I noticed in the new JD Power ratings the expected dependability ratings for the 4 runner was 4 out of 5. It has been 5 in the past as I remember it. The initial quality was a 3. Anyone know or have an idea why the initial quality went down? Just wondered as this sort of surprised me??
New JD Power Dependability Ratings
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If I had to guess, it would be the lumbar crunching issues in the seats along with the tires and caster probems...just throwing it out there.
1000MPH
Senior Member
Here's the link
JDPower.com | 4Runner
No Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, BMW, or Mercedes for that matter, has 5-star rating
JDPower.com | 4Runner
No Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, BMW, or Mercedes for that matter, has 5-star rating
Last edited:
Koz
New member
Last edited:
1000MPH
Senior Member
None of the aforementioned have a 5-star "Predicted Reliability Rating: Derived from historical trending for a vehicle and/or manufacturer in our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies, the Predicted Reliability rating is a forecast of how reliable a newer vehicle might be over time"
JDPower.com | Lexus
JDPower.com | Lexus
Koz
New member
Ever since CR got criticized for giving new vehicles (mostly Toyota/Lexus) their highest predicted reliability rating everyone now is hand shy to do so.
Toyota is rated back in the top ten, where it belongs! All the talk about Ford now making this great vehicle and they are rated 23rd now.
Even with all the BS in the past couple years NOTHING has changed, Toyota still makes the most reliable vehicles. Look at Hyundai, They can't get them fast enough to sell and yet they are still rated below average in reliability.
Koz
KCcarguy
New member
I remember back in the 90's there was a bunch of talk about how American companies were just as good as the imports. Obviously just a bunch of BS.
Now isn't any different. Ford and GM might make a car that can last for 5 years without any major issues (a huge improvement for them). And this might result in better data with consumer reports, etc., but I'm more concerned with long-term reliability and longevity 5+ years down the road. Not only how many problems has it had, but how many squeaks/ rattles? How are interior plastics holding up? Does the car still look good? That's the difference in a Toyota IMO....I see 7-10+ year-old 4runners and Tacomas all the time that still look great. In contrast, my boss just bought a new Tahoe LTZ for $60k and it's already a rattle-trap. Of course, he only buys American, so he doesn't know any better. $35k is a big investment, and I'm not gambling on an American car just because they swear they've seen the light....this time.
Socco
New member
I bought my 4Runner with every intention of having it for 10+ years. The fact that 4Runners have been so good in the past heavily supported my decision to put a T4R in my garage. Mine has been perfect for 19k miles/14 months.
Ditto, the only part to fail in my 3rd gen in the 8 years I've had it was the back door ECU. It still works, it just likes to roll down by itself occasionally. Still a tight vehicle, no rattles or squeaks. Can't say that about the Chevs in my past!
:lmao:
AustinCyclist
New member
Can you elaborate on the lumbar crunching, tire, and caster problems? I did a quick couple searches and didn't find much other than recommendations.
scanny
Senior Member
cheer up, despite of fall in the category "crossover SUV" JDPower says that 4runner is still the best:
Ratings | J.D. Power
Ratings | J.D. Power
Saltshaker
New member
yes, please. what do you mean with the lumbar. mine seems to 'crunch'. my dealer said they didn't notice it. i have to keep the lumbar all the way in, or back.
thanks
Since when is the 4r a "crossover SUV"? What constitutes a non-crossover SUV?EDIT:
Compact Car
Compact Crossover SUV
Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle
Compact Premium Sporty Car
Compact Sporty Car
Entry Premium Car
Entry Premium Crossover SUV
Large Car
Large Crossover SUV
Large Pickup
Large Premium Car
Large Premium Crossover SUV
Midsize Car
Midsize Crossover SUV
Midsize Pickup
Midsize Premium Car
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV
Midsize Sporty
Minivan
Sub Compact Car
Apparently every SUV category is "crossover". What was JD Power thinking?
Do somemore searching and you should fine numerous folks who have noticed and complained about their driver seat lumbar support making a "crunching" sound. Mine does not do it, yet. Some members noticed that sound soon after purchasing the vehicle, yet in other, it developed over time. I think one of the last folks who mentioned it, their vehicle just turned about 12k miles!
Many of the members complained, as I did, regarding the poor OEM tires. There are numerous threads regarding the tires. The OEM tires are Either Dunlap or Bridgestones. Most of the complaints are from those who bought Trail or SR5 editions. The OEM tires are 4 ply passenger car tires. Amongst other issues such as off roading traction etc, the sidewalls on those are fairly "soft". Makes for a smoother ride but terrible when corning. Feels like the tires are going to fall off the wheel! (That was my biggest complaint). I, like others, choose to trade in those tires (or sell them outright) and purchased 6 or 8 ply Light Truck tires from many different manufacturers and models. I think Durango's seemed to be pretty popular for the off roaders. I got Michelin LTX M/X2 285/70/17 and could not be happier. Much stiffer tire, better utility with a 5Klb 4wd truck etc. etc.
Another issue at least a few of us experienced is really touching steering. The steering was the same with the OEM as well as my after market tires, so tire or tire inflation was not the issue. Harper7 suggested a relatively recent post (few weeks ago) that adjusting the 'caster" would help. I had mine checked and sure enough, specs are about 2.5 to about 4.0 and mine were at the 2.5 level. Once I had them adjusted out to the 4.0 level, much better steering. Actually drove like a normal vehicle! Here is a link that might help you understand the caster issue. Again, as to reading the caster issues, you are going to have to do a detailed search unless somebody else has the link right away and is willing to share. Caster, Camber and Toe explained.
Good luck and stay safe.
Caster, Camber, Toe
scanny
Senior Member
Apparently every SUV category is "crossover". What was JD Power thinking?
I hope that they meant "Crossover & SUV" but lost "&" somehow : )
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