VehicleVerdict

2000 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 638 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.3 times the median 4Runner year — the 2000 model ranks #3 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 46 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 41% of all reports (264 of 638), far ahead of suspension at 103.

638

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

44

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

46

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted923 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 7 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 95 complaints1991: 55 complaints1992: 73 complaints1993: 58 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 201 complaints1996: 203 complaints1997: 363 complaints1998: 303 complaints1999: 446 complaints2000: 638 complaints2001: 240 complaints2002: 306 complaints2003: 906 complaints2004: 923 complaints2005: 573 complaints2006: 520 complaints2007: 204 complaints2008: 134 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 175 complaints2011: 182 complaints2012: 112 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 90 complaints2015: 116 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 77 complaints2019: 87 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 55 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 54 complaints2026: 7 complaints
4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure26441%
Suspension10316%
Other599%
Transmission477%
Brakes335%
Fuel System264%
Tires & Wheels223%
Steering213%
Engine173%
Airbags132%
Visibility & Wipers102%
Speed Control91%
Electrical System61%
Latches & Locks20%
Lighting20%
Seats20%
Seat Belts10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2000 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 55 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY 138. I HIT BLACK ICE AND DROVE STRAIGHT INTO A TREE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY FACE AND HEAD, FROM SMASHING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 20, 2015 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 45-50 MILE PER HOUR IN SLIGHT RAIN. ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT AND HIT THE MIDDLE GUARD RAIL AND AND ROLLED OVER. THIS WAS NOT HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY A MONTH OLD(1500 MILES). I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 1, 1999 · crash

“DUE TO THE DREADED ' TOYOTA ROT ' FRAME FAILURE THE SPARE TIRE MECHANISM HAD RUSTED OFF GOING DOWN US HIGHWAY 25 IN KENTUCKY AND PUT A POOR MAN AND HIS CHILDREN IN HARMS WAY. TOYOTA DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY !!! I FEEL THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED TOYOTA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 4, 2020 · crash

“DRIVING IN MILD WINTER CONDITION (LIGHT WET SLUSH) ON A MAINTAINED HIGHWAY MY 4RUNNER BEGAN TO FISH TALE. WHEN AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO CORRECT THE FISH TALE NO CONTROL INPUT FROM THE DRIVE WOULD CORRECT THE SLIDING MOTION. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TOWARD THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 10, 2018 · crash

“WHEN PULLING MY 2000 LIMITED 4WD 4 RUNNER BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY OVER A 1INCH PIECE OF ASPHALT MY ENTIRE WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING MY VEHCLE TO FLIP. IN ADDITION, THAT 4RUNNER AND THE REPLACEMENT 2000 4WD 4RUNNER'S ANTISKID/ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED AND LOCKED WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES WHILE HITTING A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 18, 2000 · crash

2000 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2000 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 638 complaints put the 2000 model at #3 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (264 complaints), suspension (103 complaints), other (59 complaints).

Does the 2000 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 4Runner years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2006, 1999, 1997, 2002, 1998, 2001, 2007, 1996, 1995, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2017. The cleanest record among 4Runner years belongs to 1985.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.