2018 Unreliable? CR verdict: 2 out of 5

[jhguth]

Maybe the database this year for CR consisted of one mfr millennial.

That would do it.

I'd bet most here and most 4runner owners are millennials, millennials are 23-38

 

[18overland-dreamer]

Everything you just said is wrong.



Indeed, it stands in stark opposition to the truth. The foil hat wearers think the moon landings were faked, 9/11 was an inside job, and that vaccines cause autism. Why? Because they believe anything typed by Internet randos (and broadcast on Coast to Coast AM).



When their team loses, they blame the refs, who were implementing a conspiracy put forward by the league to increase advertising revenue. Of course, when their team wins, it’s because they were rooting for them.



You can measure the degree of fanboyism in a vehicle community by the voracity with which CR, IIHS, NHTSA, Euro NCAP, etc. are cast as being part of a biased cabal dead set on making their preferred ride look bad.



A few folks here are trying their best to match what the Wrangler community is laying down in fanboyism. I can only hope they don’t achieve the critical mass to drown us all in their Koolaid.

Come on man...9/11 WAS an inside job. And I’m hatless. Do some research


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Phyzman]

Come on man...9/11 WAS an inside job. And I’m hatless. Do some research

My research suggests you’ll want to go with Reynold’s Wrap as the knock-offs and store brands simply don’t hold up in the long run. RW scores 5/5 for durability on CR.

This sheeple is going back to sleep. Inside job, indeed!

 

[Phyzman]

6 pages of posts and if you look at the actual CR report it is clear the overall assessment of realibilty does not match the sum of the individual categories beneath it - in other words the most likely explaination is CR made a simple mistake.

I do find it funny that CR is only valid when it says what you want it to say. Super reliable 2012-2017. Absolutely! Unreliable for 2018. CR is total crap! Lol...

1. The 2/5 has evolved to a 3/5 since a couple of us have sent inquiries to CR. I’m still waiting to hear back from them. Maybe they’re trying to slow-roll it up to a 5/5 hoping no one will notice if they don’t make any sudden moves.

2. Some here are keen to cast the 5/5 ratings as invalid. They *know* 5/5 is correct, but eschew CR’s research methods. The apparent typo on the 2018 report merely unmasked CR for the virulent anti-4R partisan operatives they truly are. Their failure to express complete and abiding love for 4R makes them complete and utter frauds.

One genuflects before the 4R’s obvious supremacy (based on internet or personal anecdote) or risks being “othered” by some of the extremists here. Such is the nature of an Internet forum, I suppose.

 

[ForRun]

Move along and ignore this stupid thread.

1st realistic post in this thread. Congrats man, admitting is the first step in recovery. Let us know if we can help with your CR sobriety. CR anonymous probably has a support group in an area nearby

 

[Phyzman]

1st realistic post in this thread. Congrats man, admitting is the first step in recovery. Let us know if we can help with your CR sobriety. CR anonymous probably has a support group in an area nearby

And yet you couldn’t resist commenting. It is just as I foresaw.

 

[4central]

CR is the same company gave highest ratings to Tesla vehicles just to drop it to one of their lowest later. Tesla had major issues day one with their cars, their manufacturing process have been abysmal. I was earlier thinking CR only suggests boring but reliable cars. That could be a demand for such reports. But after, Tesla fiasco ; I think CK has its own biases. They only reinforce certain image of a car that is already there. They don't independently assess a vehicle, providing new insight, jut reiterate what is already claimed to be true. Oh how come an EV can have problem, that's why they gave high rating to Tesla at the beginning. Now 4runner is talked as an "old" car everywhere, CR cannot claim it is a good vehicle even after each component rating is high.

 

[T4R2014]

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Nuff said

 

[jhguth]

1. The 2/5 has evolved to a 3/5 since a couple of us have sent inquiries to CR. I’m still waiting to hear back from them. Maybe they’re trying to slow-roll it up to a 5/5 hoping no one will notice if they don’t make any sudden moves.

2. Some here are keen to cast the 5/5 ratings as invalid. They *know* 5/5 is correct, but eschew CR’s research methods. The apparent typo on the 2018 report merely unmasked CR for the virulent anti-4R partisan operatives they truly are. Their failure to express complete and abiding love for 4R makes them complete and utter frauds.

One genuflects before the 4R’s obvious supremacy (based on internet or personal anecdote) or risks being “othered” by some of the extremists here. Such is the nature of an Internet forum, I suppose.

you need xanax

 

[SilverGizmo]

I disregarded all of CR's review of the 4Runner when I purchased my 2018 ORP since they were obviously trying to compare it to a class full of crossovers when realistically the only thing it sort of competes with is the Wrangler (and perhaps cross-shopped with the Grand Cherokee).

No one buys a 4Runner because they think it handles like a sports car. Plus their review doesn't take into account the KDSS models which IMO transforms the on-road driving experience by removing the body roll and nose dive that many report as an issue with the non-KDSS models. Yes, it lacks some of the creature comforts that other vehicles have, but the trade-off is that there is less technology that will inevitably fail (crawl control and electronically-locking rear differentials aren't technology, right?) :biggrin2:.

However, I did take their reliability ratings into account since I was looking for a bulletproof vehicle that would do well off-road. All of last year they had listed the predicted reliability of the 2018 4Runner as 5/5. I used many other sites for my research as well when I was making my decision, including CarComplaints.com and these forums.

This article from last August ranks the 4Runner as #1 on a list of the "20 Most Reliable Cars of the Decade According to Consumer Reports":
20 Most Reliable Cars of the Decade According to Consumer Reports

An amazing 13 straight years of top reliability scores make 4Runner the undisputed champion.

It may lack refinement and seem a little dated, but as far as reliability is concerned nothing compares to Toyota 4Runner. The truck-based SUV posted 13 consecutive years of the highest ratings Consumer Reports gives for durability. Since 4Runner has not undergone a redesign since 2010, buyers of any model-year can be confident they’re getting the most bulletproof vehicle in America.

Then once the CR ratings switched from predicted to actual reliability for the 2018 model at the end of the year it dropped to 2/5 without an explanation.

I assumed it was a temporary error since 4Runners are known to be one of the (if not the most) reliable vehicles out there with a drivetrain that has been around for decades. I kept waiting for the issue to resolve itself and it never did. I don't subscribe to CR, but a relative shares their login (shhh--don't tell anyone) so I didn't feel it was appropriate for me to contact CR myself about the discrepancy.

I can't say that the change in reliability on the CR web site wasn't disturbing to me. We all like being reassured that we made the right decision when it comes to a ~$40k purchase. The drop in the 2018's reliability rating also had a downward effect on the 2019's predicted reliability. It's possible that the low rating could also effect resale values in the future (although I don't currently plan to ever get rid of it).

Ratings are subjective--my daily driver is a 13-year Nissan Murano that is loaded to the gills with technology (and features that the present-day 4Runner still doesn't have). I was worried when I bought it that all of the fancy electronic features would fail. They haven't. The only issue I've had with it was a cheap replacement of one of the CV axles when it was around 10-years old. Last year I found out that CR rates my Murano as 1/5 reliability.

I was shocked! I thought my Murano was great and going to last forever. The reviews and ratings were great when I bought it brand new. After doing some new online research last year, I found that lots of people had issues with practically everything on the vehicle over the years--from the CVT transmission being replaced numerous times at low-mileage, engine mounts breaking, power steering line going out, failed transfer case, CV axles failing, the driver's seat physically detaching from the car, and the list goes on. So maybe I've been lucky, but now I'm freaked out that the car is going to implode at any given moment. It still looks and drives great, but isn't worth much if I wanted to get rid of it. My experience doesn't line up with CR on this particular vehicle, but it doesn't mean that their statistics are incorrect. A friend of the family recently had an older Murano given to them and it immediately became a money pit with one thing failing after another.

Anyways--the OP is correct and the CR rating has bumped up this week from 2/5 to 3/5 on the 2018 for reliability, probably due to inquiries sent by T4R forum members because of his post. Previously two categories were listed as above average instead of excellent (Body Integrity & Drive System). Now Drive System is the only category that doesn't have an excellent rating.

Obviously there is still a bug in their system since a 3/5 (average reliability) doesn't match up with a vehicle with excellent ratings in all categories except an above average in one category. Recalls should not have an effect since 2 of the 3 have to do with incorrect labels (yawn), and the third is for the possibility of the grill detaching on a small number of Southeastern Toyota vehicles.

Sorry for writing a book. :brick:

 

[Loggerhead]

To the OP, I really don’t have a dog in the fight and could honestly care less whether or not you buy a 4Runner but I’m confused as to why you’ve decided that Consumer Reports is the end all/be all of automotive reviews and analysis. You’re passionately defending them. Again, I have nothing against CR but the fervor with which you defend them puzzles me.

If your complete basis for this decision is CR then I think you’ve already made your choice. If I were you I’d go buy a Wrangler. It’s no fuzz off my peaches if you don’t think the 4Runner is the vehicle for you. I think this forum has good info regarding the reliability of these vehicles. It was enough of a sample size to encourage me to buy one.

I’d find some alternate sources for review and analysis to compare to CR. Not saying they aren’t legitimate but different perspectives and experiences can give you more data to help you make your decision. If you’re still concerned because of the CR report then maybe it isn’t the vehicle for you.

 

[War Eagle]

I called CR on the telephone. He wanted a payoff to change score to 5.

After that, I called all the experts. They all agreed that 2018 4Runner is #1.

Case closed.

 

[phillyd2]

Nuff said

Ha. For the 5% of us the noted negatives are features, not flaws.

I recently drove a friend’s Hyundai SUV and it was so much better than my 4R in just about every way from car like driving to all the wonderful amenities. But that misses the point of why some of us still prefer the 4R. However, for most recent buyers who even if they mod do it just for looks, I do understand their point. That said, they really should not be in a 4R or if they are then they should stop crying and being so surprised that when they bought a real off road truck it actually acts exactly as a real off road truck.

 

[Phyzman]

Anyone know why, after several model years of Consumer Reports Reliability Verdicts of 5/5, the 2018 T4R Reliability Verdict nosedived to 2/5? What’s going on?

I couldn't care less what CR says, I wouldn't even bother reading their magazine. Again, do homework from private owners. That is where you get a true and honest review. I think you belong in a Jeep and I wish you luck. I've owned Jeeps all my life, they used to be incredible vehicles. Not so much anymore though. Know how I know that? Nope, not CR! It's called research into personal reviews from actual owners. Not some douche that drive it for a few hours on a track.

Consumer Reports community is made up of childhood paste eaters and adults that tin foil hats.

I question the rating, too. Hence the inquiry here and the inquiry to CR. I am grateful for the calm, earnest responses that were the wheat among the chaff.

Calling for a circling of the wagons and battle stations/red alert is a bit over the top.

My preference is the T4R, I just wish Toyota didn’t hate it as much as they do.

At this preliminary stage, I’m leaning toward a 2020 4R ORP. But I’m not in a panicked rush. The research phase is filled with amusement. There is much to be learned in the online forums. And there is much to be learned from independent rating agencies.

Forums have useful info mixed in with cultish zealotry. True Believers in both camps will assure you in the same manner that salespeople at dealerships will that “there is no comparison” between the 4Runner and the Wrangler (or—heaven forbid—a Grand Cherokee). And they have strongly-held personal opinions coupled with cherry-picked anecdotes to back them up.

Rating agencies will do everything they can to steer buyers away from the BOF options since unibody “ski lodge weekenders” (unibodies) are more comfortable, nimble, safe, and modern. I mean, the Edmunds “Forester vs. 4Runner” review ... who thought that was a good idea? Silliest mashup I’ve seen so far.

They are biased for sure.
When I was looking at FJ's in 2008-09, my Dad sent me a dismal consumer reports review that stated something like "a poor 23mpg hwy" in the same magazine the Highlander was praised as a "top pick with a respectable 24mpg hwy"

(Argument swiftly debunked by a simple review of the evidence. Personal memories are subject to bias, as was demonstrated here.)

So all those 5/5 Reliability Verdicts—year in and year out—should be thought of as baseless, errant, misbegotten hogwash?

I would have thought T4R.org would be an audience receptive to CR’s 5/5 Reliability Verdicts. But for some here, that is clearly not the case. Where do the 5th Gens fall short of CR’s 5/5? It seems CR’s research has failed to identify the 5th Gens’ shortcomings. What did they miss? If 5/5 is wrong, what should the ratings for all those years have really been?

I am collecting data as many ways as are practicable before committing. But I cannot buy, drive, and long-term own every vehicle that makes it to the short list prior to the purchase decision.

1. The 2/5 has evolved to a 3/5 since a couple of us have sent inquiries to CR. I’m still waiting to hear back from them. Maybe they’re trying to slow-roll it up to a 5/5 hoping no one will notice if they don’t make any sudden moves.

2. Some here are keen to cast the 5/5 ratings as invalid. They *know* 5/5 is correct, but eschew CR’s research methods. The apparent typo on the 2018 report merely unmasked CR for the virulent anti-4R partisan operatives they truly are. Their failure to express complete and abiding love for 4R makes them complete and utter frauds.

To the OP, I really don’t have a dog in the fight and could honestly care less whether or not you buy a 4Runner but I’m confused as to why you’ve decided that Consumer Reports is the end all/be all of automotive reviews and analysis. You’re passionately defending them. Again, I have nothing against CR but the fervor with which you defend them puzzles me.

If your complete basis for this decision is CR then I think you’ve already made your choice. If I were you I’d go buy a Wrangler. It’s no fuzz off my peaches if you don’t think the 4Runner is the vehicle for you. I think this forum has good info regarding the reliability of these vehicles. It was enough of a sample size to encourage me to buy one.

I’d find some alternate sources for review and analysis to compare to CR. Not saying they aren’t legitimate but different perspectives and experiences can give you more data to help you make your decision. If you’re still concerned because of the CR report then maybe it isn’t the vehicle for you.

My "defense" of CR has lacked passion. The original post was an inquiry as to why their Reliability Verdict for the 2018 was a 2/5. I figured if anyone knew why the 2018 would legitimately deviate from the previous decade, it would be the experts here at T4R.org.

Some responses calmly speculated that CR's low rating was a typo of some sort. Others took the opportunity to bash CR, who established the 4R as the single most reliable vehicle manufactured on Earth over the course of the past decade.

I have not been defending CR so much as pushing back against 4R enthusiasts who proclaim—with passion—that CR is a fraudulent cesspool of bribe-taking douches.

Anyone who accepts CR's ratings can only buy a 4R. No other vehicle comes close in CR's "worthless" reviews. A Wrangler? Not on your life. And Euro NCAP's 1-star rating of the JL would serve to put an exclamation point on that.

There are many here who insist that talking to real owners is the only way path to Knowing. My rejection of that (Wrangler owners love Wranglers, Landy owners love Landies, etc.) shouldn't be read as a passionate defense of CR, because it is not.

Again, I am not aware of any independent rating organization that loves 4Rs more than CR does. I was just curious as to what was going on with the 2/5 (which has since been upgraded to a 3/5 ... perhaps en route to a 5/5).

I did push back against detractors who were eager to bash CR with undue zeal. I thought that was a task best left to the Wrangler or Disco faithful. If anything, the pushback I offered should be viewed as a defense of the 4R's sterling reputation as documented by CR.

 

[Phyzman]

I called CR on the telephone. He wanted a payoff to change score to 5.

After that, I called all the experts. They all agreed that 2018 4Runner is #1.

Case closed.

1. Will you be here all weak?

2. Should I tip my wait staff?

 

[phillyd2]

My "defense" of CR has lacked passion. The original post was an inquiry as to why their Reliability Verdict for the 2018 was a 2/5. I figured if anyone knew why the 2018 would legitimately deviate from the previous decade, it would be the experts here at T4R.org.

Some responses calmly speculated that CR's low rating was a typo of some sort. Others took the opportunity to bash CR, who established the 4R as the single most reliable vehicle manufactured on Earth over the course of the past decade.

I have not been defending CR so much as pushing back against 4R enthusiasts who proclaim—with passion—that CR is a fraudulent cesspool of bribe-taking douches.

Anyone who accepts CR's ratings can only buy a 4R. No other vehicle comes close in CR's "worthless" reviews. A Wrangler? Not on your life. And Euro NCAP's 1-star rating of the JL would serve to put an exclamation point on that.

There are many here who insist that talking to real owners is the only way path to Knowing. My rejection of that (Wrangler owners love Wranglers, Landy owners love Landies, etc.) shouldn't be read as a passionate defense of CR, because it is not.

Again, I am not aware of any independent rating organization that loves 4Rs more than CR does. I was just curious as to what was going on with the 2/5 (which has since been upgraded to a 3/5 ... perhaps en route to a 5/5).

I did push back against detractors who were eager to bash CR with undue zeal. I thought that was a task best left to the Wrangler or Disco faithful. If anything, the pushback I offered should be viewed as a defense of the 4R's sterling reputation as documented by CR.

Instead of asking us who have absolutely no way of knowing, why don’t you contact CR directly and ask them why the exact same truck has such different ratings? And ask for specifics on exactly which component suddenly became so much less reliable.

The most basic common sense should have warned you that coming to a forum populated by fans would result in many of the same replies that seem to annoy you so much.

 

[1000MPH]

You got us good sir. I feel so owned.

 

[Phyzman]

I've submitted a detailed inquiry to CR. But like most big online entities, I get the sense they're not really keen to get feedback, especially any that questions their ratings. I'm setting my expectations low for a response/correction. But we shall see.

Instead of asking us who have absolutely no way of knowing, why don’t you contact CR directly and ask them why the exact same truck has such different ratings? And ask for specifics on exactly which component suddenly became so much less reliable.

The most basic common sense should have warned you that coming to a forum populated by fans would result in many of the same replies that seem to annoy you so much.

I have preemptively followed your advice and sent an inquiry to CR.

Annoy? A few others here have been annoyed. Some have short fuses and are eager to pounce: quick with insults as baseless as they are mindless. We all have decisions in life to make. I am amused and enlightened, as I do not invest substantial emotional capital in Internet debates. Apologies to anyone in the thread if anything here bulged a vein.

 

[phillyd2]

I have preemptively followed your advice and sent an inquiry to CR.

Annoy? A few others here have been annoyed. Some have short fuses and are eager to pounce: quick with insults as baseless as they are mindless. We all have decisions in life to make. I am amused and enlightened, as it do not invest substantial emotional capital in Internet debates. Apologies to anyone in the thread if anything here bulged a vein.

You do know that we can still see your other posts, right?

Anyways, we all look forward to hearing thier reply.

 

[EddieV4runnin]

Someone at CR is trying to strong-arm Toyota into releasing the 6th gen by giving them that rating :behindsofa: touché