Is brake pedal travel and hydraulic system fault a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake pedal travel and hydraulic system fault on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2010-09 → 2018-08). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11121273): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD" Source: NHTSA.

Is wheel lug stud failure during tire service a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about wheel lug stud failure during tire service on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2010-08 → 2014-09). Reported component: WHEELS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10350679): "MULTIPLE WHEEL STUD FAILURE DURING ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE OWNERS MANUAL RECOMMENDS 83 FTLBS TORQUE ON THE LUG NUTS. DURING A TIRE ROTATION, THREE WHEEL STUDS FAILED, TWO AT THE RECOMMENDED 83 FTLBS AND ONE AT 75 FTLBS" Source: NHTSA.

Is clear-coat paint peeling recall handling a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about clear-coat paint peeling recall handling on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2022-08 → 2025-03). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11477363): "I own a 2010 Toyota 4Runner VIN # [XXX]. I bought the vehicle late last year and found that the vehicle paint was peeling. I took my 4Runner to the one and only dealer here in Laredo, Texas" Source: NHTSA.

2010 Toyota 4runner Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is frame and undercarriage corrosion a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about frame and undercarriage corrosion on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2014-01 → 2022-09). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11169976): "MY FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. THE UPPER REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF THE FRAME. THE FRAME IN FRONT OF AND AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM IS RUSTING AWAY WITH A LARGE HOLE JUST IN FRONT OF THE BRACKET" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is takata front passenger airbag inflator recall delay a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

89 NHTSA complaints have been filed about takata front passenger airbag inflator recall delay on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2016-05 → 2025-10). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11048534): "TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR ALMOST A YEAR WITHOUT SUCCESS TO HAVE MY RECALLED AIRBAGS REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, KENDALL A TOYOTA OF ANCHORAGE, ALASKA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THEY ARE WAITING ON AN INSTALL KIT" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is unexpected stability/traction control intervention a known issue with the 2010 Toyota 4runner?

13 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected stability/traction control intervention on the 2010 Toyota 4runner (2010-03 → 2019-03). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10315161): "FEBRUARY 22, 2010, MY 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ACCELERATED FIERCELY, MY HEAD WAS SLAMMED INTO THE HEADREST. I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION AT THE CROSSWALK; IF A PERSON HAD BEEN IN THE CROSSWALK I WOULD HAVE KILLED THEM. THE CAR WENT BACK TO NORMAL AS SUDDENLY AS IT ACCELERATED" Source: NHTSA.

The 2010 Toyota 4runner carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 6 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.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V005000 · Sep 1, 2019

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Campaign #16V577000 · Mar 8, 2016

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V024000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V340000 · May 23, 2016

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Campaign #15V515000 · Aug 13, 2015

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #16V396000 · Feb 6, 2016

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V035000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V036000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Toyota 4runner.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Frame and undercarriage corrosion

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2022-09

“MY FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. THE UPPER REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF THE FRAME. THE FRAME IN FRONT OF AND AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM IS RUSTING AWAY WITH A LARGE HOLE JUST IN FRONT OF THE BRACKET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11169976

“The undercarriage of my truck is so rusted, that parts are starting to fail. I can not install new tires on the truck at this point until $3000 of rust-damaged parts are replaced and possible frame replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463313

“Frame is starting to rot despite undercoating. Has several soft spots”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484044

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal travel and hydraulic system fault

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2018-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121273

“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SUDDENLY THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. AT THE SAME TIME, A CONTINUOUS, HIGH PITCHED ALARM SOUND WENT OFF. I CAME TO A FULL STOP AT ANOTHER TRAFFIC STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10631681

“I HAVE BRAKES HYDRAULIC PROBLEM ON MY 2010 4RUNNER, I BROUGHT TO DEALER 3 TIMES IN THE PAST BUT THEY INSISTED THERE WAS NO ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE BRAKE PADDLE WHEN DEPRESSED HAD HISSING SOUND, SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS AIR LEAKS SOMEWHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10489217

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel lug stud failure during tire service

WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2014-09

“MULTIPLE WHEEL STUD FAILURE DURING ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE OWNERS MANUAL RECOMMENDS 83 FTLBS TORQUE ON THE LUG NUTS. DURING A TIRE ROTATION, THREE WHEEL STUDS FAILED, TWO AT THE RECOMMENDED 83 FTLBS AND ONE AT 75 FTLBS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10350679

“I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE 5,000 MILE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. WHILE I WAS THERE TWO OF THE STUDS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. BECAUSE I HAD RECENTLY HAD NEW TIRES ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED THE PLACE WHO PUT THE TIRES ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10497880

“I BROUGHT MY 4RUNNER IN TO A REPUTABLE TIRE STORE FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE TECHNICIAN SNAPPED A LUG STUD. I THEN HAD TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO A SEPARATE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE STUD REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10631060

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clear-coat paint peeling recall handling

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2025-03

“I own a 2010 Toyota 4Runner VIN # [XXX]. I bought the vehicle late last year and found that the vehicle paint was peeling. I took my 4Runner to the one and only dealer here in Laredo, Texas”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477363

“I was told the paint on my 4 runner was recalled, but because it was a salvage title they where very rude and told me sorry but they can't fix it. I was so upset because when you spend 40,000. on a vehicle and something recalls it shouldn't matter if its a salvage title or not”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578355

“Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally file a complaint against Toyota regarding their failure to notify me of a recall related to the clear coat peeling from my vehicle’s paint. I was never informed of this issue through a recall notice, nor did it appear in my vehicle’s history”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649198

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata front passenger airbag inflator recall delay

AIR BAGS

89 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-10

“TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR ALMOST A YEAR WITHOUT SUCCESS TO HAVE MY RECALLED AIRBAGS REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, KENDALL A TOYOTA OF ANCHORAGE, ALASKA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY THEY ARE WAITING ON AN INSTALL KIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048534

“TAKATA INFLATOR - IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE MY VEHICLE AIRBAG WAS RECALLED AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER. TOYOTA CANNOT PROVIDE A TIME FRAME FOR WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AND WILL ONLY PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE IF I LEAVE MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10934769

“My 4Runner was involved in a collision where the airbags did not deploy, and I was knocked unconscious from hitting the steering wheel. The vehicle now shows an SRS fault code and is subject to an open Takata airbag recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected stability/traction control intervention

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2019-03

“FEBRUARY 22, 2010, MY 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ACCELERATED FIERCELY, MY HEAD WAS SLAMMED INTO THE HEADREST. I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION AT THE CROSSWALK; IF A PERSON HAD BEEN IN THE CROSSWALK I WOULD HAVE KILLED THEM. THE CAR WENT BACK TO NORMAL AS SUDDENLY AS IT ACCELERATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10315161

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10346822

“VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND SUDDENLY REVS ITSELF BOTH FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO REV ITSELF AROUND 3000 RPM THEN WHEN I START TO TRAVEL UPHILL IT WILL DOWN SHIFT TO ABOUT 1500 RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10871126

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)

12 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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.

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