2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
132
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
7
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
The 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has received a total of 132 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (15 complaints), Structurebody (14 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (13 complaints).
Recalls for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, potentially affecting up to 1,799,061 vehicles.
Recall 16V396000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 7,749 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element....
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET...
View full details →Recall 14V743000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 3,233 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact...
View full details →Recall 11V113000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
| 1,363,244 vehicles affected
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT...
View full details →Recall 10V036000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 153,418 vehicles affected
Defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 10V035000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 271,417 vehicles affected
Defect: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
132 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainautomatic Transmission | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Traindriveline | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingengine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop in an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into a first vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver of the second vehicle stated that she had sustained injuries but did not receive medical assistance. The contact and the other drivers were able to drive from the scene. The police department was contacted and informed the contact that no report was filed because there was no injury sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V113000(Vehicle Speed Control); however, the contact stated that upon inspecting the accelerator pedal after each incident, the pedal did not seem to be entrapped. It was unknown whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.
Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota dealer at last service. (7/5/23) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.
Safety Rating for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
ZKG Customer Sup — STRUCTURE
RL: CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint
ZKG_Region Lette — STRUCTURE:BODY
Region Letter: Phase 1 ? Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may...
T-SB-0026-15 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
TSB: Some 2004 - 2015 model year Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a cyclical grinding or groaning noise coming from the front differential in 2WD that goes away when operated in 4WD. This noise can be addressed by replacing the needle bearing on the left side of...
PHASE 3 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0230-12 Rev — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Some 2005 ? 2009 model year 4Runner, 2006 ? 2007 model year Land Cruiser, 2005 ? 2007 model year Sequoia, and 2005 ? 2006 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with the 2UZ-FE (4.7 L) engine may exhibit a MIL ?ON? condition for the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ? P0412...
TSB-0049-11 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TOYOTA: INFORMATION ON INSTALLING MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER OR PARK NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH. *RM
TSB-0086-09 — AIR BAGS
TOYOTA: FOR VEHICLES THAT MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B0111 AND/OR B0116, A NEW SERVICE PART HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE. *PE
NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA 4RUNNER
- 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 718 complaints
- 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 846 complaints
- 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 550 complaints
- 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 518 complaints
- 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 204 complaints
- 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (current)
- 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 33 complaints
- 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 175 complaints
- 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 181 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 111 complaints
- 2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 46 complaints
Other TOYOTA Models
- TOYOTA CAMRY — 23,209 total complaints
- TOYOTA PRIUS — 15,411 total complaints
- TOYOTA COROLLA — 14,342 total complaints
- TOYOTA RAV4 — 11,737 total complaints
- TOYOTA SIENNA — 10,769 total complaints
- TOYOTA TACOMA — 10,512 total complaints
- TOYOTA TUNDRA — 8,997 total complaints
- TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — 6,663 total complaints