Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
46% of the 67 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 59/100 — it scores a little below average.
67
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections59/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10046%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 67 used Toyota 4Runners we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 59/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
55%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
36%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
34%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
28%
Worn suspension joints · Suspension
24%
Share of inspected Toyota 4Runners where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 25%
Good 21%
Mediocre 34%
Poor 19%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
82%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
1%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
10%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a 4Runner stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Toyota 4Runners in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Toyota
RAV4
53 cars · 79% good
Prius
61 cars · 67% good
Tacoma
45 cars · 63% good
Highlander
40 cars · 63% good
Corolla
110 cars · 61% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Tundra
48 cars · 56% good
Camry
100 cars · 53% good
Avalon
27 cars · 51% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota 4Runner reports
2019 Toyota 4Runner · 90k mi — flagged: oil leaks, worn brake rotors, tire pressure monitoring system. Inspected Aug 19.
2011 Toyota 4Runner · 157k mi — flagged: oil leaks, charging voltage, leaking or worn shock absorbers. Inspected Aug 3.
The bottom line
These 4Runners tend to hide previous bodywork under fresh paint, so inspect every panel for color mismatch and overspray before you even start the engine. Once you do, oil leaks from the engine and fluid weeping from the power steering are the two things that will eat your budget fastest, followed by whatever the scan tool turns up and how the tires and suspension joints have held up. A dry engine bay and quiet steering with even tire wear is the one worth paying for; anything wet or coded means negotiate hard or keep looking.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Toyota 4Runner?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (55%), fluid leaks (36%), active error codes (34%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 10% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Toyota 4Runner? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 67 inspections · updated Aug 22, 2026
