2009 Toyota 4runner: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Toyota 4runner? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 22 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2009 Toyota 4runner Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Toyota 4runner trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Toyota 4runner Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Toyota 4runner has 22 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- 4runner
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Toyota 4runner?
The 2009 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Toyota 4runner
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Toyota 4runner, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 22 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner, the data suggests that transmission/drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern, followed by engine and electrical problems. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for nearly half of all reports.
- Engine and electrical issues each represent about 18% of complaints.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively few (4 out of 22).
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2009 Toyota 4runner Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota 4runner. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a driveway, the contact observed a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel violently yanked to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pe…
On 4/8/22, the rear window of our 2009 Toyota 4runner just shattered and fell apart for no reason. We took it to get replaced at Safelite on 4/13/22 and one of their techs asked if we knew what caused the glass to break and we told him we had no idea. We told him it just broke ou…
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 LOC…
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
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. WH…
EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME WITH JEOPARDIZED INTEGRITY AT JOINS CONNECTING BRAKES, FUEL LINES AND SUSPENSIONS SYSTEM.
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 …
DRIVING ALONG A TWO LANE U.S. HIGHWAY AT THE POSTED SPEED, I NOTICED THAT MY FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING FULLY EMPTY, AND THE WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. PUSHING THE ODOMETER TRIP BUTTON, I NOTICED THAT I HAD NOT YET REACHED THE MILEAGE FOR A "NORMAL" FILL UP, WHERE I ROUTINELY GET 2…
I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT/FAST LANE ON A TOLL ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO WAS SPEEDING IN EXCESS OF 55MPH ENTERING THE TOLL ROAD CROSSING AND CUTTING OFF THE OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC RUNNING INTO ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FORCING ME INTO THE CONCRETE WALL/BARRIER HEAD ON. HIS VEHI…
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TURNING, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…
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…
I PURCHASED MY 2009 4RUNNER NEW LAST YEAR. FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT I NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ANY TIME THE VEHICLE SLOWS BELOW 15MPH AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVS TO A HIGH RPM AS IF SEARCHING FOR A GEAR AND DOES NOT ACCELE…
I AM FILING THIS, MY SECOND, COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. MY FIRST COMPLAINT WAS FILED IN FEBRUARY 2010. I COMPLAINED TO MY DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM SINCE RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE 4RUNNER WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN MAY 2009. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING DO…
I AM FILING MY SECOND COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. MY FIRST COMPLAINT WAS FILED IN FEBRUARY 2010. I COMPLAINED TO MY DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM SINCE RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE 4RUNNER WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN MAY 2009. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO T…
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…
MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING A 2009 THAT I BOUGHT HER FOR GRADUATION IN MAY 2010. IN JUNE 2010 SHE AND SOME FRIENDS WERE DRIVING AND A FIRE STARTED IN THE CONSOLE AREA. THERE WERE FLAMES AND SMOKE. THEY STOPPED THE CAR, WENT UP TO SOMEONE'S HOUSE AND GOT WATER TO POUR INTO THE CA…
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…
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, PURCHASED NEW IN NOVEMBER '09. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 1800 MILES ON IT, HOWEVER I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AT ABOUT 400 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTING UP AT ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR. IT DOES NOT DO THIS FROM A COMPLETE STOP, …
I AM FILING THIS CLAIM TO REPORT A POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I BOUGHT MY 2009 4RUNNER NEW IN MAY OF 2009 AND FROM THE FIRST WEEK NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND IT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. IT HAPPENS C…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Toyota 4runner.
2009 Toyota 4runner Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Toyota 4runner. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Toyota 4runner Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 22 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Toyota 4runner?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Toyota 4runner, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 22 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Toyota 4runner. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2009 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Toyota 4runner based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.