About average for the 4Runner
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical 4Runner year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (24, 31% of complaints), followed by the fuel system and the air bags. That ranks 4th of 13 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 7 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2014 Toyota 4Runner before you buy.
Electrical system
24 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The horn stopped functioning. This is a safety hazard because i am not able to alert other drivers. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Toyota Dealer. No codes and no lights were displayed.Fearing for my family's safety, I paid for the repairs.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Sometimes back-up cameras doesn't turn on while shifted in reverse. I have to shut engine and lift rear gate and close then it works again sometimes. When I am busy I just have to back up without the camera. That could leave drivers at increased risk of a crash when they back up without checking their surroundings.Owner complaint, filed 2021
Fuel system
10 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I notice my gas wasn't lasting long. One day I was pumping gas and noticed that underneath my 4-runner gas was pouring out from the top of my fuel tank. Took it to the dealership and they repaired the charcoal canister, canister assembly and purge valve assembly. Cost me $953.48 with parts and labor. Very dangerous due to it could have…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Received notification about a recall regarding fuel pump. Contacted centennial toyota 6551 centennial center blvd. Las vegas 89149 on monday august 10, 2020 and was advised that they needed to order parts and that they would contact me for scheduling an appointment. Three weeks later on august 31, 2020 I called centennial and requested…Owner complaint, filed 2020
Air bags
8 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I had a collision and rear ended a truck. My front left bumper was completely damaged. My chest hit the steering wheel. My airbags did not deploy.Owner complaint, filed 2025
"takata recall" over 6 weeks waiting for parts or ability for dealer to repair. Completely [VIN] time for safety issue on a car I use daily.Owner complaint, filed 2019
Body, doors and structure
8 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Body (7).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Greatly reduced safety in frontal impact during an accident due to corroded frame components caused by factory installed foam pieces that retain rain water. This problem has been noticed, personally by me, on multiple toyota 4runners of model years 2014-2016 so far. The corrosion damage on my vehicle makes me feel unsafe while driving to…Owner complaint, filed 2020
Vehicle has excessive rust on the front frame cross member below the radiator. The excessive rust is also found by the front tow hooks which could affect the overall functionality of the front tow hooks. The rust appears to be flaking off and bubbling. Vehicle is kept in an enclosed car canopy.Owner complaint, filed 2020
Steering
7 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The steering became almost unresponsive and I could not turn the steering wheel while driving. I brought it to a repair shop and they said the intermediate steering shaft and u-joints were rotted out and rusted to where it seized up. The vehicle only has 55k miles on it and I don’t live by the ocean. The parts were repaired by a shop and…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Vehicle handles poorly,worse above 55 MPH,raining,or windy. Vehicle wanders and requires constant course corrections to stay in lane. Tires are feathering on outside edges and are [VIN] worn out at under 10,000 miles. According to toyota everything is perfect.Owner complaint, filed 2014
Engine and cooling
6 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am reporting what I believe is a design defect involving the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) System on my 2014 Toyota 4Runner. My vehicle illuminated the Check Engine Light and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code P2440 (Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open). During my inspection, I found that the factory-installed foam…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My exhaust pipe rusted apart after the muffler causing the hot exhaust to expel upward and melt a rubber grommet on the floor. Then it proceeded to shoot into cargo area, melting the carpet backing and Styrofoam pad and insulation under the cargo area carpeting. This happened on an 11 hour road trip with the cargo area full of vacation…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Brakes and stability control
5 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 71,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
When driving I have trouble stopping the vehicle. I had my brake pads replace in february, but this still did not help. My brake pedal will go all the way to the floor barely stopping the vehicle. I have taken it to two mechanics and both have concluded the master cylinder needs to be replaced due to a leak. Parts alone costing $2500…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 92,000 miles
From the very beginning when I purchased my vehicle new, the brakes on my 2014 toyota 4runner grab when anything other than light pressure is applied when the vehicle is in motion, no matter the speed. Initially I thought maybe my model didn't come with ABS. Upon further inspection I discovered that it does. But it also comes with brake…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 10 miles
Suspension
3 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The vehicle is equipped with the x-reas system which inter links the struts on opposite corners of the vehicle to provide flatter cornering. Toyota says the system should last well over 100,000 miles. But there are numerous complaints that the shocks start leaking from the center joint at less than 50,000 miles. Leaking shocks need to be…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 50,000 miles
My 2014 toyota 4 runner has what I call a death wobble. As you start down the road and get up to speed, 55-65 MPH, the front end shakes violently and pulls to the right. I am almost scared to drive it. I have had a few mechanic shops look at it and no one can figure it out. They have done alignments, checked transfer case (4WD), cv axles…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 130,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
3 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. There were no injuries sustained. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,941.Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 140,941 miles
Mold in brand new toyota 4runner hvac making me and my family ill toyota appears to be aware of the problem, and ignoring it, at both the dealership and national headquarters, appears to be a problem in both new and older toyota's numerous online complaints of the issue. Florida attorney general has investigated similar issues. Numerous…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 1,000 miles
Wheels and tires
3 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact purchased four Bridgestone tires in 2022, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 245/60/R20, DOT Number: 1RBTEAAU1. The contact stated that all four tires had developed cracks on the sidewalls and by the tire beads. The tires were replacement tires. The tire dealer was contacted and…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 80,000 miles
My 2014 toyota 4 runner has what I call a death wobble. As you start down the road and get up to speed, 55-65 MPH, the front end shakes violently and pulls to the right. I am almost scared to drive it. I have had a few mechanic shops look at it and no one can figure it out. They have done alignments, checked transfer case (4WD), cv axles…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 130,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaintHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Stumbling/Studering and hesitation when accelerating took it to dealership and they performed a tune-up and complete fuel system service when to pick it up and still doing the same thing. Dealership rechecked it and said Torque converter was faulty. Had to replace transmission.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Cruise control and acceleration
1 complaintHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 toyota 4runner. After placing the shifter in the reverse position, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. While driving in reverse, the vehicle [VIN] to 20 MPH before crashing into a second vehicle. During the incident, the brakes would not stop the vehicle. A police report was filed and there…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 32,000 miles
Toyota 4Runner complaints by year
Compare the 2014 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2014 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | About average | 7 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 5 |
| 2014 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | About average | 7 |
2014 Toyota 4Runner recalls
Fuel system Fuel pump
- 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, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Air bags Inflator module
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Body and structure Hinge and attachments
- Risk
- If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Engine and cooling Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Equipment
- Risk
- Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
2014 Toyota 4Runner questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota 4Runner?
The most reported problem areas on the 2014 Toyota 4Runner are the electrical system (24 complaints), the fuel system (10 complaints) and the air bags (8 complaints).
Is the 2014 Toyota 4Runner a good year to buy?
About average for the 4Runner. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical 4Runner year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The most recent, from Jan 2020, covers the fuel pump. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2014 Toyota 4Runner problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the brakes and stability control gave a mileage of about 71,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Toyota 4Runner years should I avoid?
The 4Runner years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2013, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2014 Toyota 4Runner?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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