Complaint volume
57 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Toyota 4Runner Complaints
57 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Toyota 4Runner, grouped by component category.
57 Total complaints
7 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are steering, unknown or other, air bags. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 7 crash reports, 1 fire report, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 35 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 19,324 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to steering, unknown or other, air bags?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Toyota 4Runner?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Toyota 4Runner
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Toyota 4Runner complaints?
7 Crash
1 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
8 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Toyota 4Runner complaint categories?
STEERING 8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8
AIR BAGS 4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4
SERVICE BRAKES 4
STRUCTURE 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2
ENGINE 2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 1
57 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES | this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Fuel pump make noises and I can hear it | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SUSPENSION | The front shock springs cracked and snapped due to cold weather. I have been waiting for 2 months for the replacement parts and cannot drive my vehicle. The parts are 4 months out on a waiting list. The vehicle is not safe to drive. The dealer has inpected the vehicle and said it is not safe to drive for safety reasons. There were no warning and I only found out when I went to replace the original tires. The car has 25K miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | While attempting to stop vehicle for a traffic light brake pedal suddenly goes almost to the floor. This occurrence is random and unpredictable. No dash lights or messages come on indicating any problem. Brake master cylinder is at the proper level and no signs of leakage. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any technicians. Vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. As a retired Police officer and former FAA certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic I am familiar with hydraulic systems. I believe that this issue if not identified and addressed by the manufacture will cause bodily harm to the operator and possibly other vehicles or pedestrians. There has also been a lot of chatter on Toyota forums about the same problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE | Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 not unlock the car. The engine continued to attempt to start and i was certain the car was going to start fire. We called 911 and went back inside to avoid anyone being hurt. The car then caught fire and burned until the fire department put it out. It was towed to an impound lot where it caught fire again and was destroyed. See pictures for more information. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | AIR BAGS | My vehicle was in a collision at 55 miles an hour. Hit 3 grown cows in the highway at nighttime. Totaled my vehicle in the airbags, never deployed period Turn off. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 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 was still present until Vehicle was locked via remote. Vehicle was not locked after being turned off at 15:00 until 22:00. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Apparently rodents have gone to the engine and ate the soy wires to the harness. This in turn has cost me over $1000 to fix. The only warning was when the warning lights came on and four runner started to shake when started. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | STEERING | There was a clunking noise coming from the front end when steering. Got worse over time. Also had a vibration in the front end at speeds above 45 mph. Dealer recommended replacement of upper steering column shaft assembly and dust boot cover along with lower intermediate steering shaft. The manufacturer knows about this problem because there is a NHTSA Campaign Number 19V67000 that states the suspension and steering fasteners were improperly tightened. This should be a recall and I should not have to pay for their mistakes! If it had come loose, there would be a loss of control leading to an accident! The dealer/manufacturer did not send out any notice or warning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Recently I have had issues with the brake pressure. The brakes have been bled multiple times assuring there is not air in the lines. My mechanic could not find an issue with the brakes at all, yet when I come to a complete stop, the car starts to creep forward sometimes unnoticeable and the brake pedal slowly sinks. I have to put my car in park to keep from rolling into vehicles at stop lights and hope and pray that they hold/ work when I am in traffic. I’ve read many many forums with people with the same issues and Toyota cannot find the problem yet these people are being told that it’s “normal”. This is a major safety concern and could cause someone to wreck. I’m shocked that Toyota has not done a recall on this braking system, but something needs to be done about it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On7/2022 when I came out of my house in the evening my 2018 4Runner was not been running for hours But I heard my Fuel pump running with no keys in the switch Would not stop running until I turned the switch on and then turned it back off and then fuel pump stopped running I reported to my dealer but they didn’t seem interested so I am Sending this to you any thing I tell the dealer where I got my 2018 4Runner Service dealer seems to go unheard. I got my 2018 4 runner brand new in 2018 and I was having issues with the 4Runner Shaking in the front end and steering wheel and took it back more than 5 times but only to be told it was nothing but. I am still having problems with it but they have not fixed it or anything | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the frame holding the radiator of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator frame was corroded; however, the dealer applied paint to the structure instead of replacing the part under warranty. The contact later noticed that the radiator frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the radiator frame needed to be replaced and the repair would be completed at her own expense as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,290. | Crash: No Fire: No | 13,290 |
| Apr 2022 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,500. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 30,500 |
| Feb 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The front differential in our 2018 Toyota 4Runner failed. This caused damage to one of the front axels of the vehicle. The failure can cause difficulties in turning the vehicle. The failure can lead to catastrophic failure of the axels, leading to the wheels to lock up. The problem is reoccurring in model years 2016-2019. Toyota is aware of the problem and has issued bulletins (see Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-TCI-5185 Rev.1, dated 4/5/2019). Yet, Toyota refuses to offer a cost free repair of the failure/damage. The failure was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealership on 2/9/2022. The failure had no warning signs/indicators. The failure began approximately 30-45 ago with a faint grinding sound coming from the drivetrain while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | STEERING | Vehicle steering shakes between 60-65 mph. After 4 different sets of tires in 3 weeks, multiple road force balances, tire rotations, an alignment, an alignment checks, brakes checked, a “visual inspection” of suspension components from two Toyota dealerships, the vehicle continues to vibrate at highways speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | TIRES | Yes tire is available Tire has bad spot on sidewalk goes all the way to belt Looks like this tire might blow out which could cause crash Tuscaloosa Toyato first noticed it at our 30,000 mile maintenance service on June 9 2021 No inspection yet No warning have no ideal how long been like this | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I noticed a crack forming in the windshield without seeing any signs of an impact. I took it in and Toyota had found a small indentation along the crack line that they claimed to be what caused the crack. This indentation along the crack line was superficial and did not have any of the "spider legs" type crack lines out of it. I have had older vehicles in the Pacific Northwest without this issue, and I thought this was odd so I took it to a 3rd party Master Window repair technician not associated with Toyota and they diagnosed it as a stress crack related to the heating element. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2021 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. TUSCALOOSA TOYOTA (3325 SKYLAND BLVD E, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35405, (205) 553-3325) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2021 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MOSES TOYOTA (1433 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV 25177) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2021 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON BELTWAY AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, BRAKING, AND STEERING CAPABILITIES. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. PHONE ATTACHED VIA CIGARETTE OUTLET WAS ZAPPED. MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY CUSTOMER HAS ENDURED DUE TO THIS TOTAL VEHICLE MALFUNCTION. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,000 |
| Mar 2021 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 2018 4RUNNER TRD OFF ROAD PREMIUM. 24733MILES (AT THE TIME THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN) STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT ACCELERATE BUT WITH OUT DOING IT. (VERY FEW NOT THAT PRONOUCE) TOOK IT TO DEALER ON APRIL 2020 AROUND (14900MILES). THEY DID A RECALL CHECK AND SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING AND THAY MY TRUCK WAS FINE. MARCH 2021 IT HAPPEN AGAIN BUT NOW IT WAS DOING IT VERY STRONGLY. TRUCK STARTED TO STALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS STARTED TO APPEAR 4WD INDICATOR FLASHES RAPIDLY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CHECK ENGINE MULTI-TERRAIN FLASHES CONTINUESLY TRAC OFF LIGHT ECO LIGHT TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL CHECK THE PROBLEM. CALL THEM TO SEE IF THEY HAPPEN TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WERE WORKING ON IT DOING THE RECALL SERVICE (AGAIN). NEXT DAY THEY CALL ME AND SAID THEY DID THE RECALL (WHICH THERE IS NOT REMEDY AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME 3-8-21) AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE PROBLEM AND THAT I NEED TO PAY TO GET IT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY FOUND METAL DEBRIS ON IT. WENT THERE RIGHT AWAY THEY EXPLAINED TO ME WHAT THEY SAID IT LOOKS TO BE THE PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD THEY CALL ME AGAIN AND SAID PROBLEM WAS DIFFERENT (GETTING OTHER PARTY INVOLVED). THE 3RD PARTY WENT IN TO CHECK THE PROBLEM THEY SAID IT WAS TO BE TOLD A VERY DIFFERENT HISTORY SAYING THEY FOUND GEAR OIL INSIDE TRANSMISSION AND THEY WERE SURE (NOT BECAUSE ANY TESTING) BUT BECAUSE IT LOOKS AND SMELLS LIKE IT (WHEN THE OIL THEY SHOWED ME AT FIRS WAS BURNED OIL) VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THEY TOLD ME BEFORE AND NOW THE TRUCK TRANSFER CASE WAS ON THE PROBLEM AS WELL. ALL I KNOW IS TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM AND NOW A PRACTICLY NEW TRUCK HAS TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION | Crash: No Fire: No | 24,700 |
| Jan 2021 | SERVICE BRAKES | ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH SPEEDS VARIED 35-60MPH WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE LOCKED UP, SOMETIMES PULLING TO ONE SIDE, BRAKES THEN WENT TO FLOOR NOT STOPPING VEHICLE REQUIRING ME TO BRAKE AGAIN.. SOMETIMES ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC.. THIS STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 12 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN MULTIPLE TIMES AND TOLD THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE ISSUE SND ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A ISSUE.. WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT I HAVE TO POTENTIALLY GET HARMED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 26K MILES ON IT. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. | Crash: No Fire: No | 26,000 |