2008 Toyota 4 Runner Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2008 Toyota 4 Runner recalls

Most common 2008 Toyota 4 Runner problems

Problem areas named in the 96 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	28
Vehicle Speed Control	16
Structure	16
Unknown Or Other	12
Suspension	11
Service Brakes	10
Engine	7
Electrical System	5
Steering	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5

What owners report

2026-03-16, Electrical System
DIAGNOSIS FOUND TRANS FLUID WICKING UP HARNESS TO ENGINE ECM CONTAMINATING HARNESS AND ECU GIVEN FALSE/ABNORMAL READINGS AT ECM. EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NECESSARY W/ INTERNAL TRANS WIRE REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT & ENGINE ECU REPLACEMENT. OTHER CLEANING MAY BE NECESSARY OR OTHER HARNESS REPLACEMENT NECESSARY [Other]: TRANSMISSION WIRE REPLACMENT [Other]: ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT [Other]: ECM REPLACEMENT

2025-05-07, Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop in an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into a first vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver of the second vehicle stated that she had sustained injuries but did not receive medical assistance. The contact and the other drivers were able to drive from the scene. The police department was

2024-08-27, Air Bags
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. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.

2023-07-06, Unknown Or Other
Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota dealer at last service. (7/5/23) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

2023-02-02, Power Train
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.

2008 Toyota 4 Runner questions

Does the 2008 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2008 Toyota 4 Runner: Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal; Equipment:Other:Labels; Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota 4 Runner?

Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (28), Vehicle Speed Control (16), Structure (16).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Toyota 4 Runner has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.