I wanted more up-to-date auto reliability information that included actual repair rates. So in late 2005 I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now reports absolute repair rates that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, to closely track cars as they age.

We've had good participation by 4Runner owners, with 445 signed up (as of October 2009).

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the 4Runner, for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research

Sounds interesting and good luck... however, I'm curious if you distinguish (or plan to) between "times in the shop" for minor issues (like rear-view mirror falling off, for example) and for major reasons (such as oil leaks or electrical problems). Also, is there a way to distinguish between routine maintenance (new brakes, for example) and non-routine maintenance?

Good questions, thanks for asking.

I currently tell people to not report maintenance items. I'm not sure what non-routine maintenance would be, though.

The analysis currently includes all repairs. A larger sample size is needed to only analyze major repairs, because they are rare during the first 4-5 years of ownership. The survey permits these to be separated out.

In general, TrueDelta will provide as much information as the sample size permits.

I've started collecting data on the 2007 4Runner, but will probably need more participants before I can provide results.

Other model years are getting closer to the minimum, with 25 needed to start:

2008 - 6
2007 - 36
2006 - 18
2005 - 27 - have started, thanks guys!
2004 - 17
2003 - 23 - need just two more

Some older years are also about halfway.

Total for all years: 219

For the details, and to sign up to participate:

Vehicle reliability research -- need more 4Runners!

About half of the responses covering June are in. The 2007 will be in next month's results, and 2003 and 2005 might make it. In all three cases the results will be asterisked for marginal sample sizes.

There will be another update in August. With a few more participants, we can get all of these years into the August results with asterisks, then have these (and perhaps other) years in the November results with no asterisks.

To help make this happen:

Vehicle reliability research

We ended up with results for all three years. In all three cases, the repair rates are better than average, but because the sample sizes are low these results are asterisked.

In future updates, I'd like to get rid of the asterisks and include additional model years. Just need more participants.

The current results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

It's been three months, so the Vehicle Reliability Survey results for the Toyota 4Runner have been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2003: 69, better than average

2005: 29, better than average

2006: 29, better than average

2007: 13, much better than average

In all four cases the sample sizes range from very small to marginal. With additional participants, we could provide more precise results and cover more model years.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

I just enrolled and listed my '08 Sport plus my '07 Mustang. Didn't bother to check if I could enroll the '00 SR5 since I'll be selling it and didn't see that year listed in your posts above.

The 2000 could be enrolled. But if you'll be selling it soon, there's little point.

We'll include any model year from 1995 on if enough owners sign up.

It's been three months, so the Vehicle Reliability Survey results for the Toyota 4Runner have been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2003: 50, better than average

2004: 38, better than average

2005: 12, too low to be precise, but clearly better than average

2006: 35, better than average

2007: 11, much better than average

In every case but the 2006 the sample sizes range from very small to marginal, so every result but the 2006 is asterisked and only visible to participants on the site itself.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the 4Runner:

Toyota 4Runner reliability comparisons

402 4Runner owners signed up to help so far. A very good start, thanks, guys.

That said, more remain needed to cover all years from 1995 on.

Help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

Somehow missed this earlier. Sorry.

Anyway, this is something we could do with large enough sample sizes, since one of the questions asks which system failed.

We've updated the results for the 4Runner to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 28

2007: 21

2006: 27

2005: no repairs reported

2004: 38

2003: 44

In all cases better than average.

A big thank you to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Toyota 4Runner reliability comparisons

We've updated the results for the 4Runner to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 21

2007: 20

2006: 26

2005: 9

2004: 30

2003: 56

In all cases better than average. Sample sizes adequate for the 2003 and 2006, small for the other years.

A big thank you to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Toyota 4Runner reliability comparisons

0 issues with my 03 v8 limited