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2018 Toyota 4runner Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Toyota 4runner carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering labels and steering. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel vibration at highway speed.” 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #18V753000 · Oct 25, 2018

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

STEERING

Campaign #19V670000 · Sep 20, 2019

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #17V831000 · Dec 20, 2017

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Campaign #17V763000 · Nov 29, 2017

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #20V682000 · Apr 11, 2020

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Toyota 4runner.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel vibration at highway speed

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2021-06

“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AS THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079564
“STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. VEHICLE FEELS UNSTABLE UNTIL IT REACHES APROX 70 MPH. TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY BALANCED THE FRONT WHEELS, BUT ISSUE RETURNS EVERYTIME, 2-3 WEEKS LATER. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139597
“SHORTLY AFTER I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD WOBBLE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER REBALANCING THE TIRES EVERY TIME AND DOING AN ALIGNMENT ONCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373655

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield and sunroof glass cracking or shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2021-05

“MOONROOF GLASS SHATTERED RANDOMLY WHILE WAITING AT THE RED LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11355071
“SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT HOME. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105429
“THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKING WITHOUT THE TEMPERATURES BEING SO HIGH. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT TURNED ON, WHEN WE TURNED ON THE HEAT AND DROVE IT FOR A LITTLE BIT (6 MILES) WE NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING AND WE TURNED OFF THE HEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161974

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal travel to floor

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2024-07

“While attempting to stop vehicle for a traffic light brake pedal suddenly goes almost to the floor. This occurrence is random and unpredictable. No dash lights or messages come on indicating any problem. Brake master cylinder is at the proper level and no signs of leakage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604973
“My mechanic could not find an issue with the brakes at all, yet when I come to a complete stop, the car starts to creep forward sometimes unnoticeable and the brake pedal slowly sinks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519931
“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH SPEEDS VARIED 35-60MPH WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE LOCKED UP, SOMETIMES PULLING TO ONE SIDE, BRAKES THEN WENT TO FLOOR NOT STOPPING VEHICLE REQUIRING ME TO BRAKE AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389041

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure and engine stalling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2025-03

“The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460860
“SINCE DISCOVERING THE RECALL, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND CONTINUED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11378226
“MY 2018 4RUNNER STALLED 12/12 AMIDST MY HAVING MADE A TURN OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND COMMENCING ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. MY SPEED COULDN'T HAVE BEEN IN EXCESS PN 20 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383292

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front differential and transfer case failure

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2024-07

“Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603235
“The front differential in our 2018 Toyota 4Runner failed. This caused damage to one of the front axels of the vehicle. The failure can cause difficulties in turning the vehicle. The failure can lead to catastrophic failure of the axels, leading to the wheels to lock up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11452413

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failed to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2024-03

“My vehicle was in a collision at 55 miles an hour. Hit 3 grown cows in the highway at nighttime. Totaled my vehicle in the airbags, never deployed period Turn off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580036
“HUSBAND FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL GOING 80MPH AND HIT A HUGE EXIT SIGN WHICH HIT THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340505

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

33 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2018 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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