Owners have reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints11
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with steering, particularly a vibration or wobble occurring between 50-65 mph, often described as a shaking steering wheel or unstable vehicle behavior. Complaints also mention a clunking noise from the front end and a steering wheel that does not easily return to the center position, requiring constant correction. Some owners note the steering wheel material flaking off, leading to discomfort. These issues are often observed shortly after purchase or around 22,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, especially in windy conditions or at highway speeds, as some owners describe difficulty maintaining lane position.
Owner complaints9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report several issues related to glass components, with multiple complaints about spontaneous shattering of the sunroof and other windows, often without any apparent impact, while the vehicle is both stationary and in motion. These incidents occur at varying mileages and include descriptions of loud noises preceding the shattering. Additionally, there are reports of persistent engine vibrations transmitted through the steering wheel, causing discomfort and numbness, with one owner citing injury after prolonged driving. A fire incident is also reported, where the vehicle caught fire twice, first while parked and then again in an impound lot. These complaints suggest potential safety risks, particularly regarding glass integrity and unexplained vehicle fires.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Multiple complaints describe situations where the vehicle was involved in significant collisions, including impacts with cows, exit signs, and guardrails, yet the airbags did not deploy. These incidents often occur at high speeds, with one report noting a collision at 80 mph. One complaint also mentions an injury resulting from a crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports, as they highlight potential safety implications related to airbag performance in this model.
Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving vehicle stalling while driving, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights such as traction control and check engine. Complaints often occur around 20,000 to 30,500 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention a recall related to the fuel system, with delays in part availability preventing timely repairs. Some owners also describe an abnormal humming sound from the fuel pump when the vehicle is stationary. Safety implications include potential loss of power while driving, but no reports of crashes or fires are noted in the complaints.
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the brake pedal traveling to the floor and a lack of immediate stopping power. Typical symptoms include the brake pedal sinking unexpectedly, requiring drivers to pump the brakes or shift to park to prevent rolling, and the vehicle sometimes pulling to one side or failing to stop promptly. These issues are reported across various mileages, including vehicles with as few as 12 miles and up to 26,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple owners describing scenarios where the vehicle rolls into traffic or requires additional braking attempts to stop, posing a potential risk of collision. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these brake-related complaints and the potential for unresolved safety issues.
Owner complaints3
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues primarily related to the power train, with complaints highlighting unexpected vehicle movement and component failures. One report describes a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly reversed while the driver was exiting, suggesting a potential issue with the brake-shift interlock system. Another owner notes a front differential failure leading to axle damage and potential wheel lock-up, with no prior warning signs, occurring around 30-45 days after a faint grinding noise was first heard. Additionally, a third complaint mentions transmission problems at approximately 24,733 miles, including stalling, dashboard warnings, and metal debris found in the transmission, leading to a recommendation for replacement. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including loss of control and vehicle damage, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the electrical system, including rodent damage to soy-based wiring, sudden loss of power while driving, and malfunctioning door locks. One complaint describes rodents eating the wiring, leading to warning lights and engine shaking, costing over $1000 to repair. Another owner reports a complete loss of power, braking, and steering capabilities while driving, with an emergency brake needed to stop the vehicle. Additionally, some owners experience failures in the electrical locking system, with no prior warning, resulting in costly repairs as the vehicle is out of warranty. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, especially the sudden loss of vehicle control, and may involve significant repair costs, making them important considerations for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints2
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the suspension, specifically noting problems with the front shock springs cracking and snapping, particularly in cold weather. These issues are reported at relatively low mileage, around 25,000 miles, and result in the vehicle being deemed unsafe to drive by dealers. Another owner describes persistent shaking in the front end and steering wheel, which remains unresolved despite multiple service visits. The safety implications include the vehicle being unsafe to drive due to compromised suspension integrity.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the transfer case seals and engine noises in the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. Complaints frequently mention transfer case seal failures around 64,000 miles, leading to oil leaks onto the exhaust, which could pose a fire risk or cause loss of power. Another issue involves a popping noise from the engine, resulting in temporary deceleration and abnormal engine sounds around 47,000 miles, with an airbag warning light activation. These problems suggest potential safety implications, such as fire hazards or loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these issues and consider checking for repairs or recalls related to these symptoms.
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners report issues with rusting seat rails and seat belt attachments on the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. A specific complaint describes a new vehicle with these components exhibiting rust, which a local service center recommends addressing by replacing all seats. However, the regional representatives opt not to replace or treat the rust, asserting that the seat integrity is not yet compromised. This situation suggests potential safety implications, as the rust affects seat belt attachments, though no immediate failures or accidents are reported. Buyers considering this model should be aware of this issue and may want to inspect these components for rust, especially in vehicles with low mileage.
