2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
74
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
14
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
The 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has received a total of 74 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, SUSPENSION. 14 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (11 complaints), Unknown Or Other (9 complaints), and Air Bags (6 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, potentially affecting up to 3,053,927 vehicles.
Recall 20V682000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 1,525,742 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019...
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be...
View full details →Recall 20V682000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 1,525,742 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019...
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be...
View full details →Recall 19V670000 — SUSPENSION
| 34 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for...
View full details →Recall 19V670000 — STEERING
| 34 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for...
View full details →Recall 18V753000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 1,295 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)...
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
View full details →Recall 17V831000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 649 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and...
Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF...
View full details →Recall 17V763000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
| 431 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
74 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingbrake Lights | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structureframe And Members | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tiressidewall | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirestreadbelt | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad
this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad
this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad
While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.
While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.
Safety Rating for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
The 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 14 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
T-TT-0600-20 Rev — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
TT: Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low. These settings may need to be reapplied any time the phone is paired to a new head unit, a phone update...
T-SB-0049-20 Rev — BACK OVER PREVENTION
TSB: Some 2014 ? 2020 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a gap due to disengagement of the front bumper cover clips and the fender retainer near the headlamp assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
T-SB-0049-20 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TSB: Some 2014 - 2020 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a gap due to disengagement of the front bumper cover clips and the fender retainer near the headlamp assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
T-SB-0074-19_Rev — SUSPENSION
TSB: Some 2014 ? 2019 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a whine/groan noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving at approximately 40 ? 60 mph at a consistent speed, slight acceleration, or slight deceleration. This condition may be caused by rear differential vibration...
T-TT-0597-20 — SERVICE BRAKES
TT: Some 2014-2020 model year 4Runner vehicles may experience the ABS Light ON with DTC C0226, C0236, C0246 and C0256 stored current in the ABS system.
T-SB-0074-19 — POWER TRAIN
TSB: Some 2014 ? 2019 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a whine or groan noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving around 40 ? 60 mph at a consistent speed, slight acceleration, or slight deceleration. This condition may be caused by rear differential...
T-SB-0074-19 — ENGINE
TSB: Some 2014 ? 2019 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a whine or groan noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving around 40 ? 60 mph at a consistent speed, slight acceleration, or slight deceleration. This condition may be caused by rear differential...
T-SB-0074-19 — SUSPENSION
TSB: Some 2014 ? 2019 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a whine or groan noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving around 40 ? 60 mph at a consistent speed, slight acceleration, or slight deceleration. This condition may be caused by rear differential...
T-SB-0009-15_Obs — STRUCTURE
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 20, 2019: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0070-19.
T-SB-0009-15_Obs — EQUIPMENT
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 20, 2019: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0070-19.
Showing 10 of 14 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA 4RUNNER
- 2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 46 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 88 complaints
- 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 116 complaints
- 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 100 complaints
- 2017 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 46 complaints
- 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (current)
- 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 81 complaints
- 2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 41 complaints
- 2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 51 complaints
- 2022 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 52 complaints
- 2023 TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 40 complaints
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- 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