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Toyota 4Runner: common problems & condition

70
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
58/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100
47%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%



Across 70 used Toyota 4Runners we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 58/100 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
54%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
34%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
33%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
30%
Lights not working · Equipment
23%

Share of inspected Toyota 4Runners where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 24% Good 23% Mediocre 33% Poor 20%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

81%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
1%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
11%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
How long does a 4Runner stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 40–60k mi: 83% in good shape (6 cars) 60–80k mi: 71% in good shape (7 cars) 80–100k mi: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 100–120k mi: 88% in good shape (8 cars) 120–140k mi: 60% in good shape (5 cars) 140–160k mi: 13% in good shape (8 cars) 160–180k mi: 20% in good shape (10 cars) 180–200k mi: 20% in good shape (5 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

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.

What else does ~$23k buy? A used Toyota 4Runner typically sells for around $23,281 — compare the odds of getting a good SUV across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Toyota
RAV4 54 cars · 79% good Prius 61 cars · 67% good Tacoma 52 cars · 65% good Highlander 41 cars · 64% good Corolla 113 cars · 61% good Sienna 48 cars · 56% good Tundra 56 cars · 55% good Camry 110 cars · 53% good Avalon 28 cars · 50% good

Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.

Straight from recent Toyota 4Runner reports

2004 Toyota 4Runner · 184k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, belts, oil leaks. Inspected Sep 28.
2021 Toyota 4Runner · 53k mi — flagged: tires condition & wear, telematics system. Inspected Sep 23.
The bottom line

Expect to negotiate. Oil leaks hit 54 percent of these 4Runners, so crawl under the engine first and treat seepage as leverage, not a quirk. Hydraulic steering leaks, active error codes, worn tires, and dead lights follow close behind. With 81 percent showing a repainted panel, look hard for crash clues even though structural repairs are rare. A dry engine and honest body can be worth buying; wet oil plus a respray and codes is your cue to walk.

FAQ
?
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
47% of the 70 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 58/100 — it scores a little below average.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Toyota 4Runner?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (54%), fluid leaks (34%), active error codes (33%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 11% 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 70 inspections · updated Oct 1, 2026