Owners have reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report several issues, with frequent mentions of malfunctioning backup cameras and Bluetooth connectivity problems. The backup camera often displays a frozen or blank image, which one owner notes increases the risk of a crash. Bluetooth connectivity issues are described as producing robotic and static sounds, rendering it unusable for calls. Additionally, two separate complaints describe sunroofs that spontaneously shatter, with one incident almost leading to a crash. Some owners report fragile windshields that crack easily, and one complaint highlights a potential health hazard due to the windshield defrost system only using external air, causing respiratory distress in one case. These issues are reported at varying mileage, with some occurring under 12,000 miles.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, including problems with the instrument cluster, radio, and vehicle starting. Complaints frequently mention the instrument cluster going blank and the radio volume adjusting independently. Multiple owners describe starting issues, where the vehicle either fails to start or stalls unexpectedly, with some reporting abnormal noises or warning lights. Two cases involve rodent damage to soy-based wiring, leading to operational issues. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a fire following stalling and smoke from the hood. These issues appear across varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 15,000 miles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints8
STEERING
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with steering, particularly a shaking or wobbling of the steering wheel at speeds typically between 50-70 mph. Complaints often describe the problem persisting despite repeated attempts to balance and rotate tires, check alignments, and maintain correct tire pressure. This issue appears across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing it as early as 15,000 miles and others around 50,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash with an injury due to loss of steering control, indicating potential safety implications. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these steering concerns, especially at highway speeds.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to a delayed response when depressing the accelerator, particularly when attempting to overtake at speeds of 50-55 MPH. This symptom is often linked to the fuel pump, with one owner noting a 15-second delay in vehicle response despite no warning lights. Many complaints also highlight an ongoing recall for the fuel system, with parts unavailable for an extended period, leaving some owners feeling unsafe. The reported issues often occur at relatively low mileages, around 2,200 to 10,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of motive power and jerking during driving, though no crashes or fires are mentioned in the complaints.
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the airbag system, particularly non-deployment during crashes and airbag warning lights. Three complaints involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, despite significant vehicle damage, resulting in one reported injury. Another complaint describes a persistent airbag warning light due to a sensor failure, with a repair cost burden for the owner. These issues are reported across various mileages, from 20,000 to over 95,000 miles. The pattern of airbag non-deployment in collisions and warning light activations suggests potential safety implications for used car buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, specifically mentioning a recall that lacks a timely resolution. Complaints describe symptoms such as potential random fuel pump failures that could lead to the vehicle stalling, particularly at high speeds, which poses a risk of losing control. These issues are reported even in vehicles with low mileage, some with less than 5,000 miles. Multiple owners express frustration over the absence of a remedy and the lack of clear communication from Toyota regarding the timeline for repairs. Safety implications are evident, as the possibility of the vehicle shutting off while driving is a recurring concern among owners.
Owner complaints4
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to suspension components, particularly involving rust and abnormal noises. Complaints often describe rusted shock absorber brackets and premature wear and corrosion of springs and shocks, with some owners noting these issues around 31,500 to 48,000 miles. Audible noises, such as a hollow 'thunk' from the TRD Pro tuned Fox shocks, are also commonly mentioned, especially at low speeds and in cooler temperatures. While one report describes a near crash due to a jerking motion when turning, no actual accidents are noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential suspension component deterioration and associated costs, as some repairs are not undertaken due to expense.
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the transmission. Common symptoms include a complete transmission failure at around 84,000 miles, unusual vibrations when shifting from first to second gear, and grinding or groaning noises when transitioning between reverse and drive, especially on inclines. These noises are noted from the vehicle's first use and are reported to persist. Some owners express concern about potential internal damage to the transmission, with one owner noting a similar complaint from another customer at the same dealership. Safety implications mentioned include the potential for losing control if the transmission fails, though no crashes or injuries are reported.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report several issues related to the service brakes. Complaints frequently mention warning lights, including the ABS and traction control lights, activating without apparent cause. Another common issue is the brake pedal requiring full depression to the floor before the vehicle begins to stop, indicating potential brake responsiveness concerns. Additionally, multiple owners describe a recurring squeaking noise, likened to metal rubbing against metal, when releasing the brakes, especially noticeable after the vehicle has been parked for extended periods. These issues are reported at low mileage, around 4,000 miles, with no direct mention of crashes or loss of control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these owner-reported brake system concerns.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the 2019 Toyota 4Runner's engine, including a situation where the vehicle unexpectedly stops responding to the accelerator while driving, as if stuck in neutral. This problem occurs without prior warning, leaving the driver unable to move the vehicle for a short period before normal function resumes. Another complaint involves the check engine light illuminating, linked to a recall for the fuel system, with the issue arising around 14,649 miles. These symptoms suggest potential safety concerns, such as sudden loss of vehicle movement, which could be hazardous in high-speed traffic situations.
