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Toyota 4Runner problems?

pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
edited March 2014 in Toyota
We've had several topics lately on various 4Runner
problems. Let's get all of our conversation about
this vehicle in one place.
Tagged:
«1345

Comments

  • pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
    A few problems have already been discussed and resolved (or dropped) in:

    4Runner Mileage and

    97 Toyota 4Runner stalling problem.

    There is one outstanding problem from one other topic that I will repost:

    "#0 of 0: 4-Runner engine problems (junta) Mon 22 May '00 (10:18 AM)

    I hope someone can help me. I have a 95 Toyota
    4-Runner (93k miles) and it has been great up
    until Jan 2000.

    It started w/ the coolant burning really fast,
    then the truck over-heated. Was told it was the
    head gasgets. Got them replaced. Ever since that
    the truck has not been the same. Problems consist
    of check engine light on, runs very ruff, idles
    ruff, and sometimes when at a stop light the truck
    completely shuts off. After about 6 visits to the
    repair shop (local mechanic and Toyota) they
    finally believe they fixed it. After fixing so
    much in the engine (including replacing head
    gasgets) they said there were major problems w/
    the valves. Running a lot better now. Rumors of
    re-call on gasget, but not confirmed yet.

    Has anyone experienced similar troubles. Believe
    it or not seriously considering trading it in and
    getting the new 4-Runner since its bigger and dual
    air bags. How is it?

    I really love Toyota's (even though experiencing
    these last problems)."

    Can anyone offer some assistance to junta?

    Pat
    Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
  • jamesbass1jamesbass1 Member Posts: 75
    I own a 1995 Toyota 4Runner,V6,2WD w/188,000mi. This vehicle has been great but recently developed A/C problems. The A/C gradually stops blowing cold and acts as if it's "freezing" up. Someone mentioned to me it may be the expansion valve. Has anyone else had this problem and/or has any knowledge of 4Runner A/C? Also, can anyone give me the scoop about Toyota's "maxi" maintenance service? Are there any options to this $500.00 service?
  • 25042504 Member Posts: 1
    Toyota did recall 90 to 95 model years for leaking head gaskets which caused in some cases engine damage. My 1990 4 runner was recalled a little over a year ago with 157K miles. Although I had no problems with it,the head gaskets were replaced FREE OF CHARGE. I would suspect when the engine over heated it damaged other related parts,such as emission sensors or fuel components. I would suggest taking to your local Toyota dealer for a evaluation. This recall was mandated by government and Toyota must be responsible for all consequences.
  • shef2shef2 Member Posts: 1
    When the fuel light comes on in my 2000 4Runner, it will only allow 12-13 gallons to be put in vs 16 gal.on our Camry (both have 18.5 gal.capacity).
    As a result, I am having to visit the gas pump frequently. Both fuel gauge and tank have been replaced with no change. Has anyone else had this problem and if so how was it resolved? Is this a design flaw?
  • gene_himilagegene_himilage Member Posts: 3
    I have a 97 4 RUNNER with OVER 100,000 MILES.
    but haven't heard of a head gasket recall.

    I did have stalling problems around 90k. Toyota replaced the fuel control mixture/sensor--don't know the exact name for it...It is mounted on the outside of the intake close to the butterfly valve intake port. Fixed the probelm.

    My engine light was on and but this was due to an emission sensor on the exhaust system. There are two. Each one seems to go when you reach
    the 85k to 95k range. Cost me $300 each to replace.
  • juggyjuggy Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 highlander and I'm having the same problem with the fuel gauge. initially, the gauge never read totally full. toyota replaced that gauge and this one reads empty at 12-13 gallons. have you found a solutions yet?
  • ddyyyddyyy Member Posts: 2
    i have a 2000 SR5 4weel drive, i found an apparent vibration and noise happened when driving at 1.6k revolution/s and 50 mile/hour for all wheel drive on. Is there any people out there who had the same problem ? I am gonna take my truck to dealer to check.
  • catinocatino Member Posts: 1
    I have this problem I can not understand and I woundered if anybody else has the same problem.
    4Runner Limited 3-in-1 Stereo, the indash CD player skips when it feels like it. On the bumpest road no problem but on a smooth road (as smooth as expected) out of the blue it skips. Had it replaced @ about 1500 miles with another factory 3-in-1 Indash and the same thing. I have travel about 4500 miles and I can say it skips everyday at lest 2 or 3 times.
    Is it me?
    Do I have an option?
    Do go for an after market?
  • rbell2rbell2 Member Posts: 180
    I own a '00 SR-5 4Runner. I too have the gas gauge problem and show almost empty with about 5 gallons remaining. This was not the case on my '91 4Runner. I have chosen to do nothing about this and am utilizing my trip odometer as my gas gauge. Another repeatable feature I have with this SUV is it consistently gets 19.5-20 mpg to work and 22.5-23 mpg on the road. With the power of this V-6 coming with this great of gas mileage - I'll just calculate when I need gas. By the way, if I finally hear that Toyota has a true solution for this minor problem - I'll go get mine fixed also.
    Love the 4Runner . . . .
  • toyotaowner2toyotaowner2 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 95 4-Runner with 61,000 miles (bought it with 40,000 miles) and have not had any problems. I read in a post that Toyota recalled these SUVs to replace the head gaskets. Since I am not having any problems - would it be best to leave it alone or go ahead and get the head gasket changed? I don't want them to open it up and in the long run, create problems I don't have.
  • covocovo Member Posts: 8
    I was made aware today of a problem in which Toyota admits to havning a problem with the gas guage showing incorrect amounts in the tank.. At 30 miles on the odometer I have 3/4 tank of gas..Great gas mileage, eyh? Toyota has advised me that is is going to take 2-4 weeks to get engineering to fix the problem, and the only alternative they are giving me is to drive it as is. Is this customer service? Absolutely not, there needs to be more done, could the lemon law be invoked here to protect my rights, seems as though this has been an ongoing problem with Toyota on this.

    Thanks,
  • pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
    In our Smart Shopper conference, this topic:

    LEMON LAWS: A Link To Most State Laws

    has several links you might like to check out.

    Pat
    Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
  • covocovo Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the help Pat, nothing like having a new broken car.
  • dougkincaiddougkincaid Member Posts: 1
    have 94 4 runner sr5. took in for work at 118k miles. dealer said recall was on for gaskets and that shud do it or any damage from that point would be my cost etc. had work performed. began to use excessive oil. complained, they monitered usage and found that 1 qt per 1000 mi was within factory specs for that mileage. after 15 k mi. truck gradually began to run poorly and finally engine lite came on. check revealed burnt valve on # 3. had third party mechanic do valve job on both heads. truck still uses oil, tho no smoke or fouled plugs or tailpipe.
    i quess the lesson is dont mess with old engine if is dosent need it. most mech. i have since talked to will tell you that swapping out head gaskets on an older engine is asking for trouble. which is all that i have had since getting the FREE recall done. the truck had only a replaced powersteering pumb enginewise. ran like a top. once the dealer dose the head gasket job they are done with the vehicle and you are on your own.
    this is the second 4 runner i have owned. the first being a 90. they are great trucks but UNDERPOWERED. i got the 94 with a stick which gave it a bit more kick . the new ones have a slite bit more horse but not that makes that much difference on the one i test drove.
    i would buy another tomorrow if the had a v8.
    i think that toys are super trucks but thru out the line underpowered. and i think that is why they tend the be weak on the engine side. a more sedentary driver might get 150k and still have a sound engine. but living in the mountians and having put lots of hiway and byway miles on my two, they seem to have worn sooner then expected for a make with a huge reputation for longevity. my advice would be dont fix it if it aint broke. and as to the threat that you will have to shoulder the cost if it goes south on you if you fail to get the work done. your gonna pay either way.
  • mstullmstull Member Posts: 1
    I have just bought a 2000 SR5 4 Runner, it has approximately 1800 miles on it...When I get to speeds past 70 m.p.h. I notice a vibration that causes the hood of the vehicle to jar up in down somewhat as I am riding down the interstate...I have taken the truck back to the dealership on two occasions to have the tires balanced, on the second attempt, it did come back better, but still puzzles me why the road and steering vibration on a new vehicle...the service rep. said it is normal,,,but I own a 1992 xtracab 4x4 Toyota and never have had this problem....Can anyone help me?
  • pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
    Does the dealership have any others on the lot? If so, get the service rep to let you drive another one under similar circumstances and have him come with you. That will tell you whether this is "normal" or not.

    Pat
    Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
  • wldlif8wldlif8 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1991 4Runner w/146k miles & hasn't really ran the same since the dealer requested to do the 2nd replacement as they stated was required. The first time was not so bad, but the 2nd go around I did not want to do, but was told it was a different recall on the same gasket. What I'm saying is if it ain't broke don't fix, if you can get out of it with some kind of an agreement with the dealer on leaving it alone until it shows signs of a problem, there are a few good ones out there that probably would do this.
    It's really sad to really like this type of truck, get 23 mpg on highway, and have to put up with a problem that was not there when it went into the shop.
    I have a pretty good gas gage though, 2 gal left when light comes on.
  • cagal1cagal1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a '00 4runner being shipped to Seoul, Korea. Is there a service center there? Are there any known problems with the 2000 other than the fuel gauge problem I read about on Edmunds.com? Has there been a fix yet? Do ALL the 4runners have this problem? Please advise. I am concerned about dealing with problems overseas.
  • covocovo Member Posts: 8
    Can't tell you about a Seoul S.K service center, but I can tell you Toyota is not giving much service in the states, that goes for Toyota or their dealers taking responsibility. Seems the gas guage is an ongoing problem, I have found posts of similiar problems back to 12/99 on 4runners. Toyota hasn't spoken up about it, cause they can't really find a fix out for it..There is a problem, and it ain't just the driver or fuel needle, how in the hell does a 4runner burn as much gas as an Ford Excursion? It shouldn't, and they need to come up with a good date for a fix, which I doubt will happen, so I am invoking my rights to try out the lemon law, my dealer tried to worm out of the whole deal together with Toyota, cause they knew it was a problem and never said a word, and I have it confirmed..Know I can see why Toyota's logo is "Oh What A FEELING"
  • dharmabumdharmabum Member Posts: 20
    Covo, I can't understand how you can say that you are getting the same mileage as an excursion. Regardless of what you gas needle does, the way to determine mileage is amount of gallons put into the vehicle versus the number of miles you have driven on the odometer since last fill up. What the gas needle shows isn't how you determine your mpg (accurately anyway). I understand your
    problem/frustration with the inaccuracy of the gauge but still when you fill up from what I understand you are thinking you have less gas than you actually do. But, this still doesn't mean you are getting less gas mileage, just that your gauge isn't registering the remaining fuel in your tank
    accurately.
  • toyotaowner2toyotaowner2 Member Posts: 5
    I am going to take your advice and not have my head gasket replaced under the recall. I have not had any problems on my 95 4Runner - 6 cylinder (61K) and don't want to start with the problems I have heard.
  • gigabyte1gigabyte1 Member Posts: 1
    I just got my manual Toyota higlander. I am finding it hard to start. I depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. And still takes me 4-5 times getting it started. I am always using the clutch start cancel switch.

    Does anyone have similar problem
  • covocovo Member Posts: 8
    I did the testing you are describing, and believe me I can't believe it either, I did not use the needle to determine the level. I took the easiest way I could drive the car, no punching it, air off, power everything off, and then I filled it to the rim, drove it X number of miles, then took the number of miles I drove via odometer and divided it with the amount of gallons I added back in and came up with 11-13 miles per gallon in the city, I'll have to admit I do get 13-15 on the highway.

    To update, Toyota has admitted there is a problem, but they have refused to give me a rental car while it is being fixed, in which now my 4 week old car has been in the shop for 3 weeks now. Toyota promised me the dealership would call, they didn't..When the refused to negotiate, they told me they'd get the regional people involved outa Deerfield beach..They had three days to do that from last Saturday, still to this day they have NOT picked up the phone to ever call and tell me what they are going to do for me, seems to me at this point NOTHING...

    This is the stupidest thing I have ever done, and I am very very dissapointed at Toyota and their attitude, and I can tell you they have lost a good customer, as well as most of my friends and colleagues who will never buy a Toyota because of this...

    Bottom line, I am letting my attorney handle this to get out of this thing what I can at this point and chalk it up to a learning experience..

    What a shame..
  • dharmabumdharmabum Member Posts: 20
    That is a shame. I get 20 mixed driving in the summer with 10W-30 and 22 in the winter with 5W30. I do have a 2 wheel drive (live in South Texas where you might need 4WD once in 4-5 years). My 4runner has been flawless in 8 months with 13,000 miles. Sorry to hear you're having problems and hope it all works out.
  • scalagiasscalagias Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1994 4 Runner (V6) with 100,000 miles. From the get-go, it's always used ~1 quart every 2500 miles. Now it using 2 quarts every 2500 miles and there are no visible symptoms whatsoever. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
  • cardnycardny Member Posts: 1
    Hi,
    I have a 2000 sr5 that seems to have a rattle/ noise in front end, its sounds likes it right in the dash like something is rolling around in there. It happens when I hit bumps.. I've had it in for service a few times, and I continue to get it a normal rattle.. Any help out there?? thanks..
  • fboone1fboone1 Member Posts: 1
    After it's washed, backed into the garage and sits
    for 3 or 4 days it will turn over but not start. It's been towed to the dealership twice but there are no error codes. Any ideas???
  • nmanchesternmanchester Member Posts: 1
    i recently purchased a 00 sr5 4wd 4runner... i'm totally happy about the truck (except for the annoying gas guage problem), except that my sunroof makes a rattle whenever it's open. it sounds like it may be off its track when it's open...

    is this normal? does anyone else know what i'm talking about?

    the dealer said it's normal in 4runners, and the only way to fix it is to buy myself a sun-roof visor. this sounds ridiculous to me. a friend of mine owns a 99, and doesn't have this problem.

    any help?
    thanks.
  • henmobilehenmobile Member Posts: 13
    2000 4WD SR5 automatic. Has anyone experienced a "kick" at around 12-14 mph and 40 mph when accelerating? Is there a fix?
  • theasliptheaslip Member Posts: 4
    I own a brand-new 2000 Limited - No Sunroof rattles at all (although my CD player skips like crazy!)
  • theasliptheaslip Member Posts: 4
    Can anyone tell me if you have upgraded audio or added a nav system to a 2000 4Runner. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks! heaslip@mediaone.net
  • tex6tex6 Member Posts: 96
    nmanchester - someone posted this problem earlier(about 1-2 months ago) and found the problem was that it was not closed all the way. Make sure it is closed all the way.

    theaslip - try this forum for answer http://forums.vmag.com/suv4runner0600/
  • rededgerededge Member Posts: 1
    I too am experiencing the same problem... I've had my 2000 4WD SR5/auto. for less than one week... I've noticed it when I have the accelerator pushed harder (not necessarily flooring it) it tends to jump...

    I probably call the dealer and see what they say.
  • bythebookbythebook Member Posts: 1
    I am considering purchasing a used '97 SR-5 4 Runner, 2WD, V6. Does anyone have knowledge of general mechanical or accessory problems that have plagued this model.

    I have heard of high-speed vibration apparently caused by the lack of sufficient grease in the driveshaft assembly, as well as, head gasket replacement issues.

    All advice/information is greatly appreciated!!
  • paulac1paulac1 Member Posts: 6
    Believe it or not, I heard someone repeat this exact problem to the Car Talk guys on National Public Radio a few months ago. Their response was as follows: When you wash the car and put it in the garage, moisture build-up somewhere in the vehicle (I can't remember where) keeps it from starting. They recommended that you let the vehicle sit outside overnight after you wash it. It just so happens that the person who called into their show had the same problem, towed the vehicle to the dealer twice, and each time, it cranked at the dealership. Explanation: During the tow, the wind dried it out and it cranked just fine. This may not be it, but its worth a try.
  • henmobilehenmobile Member Posts: 13
    While I'm not happy that either one of us has this problem, at least I know that I'm not crazy -- its exactly as you described. Please let us know what your dealer says and I'll do the same. On an initial test drive, my dealer said he couldn't feel the hesitation and nothing was done.
  • jdavolt1jdavolt1 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 00 4 Runner Highlander. I'm wanting information on the supercharger that Toyota makes for these vehicles. Are the engine Transmission and torque converter really made to stand up to this much power for any length of time?
  • pat455pat455 Member Posts: 603
    Have you been over to our SUV conference? There are lots of 4Runner topics over there where folks are discussing owning and purchasing this vehicle.

    One of those topics may be a better place to ask your question. An easy way to find them is to use the Topic Search feature on the left side of this page for 4Runner.

    Good luck.

    Pat
    Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
  • jstubbs24jstubbs24 Member Posts: 1
    I too had a front end noise that sounded like it was coming out of the dashboard of my 94 Toyota 4Runner. I found out that it only occured on bumps. What I eventually discovered is that it was my brake pedal vibrating with the bumps. It only moves a little with the free-play but enough to drive me CRAZY. I got under the dash without taking anything off, loosened the nut holding the brake-light switch tight, screwed the switch tighter, and re-tightened the nut. That was all I needed... and now I truly LOVE my 4Runner. I hope this helps. You may also check your alarm system components, or other pedal's free-play and tighten them. Good Luck.
  • covocovo Member Posts: 8
    To give an update on the 2000 Toyota 4 runner fuel gauge issue:

    After invoking the lemon law on Toyota on my fuel guage and getting the NHSTA and Ga. Office of Consumer Affairs involved, Toyota has asked that I bring in my 4 runner so that they will fix the problem or give me a refund for my car.

    A recap of the problem:

    I fill up my 4 runner full of fuel, can only get 15.6 gallons in the tank, and after I drive 30 miles my tank gauge is sitting on 3/4 full, after 60 miles, I have 1/2 tank. I can only get about 200 miles out of a tank of gas.

    Problem: Still not really clear, not getting much info from Toyota, but from what I hear, the fuel tank has 3 gallons of air pockets in the tank which make it only able to hold 15.6 gallons of gas instead of 18.5 advertised. Also, I only get about 11-13 mpg at best, problem could be related, but maybe not. Toyota originally kept giving me the run around that they would take 4-6 weeks to originally fix the problem, but I found cases of this happening since December 1999 in 2000 4Runners.

    Truck has been at dealership more than 30+ days, allowing me lemon law privledges. I invoked last week, they notified me on Wednesday to bring in the truck August 15, they have 14 days in which to fix or refund my money. They can't give me another 4 runner cause they the new ones are still not fixed. Time will tell if they really have or fix, or are just stalling for more time, but time is running out.

    I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome.
  • ddyyyddyyy Member Posts: 2
    My 2000 SR5 4weel drive 4runner has a kind abnormal vibration and noise when driving at 1.7 k revolutions/m and around 51 mph. From above posts, it looks like this could be a common problem for 2000 4runner,This really make me feel bad toward Toyota. Urge every owner to check this. You need to drive on a well paved road, and turn off your radio. Try it when 4wheel drive on and off. This way I believe many will find this problem.
  • jonnytightjonnytight Member Posts: 15
    i have a 99 toy 4runner sr5 and the suv takes up too much gas! i get around 12 - 13 mpg. is there anything i can do to fix this? are there parts to service? or is it the timimg? the car has only 15k miles. what should i do
  • rich1998rich1998 Member Posts: 1
    I have been reading about the 4runner problems, it appears that the fuel gauge seems to annoy many, why I don't know. I have a 1998 sr5 v6 with 16' tires and locker (4.30 gears). I wanted this combo for its high gearing (which makes for less milage) and have averaged between 12.6 and 26.7 miles per gallon. the high was on a highway (mass pike) with speed control, on doing 60 miles per hour in calm weather. the worst in boston rush hour traffic.
    it appears that gas milage is dependant on driver,road conditions and the way the truck was broken in. I also use mobil 0-30w all year long, it is a synthetic oil.
    stop whining about milage with this type of truck and all the things it can do.
    stop complaining about the fuel gauge, learn how to drive and keep in mind your average fuel use, its better to fill the tank at 13-14 gals than to wait until 17-18 gals. think of the sludge you drag through the fuel lines.
    the truck is great, as powerful as any other truck on the market and the most reliable around.
    try to enjoy it for a change.
  • sinclair96sinclair96 Member Posts: 1
    i have a new toyota 4 runner sr5. sometimes when i brake, particularly when coming down a very steep incline, the entire car starts to shake (sometimes violently), similar to the feel when tires are not balanced. has anyone experienced a similar problem and if so, do you know what the correction is?
  • 98lmtowner98lmtowner Member Posts: 1
    I've had the same problem with my '98 Limited. The damn thing would vibrate under 50 mph in the seats & over 50 in the steering wheel. My dealership finally replaced the tires (Goodyears) to Michelin's. Still vibrations. They also changed the camber & castor radius (or something like that), still same. They purchased a new tire balancer that is state of the art. It balances the wheel & tire & finds the slightest imperfections.
    That worked! After 6 mo's of having my teeth rattled! So look for someone that has the "New" balancer to fix the problem. I was hoping they would have this corrected by the time I planned on leasing a 2000.
  • rjmsedrjmsed Member Posts: 1
    I have a toyo 4runner sr5,and went camping this week in upstate NY. With all the big hills around I noticed the same thing with my truck and when applying the brake the vehicle starts to shake?????? What's up with that? I thought maybe it was from the heat from applying the brakes often but also noticed that the truck does it slightly when on normal road.
  • daffy666daffy666 Member Posts: 1
    I bought my 4runner limited in December 1999; I am
    also experiencing the fuel problem. It seems that
    the low gas light goes on and when I fill up it
    only holds about 13 gallons. Well since I got my
    truck I took it up to Canada 3 times and it seem
    that when the gas pump cuts off the tank is not
    full on several occasion I was able to put about 7
    dollars more into the tank and then I got about 300
    miles to the tank.
  • trey5trey5 Member Posts: 1
    We purchased a 4runner a few months ago, Dives wonderfully, but I am surprised at the little problems it came with.I am not sure if it is normal for the engine to turn over for a second or two before starting.The dealer says that is normal. Also, anyone else notice a gap on the passenger side rear hatch door?
    Thanks everyone, Trey
  • grymegryme Member Posts: 1
    Hi all...my 92 v6 4 runner(SR5) with 48000 miles on it started making a bit of noise recently. It sounds alot like some kind of top end/ valve/ cam noise. Not quite a knock, but a loud clacking. It seems to get a bit louder as it gets warmer. It also seems to have a bit too much noise on a cold startup, waiting for oil pressure etc to come up. The engine has been very well maintained (I thought!) and doesn't leak etc. Are these engines prone to top end or cam troubles?

    Anyone know 4 sure?

    Thanks in advance,

    Ray
  • pancho1965pancho1965 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 95 4runner 2wdr it has about 70,000 miles on it its in good shape. So I thought, I was driving down the freeway the other day, going about 70mph and it started to smoke and blow oil out the back. I turned it off and parked it. I checked it out and the block ended being cracked right by the oil filter. Does any one know any thing about this or why it would happen or if there is a recall on this year.
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