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2016 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20264 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2016 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has 97 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.8/ 10

Based on 97 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 17.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 16.5%

SUSPENSION

9 9.3%

AIR BAGS

8 8.2%

ENGINE

6 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 17.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 22 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has 97 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 18% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16), SUSPENSION (9).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Toyota 4Runner?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 4Runner complaints2015 4Runner complaints2018 4Runner complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TOYOTA USES ENGINE WIRING THAT HAS A SOY BASED COATING. THIS ENCOURAGES RODENTS TO CHEW ON THEM. WE WERE CAMPED (PARKED) AND WHEN WE TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR IT SHUDDERED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER INDICATORS. THE CAR WAS RUNNING ON FIVE CYLINDERS. WE MANAGED TO GET IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD US OF BITE MARKS AND DROPPINGS. IN RESEARCHING THIS ON LINE WE FOUND REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN TOYOTAS AND HONDAS. WE COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE DESERT IN 110 DEGREE HEAT IF THE DAMAGE WAS ENOUGH TO DISABLE THE ENGINE COMPLETELY.

6/30/2016

THE DAY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS 4RUNNER IN OCTOBER 2015 THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE WIRE HOUSING CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. INITIALLY THEY WERE NOT GOING TO WARRANTY THE ISSUE BUT AFTER FURTHER AGGRESSIVE DISCUSSION BY ME IT WAS COVERED. APPARENTLY TOYOTA USES A SOY BASED SPRAY OR COATING ON THE WIRING THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE BUT THE 4WD WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND 4WD DID NOT ENGAGE. WE HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM A NEIGHBOR WITH A 2015 4RUNNER THAT A SIMILAR SITUATION HAPPENED TO THEM BUT IT AFFECTED THEIR WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER.

8/2/2016

15 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DAY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS 4RUNNER IN OCTOBER 2015 THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE WIRE HOUSING CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. INITIALLY THEY WERE NOT GOING TO WARRANTY THE ISSUE BUT AFTER FURTHER AGGRESSIVE DISCUSSION BY ME IT WAS COVERED. APPARENTLY TOYOTA USES A SOY BASED SPRAY OR COATING ON THE WIRING THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE BUT THE 4WD WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND 4WD DID NOT ENGAGE. WE HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM A NEIGHBOR WITH A 2015 4RUNNER THAT A SIMILAR SITUATION HAPPENED TO THEM BUT IT AFFECTED THEIR WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER.

8/2/2016

PUT THE VEHICLE IN H4 MODE (4 WHEEL DRIVE). IN A STOP POSITION, TURN ALL THE WAY RIGHT, OR ALL THE WAY LEFT IF YOU PREFER. ACCELERATE, PUSH ON GAS PEDAL. PROBLEM: 1) THE CAR MOVES IN A CLUNKING MOTION. 2) FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING WITH EMERGENCY BRAKES ON - BUT NO BRAKES IS ON. 3) SMELLS VERY BAD TIRE BURNT SMELL. 4) IF TOYOTA DOESN'T FIX THIS PROBLEM, ITS GONNA COST MORE MONEY TO FIX WHATEVER IT CAUSES - GEAR SHAFT, ECT.. GETS GRIND OR DAMAGE. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR MECHANICS SAYS YOU CAN'T USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHAT? ITS A 4 RUNNER! YOU CAN DRIVE 4 WHEEL WHEN YOU WANT TOO. BESIDES, THE PROBLEM EXIST ON WET PAVEMENT OR SNOW CONDITIONS TOO. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO GET OUT OF OUR DRIVE WAY IF THIS FEATURE DOESN'T WORK DURING SNOW CONDITIONS. OR WHEN YOU USE IT, IT DAMAGES YOUR CAR - AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TRIED THIS ON THE NEW 2017 4 RUNNERS THAT THEY HAVE THERE AND IT HAS SAME PROBLEM. MY 2016 4 RUNNER ONLY HAS 300 MILES. JUST BOUGHT IT TWO WEEKS AGO 2/17/2017. BAD TESTING.. THIS HAS TO BE FIX. PLEASE RECALL AND MAKE IT RIGHT. THANKS ALSO - I OWN A 2004 4RUNNER AND IT WORKS FINE IN THIS SENARIO - DOESN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. BUT MY NEW 2016 HAS THIS PROBLEM. AGAIN - BAD TESTING. PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM TOYOTA. THANK YOU.

2/28/2017

14 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

9 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TRD PRO MODEL FRONT SHOCKS MAKE A CLUNK BELOW 40 DEGREES. TOYOTA T-SB-0054-16 TOYOTA WON'T LOOK AT.

8/9/2016

WHENEVER I GO OVER POTHOLES AND BUMPS MY CAR MAKES CLUNKING NOISES AND SOUNDS HORRIBLE.

12/16/2016

7 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

8 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL ALSO STICKING GAS PEDAL

8/29/2017

I HIT A CAR THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS GOING NORTH BOUND AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO TAKE A LEFT FROM A SIDE STREET TO GO SOUTH BOUND. I WAS GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR AND THE OTHER CAR WAS AT A DEAD STOP IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THEM JUST BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. MY VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE, BUT YET THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

12/8/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I HAVE NOTICED A LACK OF RESPONSE TO THROTTLE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. BY THIS I MEAN NO INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM'S PROPORTIONAL TO THROTTLE POSITION. I HAVE SHRUGGED IT OFF AS MY IMAGINATION. NOW I HAVE HAD TWO OCCASIONS WHERE AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN ON A STEEP INCLINE WHERE WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEPPED ON GAS THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK EVEN THOUGH I HAD AT LEAST 1/4 THROTTLE APPLIED. NOT A GOOD SITUATION IF THERE IS A VEHICLE BEHIND YOU.

9/30/2016

BOUGHT A USED 2016 4RUNNER. HAD IT 3 WEEKS AND A RODENT CHEWED THE WIRES ON THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS. TOYOTA (THAT I HAVE 2 WARRANTIES THROUGH) DOES NOT COVER RODENT DAMAGE EVEN THOUGH THE MATERIAL THAT THEY USE ATTRACTS RODENTS APPARENTLY FROM MY RESEARCH. I HAVE $3500-$5500 IN DAMAGE AND MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR REPAIR FOR 3 WEEKS NOW. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS FIGHTING THEM ON THE REPAIR AND I AM STUCK WITHOUT THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO REPAIR IT MYSELF. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING AND REPLACING THE WIRES THAT THEY USED SINCE IT IS ENCOURAGING THE DAMAGE! THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN MY CARPORT. I LIVE IN THE NICER PART OF A LARGE TOWN.

12/16/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DAY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS 4RUNNER IN OCTOBER 2015 THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE WIRE HOUSING CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. INITIALLY THEY WERE NOT GOING TO WARRANTY THE ISSUE BUT AFTER FURTHER AGGRESSIVE DISCUSSION BY ME IT WAS COVERED. APPARENTLY TOYOTA USES A SOY BASED SPRAY OR COATING ON THE WIRING THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE BUT THE 4WD WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND 4WD DID NOT ENGAGE. WE HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM A NEIGHBOR WITH A 2015 4RUNNER THAT A SIMILAR SITUATION HAPPENED TO THEM BUT IT AFFECTED THEIR WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER.

8/2/2016

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHICH HAS A MODERATE SLOPE. ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. DESPITE BEING IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND ONLY STOPPED WHEN IT HIT MY MAILBOX AT THE CURB. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE MATTER TO TOYOTA. THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED "WE DID NOT FIND EVIDENCE OF A DEFECT WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR SHIFT SELECTOR [SIC] CAUSED THIS INCIDENT." THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING THERE FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET. I DID NOT BUMP THE SHIFT LEVER OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME OUT OF PARK. I SPOKE WITH THE TOYOTA ENGINEER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND HE TOLD ME HE COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. I AM CONCERNED THERE IS A SAFETY DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY, I WILL ALWAYS USE THE PARKING BRAKE IN THE FUTURE. ATTACHED IS TOYOTA'S LETTER TO ME SAYING THEY DID NOT FIND A DEFECT AND MY LETTER IN RESPONSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

3/10/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT FOUND SEVER RUST UNDERNEATH THE SEATS, THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE SEAT BELT LATCHES. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LATCH DUE TO THE SEVERE RUST ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IN ADDITION, UNDERNEATH THE SEAT CUSHION OF THE THIRD ROW SEATS, THE ENTIRE SEATING FRAMEBOARD WAS RUSTED SEVERELY. THE RUST HAD AN UNPLEASANT ODOR. READOR-DYKES TOYOTA OF PLAINVIEW, TEXAS WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THE CONTACT COULD CONTINUE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS SOLD "AS IS". THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

6/29/2017

THE TFORCE FENDER FLARES HAVE BECOME EXTREMELY LOOSE, AND RATTLE WHEN DRIVING. I AM AFRAID OF THEM FLYING OFF ON THE INTERSTATE AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO A FOLLOWING VEHICLE.

10/10/2017

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED.

2/15/2017

SUNROOF "EXPLODED" WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A DESOLATE ROAD. CAR WAS PARKED AT A BEACH RENTAL FOR 3 DAYS IN THE HOT SUN AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP, HEARD A POPPING NOISE. SINCE THERE WERE NO VEHICLES WITHIN AT LEAST 1/2 MILE AND NO BUILDINGS WITHIN 50 YARDS DID NOT THINK THIS NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD. LOOKED OVER THE CAR AND COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE NOISE WAS. WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK AT THE HOUSE AND WERE SITTING ON THE DECK WE NOTICED THE SUNROOF LOOKED STRANGE, A BUBBLE IN THE CENTER . FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED, STILL IN PLACE. LUCKY WE HAD THE COVER DRAWN CLOSED BUT EVEN LUCKIER IT STAYED INTACT.

8/21/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PUT THE VEHICLE IN H4 MODE (4 WHEEL DRIVE). IN A STOP POSITION, TURN ALL THE WAY RIGHT, OR ALL THE WAY LEFT IF YOU PREFER. ACCELERATE, PUSH ON GAS PEDAL. PROBLEM: 1) THE CAR MOVES IN A CLUNKING MOTION. 2) FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING WITH EMERGENCY BRAKES ON - BUT NO BRAKES IS ON. 3) SMELLS VERY BAD TIRE BURNT SMELL. 4) IF TOYOTA DOESN'T FIX THIS PROBLEM, ITS GONNA COST MORE MONEY TO FIX WHATEVER IT CAUSES - GEAR SHAFT, ECT.. GETS GRIND OR DAMAGE. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR MECHANICS SAYS YOU CAN'T USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHAT? ITS A 4 RUNNER! YOU CAN DRIVE 4 WHEEL WHEN YOU WANT TOO. BESIDES, THE PROBLEM EXIST ON WET PAVEMENT OR SNOW CONDITIONS TOO. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO GET OUT OF OUR DRIVE WAY IF THIS FEATURE DOESN'T WORK DURING SNOW CONDITIONS. OR WHEN YOU USE IT, IT DAMAGES YOUR CAR - AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TRIED THIS ON THE NEW 2017 4 RUNNERS THAT THEY HAVE THERE AND IT HAS SAME PROBLEM. MY 2016 4 RUNNER ONLY HAS 300 MILES. JUST BOUGHT IT TWO WEEKS AGO 2/17/2017. BAD TESTING.. THIS HAS TO BE FIX. PLEASE RECALL AND MAKE IT RIGHT. THANKS ALSO - I OWN A 2004 4RUNNER AND IT WORKS FINE IN THIS SENARIO - DOESN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. BUT MY NEW 2016 HAS THIS PROBLEM. AGAIN - BAD TESTING. PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM TOYOTA. THANK YOU.

2/28/2017

VEHICLE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IF ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WHILE DRIVING OVER ROUGH SURFACES. VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND IS VERY SENSITIVE TO WATER PUDDLES ON WET ROADS OR SLIGHT CHANGES IN WIND WHILE DRIVING.

1/21/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PUT THE VEHICLE IN H4 MODE (4 WHEEL DRIVE). IN A STOP POSITION, TURN ALL THE WAY RIGHT, OR ALL THE WAY LEFT IF YOU PREFER. ACCELERATE, PUSH ON GAS PEDAL. PROBLEM: 1) THE CAR MOVES IN A CLUNKING MOTION. 2) FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING WITH EMERGENCY BRAKES ON - BUT NO BRAKES IS ON. 3) SMELLS VERY BAD TIRE BURNT SMELL. 4) IF TOYOTA DOESN'T FIX THIS PROBLEM, ITS GONNA COST MORE MONEY TO FIX WHATEVER IT CAUSES - GEAR SHAFT, ECT.. GETS GRIND OR DAMAGE. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR MECHANICS SAYS YOU CAN'T USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHAT? ITS A 4 RUNNER! YOU CAN DRIVE 4 WHEEL WHEN YOU WANT TOO. BESIDES, THE PROBLEM EXIST ON WET PAVEMENT OR SNOW CONDITIONS TOO. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO GET OUT OF OUR DRIVE WAY IF THIS FEATURE DOESN'T WORK DURING SNOW CONDITIONS. OR WHEN YOU USE IT, IT DAMAGES YOUR CAR - AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TRIED THIS ON THE NEW 2017 4 RUNNERS THAT THEY HAVE THERE AND IT HAS SAME PROBLEM. MY 2016 4 RUNNER ONLY HAS 300 MILES. JUST BOUGHT IT TWO WEEKS AGO 2/17/2017. BAD TESTING.. THIS HAS TO BE FIX. PLEASE RECALL AND MAKE IT RIGHT. THANKS ALSO - I OWN A 2004 4RUNNER AND IT WORKS FINE IN THIS SENARIO - DOESN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM. BUT MY NEW 2016 HAS THIS PROBLEM. AGAIN - BAD TESTING. PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM TOYOTA. THANK YOU.

2/28/2017

THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES. I AM ON MY 3RD DIFFERENT SET OF TIRES THIS YEAR (INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL TIRES). NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THE TIRES ARE BALANCED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES RATHER VIOLENTLY AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND RE-BALANCED (INCLUDING ROAD-FORCE BALANCED, ETC.). ON-LINE FORUMS INDICATE THAT MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. ALSO THIS WEEK I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE (THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKING AND BINDING UP). APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER FROZE UP AND THE VEHICLE NEARLY WENT OFF THE ROAD. ALSO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS NOISY FROM THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. TOYOTA EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (I BELIEVE A BAD PINION GEAR). SHORTLY AFTER THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN, AND WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES STARTED GOING OFF. THE DEALER THEN MADE REPAIRS BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE SINCE THEN AND THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED IT EACH TIME. ALSO IN THE LAST YEAR THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4-LANE ROAD. I EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BUT THEN IT STARTED TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON IT'S OWN AGAIN WITH WARNINGS AND CHIMES GOING OFF. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STARTS TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN THE SHIFTER LEVER USUALLY STARTS TO FREEZE UP AS WELL (AND YOU MAY NEED TO USE BOTH HANDS TO FORCE THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR). THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD A STRONG ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE SINCE NEW COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER. THE DEALER HAS ADVISED THEY CANNOT LOCATE THE CAUSE. ALSO VARIOUS HEAT SHIELDS HAVE EITHER BROKEN OR FALLEN OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT GO 4-WHEELING WITH THE VEHICLE AND IT'S METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED INCLUDING ALL SERVICE RECORDS AND RECEIPTS.

8/15/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HAVE AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOCKING DURING BREAKING. FEELS LIKE THE YOU SUDDENLY MASHED THE BREAK PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. HAPPENED ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD APPROX 50MPH CONSTANT BREAK PRESSURE. HAS DONE THIS AT SLOWER SPEEDS GOING FORWARD AND BACKING UP, JUST SEEMS TO DRAG THE RF TIRE WHILE OTHER THREE ARE ROTATING NORMALLY. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT. INCLUDED IMAGES OF DRAG MARKS IN SHOP FLOOR.

2/6/2018

DRIVING HOME, ON US 1, ABOUT 60-65MPH, I HAD TO SUDDENLY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE BRAKES LOCKED UP,AND YANKED ME TO THE RIGHT , PULLING ME OFF ROAD. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF AND WAS ABLE TO CORRECT AND MOVE BACK ONTO THE PAVEMENT. THE ABS, ACTIVE HANDLING AND BRAKE LIGHTS WITH WARNING BUZZER BEGAN. I HAD NO BRAKES FOR A FEW MOMENTS, PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR, MOMENTARILY. THEN, THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED, BUT LIGHTS AND WARNING SOUNDS STILL ACTIVATED. I WAS WITHIN A MILE OF HOME. I OPTED TO CONTINUE AT SLOW SPEED TO THE HOUSE, WHERE I PULLED IN AND USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. I HAVE 25000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IT'S JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. GOING ONTO THE FORUM, I FOUND THIS ISN'T A RARE PROBLEM. THIS COULD HAVE ABSOLUTELY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT HAD ANOTHER CAR BEEN BESIDE ME AT THE TIME MY BRAKES FAILED I PU

3/17/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE IS JUNK. HAS NO POWER, EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, CONSTANT TICKING, ALL OVER THE ROAD, CRUISE CONTROL SPEEDS UP UNCONTROLLABLY, SITS LOPSIDED, EXTREMELY LOUD, BRAKES AND STEERING LOCK UP.,LACKS HEAT, POOR VISIBILITY . ALL THESE AND MORE OCCURR WHILE STARTING AND DRIVING VEHICLE.

2/25/2017

TAKATA RECALL ALSO STICKING GAS PEDAL

8/29/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MASSIVE FUEL LEAK FROM THE SOY-BASED FUEL LINES. ALLEGEDLY AN ANIMAL CHEWED THRU THEM WHICH WAS ATTRACTED BY THE SOY-BASED PRODUCT (RATHER THAN THE PETROLEUM BASED LINES OF THE PAST) I HAVE GREAT FEAR THAT THE INCIDENT WILL REPEAT ITSELF. FUEL LINES SPRAYED OUT ABOUT 8-10 GALLONS OF FUEL DURING 30 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING.

12/7/2018

DRIVING LAST WEEK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. HOOKED MY OB2 SCANNER TO PORT BUT CAME UP WITH NO CODES. DROVE IT A FEW MORE DAYS AND EVENTUALLY LIGHTS WENT OUT. FAST FORWARD A WEEK AND LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. SAME ROUTINE WITH THE OB2 BUT THIS TIME THE CODE P2443 CAME UP. GOOGLED IT AND " SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM SWITCHING VALVE STUCK CLOSED BANK 2". FOUND OUT THERE IS A HUGE HISTORY WITH THIS PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH MY 4RUNNER BUT WITH TACOMAS, TUNDRAS AND SEQUOIAS. WITH CERTAIN YEARS OF TUNDRAS AND SEQUIOAS, TOYOTA HAS PAID FOR THIS FIX. WHY NOT THE 4RUNNERS AND TACOMAS??SAME PROBLEM!! THIS WHOLE THING IS A BIG SHAM . IT WILL COST ABOUT $2000 PLUS FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED. WHERE I COME FROM, THIS IS ROBBERY. KNOWINGLY SELLING VEHICLES WITH A EXPENSIVE PROBLEM AND NOT RECALLING THEM TO BE FIXED.

12/20/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING WAS SOY BASED AND WAS NOT STRUCTURALLY SOUND. AT 12,000 AND 30,000 MILES, THE WIRES WERE PREMATURELY DAMAGED BY RODENTS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN SUGGESTING THAT THE CONTACT REPLACE THE WIRES TWICE. THE DEALER (DURANGO TOYOTA, 1200 CARBON JCT, DURANGO, CO 81301, (970) 385-4822) INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

7/27/2017

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PRECISION TOYOTA OF TUCSON (520-795-5565, 700 W WETMORE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85705) FOR ROUTINE SERVICE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER CONSTANT VELOCITY BOOT LEAKED OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,445.

8/30/2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH (CONSTANT SPEED W/O ACCELERATION) IN 2WD IN A 75 MPH ZONE ON HWY 29 SOUTHBOUND WHEN THE REAR TIRES LOST TRACTION (W/O AUDIBLE SKIDDING) CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE LEFT INTO THE LEFT LANE AT AN ANGLE EXCEEDING 40 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE BRAKES WEREN'T USED AND I REMOVED MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR DURING THE INCIDENT WHILE GENTLY TRYING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR STRIKE ANYTHING AND TRACTION WAS ABRUPTLY REGAINED (W/O WARNING) BEFORE HITTING THE GUARD RAIL ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN NEEDED DESPITE ALMOST GOING SIDEWAYS INTO THE GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE TIRES FAILED TO OPERATE IN MANNER CONSISTENT FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN TIRE. THE TIRES EXCEED 75% TREAD LIFE WITH NO IMPERFECTIONS FOUND. UPON INSPECTION AFTER THE INCIDENT AND TESTING ON A DIFFERENT ROAD, 30-40% OF THE TREAD WILL REMAIN SNOW PACKED EVEN ON CLEAR ROADS DUE TO DRIVING ON SNOW PACKED ROADS PRIOR. THIS PARTICLE TREAD PATTERN DESIGN FAILS TO HAVE ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN THE TREAD GROVES TO ALLOW SNOW TO CLEAR. THIS TIRE SHOULD NOT ALLOWED TO BE SOLD AS AN ALL-TERRAIN TIRE AND HAS A DESIGN FLAW MAKING IT CLEARLY UNSAFE TO USE IN SNOW. DURING ROUTINE DRIVING, THE TIRES CONSTANTLY FAIL TO PROPERLY PROVIDE TRACTION TO THE POINT WHERE LOW SPEED TURNING INTO PARKING LOTS BECOMES A CHALLENGE FOR SAFE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE'S TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM CLEARLY HAS A DESIGN FLAW PREVENTING ACTIVATION DURING A SCENARIO IN WHICH IT IS REQUIRED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE HAS (4) TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T II TIRES SIZE P265/70R17, (10 32NDS TREAD REMAINING). OUTSIDE CONDITIONS AS FOLLOWS: TEMP, 1 DEGREE F, ROAD CONDITIONS, CLEAR, FLAT AND NO ICE OR SNOW ACCUMULATION, WIND SPEED, 5-10 MPH N TO S AND WAS HITTING VEHICLE PARALLEL TO ITS TRAVELING DIRECTION, LOCATION, NORTH DAKOTA.

2/6/2019

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Rear view camera cuts out and screen goes black. Similar to the RAV4 complaints.

7/8/2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

It is a common complaint on the 4runner forums, the low beam head lights don't generate enough light to see at night. One video i saw measured the out put at less then 250lumns. The average halogen bulb put out 700lumns of light. I am constantly having to use high beams to see down the road. Consumers are forced to purchase and install after market head lights. It posses a safety risk not only to the drive but to anything on the road. I had my 2016 4runner a month before the need to drive at night arose, and I was shocked at how poor the illumination was.

11/3/2021

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Passenger side back seat seatbelt broke under normal wear and tear.

2/7/2023

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My Date , sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and noticed and said , weird , the switch isn't even on . Then the smoke became very apparent as we got onto the Freeway and we were compelled to pull over as the electrical components or wiring were on the verge of catching fire , where the Electic Seat switch is located .

2/25/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,293.

10/7/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as more miles are put on. I will take it in however when I called them they said since it’s not a known issue I will have to replace it and it’s not cheap!

11/10/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 17 owner reports. That is about 18% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION.

Are complaints about the 2016 Toyota 4Runner a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 Toyota 4Runner severe?

52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota 4Runner: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
97
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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