Best & Worst Toyota 4Runner Years | Years To Avoid

Toyota’s 4Runner has proven capable of handling off-road terrain. It is true that some model years are better than others, while others should be avoided at all costs.

Over the years, the Toyota 4Runner has remained true to its roots, a rarity in the auto industry. The 4Runner’s legacy really began with the Trekker, an essentially bed-capped truck from 1981. The Trekker would be assembled by Winnebago, while the 4Runner would not be assembled by the company.

Contrary to other vehicles in its category, the purpose of this vehicle has remained static. The vehicle is capable of taking the road less travelled compared to its car-based competitors.

The rugged vehicle evolved from its original purpose of being an off-roader into a supple, road-going vehicle. Although the 4Runner is excellent off-road, it still has some problems.

Follow the guide below, or use the cheat-sheet at the end, to avoid purchasing a dud.

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Toyota 4Runner Generations

Toyota introduced the first-generation 4Runner in 1984, launching the compact SUV market. As well as laying the foundation for future versions, it also had a simple design and was capable of going off-road.

Considering the limited data and relative age of this generation, we do not consider it.

The following are the generations of the Toyota 4Runner:

Generation	Years
5th Generation (N280)	2010-Present
4th Generation (N210)	2003-2009
3rd Generation (N180)	1996-2002
2nd Generation (N120)	1990-1995

This table illustrates how the 4Runner evolved over time. Consider significant changes between generations when making a purchase decision.

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Toyota 4Runner Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

As a prelude to discussing our rankings, it is important to note that they are based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

Here are the best, neutral, and worst years for each generation:

Generation	Best Years	Neutral Years	Worst Years
5th Generation (N280)	201220132015201920202021	201420172018	20102011201620202023
4th Generation (N210)	200620072008	200320042009	2005
3rd Generation (N180)	2001	199719981999	199620002002
2nd Generation (N120)	1993	199019921994	19911995

In addition to “Best Years” and “Worst Years,” we also distinguish “Neutral Years,” when the 4Runner didn’t stand out from the competition but was still a good option.

The ratings can be negatively affected by certain factors, such as NHTSA recalls. The overall rating of an automobile is lower when it has more recalls, which means it is regarded as less reliable.

Let’s examine each model year in more detail.

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Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation [2010 to Present]

4Runner’s 5th generation is available beginning with the 2010 model year. Our favorite square 4Runner returns in the new 4Runner.

Redesigned utes come with 4.0L V6 engines and Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-I). The performance and mileage of dual VVT-I engines are both enhanced.

Additionally, the 2010 4Runner is also available with a 2.7L I4 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The V6 engine and automatic transmission are standard on nearly all, however. FJ Cruisers and 4Runners share the same platform, which is interesting to note.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the new 4Runner is the safest yet. From 2010 to 2012, it only scored poorly in the category of roof strength.

In 2013, Toyota won the Top Safety Pick award due to its roofing strengthening. The 4Runner performed marginally in small overlap tests on the driver’s side and poorly in headlight tests for the 2014-Present model year.

It is important to note, however, that Toyota Safety Sense P comes standard on all trims.

It seems that Toyota will not give up on its quest for reliability when it comes to off-roading SUVs. Every model year, the NHTSA receives approximately 50 complaints about the 4Runner. Airbags were the most common complaint between 2010 and 2013.

It is not necessary to worry about them since Takata has recalled them. In model years 2014-2016, the most common problem is a failed door lock actuator.

There haven’t been any reports of common problems since 2017.

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Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation [2003 to 2009]

The fourth-generation 4Runner was barely recognizable from its predecessor when it hit showrooms in 2003. There was a more rounded exterior on this version than on the previous generation, which had a more truck-like appearance.

Furthermore, the 4Runner comes equipped with a power tailgate and lumbar support for the driver, a remote keyless entry system, automatic climate control, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Despite these updates, the 4Runner maintains a solid reputation for off-roading. Its body-on-frame construction, skid plates, and solid rear axles distinguish it from other off-road vehicles.

The 4.0L V6 engine produced 245 horsepower. The 4Runner was offered only with a 265 horsepower V8 for the first and last time. Another mid-size SUV capable of going off-road was marketed as the 4Runner.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

The fourth generation of the 4Runner further improved its safety. According to the IIHS, all categories received good ratings, with the exception of head restraints and seats. Unless the head restraints and seats are designed properly, the dummy may suffer a concussion.

The new 4Runner was also made safer in a crash with standard torso and side curtain airbags added in 2008.

Star Safety System, on the other hand, was the true safety rockstar of the Toyota 4Runner, helping drivers avoid crashes. ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, and vehicle stability control were among the safety features included in this suite.

The reliability of the Toyota 4Runner improved over time after it had a rocky start. From 2003 to 2007, the NHTSA received more than 400 complaints for each model year.

As a comparison, only 54 4Runners were received in 2008-2009. There are once again many complaints about rust.

There is, however, no indication that this issue affects 2008-2009 model years. Due to this, you should always check for rust on any 4Runner before you buy it.

There are no rust issues in 2008-2009, thanks to standard curtain airbags and improved head gaskets. The failure of head gaskets has been a problem from 2003 to 2005.

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Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 3rd Generation [1996 to 2002]

Introducing the third generation of the 4Runner in 1996, the car brought some exciting changes with it. Even though some parts were shared with the new Tacoma, the 4Runner finally had its own body and chassis.

Four-wheel drive 4Runners, however, shared engines with Toyota Tacomas. Instead of the old 2.4L I4, a new 150 horsepower 2.7L I4 was standard.

Further, the 3.0L V6 was replaced by a 3.4L V6 that produces 183 horsepower, which is more reliable. A larger interior was also available, along with double airbags, ABS, a lift gate, coil-spring suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering.

By focusing on off-road performance instead of highway comfort, they separated themselves from the competition. It was here that the 4Runner made its name.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

A three-generation Toyota 4Runner is the first to be tested by the IIHS. Unlike the previous two generations, safety was not a concern for the third generation. Overall, it received a satisfactory grade, which was just short of good.

During safety testing, the 4Runner’s bumpers were found to crumple too easily, making them one of the vehicle’s Achilles heels. In contrast, the 4Runner was less reliable.

On average, the NHTSA received over 250 complaints per model year. Rust was the most common complaint about the 4Runner.

Throughout all model years, excessive rust was present.

Ultimately, the third-generation 4Runner improved safety but degraded reliability.

The 1999-2000 model year is the best because it was extensively redesigned and came with full-time 4WD. Toyota 4Runners without manual transmissions and locking rear differentials were unable to go off-road in 2001-2002.

Although Toyota improved the V6 in the third-generation 4Runner, the rusting problem remained.

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Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 2nd Generation [1990 to 1995]

In 1990, the second-generation Toyota 4Runner was released for the first time. New generations of 4Runners seemed very similar to the old ones, even though they were new. From the B-pillars forward, the 4Runner and Pickup were almost identical.

Even with coil springs on the rear suspension, the second generation still suffered from sagging bottoms. Both 2.4L I4 and 3.0L V6 engines were available. Despite having less power than the previous generation, the I4 was considered to be more reliable despite having less power.

As part of the first generation of 4Runners, a full-steel integrated frame was mounted to a full-steel body. On the old 4Runner, all you could find was a fiberglass bed cap.

Consequently, the 4Runner’s top can no longer be removed. Moreover, the previous generation’s turbocharged engine has been eliminated. Second-generation models were available in four-door models, making them better choices for families.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

As light trucks in the United States are subject to low standards, the lack of safety in the second generation is not surprising. The NHTSA awarded a one-star rating to driver safety, and a four-star rating to passenger safety.

The doors were constructed from two sheets of metal. Due to this, the front occupants are only protected by the window and sheet metal in a crash. Material like this is relatively delicate in the event of a crash. Side-impact beams were first introduced on the 1994 model year.

In the V6 engine, failure of the head gaskets affected reliability. Additionally, older vehicles should be checked for rust, leaks, and sagging suspensions.

Considering the V6’s unreliability, it is recommended to avoid it. The 4Runner is also the best option due to its side-impact beams, which were added in 1994 and 1995.

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Best & Worst Years for Toyota 4Runner 1st generation [1984 to 1989]

Toyota introduced its first 4Runner model during the 1984 model year.

While it was a new model to Toyota, it is not a new model. This model was heavily influenced by the pickup truck (yes, it has that name).

It is, however, a bit conservative to use the term heavily influenced. There was essentially a 4Runner pickup truck attached to a camper shell with rear seats tucked inside.

4Runners differ from pickups with caps in that they have retractable rear windshields lowered into the tailgate.

As with the Toyota Pickup, the Toyota 4Runner is a two-door, short-bed vehicle. These vehicles also had a 2.4L I4 engine with less than 100 horsepower in addition to the removable top.

The 3.0L V6 produced 135 and 150 horsepower, respectively, in addition to the 2.4L I4 turbo. These engines were available with automatic or manual transmissions.

Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives

According to the NHTSA’s website, there are not many complaints regarding the original 4Runner. Among the most common problems were sagging suspensions. When Toyota converted the Highlander into a Pickup, the rear springs were not upgraded.

Aside from being very reliable, the 2.4L I4 engine also had a reputation for head gasket leaks, with numerous complaints on online forums. The 3.0 V6 heads are said to be flawed by many posters who recommend swapping them out for 3.4 V6 heads.

Additionally, leaks, rust, and worn-out parts are common problems. Moreover, the first-generation’s excellent off-road abilities make it a highly sought-after vehicle.

There were only a few original 4Runners made, so they can be expensive.

Additionally, if you plan on driving off-road with the 4Runner, you need to take some considerations into account. 2.4L I4 engines produce about 100 horsepower, which is not enough for off-roading scenarios. There are more reliability concerns with the V6 than the turbo, plus the turbo edition is ultra-rare.

A heavy-duty rear differential was included with both optional engines. Yet they are equipped with chain-driven transfer cases and upgraded transmissions.

While a chain-driven transfer case is quieter on the road, it isn’t as effective off-road as a gear-driven one.

In terms of off-roading, 1984-1985 are the best years. You might not have enough power, however, since it only had about 100 horsepower. Gear-driven transmissions, solid axles, and highly reliable engines can be found in those years.

Any other year should be able to satisfy your needs if the 1984-1985 model years are too rich for you. Unless it’s the V6, which has some serious reliability issues.

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Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

Long-term reliability of the Toyota 4Runner is unquestionable. In spite of the Toyota SUV’s reputation for reliability, there are a few issues to consider:

Braking system problems

The 4Runner had brake system problems from 2014 to 2017. It has been reported by many owners that the brakes fail and lock up. Other reports mention warped and prematurely worn brake master cylinders and brake rotors.

Rust/body/paint problems

Rust and corrosion were particularly prevalent in the 4th-gen 4Runner, usually appearing around 150k miles. Although owners’ 4Runners were running fine, they had severely rusted frames and suspensions.

Damaged/cracked dashboard

A sticky, melted, or cracked dashboard was often found on 2004 4Runners. There have been reports of dashboards that have been damaged or melted from direct sunlight. As a result of the issue, the airbag may not be deployed, not only due to its unsightly appearance.

Transmission issues

Toyota 4Runner models suffered from transmission problems from the 1990s to 2016, resulting in rough shifting and reduced power. A faulty shift solenoid or throttle position sensor needs to be replaced, or both may be faulty.

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Is Purchasing a Used Toyota 4Runner Worth It?

Buying a Toyota is a good investment if you’re concerned about liability; they tend to stay on the road for long periods of time. First-generation 4Runners with 3.0-liter V6 engines and second-generation 4Runners with 3.0-liter V6 engines should be avoided. There is no point in investing money in an engine that won’t produce anything.

Toyota 4Runners can handle a beating if they are mechanically maintained properly, regardless of rust. When buying a used 4Runner, it is important to consider its mechanical condition. It is beneficial to maintain the 4Runner regularly whenever possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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Conclusion

Toyota 4Runners are high-quality vehicles without a doubt. While used options on the market aren’t ideal, some years are still reliable. A 4Runner is known for its longevity and excellent reputation, even though there are some issues with them.

I appreciate you reading this! It is our hope that you will find it useful! There are several good years for 4Runner reliability, but choosing one can be challenging. It is important to consider the reliability of a used vehicle before purchasing it.

 You will see a significant change in the cost of your car and the amount of time you spend on the road as a result. It is a good idea to opt for a Toyota 4Runner if you are looking for reliability.