Wrench.Pro

2008 Toyota 4Runner Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Frame and undercarriage corrosion.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Toyota 4Runner.

Reported to NHTSA

Frame and undercarriage corrosion

STRUCTURE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2023-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11235258
“IN MY OWN WORDS, I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4X4 WITH ONLY 27,000 ORIGINAL MILES AND THE CHASSIS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU, WITH HUGE BIG HOLES ON THE CHASSIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958992
“FRAME RUST IS SO PERVASIVE ON MY 2008 4RUNNER THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSES TO MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT I "WALK AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE", CITING FUTURE RUST-RELATED PROBLEMS WITH CALIPER REPLACEMENT AND OTHER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delay and clunk shifting from reverse to drive

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2016-09

“WHEN ENGAGING DRIVE FROM REVERSE THERE IS A DELAY OF 3-5 SECONDS AND A THUMP WHEN IT FINALLY ENGAGES DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND HAS CAUSED SOME SCARES WERE MY WIFE THOUGHT THE CAR ENGAGED DRIVE, PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, CAR DID NOT MOVE AND THEN SUDDENLY CAR JUMPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462539
“2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER CLUNK FELT AND HEARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKES TO GO. AFTER RESEARCHING IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE DRIVESHAFT SLIP JOINT IN THE TOYOTA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10291859
“I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER CHANGING GEARS. FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN I GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE GEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10294181

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front brake caliper and hydraulic failure

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2019-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11190068
“WHEN BRAKING, ANY BUMP OR POTHOLE WILL CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO LOSE BRAKE POWER FOR ABOUT ONE (1) SECOND, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE AT THE SAME SPEED FOR TENS OF FEET FURTHER THAN EXPECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10877014
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE AND MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10358772

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall and belt separation

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2016-04

“WE BOUGHT 4 NEW SUMITOMO TOUR PLUS LXT TIRES FOR OUR 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IN JUNE OF 2013. TWO YEARS AND 50,000 MILES LATER, WE FELT A SEVERE WOBBLE IN THE TIRES AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763988
“BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT 684 11 TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATED AT LOW SPEED, ONLY 1 PERSON IN THE VEHICLE. SIDEWALLS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM RIM TO TREAD ON SAME SIDE DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM EACH OTHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10861098
“I PURCHASED 4 SUMITOMO ALL TERRAIN 110 TIRES ON 3/04/2011. ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 THE DRIVER REAR TIRE EXPLODED CREATING A VISIBLE HOLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10428237

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust odor and manifold cracking

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2019-02

“EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING ON TOYOTA V8 4.7 ENGINE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN AND CAUSING DIZZINESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181062
“MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS A CONSISTENT AMMONIA SMELL THAT LEAKS INTO THE CABIN. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR A MONTH AND HATCH TOYOTA DENIES IT'S A PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10422802
“UNACCEPTABLE, INTOLERABLE BAD SULFUR SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10721928

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate and rear hatch latch failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2020-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAILGATE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904276
“REAR HATCH DOOR LATCH FAILURE. THE HATCH RELEASE HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE HATCH IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969606
“BACK HATCH UNLATCHES ITSELF WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND FLIES OPEN. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, OBSERVED BY SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119416

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during braking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2025-05

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10328962
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. SHE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT SHE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280119
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD FALLEN ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10342698

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2024-08

“ON 6/15/2017, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DID NOT ACTIVATE DURING A FRONTAL, 35 TO 40 MPH COLLISION. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH ON A FOUR-LANE STATE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000111
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611270
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF ENGINE WHICH DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. HIGH SPEED, TURNED OFF ENGINE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP, BUT CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10513512

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 1990–2024

How the 29 occupant deaths break down

22

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

29

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →