2019 Toyota 4Runner Complaints

SUSPENSION — Filed 08/23/2026

Thankfully the piece of my shock coil spring fell off in my driveway on Aug 23rd 2026. I am being told I should not drive my car now as the entire coil spring can come off and cause me to crash. They have a 2018 trd pro at my dealership that has been waiting since March for the same part. I have called Toyota as my 2019 trd pro fox suspension has a defect in the coil spring, but they will only fix if within the 3yr36k warranty. I have 44k miles on my vehicle, and it has never been off road. 1. As of right now until I find someone to fix my suspension it can be inspected upon request 2. The coil can detach and cause an accident 3. No, it has not been inspected 4. No, there were no warnings beforehand.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS — Filed 02/01/2019

I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted “to best ability.” A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. Despite this, the vehicle was reportedly operating “within factory specifications.” The condition has persisted through multiple sets of tires and repeated service visits. The ongoing steering pull, vibration, and instability create a safety concern during highway driving because the vehicle does not consistently track straight and requires repeated steering correction. The issue has been reproducible over multiple years and has not been permanently corrected despite repeated repair attempts and inspections. No warning lights were present at the time of the condition.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 06/26/2019

My 2019 Toyota 4Runner has experienced an ongoing steering and suspension issue since early in its life. The vehicle required an alignment at approximately 6,800 miles and has required repeated alignments since. At approximately 48,000 miles, a separate repair facility identified lower control arm bushing concerns. The issue was not properly corrected, and the vehicle continued to require repeated alignment adjustments. At approximately 66,000+ miles, the condition remains unresolved and continues to affect steering stability. The vehicle can pull or require correction to maintain proper lane position during normal driving. There have been multiple repair attempts, but the root cause has not been identified or repaired. This condition may present a safety concern due to reduced steering stability and potential loss of proper vehicle control.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 01/19/2026

Vehicle Back-up camera works intermittantly, sometimes working when placed in reverse, other times showing a black screen when placed in reverse. Has not been a consistent enough problem for dealer repair/troubleshooting. A google search shows many 5th Gen 4runner online web forms with lots of reports involving pinched, stretched, worn camera wiring harnesses inside the rear hatch or in the rubber wire boot between the body and rear hatch.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/17/2025

My 2019 Toyota 4Runner is experiencing a faulty backup camera, the display shows a frozen or blank image when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. The current Toyota backup camera recall includes 2020 and later models, however it does not include 2019 4runners. A faulty backup camera in a 2019 vehicle is as much a safety issue as a backup camera in a 2020 vehicle. The backup camera is currently inoperable and is expensive to fix, it has not been replaced as of this complaint.

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/07/2025

The contact owned a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the rear driver’s side tire blew out, and due to the weight shift the passenger’s side trailer tire blew out as well, causing the trailer to be tilted before crashing into a cement barrier. There was no warning prior to the blowouts or the crash. The trailer was towed from the scene and the vehicle was towed off the highway. The contact stated that the front of the driver’s side of the vehicle was damaged, and driver’s side rear of the vehicle was damaged by the trailer. The contact stated that a Police report was filed but was not available. The contact stated that her husband sustained a gash on the forehead from striking his head on the dashboard, and her daughter had burns from the seat belt. Medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was towed to Auto Collision Center - Corpus Christi where it was deemed totaled. The contact stated that the manufacturer then sent a representative to inspect the vehicle who informed the contact that the vehicle had operated as designed. The representative informed the contact that due to the angle of the impact, the air bags sensors operated as designed and did not deploy the air bags. The contact disagreed and contacted the FTC. However, a recorded message stated that due to the Government shutdown calls would not be answered, and the contact called the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/02/2025

The airbag sensor in my 2019 Toyota 4Runner has failed, causing the airbag warning light to remain illuminated. This indicates the airbag system may not deploy properly in a collision, which is a serious safety concern. The vehicle has approximately 95,600 miles, has been well maintained, and has not been in any accident that would affect the airbag system. The dealership confirmed the failure but said I must pay approximately $6,224.43 for the repair because the vehicle is out of warranty. This is a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use, and the repair cost places an unreasonable burden on the consumer. I am requesting this be reviewed as a potential safety defect.

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/15/2025

Passenger air bag light indicates air bag off intermediately although my wife is sitting in the seat. Vehicle was examined by Toyota dealer and could not duplicate problem, it is however available for inspection upon request. We feel very uneasy with the air bag not on all the time with passenger in the seat in case of an accident. Dealer could not duplicate problem. There has not been any warning lights and the Technician also indicated that there were no diagnostic codes!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/01/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while reversing. In addition, the radio volume independently adjusted up and down independently, and independently powered off independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/04/2025

My vehicle keeps leaking inside from the AC drip line and it's been cleared multiple times and it still keeps happening and it floods the whole bottom of the passenger side floorboard and becomes soaked through which can cause erosion, electrical issues, mold growth and other problems as well.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 01/19/2024

Seat belt is not retracting to fit front passenger and after it buckles it stays loose. The seat belt device, intended to protect occupants during a crash is not retracting at all after it buckles. Seat belt in the front passenger seating position is presenting a safety hazard.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/07/2025

I took my 2019 Toyota 4 Runner Limited Edition for maintenance/repair and it was identified the entire under carriage and frame is rusting out creating safety issues. This vehicle has never has never been flooded or exposed to northern salted roads. The garage repair shop was afraid to repair the vehicle as they identified this is a huge safety issue. They could not understand that a 5 year old car with under 65K miles on it would have extensive rust damage and deemed it unsafe. They referred me to take it to the TOYOTA dealership and to call TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center headquarters to report the issue. That phone number is 1-800-331-4331. Apparently this is a known issue for TOYOTA 4Runners and other models under their brand as I found many complaints from owners on the web. I reached out to TOYOTA and they denied any awareness of an issue and responsibility. The case number is #[XXX]. They also told me I need to pay out of pocket to fix whatever the recommendation of the dealership provided to repair and fix. I was appalled at the quick and dismissiveness attitude without any additional further investigation and assistance to help out knowing this is not a normal case of rust for a car. I believe there is a defect and safety manufacturing issue on the vehicle even if is not a current recall and why I am reporting such a huge safety issue. So I took it to the TOYOTA dealership where they also agreed this is NOT normal wear and tear for a car of "length of time" and mileage on it and is a safety issue. They also spoke to the case manager at TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center and also denied them any assistance for repairing of the vehicle. The VIN# is [XXX] . I can provide photos of the damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE — Filed 09/21/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was discovered that the undercarriage was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle jerked and almost crashed into another vehicle. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and pulled over the shoulder of the roadway to inspect the vehicle. The contact noticed that the shock absorber brackets were rusted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the shock absorber, carrier differential, gasket, gasket plug, and bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/05/2024

I was in an accident where the vehicle ran into the guard rail while on the interstate. The vehicle had significant damage and has now been declared a Total Loss by the insurance company. With the amount of damage to the front side of the vehicle, the airbag did not deploy and leaves us wondering with such damage, why it didn't deploy!

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/25/2024

Transmission went out at 84000 miles. Accelerated into lane then nothing wouldn’t go into traffic.

SUSPENSION — Filed 03/13/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the shock absorber and springs on the suspension were making abnormal sounds while the vehicle was rolling over a dip or bump in the roadway. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the springs and shocks showed premature wear and corrosion. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0094-20 (Front Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/24/2024

My vehicle is throwing the ABS light and slamming my breaks. I’ve taken it to Toyota, it’s not showing any codes so they can’t diagnosis it to fix the issue. It may go two weeks and drive fine, and then it does it again. Whether I’m going 10mph or 55mph, it will do this. Very scary and very unsafe.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/02/2023

I was driving down the road with no other cars in front or behind me and no impact was made on my sunroof when it just spontaneously exploded. The noise was so loud I jerked my wheel and almost crashed into a ditch. Large chunks of glass and tiny glass slivers were all over myself and my car and my ears were ringing.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/23/2023

My 2019 Toyota 4 runner was on and in park in my driveway. When the ignition was turned off the vehicle rolled back out of the driveway while still in park

STEERING — Filed 03/01/2022

Tires are good ! When I got this SUV it only has 15 k miles I got shimmy on my steering wheel This not acceptable We need a recall on this issues it's very dangerous Please Toyota when need to solve this issues

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/11/2022

Steering wheel out of control while driving. My car lost control and crashed. I contacted Toyota Motor North America.Inc. But they said their inspection didn’t find evidence that the incident was the result of a defect in my vehicle.

STEERING — Filed 02/01/2019

Shaking steering wheel 60-70mph

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/01/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO TURN LEFT ON GREEN LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS FAILED TO YIELD AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE FRONT PASSENGER AREA DOOR AND THE FRONT BUMPER PUSHED THE CONTACTS FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BUMPER OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO FLEE THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND CAUSED THE CONTACTS FACE TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND UPPER BACK WHERE MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 02/24/2020

I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR TWO MINUTES ON A CITY ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THEN THE CAR STARTED ON ITS OWN AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THEN THE CAR STALLED AGAIN AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD IN FRONT OF THE WINDSHIELD. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR RESTARTED AND STALLED ON ITS OWN A FEW MORE TIMES AFTER THAT. IT ALSO MADE A LOUD BEEPING SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE A CAR ALARM BUT WE DON'T HAVE AN ALARM INSTALLED. THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF OF VEHICLE WAS ANNIHILATED.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/15/2019

BY DESIGN, WHICH TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC. ACKNOWLEDGES, THE 2019 4RUNNER SR5 WINDSHIELD AND FRONT WINDOW DEFROST FUNCTIONS WITH EXTERNAL AIR ONLY, AND WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH RECIRCULATED VEHICLE CABIN AIR. THIS EXPOSES VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONS DURING WINTER DRIVING. I'VE PERSONALLY BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS HEALTH HAZARD ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE OPERATING THE 4RUNNER WINDSHIELD DEFROST HVAC IN INCLEMENT WEATHER: IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC AND EXPOSED TO VEHICLE EXHAUST-LADEN EXTERNAL AIR, AND IN MOUNTAIN WINTER DRIVING AND EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL DIESEL EXHAUST FROM SNOW REMOVAL VEHICLES. AS AN ASTHMA SUFFERER SUCH EXPOSURE DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE IS A HEALTH RISK. ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION I'VE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS DUE TO THIS 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DESIGN DEFECT. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT CONTINUED EXPOSURE AND RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS FOR ME AND OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WHILE OPERATING A INTEGRAL VEHICLE FEATURE, ONE THAT IS NECESSARY FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.