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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2010 Toyota 4runner
Common Problems

Ranked from 111 federal NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

3
Safety
2
High severity
7
Medium
1
Low
3 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

13 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Takata Airbag Inflator Recall Delays

    51complaints
    Safety riskOther

    Owners report ongoing delays in receiving Takata airbag inflator replacements, leaving vehicles unsafe with a risk of airbag failure during a collision.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  2. 2

    Unavailability of replacement parts causing prolonged repair delays

    34complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Owners have been unable to schedule repairs due to the unavailability of replacement parts for the defective Takata airbag inflator. Toyota has exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  3. 3

    Recommendation to avoid using front passenger seat due to safety concerns

    15complaints
    Safety riskOther

    Toyota has advised owners to avoid using the front passenger seat until the defective airbag is repaired, citing the risk of injury or death if the inflator ruptures during deployment.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  4. 4

    Frame Rust and Structural Deterioration

    10complaints
    High severityOther

    Owners report significant rust damage to the vehicle's frame, leading to structural weakness and potential safety risks.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  5. 5

    Brake Pedal Softness and Hissing Noise

    6complaints
    Medium severityBrakes

    Owners report a soft brake pedal with a hissing noise upon depression, indicating potential hydraulic issues or air leaks in the braking system.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Unresponsive or Delayed Acceleration Response

    6complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Intermittent delay or complete failure in acceleration response after pressing the gas pedal, causing unsafe driving conditions.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  7. 7

    Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control Malfunction

    4complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Malfunction of the electronic stability control and traction control systems, causing unexpected vehicle behavior during cornering or braking.

  8. 8

    Power Train and Transmission Shifting Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    Intermittent transmission issues including delayed response, incorrect shifting, and unexpected downshifting.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Suspension and Rear Lower Suspension Arm Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severitySuspension

    Owners report rear suspension arm problems requiring tightening and sealing, which may affect future adjustments and alignment.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    Wheel Stud Failure During Routine Maintenance

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Multiple wheel stud failures during tire rotations, even when torque specifications are followed.

    Related recalls: 13V123000, 10V035000, 10V036000

  11. 11

    Engine Stalling and Warning Lights

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine stalls unexpectedly while driving, accompanied by illuminated warning indicators.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 16V577000, 15V515000

  12. 12

    Exterior Lighting and Tail Light Failure

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    Tail light and brake light failures due to excessive voltage, requiring replacement of entire assemblies.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  13. 13

    Heated Seat Overheating and Fire Hazard

    2complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The driver's heated seat overheats even when turned off, causing smoke and fire, leading to vehicle total loss.

    $150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

Other years & sources

2011 Toyota 4runnerAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.