2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 96 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2008 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
Structural Problems
Considering a 2008 Toyota 4runner?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 16 | 4 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 96 most recent complaints
DIAGNOSIS FOUND TRANS FLUID WICKING UP HARNESS TO ENGINE ECM CONTAMINATING HARNESS AND ECU GIVEN FALSE/ABNORMAL READINGS AT ECM. EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NECESSARY W/ INTERNAL TRANS WIRE REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT & ENGINE ECU REPLACEMENT. OTHER CLEANING MAY BE NECESSARY OR…
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stat…
On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airba…
Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota …
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehic…
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, he was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact stated that her son, an independent mechanic, later determined t…
I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt b…
Lots of rust on frame and body. This is certainly an excessive amount. Many other owners of the 4runner between 2003-2009 are experiencing the same problem.
VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE …
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE
ENTIRE UNDERBODY OF CAR IS RUSTING OUT, TAIL GATE ALREADY HAD 2 BODY REPAIRS BUT KEEPS RUSTING OUT. MANY PARTS AT JUST 150K WERE ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE RUST- MOST SUSPENSION PARTS, TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES, EXHAUST , SKID PLATES ALL FAILED. BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED 4 TIMES…
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IS RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR
FRAME RUST. I HAVE SEEN THE RECALLS ON OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES OF THE ERA DUE TO PREMATURE FRAME RUST. I KNOW THAT THE 4RUNNER SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST AS WELL. IT'S RARE TO SEE A 4RUNNER WITH NO FRAME RUST. THE FRAME RUSTS BEFORE ANY OTHER PART OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE TOP CONTROL ARM POST WAS MELTED. ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A …
VEHICLE'S FRAME IS VERY CORRODED OVERALL AND IT HAS MORE THAN 15 INCH LONG HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER FRONT FRAME RAIL. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 90,000 MILES AND IT IS OVERALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED ONE HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS…
I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ON MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WHERE OVER TIME, THE CALIPERS WILL SEIZE UP AND STICK ON. THE ONLY WAY TO TELL THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IS EITHER BY TOUCH, SMELL, OR FEEL. TOUCH, BECAUSE THE ROTORS GET TO BE OVER …
I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. THE RUST IS APPARENT IN MANY PLACES ALONG THE FRAME, INCLUDING PARTS THAT ARE INTEGRAL TO THE CHASSIS, SUCH AS THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAVE READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL …
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING ON TOYOTA V8 4.7 ENGINE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN AND CAUSING DIZZINESS. WHEN DOING MY RESEARCH IVE SEEN PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS ISSUE KNOWN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE 4.7 ENGINE THAT IS USED IN A NUMBER OF THERE MODELS FROM LEXUS TO THE TUNDRA P…
TAMARA RECALL PREV OWNED VEH, BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP AS "SAFE" TO OPERATE,110,000 MI ON 11072016. PREV OWNER AND CURRENT OWNER HAD VE HAD VEH SERVICED REGULARLY. UNDERCARRIAGE AND BRAKING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION ON HWY. REAR DOOR NOT ABLE TO OPEN, MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE. MAINT …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2008 Toyota 4runner
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota 4runner. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2008 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2008 Toyota 4runner has 96 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (27 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (27 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (16 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2008 Toyota 4runner has 10 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 96 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2008 Toyota 4runner has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota 4runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2008 Toyota 4runner
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.