VehicleVerdict

2008 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 134 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median 4Runner year — the 2008 model ranks #16 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (28), speed control (16), and body & structure (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

134

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 4Runner years?

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2821%
Body & Structure1612%
Speed Control1612%
Brakes1511%
Other129%
Suspension118%
Engine97%
Tires & Wheels75%
Steering54%
Electrical System54%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Airbags43%
Fuel System11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2008 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.

VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FAULTY GAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 11, 2020 · crash

HEAVY CORROSION CAUSED THE REAR TORSION BAR TO DISCONNECT FROM THE REAR END WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN OCT. 2015. THE FRAME AND FRONT END SUSPENSION IS NOW VERY CORRODED. YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGERS THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 69,400 MILES ON IT.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 13, 2015

SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF ENGINE WHICH DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. HIGH SPEED, TURNED OFF ENGINE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP, BUT CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 20, 2013 · crash

VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FAULTY GAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 11, 2020 · crash

I WAS WAITING FOR ANOTHER CAR TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE CARWASH. AS I INCHED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING AND WHEN I BRAKED IT DIDN'T STOP. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATING, I WAS ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 30, 2018 · crash

2008 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 134 complaints put the 2008 model at #16 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (28 complaints), speed control (16 complaints), body & structure (16 complaints).

Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 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.