Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?
46% of the 65 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 58/100 — it scores a little below average.
65
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections58/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10046%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 65 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)
35%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
35%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
29%
Lights not working · Equipment
25%
Share of inspected Toyota 4Runners where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 11%
Good 35%
Mediocre 42%
Poor 12%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
83%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
11%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
52 cars · 71% good
Highlander
38 cars · 61% good
Prius
60 cars · 59% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Tacoma
44 cars · 53% good
Corolla
106 cars · 51% good
Tundra
48 cars · 48% good
Camry
98 cars · 46% good
Avalon
26 cars · 42% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota 4Runner reports
2013 Toyota 4Runner · 122k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Jul 25.
2016 Toyota 4Runner · 160k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, signs of recent repair, battery condition. Inspected Jul 18.
The bottom line
With oil leaks showing up on over half these 4Runners and steering fluid seepage common too, start every inspection by checking the engine bay and undercarriage for wet spots before you even look at the body. The 83 percent repaint rate means most have already been touched up, so demand clean panel gaps and no overspray or walk; use any error codes or tired tires as hard bargaining chips. Favor the minority that still land in good condition rather than settling for the large mediocre pile that will keep leaking money.
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 (54%), fluid leaks (35%), active error codes (35%). Have these checked before buying.
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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 65 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
