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Toyota 4Runner: common problems & condition

68
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
59/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100
47%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%



Across 68 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
54%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
35%
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 22% 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%
12%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
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: 80% in good shape (5 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) 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 $23,268 — 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 47 cars · 64% good Highlander 40 cars · 63% good Corolla 110 cars · 61% good Tundra 49 cars · 57% good Sienna 48 cars · 56% good Camry 105 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

2020 Toyota 4Runner · 41k mi — flagged: belts, charging voltage, fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Sep 8.
2019 Toyota 4Runner · 90k mi — flagged: oil leaks, worn brake rotors, tire pressure monitoring system. Inspected Aug 19.
The bottom line

Most of these already have a repainted panel, so do not let shiny bodywork distract you from what is underneath. Structural repairs almost never appear, so what actually costs you is leaks: oil on 54 percent of them, often with hydraulic steering seepage. Start under the engine and at the steering rack, then scan for live codes and check tire wear and suspension joints. Active oil dripping or sloppy panel work is your cue to negotiate hard or walk away; too many already sit in mediocre or poor shape to overpay for one that needs work on day one.

FAQ
?
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
47% of the 68 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 59/100 — 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 (35%), active error codes (34%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 12% 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 68 inspections · updated Sep 11, 2026