What's the most common major reliability issue on 4th gen 4Runners so far?

[Guest]

Like something that seriously affects or disables drivability?

Anything that anyone has heard of happening even once or twice to someone?

Just wondering what the preliminary reports might be pointing to as the 'weakest link' for this newest model.

Probably a bit early for that, but I always like to know ahead of time so I can focus my maintenance in that direction.

 

[jharris2]

If you read through the topics in the Problems section, the biggest complaint is rattles and squeaks. The sulphur smell has been corrected, and the only recall to date has been a possible issue with the fuel damper on the earliest V6 engines. Otherwise, no engine failures, no transmission failures -- no common issue that seems to be a weak point.

 

[Kmvreter]

Non-power seats...

Lots of complaints about movement of the front portion of the drivers seat cushion. Maybe they fixed/redesigned for '05.

 

[Mark86]

I have been having a lot of problems with my sunroof. I know other members on this board have also mentioned this problem. The only other problem that I had with my truck was the 12V outlets went on me. They had to change the entire fuse block because it was not a simple fuse. I doubt this is a common problem and I will probably be the only one to have experience this!! I should add that these problems will not stop me from buying another 4Runner!!

 

[Kanab]

I understand it will quit running if you don't add gasoline to it when that one guage on the dash gets to the "E" mark. Other than that nothing.

 

[Guest]

I understand it will quit running if you don't add gasoline to it when that one guage on the dash gets to the "E" mark. Other than that nothing.

I won't hold that against Toyota. I've heard this is a problem on every car made to date save for most electric models.

 

[ECL4Runner/Taco]

I have been having a lot of problems with my sunroof. I know other members on this board have also mentioned this problem.

I agree... the occasional rattle or squeak inside especially with my sunroof (That just means I turn up the CD). I've noticed when I use to the tilt feature, and it closes, it seals just a little below the roof line, and when I close it from being open, it seals just a little bit above the roof line... A quick tap of the button for either case usually makes it level with the roof line. It still has a water tight seal, but just creates a lil more road noise. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Colemanfu]

Good question and was a huge factor when I was looking get a new rig. I was going to get a Land Rover Discovery but found out that they had some relyability issues and the dealer was located 40 miles over in Orlando. Too far for an oil change or any needed warenty work. I am glad I got the Yota- the dealer is close- between home and work and I have yet to have any problems.

I bet it depends on the individual runner but overall no big problems. Those Disco guys were complaining likemad about all sorts of little stuff- we don't get that with our 4th ger runners.

Good luck!

 

[skategoat]

Hey does anyone know if, on the Prius, you run out of gas, does the electric motor take over? At least until the battery dies?

 

[Guest]

Hey does anyone know if, on the Prius, you run out of gas, does the electric motor take over? At least until the battery dies?

I'd guess that it will just quit running. The electric motor isn't powerful enough to sufficiently accelerate the car from a stop, and it's also very bad for that type of battery to be drained fully- they tend to wear out many times faster if you let them die even a couple of times.

 

[sharp4runr]

I'd have to agree about the sunroof and the drivers seat. Though, they wouldn't stop you from actually being capable of driving the car, they are a great nuisance. I've had my sunroof greased 3 times now and it still makes the annoying grinding noise when closing from an open position. I'll complain about it one more time before asking for a complete replacement.

 

[<<<<]

This one is minor but annoying, Instrument Panel Plastic Glass Cover. Scratches up easily so do not wipe it off, use compressed air to blow the dust out. I use keboard can duster on mine after I put new cover in.

 

[Cliff s]

The ones I know of are, the front drivers seat problem.
The front part of the lower cushion has about 1/2" of
vertical slop in it. To me the seat is not very comfortable,
lack of padding.

Lug nuts breaking, and the instrument plastic cover scratching,
the real problem is the way the cover is mounted, it should have been
tipped with the bottom in so the dust wouldn't collect on it.

Another is a vibration in the steering wheel at times. Since the steering
rack is bolted to the same part as the front axle gear assembly there
seems to be some vibration transmitted. Lexus had a TSB, but it didn't
filter down to the T4R. It might not have fixed the problem. My guess
is its the spool valve oscillating in the power steering.

The real plus's are the almost silent ride at 70mph and a super smooth 5
speed transmission.

Cliff s