2009 Toyota 4RUNNER: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, they crashed into a cow which caused damaged to the front of vehicle. The contact was concerned the air bags failed to deploy. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted.the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The manufacturer was contacted however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 145,000. *ln”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2020
“Less than 80k miles and frame is completely rotting apart. While driving approximately 40 mph I lost control because the control arm completely separated from the frame! Completely unsafe and death traps”Owner report · Suspension · May 2019
“Steering was very hard to do and really jerky.took it to dealership and was told that the rack and pin needed to be completely corroded and needed to be replaced. Yet another part I have to eat the cost due to corrosion. I have read multiple complaints about the same problems. Why is nothing being done?”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“When my wife stepped on the gas to pull into a parking spot,the 4runner just lurched forward into a fence. Luckily no one was in front of the 4runner. The bumper and fence was damaged. She is now very scared to drive the 4runner. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2013
“Upon acceleration, the vehicle hesitates for 2-3 seconds. This happens on starting off, driving down the road, pulling into traffic. I have had it to the dealer 15-20 times and they can't find the cause. They said it had to fail for at least 5 seconds for it to register on the computer module. It never lasts more than 2-3 seconds and, I consider it 'very dangerous'. Dates above are appx. It does it every day. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2010
“2009 4 runner transmission: same as other complaints about slipping and lag time in engaging into gear at low speeds (like when slowing down to make turns or go over speed bumps). Obviously not shifting correctly and is a safety issue when turning across traffic and the vehicle does not respond properly when the accelerator is depressed. Toyota needs to investigate this as it looks like a recurring problem for this year and a safety issue. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2010
“2009 4runner transmission slips (revs to high rpms) while attempting to accelerate after slowing below 15 mph (while making turns or slowing for traffic). This has caused dangerous situations where a significant lag time between depressing the gas pedal and when the transmission engages while making a left hand turn across on coming traffic or when a quick acceleration is needed after slowing. The potential for an accident is high. Toyota should address this situation before someone gets into a serious accident as several other reports of this condition have been reported. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2010
“In a parking lot, while trying to stop and park on reverse, the vehicle kept accelerated on d (drive). I had not change the stick yet to reverse. I was just trying to stop. I had to step on the brakes very hard to control the car and turn off the engine and change the stick to p (parking). The rear right wheel left a mark on the pavement. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2010
“I sat in the rear seat of a 2010 toyota 4runner. I am 6'1". I had clearance above my head. However, the roof is domed only above the seat. When I leaned forward my head contacted the roof. I believe serious head injuries are possible due to the interior design of this vehicle for taller passengers. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2009
“I have a 2001 toyota 4runner. The rear differential leaks oil through pin holes, and from what I have read, mine is not the only one. The car barely has 100,000 miles on it, and the differential should last as long as the car. The risk is that it will run dry, seize, and the rear wheels will lock up causing an accident. This is clearly a defect by toyota reducing the cost of their material the construct the differential housing with. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 4RUNNER by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Toyota 4RUNNER. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2009 Toyota 4RUNNER have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.