What 85 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Toyota 4RUNNER

Drove the car on empty tank and I had issues the following day after I refilled $60 gas.Car stalling/ hard to turn on, doesn’t stay on.

NHTSA ODI 11688562

Front Coil Spring Cracking (TRD Pro Models) I observed cracking of the front coil spring, a design defect in the spring's termination and how it sits on the top hat and bottom perch. This can lead to a sudden loss of control and a crash. Furthermore, pieces of the broken spring coil can fly out underneath the vehicle and cause serious injury to person and/or damage property, when vehicle is driven at highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11666476

My transmission went off with no warnings and my vehicle has been serviced at the Toyota dealer since I bought it and they never mentioned to me there was an issue with my transmission which is very odd. So I was wondering is this is normal or if there others owners with the same problem. Now I don’t have a vehicle because the transmission is in back order and I can’t even get a rental car because it wasn’t an accident or a recall. So I would like for you to look into this issue for this Toyota model.

NHTSA ODI 11660130

I was just in my second front end collision and for the second time, my front airbags did not deploy. The first instance, I hit a deer head on going 75 mph on the interstate. Last week, I T-bone F150 at 35mph - hard enough to make that truck spin around - and had injuries to my head, knee, and hand, and yet the airbag did not deploy once again. In both cases, my car sustained over $10,000 and damage to the front end.

NHTSA ODI 11582973

All of a sudden it was so difficult to steer I ended up off my driveway and almost took out my chain link fence. Two hands on left side of the steering wheel and yanked with all my strength. Then across my drive to the left. If this had happened turning onto a highway someone could have been killed.

NHTSA ODI 11573296

The door lock actuators have failed on both the driver side and passenger side front doors. Unfortunately this is a know issue across this model along with others and can be found in several forums. The problem is that the actuator gets stuck and at one point I was locked inside my car and once I was locked outside my car. If there was an emergency it could put mine and others safety at risk if the lock fails. The vehicle was inspected by Toyota who stated the actuators need to be replaced at $805 a piece and will not fix it themselves even though it is a known problem. This happened within the last month.

NHTSA ODI 11557501

Rusted Frame and radiator support cross member!

NHTSA ODI 11549070

My 4 runner was hit on the passenger side while crossing a intersection. The truck that hit my 4 runner was going at least 40 miles per hr and was a heavy duty pickup truck. On impact the airbags did NOT deploy but the 4 runner went haywire.

NHTSA ODI 11515049

Steering shudder at 58-70 MPH has become almost unbearable. No warning lights whatsoever - ever! Vehicle has had this issue since 30K miles (110K currently) and Toyota always is "unable to replicate the issue" or tells people this is common on the 4 Runners and Tacoma's. I won't go to dealers anymore since Toyota knows it's a problem and they direct the dealers not to report to keep the issue cluster diluted. Any visible wheel shake, no matter what speed should not be considered "common". Just replaced all 4 tires with Pirelli Scorpions, did the recommended Toyota road force balance and had everything aligned. Doesn't drive any differently than with the old tires and out of alignment. Perhaps if the Toyota brass had to drive their OWNfamily in this vehicle, they would take a different position. Guess it will unfortunately take some highway fatalities in these vehicles before manufacturer or governments act. I'm praying for a class-action suit as there are 1000s of 4 Runner customers experiencing the same issue. Many of whom have sold at a loss just to get away from an unsafe vehicle. First Toyota I've owned and it will be the last.

NHTSA ODI 11506610

Three of the four locks do not work on a consistent basis. The fourth lock works on occasion. Neither the key fob or the actual key will open the doors on the vehicle. The front driver door lock was replaced while under warranty, but broke again in under a month. The front passenger door lock was replaced at an out of pocket cost, but it also in a stopped working in a matter of weeks. There are times when the only access to the vehicle is through the trunk. The safety for all passengers is at risk because you cannot enter the vehicle in case of emergency or even on a daily basis. Also, the locks may not work when you are inside the vehicle and need to exit. This is an extreme safety issue in case of emergency. The locks have been replaced twice and the dealer acknowledged there is an issue with this year and model. The locks were inspected by the Toyota dealership when they had to be replaced. It is a well known defect which is commented on countless vehicle websites. There were no warning messages, the locks just stopped working. The date listed below is an approximation. I am aware of the year.

NHTSA ODI 11474476

Noticed the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle is rusting and I’m concerned about a safety issue. I know there was a rust-related class action on earlier model Toyota’s. The rust is most prevalent on the solder joints, which has me concerned about driving safety.

NHTSA ODI 11468597

'The "KDSS" (kinetic dynamic suspension system) valve located on the frame under the driver's door had corroded to the point where the oil in the system had begun to leak out. The warning light did come on the dashboard days prior to the leak. Vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership, where they assessed there was low pressure in the system. The service advisor advised that if the system loses all the fluid, the suspension and handling may be affected when steering or braking at high speeds or when making sharp turns.

NHTSA ODI 11465154

Steering wheel shake and vibration at approximately 55-65mph. Alignment and multiple wheel balancing appointments have not fixed this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11445060

This is our third Toyota 4Runner with the "X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System". There has been some type of failure of this system on all 3 of the 4Runners we have owned. The latest problem with this suspension system on our 2015 4Runner was discovered during a Toyota dealership service appointment at 42,091 miles. It was recommended the full X-REAS system, front and rear shocks with lines and actuators be completely replaced since both front shocks are leaking fluid at a cost of $4,000. Since this is our third 4Runner with this suspension and related problems it is our fear that this suspension system might fail when driving and possibly cause an incident with who knows what could happen. We have brought this to the attention of the Toyota Customer Experience Center and in communication with them they offered to minimally assist financially with repairs, but provided no acknowledgement as to our experience with three 4Runners and this problem plagued suspension system we have encountered. We declined their assistance since we felt repairing this system and possibly in two or three years being faced with similar repair bills it would be a waste of money on their part as well as ours. In the meantime we continue to drive this vehicle as we need it and we are hopeful that our safety will not be compromised.

NHTSA ODI 11442519

Toyota 4 runner had a recall for the fuel pump. I have been having starting issues with it ever since. The power is good and the starter tries to turn the vehicle over. But the vehicle won't start. I have taken it to multiple locations for service through out the chicago land area. Also once the vehicle finally does start. The R.P.M.s will suddenly increase and decrease to the point that the vehicle turns off while in drive. I can provide print outs when the vehicle gets fixed, if ever. I purchased the vehicle as CPO.

NHTSA ODI 11434690

THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO OUR REQUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI 11384748

THE FUEL PUMP FAILED DURING DRIVING WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN A RECALL BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX OR REIMBURSE THE REPAIR

NHTSA ODI 11363259

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED KERRY TOYOTA SERVICE FLORENCE (6050 HOPEFUL CHURCH RD, FLORENCE, KY 41042; (859) 371-1518) AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOCK ACTUATOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11362165

MY CHILDREN AND I ALMOST DIED TWICE! 4 RUNNER ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 9/24/20, 6:15 PMISH, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR APPROXIMATELY OVER AN HOUR, 70MPH CRUISE CONTROL SET, BEGINNING TO CLIMB UP A LARGE MOUNTAIN WESTBOUND INTERSTATE 8. ENGINE HESITATES/STALLS BRIEFLY, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, CAR SHUDDERED, WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ONLY LASTED SECONDS. AT A SLOWER SPEED ENGINE BACK UP AND ALL WAS FINE, ASSUMED IT WAS NOT A MAJOR ISSUE. CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS AT SAME HIGHER SPEEDS AND FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. 9/26/20, AROUND 6:30 PM, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR OVER AN HOUR, ABOUT 70MPH FLOW OF TRAFFIC, NOT IN CRUISE CONTROL, FLAT ROAD, EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 8, LEFT LANE OF 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE STALLS/HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10 LONG SECONDS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, ALMOST RAN INTO BARRICADE ON LEFT, ALMOST RAN INTO CAR ON RIGHT, LUCKILY NO ONE BEHIND US. SAW BLACKISH SMOKE OUT REARVIEW MIRROR. LOUD SOUNDS, SHAKING AND GRINDING. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND CRYING/SCREAMING KIDS, ENGINE NO LONGER STALLED AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE TO TURN ON HAZARDS. WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE! SAFETY EXITED, CONTACTED TOYOTA SERVICE TO INFORM THEM. VEHICLE TOWED 161 MILES TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND WERE READY TO RELEASE IT TO US. BACK STORY, MOST ALL SERVICE PERFORMED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DID WHAT WAS SUGGESTED. 8/31/20 TOYOTA POWAY INSTALLED FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL (PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUE, THIS WAS PREVENTATIVE) A WEEK LATER ENGINE LIGHT ON, ALEXANDER TOYOTA, FINDS MY SAFETY RECALLED PART WAS INCORRECTLY SECURED/INSTALLED. THEY FIXED IT AND RETURNED THE CAR. SINCE THE FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL PART WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING ENGINE HESITATION/STALLS, OUR VEHICLE IS UNSAFE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH.

NHTSA ODI 11361932

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE THE COMPUTER SCREEN REAR VIEW CAMERA IMAGE BECOMES BLURY, THE IMAGE SHAKES RAPIDLY AND STATIC WITH NEON LINES WOULD APPEAR DISTORTING THE CAMERA FOOTAGE. IT MADE THE REAR CAMERA SCREEN VIEW UNUSABLE AND UNRELIABLE. THIS HAPPENED OFF AND ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS AND DURING EACH SERVICE I WOULD ASK TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD TELL ME THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY UPDATED THE COMPUTER CHIP AND IT "SHOULD BE GOOD". THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO VIDEO TAPE THE PROBLEM AND SHOWED THE VIDEO TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE HAD ME SEND HIM MY VIDEO AND SAID HE NEEDED TO TALK TO CORPORATE. AFTER 2 MONTHS AND MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS TO HIM HE SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES AT OTHER DEALERSHIPS AND CORPORATE APPROVED HIM TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER FREE OF CHARGE SINCE MY CONCERNS HAD BEEN DOCUMENTED AT MANY SERVICE INTERVALS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN HOW LONG IT TOOK TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND AGREE TO DO THE REPAIR. I HAD TO GET VERY ASSERTIVE AND PERSISTENT IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM IN CASE ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11355050

I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF TIRES ON MY 4RUNNER AND EACH SET HAS WORN DOWN PREMATURLY DESPITE PURCHASING GOOD QUALITY TIRES WITH A 60K MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED AT THE REQUIRED SERVICE INTERVALS AND AS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STAY ALIGNED VERY LONG. I EVEN WENT TO MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS TO GET DIFFERENT OPINIONS. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS THAT THE 4RUNNERS ARE DIFFICULT TO ADJUST AND DO NOT HOLD AN ALIGNMENT. EACH SET OF 60K WARRANTY TIRES ONLY LASTED 30K MILES AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND AN OVERALL ROUGH RIDE. WHEN I DRIVE OVER 6OK MILES PER HOUR THE SHAKE AND ROUGH RIDE IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DISAPPOINTING IN SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11355054

THIS IS A TOYOTA LIMITED MODEL THAT HAS A PROPRIETARY XREAS SUSPENSION. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AT THE INTERVALS RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA AT THEIR DEALERSHIP. AT APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES THE SERVICE TECH FOUND THAT ALL FOUR STRUTS WERE LEAKING AND REQUIRED $4,500 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE. A VISIT TO A SECOND DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSTIC OUTCOME PROVIDED BY THE FIRST DEALER. I CONTACTED TOYOTA WHO STATED THE WARRANTY HAD LAPSED AND EXPRESSED NO DESIRE TO INVESTIGATE WHY AT 55,000 THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM SEALS AT ALL FOUR WHEELS WOULD FAIL. CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL OUTLINED SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. THE SUSPENSION BECAME A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT BECAME SO SOFT CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. WHEN I HAD THE SYSTEM REPLACED I DIRECTED THAT ALL THE REMOVED PARTS BE RETURNED TO ME AND I HAVE THEM SAVED FOR POSSIBLE INSPECTION. I ALSO HAVE PHOTOS OF THE STRUTS TAKEN DURING THE ORIGINAL INSPECTION. I BELIEVE THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA SEEMED TO POSSIBLY ADDRESS THIS IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0145-11. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR POOR DESIGN AND PROVIDE FREE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT TO ITS PRODUCT OWNERS.

NHTSA ODI 11354918

THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT PLASTIC SKIRTING CLIPS BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT SKIRTING TO TWIST UPWARD AGAINST THE DRIVERS LEG. SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW WHERE THE POWER SEAT WILL MOVE MORE THAN THE PLASTIC CLIPS CAN HANDLE RESULTING IN WEAR THEN BROKEN CLIPS. TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA REPLACED THE SKIRTING WHILE THE VEHICLE WHILE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. ONE MONTH LATER THE CLIPS BROKE AGAIN. TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TOLD ME THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THIS AND IT WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AND A SECOND REPLACEMENT WOULD NOT BE APPROVED.

NHTSA ODI 11355047

I CONTACTED NHTSA BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK. IT'S BEEN OVER 2 MONTHS NOW AND NOTHING FROM TOYOTA ABOUT THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11338284

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED ON JULY 9TH. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11328869