2008 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Part of Generation 4 — 2003–2009.

20072009
Complaints
134
per 10K Sold
28.0
US Sales
47,878
Crashes
15
Fires
2
Injuries
11
Fatalities
Recalls
5

Worst 2008 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#116 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:88,188 mi
Crash-related:1
#214 complaints

Body Structure

Avg mileage:87,880 mi
#313 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:24,359 mi
Crash-related:3
Considering a 2008 Toyota 4Runner?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner.

Transmission / Drivetrain
16
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
88,188
Body Structure
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
87,880
Unintended Acceleration
13
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
24,359
Suspension Failures
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
87,754
Automatic Transmission
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
17,993
Brakes
10
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
102,684
Engine Problems
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
109,853
Hydraulic Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
26,809
Steering Defects
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
69,160
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Driveline
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Switch/Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 Toyota 4Runner

5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,799,061 vehicles.

16V396000Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
~7,749 affected

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

14V743000Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
~3,233 affected

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

11V113000Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
~1,363,244 affected

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

10V035000Equipment:other:labels
~271,417 affected

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

10V036000Equipment:other:labels
~153,418 affected

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Other Toyota 4Runner Years

2008 Toyota 4Runner — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2008 Toyota 4Runner has 134 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 16 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints, avg 88,188 mi); Body Structure (14 complaints, avg 87,880 mi); Unintended Acceleration (13 complaints, avg 24,359 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 70,098 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner include 15 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,799,061 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota 4Runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2008 Toyota 4Runner

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99