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Model-year record

2013 Toyota 4Runner
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2013 Toyota 4Runner

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

36

Reports to NHTSA, 2013

Safety recalls

6

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

18

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (25% of 36 reports), followed by unknown or other (19%).

Air Bags25% · 9 reports
Unknown Or Other19% · 7 reports
Electrical System11% · 4 reports
Service Brakes11% · 4 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System6% · 2 reports
Structure6% · 2 reports
Wheels6% · 2 reports
Engine3% · 1 report

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 36 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11361272, ODI 11554026, ODI 11205762, ODI 11186199, ODI 11183419.

Individual complaint reports(36)

Showing the 36 most recent reports
StructureJun 2026 · ODI 11742866Details +

Recalls I have not done myself and have had the vehicle since March 2020

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742866 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2025 · ODI 11700686Details +

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2013 VIN# [XXX] LP# XXX The gas needle will be above the half (middle line), and the fuel range on top of the dash would read anywhere from 160-213 miles, going 45 mph up a hill or 70 mph on the freeway, all of a sudden starts to stall and completely shut off while still driving. I would then only have a few seconds to try to pull over due to losing all power, and not being able to shift into neutral because it's a push/start button. The car will only turn back on after putting some gas into it, so I make sure to never let the gas needle go below the middle line or have the gas range reading go below anything around 160-200 miles since the vehicle has shut down at a different amount each time, and there's been multiple times. Also, the fuel level needle never matches with how many miles is shown on the range, displaying inaccurate readings. It has poor acceleration, poor mileage, and now making a loud whining noise that is heard from outside the vehicle near gas tank. I have tried looking up the VIN and it does not show that it falls under the recall, despite it having all the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump/sending unit. I love my 4Runner but I am in fear for my life whenever I drive it and not showing accurate fuel levels. I pray that nobody runs into me if the vehicle stalls out in the roadway, while going 30-80 mph (it has done it on regular roads and on the highway). There are no warning lights or check engine light. It's at about 208,000 miles, with the issue slowly getting worse over time. I am requesting for it to be inspected free of charge, as well as getting the necessary repairs that the recall is for free of charge. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11700686 at NHTSA →
TiresApr 2025 · ODI 11655165Details +

I was traveling on [XXX] returning home and felt the steering wheel pulling strongly to the right so I immediately pulled off to the side of the road and noted the right front passenger tire was deflated. This tire is a 245/60 R20 107HSL BSW Procontrol Cooper tire. The tire at the top portion was bulging out in several areas. Within a couple minutes a truck with 3 men stopped to help and they removed the flat tire and put on the spare. I drove back to Lubbock and took the tire to Discount tire where we had bought them July of 2024. We were told the tire was defective and that they were able to inflate the tire and there was no damage to the tire such as nails etc. They replaced the tire. No warning lights were on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11655165 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2024 · ODI 11605962Details +

Make: Toyota Model: 4Runner Year: 2013 Mileage: 76,200 Description of Incident While driving on [XXX] at night, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure, leaving it immobilized in the middle of the highway. This presented an immediate and severe safety risk to both the vehicle occupants and other motorists. The failure was later determined to be caused by a malfunction in the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) oil control system, specifically an Exhaust Cam Gear failure. This led to a broken timing chain and subsequent engine failure. Inspection and Diagnosis The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota Dealer in Florence, SC. They confirmed the failure of the oil control system and recommended a complete engine replacement, estimating costs over $5,000. Broader Implications and Potential Safety Hazard Further investigation, including consultations with multiple Toyota technicians, review of technical discussions on various platforms, and examination of online 4Runner forums, suggests that this issue is not isolated. Failures of the exhaust cam gear and problems with the VVT Oil Control System appear to be common in the Toyota 1GR-FE Engine and other engines equipped with this system. It's noteworthy that Toyota issued a voluntary recall in 2014 (Safety Recall 13V-395, TM-TC-14021) for Lexus vehicles with similar issues. However, this recall does not appear to cover the 2013 1GR-FE 4Runner engine, despite the apparent similarity in potential failure modes. Safety Concerns This issue presents a significant safety hazard: Sudden engine failure at highway speeds can lead to loss of vehicle control. Unexpected vehicle immobilization, especially at night or in high-traffic areas, poses a severe collision risk. The apparent widespread nature of this issue suggests that many vehicles may be at risk of similar failures. Urgency for Action Given the severity of the potential outcomes and the ap INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11605962 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2023 · ODI 11554026Details +

The component that failed is the air back clock spring. It’s preventing the horn form functioning properly. In turn can result in an accident from lack of warning other drivers and/or air bag might not go off. It seems to be a known problem on the 13 model year of the 4Runners. It has not been inspected as I’m not knowledgeable on what to do in that situation and the dealer says that I’d have to pay for it anyway. No warnings just one day the horn didn’t want to work anymore and seems to be a problem that’s pretty consistent. People have reported that it has gone bad with as little as a 100k miles which the clock spring shouldn’t be a maintenance item to begin with.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11554026 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2023 · ODI 11507971Details +

1) The failed component is the door locks. Or more precisely, the motor for the electrical operation of the door locks. When failed, the door remains locked even when pulling on the interior handle to open the door or when trying to unlock the door using the interior latch. You are essentially locked inside your car. I believe the door should always unlock when the handle is pulled, and the interior lock lever should always unlock the door as well. Both of these function "normally" when the actuator is not failed. The failure first appeared in late 2018/early 2019. I noticed that when I locked the vehicle using the key fob, I was not hearing the audible "beep." And when the car was shifted out of PARK, I was not hearing all the doors lock. I then realized the drivers front door was not locking. I lived with this for a while, long enough for the drivers side rear door to fail, and then the right rear door failed as well. The front right and rear door have never failed. I purchased a Toyota lock assembly for the drivers side front and it functioned perfectly after replacement until this past week. It appears to have failed again. And I was essentially trapped in the drivers seat. I had to give it and electrical command to unlock while pushing on the manual lever in order for the door to unlock. Pulling the open handle did not open the door, and pushing on the manual lock lever did not open the lock. The failed component appears to be a small motor in the lock assy. I replaced this motor in the left and right rear door lock assembly's and that corrected the problem. I am going to replace the motor in the lock assy I removed in 2019 and reinstall it in hopes of correcting the problem. I can send you the Toyota lock assy I will remove, and one of the motors I removed from one of the rear door lock assembly's. 2)The failed door locks trap occupants inside the vehicle. 3)Did not visit a dealer or repair center. 4)No inspections have been performed. 5)No

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11507971 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2022 · ODI 11488130Details +

The problem is the reproduction of a vehicle illegally by a dealer. My federal information & later my vehicle & home were obtained after my phone was cloned. Vehicle has airbag recalls from takata. Vin- [XXX]. (It’s and emergency vehicle) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11488130 at NHTSA →
StructureSep 2021 · ODI 11432699Details +

Rust appeared on the hatch of my 4Runner approximately 2 years after I purchased it new. My complaints to 2 different dealerships were ignored and left undocumented. I was told this wasn't covered under warranty. In 2019, the rust was finally documented by Toyota and I was told that this would have been covered under warranty, but now it's too late. At that point the rust was just an eyesore. Sometime in August 2021, while driving on a bumpy dirt road, my "open door" indicator illuminated and a warning chime went off. When I checked my doors, I discovered that the hatch wasn't fully secure. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that rust had eaten away the metal that secures the latch which keeps the hatch closed. The rust I had on the hatch, had eaten away at the metal from the inside, out. There is now only a small piece of rusted metal holding the locking mechanism in place that keeps the rear hatch secure. Since my earlier complaints to the service departments of Toyota went ignored, I contacted Toyota USA directly. I had explained that a cosmetic issue had now become a safety issue. Due to an apparent design flaw or lack of corrosion control, the supporting structure of the hatch lock had almost completely corroded away. This may be an isolated incident, however, other 4Runner owners may also be at risk and this needs to be addressed. No matter how old a vehicle is, the integrity of a vehicle interior should never be compromised by a locking mechanism rusting off, to the point a door, or hatch, can eventually open.Toyota USA dismissed my complaint. I stated that this is a potential vehicle safety issue, where occupants and vehicle contents are left unsecured and could be at risk. I was advised that this is just a matter of corrosion and that my warranty was expired, therefore, Toyota would not fix the problem.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11432699 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11408130Details +

OUR FUEL PUMP AND A GASKET WENT OUT AT SAME TIME. NO WARNING IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, LUNGED FORWARD 5 FEET AND THEN DIED. GOING TO COST $1,000 TO FIX. IT LOOKS LIKE TOYOTA HAS RECALLS ON FUEL PUMPS BUT IT DOESN'T COVER OUR YEAR YET.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11408130 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2020 · ODI 11373257Details +

CONSTANT BAD MOLDY/MILDEW SMELL COMING FROM THE A/C SYSTEM

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11373257 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2020 · ODI 11361272 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

DURING AN ACCIDENT, BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED (FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY). FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER INJURED BY SIDE AIRBAG -- BLEEDING PUNCTURE WOUNDS (APPROX 3) ON UPPER RIGHT WRIST, SEVERE RAISED GOUGES (BELOW THE SKIN) FROM THAT POINT UP THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE ARM (MORE SEVERE ON FOREARM). PASSENGER RECALLS SOMETHING SHOOTING OUT FROM "A" POST. PASSENGER WENT VIA AMBULANCE TO ER. LATER, FOUND BROKEN JAGGED PIECE OF WHITE HARD PLASTIC IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. PIECE IS IN OUR POSSESSION AS WELL AS PHOTOS AND MEDICAL RECORDS.

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11361272 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2020 · ODI 11325929Details +

I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5 AND HAVE AROUND 89K MILES ON IT. I'VE SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THE HORN CLOCK SPRING BEING FAULTY. MY DEALERSHIP IS QUOTING ALMOST $1K TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11325929 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2020 · ODI 11319234Details +

THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. ONCE AT STOP SIGN, TWICE ON HIGHWAY SLOWING DOWN FOR RED LIGHT AND ONCE IN A DRIVE THRU. ALL WAS IN MOTION. HAVEN'T HAD TO DEALER YET BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS SCARE. DATE BELOW IS ESTIMATE OF LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. NOTHING TO BACK THIS PROBLEM UP BUT MY WORD.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11319234 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 2020 · ODI 11316073Details +

THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS MOST RECENTLY ON 2/15/2020. EACH TIME THE GAS GAUGE WAS SHOWING APPROXIMATELY A QUARTER TANK OF GAS. IN NONE OF THE CASES WAS THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11316073 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJan 2020 · ODI 11299375Details +

MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT IT WOULD ONLY CONTINUE RUNNING FOR 5 TO 60 SECONDS. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE STARTED AND DROVE TO MY DESTINATION (HOME). THE PROBLEM PERSISTED FOR 3 DAYS, WITH ONLY ONE SUCCESSFUL SHORT DRIVE AMIDST SEVERAL STALLS AND RESTARTS. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT DID NOT RUN FOR LONG BEFORE DYING. I TOWED IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP 9 DAYS AGO AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUE... THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAVE FIXED ITSELF, AT LEAST FOR NOW. HOWEVER, TODAY THE NEWS REPORTED A RECALL FOR NEWER MODEL 4 RUNNERS THAT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, POSING A SERIOUS RISK. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MY 2013 4 RUNNER.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11299375 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2019 · ODI 11205762Details +

TAKATA RECALL ALL OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE AROUND 20 MPH. ACCORDING TO COMPUTER REPORT IT STATED THE 4RUNNDER WAS IN A ROLLOVER WHEN IT WAS NOT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPORT. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOT AT ANY INCLINES. TOYOTA STATED THE 2013 4RUNNER IS NOT UNDER THE AIR BAG RECALL. IT SHOULD BE!!! I HAVE HAD THE 4RUNNER FOR UNDER A YEAR AND IT NOW IS JUST SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET STATING THAT IT CAN TAKE UP TO 30 DAYS OR MORE FOR THEIR DEPARTMENT TO REVIEW THE COMPUTERS REPORT AND MAKE A DECISION TO RECALL/REPLACE/REPAIR THEIR BAD FAULTY AIR BAGS. THIS IS UNACCEPETABLE. THE 4RUNNER IS NEEDED FOR A DAILY DRIVER. THIS NEEDS TO BE HANDLED QUICKER AND THERE SHOULD BE NO QUESTION THIS 4RUNNERS AIR BAGS SHOULD BE UNDER THE RECALL.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11205762 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2019 · ODI 11191759Details +

MY COMPLAINT IS ON MY 2013 4RUNNER LIMITED THE DOOR HANDLES INSERTS ARE CRACKED THIS IS NOT NORMAL. AND I ALSO SEE A LOW AREA IN MY DASHBOARD.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11191759 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2019 · ODI 11186199Details +

TAKATA RECALL. I CALLED TWO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ABOUT GETTING MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED. BOTH TOLD ME ESSENTIALLY, "THE PART IS ON BACK-ORDER, WE'RE WAITING ON A SHIPMENT, COULD BE A COUPLE OF DAYS, COULD BE A FEW MONTHS BEFORE WE CAN GET YOU IN. WE REALLY DON'T KNOW." IN THE MEANTIME, TOYOTA HAS INSTRUCTED OWNERS TO NOT ALLOW ANY PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT DUE TO THE DANGER THE AIRBAGS PRESENT. A FEW MONTHS SEEMS LIKE A LONG TIME TO GO WITHOUT SUCH AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ITEM BEING FIXED.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11186199 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2019 · ODI 11183419Details +

MY HORN IS NOT WORKING AS A RESULT OF A SPIRAL WIRE IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHORTED OUT. WITHIN THE SAME WIRE SET IS THE WIRE THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAG. THUS, I DO NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. TWO SAFETY FEATURES OF THE CAR POTENTIALLY DO NOT WORK, THE HORN, FOR SURE, AND MAYBE THE AIRBAG. THE ISSUE I HAVE

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11183419 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2019 · ODI 11176328Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACK OFF 4 LOW INDICATORS APPEARED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY SWITCHED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT INDICATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN THE NEUTRAL OR DRIVE POSITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRAHAM AUTO MALL (1515 WEST 4TH ST, MANSFIELD, OH) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,837. *TT CONSUMER STATED NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITHC COULD NOT ALLOW CAR TOC CHANGE GEARS. CONSUMER TOOK IT A MECHANIC AND THE COMPUTER ACTUALLY CHANGED THE GEAR, IT IS FIXED.*JB

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11176328 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2019 · ODI 11172147Details +

THE CLOCK SPRING IS FAULTY AND THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. THERE WAS A MASSIVE RECALL ON OTHER TOYOTA CARS FOR FAULTY CLOCK SPRINGS.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11172147 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2018 · ODI 11161588 · 1 injuriesDetails +

2013 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE FAILURE *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING A CRASH INTO AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLE AND A LIGHT POLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11161588 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11132529Details +

2013 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT, AND IF TOWING SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE. *AS *TR

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11132529 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2018 · ODI 11113278Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11113278 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesApr 2018 · ODI 11089974Details +

AT ABOUT 28000 MILES, WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR DURING A ROUTINE STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN SOFT LIKE THAT EVER SINCE. THE DEALER SAID THAT IT MIGHT BE FIXED BY A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND REPLACE. I HAD ITHAT DONE AT THE DEALER AND IF ANYTHING, IT'S SLIGHTLY WORSE. APPARENTLY THE MECHANIC TOLD THE SERVICE WRITER THAT IT'S JUST A FLAW IN THE VEHICLE ANDNOT A FLUID CHANGE OR ANYTHING ELSE WOULD HELP THAT HE WAS AWARE OF, BUT THEY DID IT ANYWAY AND CHARGED ME OF COURSE. THE BRAKES FUNCTION BUT THEY ARE SUBSTANDARD TO WHAT IS EXPECTED IN A 2013 AUTOMOBILE. THE BRAKES ALMOST FEEL AS IF THERE IS NO POWER ASSIST.

Reported
Apr 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11089974 at NHTSA →
SteeringFeb 2018 · ODI 11074477Details +

THE KEY IS GETTING BENT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH - EITHER NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE REMOVED. HAS BEEN RE-KEYED BY THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN IN LESS THEN A MONTH.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11074477 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2018 · ODI 11073822Details +

TAKATA RECALL I AM [XXX] AND I OWN A 2013 4RUNNER. I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR A TAKATA FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR (ZONE A) I AM VERY UPSET THAT I AM JUST NOW RECEIVING THIS LETTER WHEN OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE RECEIVED LETTERS IN 2017 AND HAD THEIR VEHICLE HELD BY A TOYOTA DEALER FOR MONTHS WITH A RENTAL VEHICLE BEING MADE AVAILABLE. SAFETY SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY FOR ALL CUSTOMERS, NOT A SELECT GROUP. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM A LOCAL DEALER AS WELL AS A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND THE RESPONSES I RECEIVED WERE VERY DIFFERENT. IT IS VERY DISTURBING AND UPSETTING THAT MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY PASSENGERS WERE PUT IN HARMS WAY FOR THE LACK OF URGENCY TO RELEASE LETTERS ON TOYOTA'S BEHALF. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING THE REMEDY FOR TOYOTA'S CONDUCT TOWARDS ME, A CUSTOMER. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11073822 at NHTSA →
SuspensionJan 2018 · ODI 11063708Details +

I WENT INTO MY TOYOTA DEALER FOR A STATE INSPECTION. SERVICE WRITER COMES OUT AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE FAILED DUE TO A BROKEN RIGHT REAR LEAF. AT A COST OF 1026.18 TO REPLACE 1 LEAF . I SAY WELL ISN'T THAT GOING TO CHANGE MY RIDE HEIGHT HAVING ONLY 1 REPLACED . SHE SAYS YES BUT I ONLY QUOTED FOR THE BROKEN 1 . THAT BEING SAID I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE INSPECTION . THE CASHIER SAYS WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO THE SHOP MANAGER AND WAS QUITE ADAMANT ABOUT IT . SO I STARTED THINKING I'M NOT THE ONLY 1 WITH THIS ISSUE. SO THEY GET THE SHOP MANAGER HE SAYS YOU GOT A MINUTE. AND LEAVES COMES BACK AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND SAYS TOYOTA WILL PAY FOR THE LEAF. BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY THE LABOR . ONCE AGAIN I SAY HOWS THIS GOING TO AFFECT MY RIDE HEIGHT AND WHAT EFFECT IS IT GOING TO HAVE ON MY ALIGNMENT . HE TRY' TO TELL ME IF IT WAS A FRONT COIL IT WOULD SORRY . IF YOUR RIDE HEIGHT IS OFF FRONT OR REAR ITS GOING TO HAVE A EFFECT ON THE VEHICLES CAMBER. THAT BEING SAID THE OTHER LEAF ISN'T GOING TO LAST VERY LONG WITH HALF THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. PLUS ARE THEY GOING TO PUT THE SAME INFERIOR PART IN AGAIN. I FEEL TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IS SNOWBALLING PEOPLE . JUST LIKE WHEN THEY HAD THEIR FRAME ISSUE. ALSO THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 55821 MILES ON IT

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11063708 at NHTSA →
WheelsDec 2017 · ODI 11057259Details +

ONE OF THE WHEELS HAS A CRACK IN IT. IT IS A STRANGE LOOKING CRACK WHICH I FOUND WHEN WASHING THE CAR. THE WHEEL IS NOT DAMAGED, IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY SCUFFING OR DINGS AND DENTS IN IT. THE CRACK IS ABOUT 1 1/8" LONG THEN TURNS 90 DEGREES AND ABOUT 1/2" LONG AT THAT END.

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11057259 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2017 · ODI 11039509Details +

THIS INVOLVES THE BACK UP CAMERA. IT SEEMS TO WORK WHEN IT WANTS TOO. MOST OF THE TIME IT DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THE LIFT GATE IT WILL WORK FOR A SHORT TIME PERIOD.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Apr 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11039509 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2017 · ODI 11031720Details +

PARTIAL BRAKE FAILURE IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I5 THROUGH NEVADA. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE 100 DEGREES F. ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ NORMAL. STOPPED FOR GAS. ON RESTARTING ENGINE THE BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM DID NOT RECHARGE THE HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR. BRAKES WERE FUNCTIONAL BUT PEDAL POSITION WAS HALFWAY TO FLOOR AND EXCESSIVE PRESSURE REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE BRAKES. ALMOST COLLIDED WITH KERB BECAUSE OF THE SURPRISE. NO LOCAL SERVICE AVAILABLE SO CONTINUED TO DRIVE. NEXT MORNING AT 70 DEGREES F TEMPERATURE THE SYSTEM HAD RECOVERED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. SUBSEQUENT CHECK BY DEALER SHOWED NO FAULT CODES OR EVIDENCE OF FAILURE.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11031720 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2017 · ODI 11020556Details +

1) THE GUY WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL IS RIGHT. MY FOOT GETS CAUGHT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I'M TRYING TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND GO FOR THE BRAKES. I GUESS I'M STILL USED TO MY '99 4RUNNER. HE ALSO COMPLAINED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES SO FAR THAT HE SOMETIMES ALSO HITS THE GAS. HE'S RIGHT ON THAT TOO. THE DEALER SAYS FOR SOME REASON AFTER A WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST GOES REALLY SOFT, PRETTY DRAMATICALLY, IN MY CASE FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY. I HAVE ABOUT 27000 MILES. DEALER SAYS ONLY REMEDY IS A $125-$150 BRAKE FLUID CHANGE. 2) THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOESN'T WORK, SO DON'T EXPECT TO BE ALERTED IN A TIMELY MANNER IF THE ROADS ARE READY TO FREEZE OVER AND BECOME ICY. DEALER CHECKED IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE, ITS NOT FINE. IT SEEMS TO BE USUALLY OFF BY 10 DEGREES AND OTHERWISE REACTS SO SLOWLY TO CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE SO AS TO BE USELESS. SOFT BRAKE PEDAL STARTED IN EARLY 2017. TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS NEVER WORKED WELL.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Mar 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11020556 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2017 · ODI 11013682Details +

I HAVE A 2013 4 RUNNER SR5, THAT JUST TURNED 80K, DRIVEN BY AN OLDER WOMAN. WHILE SITTING IN A FAST FOOD LANE THE BRAKE, ABS AND VSC TRACK LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH AN BEEPING ALARM THAT WOULD NOT STOP. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED BACK ON AND STILL HAD THE PROBLEM. WHEN I MOVED I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL. I HAD TO ROLL THE TRUCK INTO PARKING SPOT AND HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE HYDROBOOST FOR THE BRAKES AND ABS. PART WAS ABOUT $3000 AND $620 TO DO THE INSTALL. EVERYONE THAT I TALKED TO SAID IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. EVEN THE TOYOTA PEOPLE SAID IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED ON THIS NEW OF A TRUCK. I CALLED CORPORATE TOYOTA AND THEY AGREED TO GO HALF ON THE PART. MY CONCERN, IF I WAS GOING FAST OR GOING DOWN HILL I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY BEEN INJURED OR WORSE. I HAD NO BRAKES, ZERO. HAS ANYONE REPORTED THIS BEFORE? I HAVE NOT PICTURE OF THE HYDROBOOST AND I AM WAITING DOCUMENTATION FROM CORPORATE TOYOTA. PART WILL NOT BE IN FOR 6 BUSINESS DAYS. THIS MEANS I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR 10 DAYS.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11013682 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesFeb 2017 · ODI 10956608Details +

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, UPON BREAKING, HAVING SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. THIS OCCURS WHEN I AM BRAKING FOR A STOP ON CITY STREETS, STOPPING IN TRAFFIC, STOPPING IN A DRIVEWAY. I SUGGEST THE CAUSE IS THE PROXIMITY OF THE BREAK PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED, THE LEVEL OF THE PEDAL IS BELOW THAT OF THE ACCELERATOR LEVEL. SO, I FIND MY FOOT AT TIMES HAS A SLIGHT OVERLAP, CAUSING MY FOOT TO APPLY BOTH PEDALS, RESULTING IN BOTH ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THIS HAS RESULTED IN NUMEROUS FRIGHTENING INSTANCES, SUCH AS BRAKING FOR A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK, I OCCASIONALLY FIND MYSELF NEARLY STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN! TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS, I ACTUALLY SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AS I SLOW DOWN COMING TO A STOP (E.G. STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, OR STOP SIGN). THUS PREVENTING ANY UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME IN 50 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE WITH NUMEROUS MANUFACTURERS OF AUTOMOBILES OR PICKUP TRUCKS, BOTH DOMESTIC OR FOREIGN AUTOS. I AM A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CIVIL ENGINEER IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. I SUGGEST THAT THE PEDAL IS 1) TOO CLOSE LATERALLY TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND 2) THE LEVEL OF THE DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL IS BELOW THAT OF THE NEARBY RESTING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I FEEL THAT IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS POSITIONED AT A HIGHER LEVEL RELATIVE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE DEPRESSED BRAKE WOULD NOT ACCIDENTALLY ACTUATE THE ACCELERATOR. I HAVE MADE TOYOTA AWARE OF THIS, BY 1) A PHONE CALL TO THEIR 800 NUMBER (YEARS AGO), AND 2) AT MANY OF MY SCHEDULED SERVICES WITH TOYOTA OF ORANGE IN SO CA. [XXX], PE, *DL

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10956608 at NHTSA →
WheelsOct 2016 · ODI 10914976Details +

LUG NUT STUDS BROKE WHEN TIGHTENING ON DIVER REAR SIDE AND ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT 100 FT LBS. THEY JUST STRETCHED, AND BROKE. VEHICLE WAS ON JACK STANDS.

Reported
Oct 2016
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10914976 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2016 · ODI 10901948Details +

THE PISTON(S) THAT HOLD THE HATCH UP HAVE FAILED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. SINCE THE HATCH CAN NOT STAY UP, I CAN NOT TELL WHETHER IT IS ONE OR BOTH. LUCKILY, THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE HATCH WAS BEING LIFTED AND NOT AFTERWARDS WITH AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER THE HATCH. AFTER THE FAILURE, I HAVE RAISED THE HATCH AND THE LET IT SHUT WITH ITS OWN WEIGHT. IF SOMEONE WAS PUTTING SOMETHING INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT A SERIOUS INJURY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. MY SON, WHO HAS A 2012 MODEL, INDICATED THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Aug 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10901948 at NHTSA →

Recalls(6)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air BagsSep 2019 · 19V005000Details +

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air BagsSep 2018 · 18V024000Details +

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
StructureMar 2017 · 17V425000Details +

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2016 · 16V577000Details +

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine Cooling · 15V515000Details +

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 19V741000Details +

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Crash-test ratings

2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive172219
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive172118
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive172118

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2013 Toyota 4Runner: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner?

Owners filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Toyota 4Runner. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2013 Toyota 4Runner?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (25% of complaints) and unknown or other (19%).

How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota 4Runner have?

6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Toyota 4Runner, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota 4Runner get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Toyota 4Runner between 18 and 19 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.