VehicleVerdict

2007 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 204 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median 4Runner year — the 2007 model ranks #11 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (40), brakes (31), and other (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

204

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 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, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure4020%
Brakes3115%
Other2311%
Speed Control2110%
Electrical System147%
Suspension147%
Visibility & Wipers126%
Transmission115%
Engine105%
Steering94%
Airbags63%
Tires & Wheels52%
Latches & Locks42%
Seats21%
Lighting10%
Fuel System10%

Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

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

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

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. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

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 number for this recall is SET16B.

14V743000SeatsNovember 19, 2014 · 3,233 units

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 SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

11V113000Speed ControlFebruary 24, 2011 · 1,363,244 units

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 1-800-255-3987.

10V036000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 153,418 units

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.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

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 MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A 2007 4RUNNER WITH CURRENTLY AROUND 180K MILES. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD SOME RUSTING TO THE FRAME BUT NOTHING DEEMING IT UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS. WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS THE FRAME HAD, AND STILL IS, RUSTING AND DETERIORATING AT AN ALARMING RATE. I AM NOT SURE HOW TOYOTA HAS GOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 1, 2020

“OVER THE PAST 9-12 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE 4RUNNER, I HAVE NOTICED THE FLOORMATS SLIDE UP BEHIND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATION PEDAL WHEN I AM CONSTANTLY SWITCHING BETWEEN THE TWO (EG. HEAVY TRAFFIC, LONG TRIPS, ETC.). I USUALLY AM ABLE TO PULL THEM BACK DOWN AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN; HOWEVER, ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 29, 2014 · crash

“My 4runners frame is rotted out on the passenger side after an accident and I do not believe it is safe to drive because of this; moreover, there are other areas of the vehicle that were rotted out due to rust, like the vehicles gas tank. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 13, 2021 · crash

“WE WERE STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURN LANE. WE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN OUR VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF AND WE REAR ENDED A TRUCK. DIDN'T HURT THE OTHER TRUCK BUT THE FRONT END OF OUR VEHICLE IS SMASHED AND OUR BUMPER IS CRACKED. THE DEALER TOLD US TO TAKE OUT OUR MATS SO WE DID. WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 15, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, THE REAR WINDOW FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345, [PHONE]) WHERE BURNT WIRES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 16, 2019 · fire

2007 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2007 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 204 complaints put the 2007 model at #11 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (40 complaints), brakes (31 complaints), other (23 complaints).

Does the 2007 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Toyota 4Runner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.