VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 5 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 77 owner complaints run below the 4Runner median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (11), fuel system (9), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

77

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1114%
Fuel System912%
Other912%
Airbags79%
Brakes68%
Engine56%
Body & Structure56%
Electrical System56%
Suspension45%
Transmission34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Driver Assistance23%
Seat Belts23%
Speed Control23%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2018 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

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

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

19V670000SuspensionSeptember 20, 2019 · 34 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence

Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

18V753000OtherOctober 25, 2018 · 1,295 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

17V831000OtherDecember 20, 2017 · 649 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

17V763000Body & StructureNovember 29, 2017 · 431 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. VEHICLE FEELS UNSTABLE UNTIL IT REACHES APROX 70 MPH. TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY BALANCED THE FRONT WHEELS, BUT ISSUE RETURNS EVERYTIME, 2-3 WEEKS LATER. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NORMAL. CANNOT BE NORMAL FOR A BRAND NEW CAR, WITH NEW TIRES. MULTIPLE OWNERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 26, 2018

“Vehicle was parked in garage. Inspecting vehicle at 22:00, noise was heard. Source of noise was fuel pump located behind drivers side rear tire. Garage smelled of gasoline. Vehicle was turned off at 15:00 that day. Started up Vehicle with no issues and let run for 1.5 minutes then turned off. Noise…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 17, 2024

“I do not know what component or system failed. I was at an appointment with my son when the receptionist informed me that my car alarm was going off and there was smoke coming out of it. I went out to investigate and it sounded like the engine was attempting to start continuously. My key fob would…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 11, 2024 · fire

“TOTALED VEHICLE REPAIRED AFTER VEHICLE REPORTED TOTALED - VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED ADEQUATELY AND IS UNSAFE AS A RESULT OF A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. INCIDENT REPORTED TO POLICE - INSURANCE COMPANY, TOWING SERVICE, AND CONSUMER FRAUD BY NETWORK HACKING INSURANCE INFORMATION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 30, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE DRIVER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 8, 2019

2018 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

It is close to typical for the 4Runner: 77 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (11 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2018 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.

How safe is the 2018 Toyota 4Runner?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.