

Steering

2 reports
“Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2024Steering, Suspension, Power trainODI 11631443
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.