Last updated: 2026-03-04

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good
2018 Toyota 4RUNNER

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 56 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2018 is 5 years after the facelift refresh.

Recalls

5

Complaints

56

Complaint Rate

4

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$514

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
76/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
86/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

STEERING (11)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)AIR BAGS (6)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 5 years after the facelift refresh.

  • Year 9 in the Fifth generation (N280) (2010–2024).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 5th generation 4RUNNER (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

Fifth generation (N280)

2010redesign
2011
2012
2013refresh
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018selected
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is 5 years after the facelift refresh.

With 56 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER, which scored the same.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $59 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • STEERING issues reported (11 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (9 complaints)

Compare 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (11)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)
  • AIR BAGS (6)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (5)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (4)
  • POWER TRAIN (3)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
  • STRUCTURE (3)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • ENGINE (2)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • TIRES (1)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

5

recalls on record

The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 23.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

7

Fires

1

Injuries

2

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

19V6700002019-09-20

STEERING, SUSPENSION

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence

Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

18V7530002018-10-25

EQUIPMENT

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 3/5

Rollover risk: 24.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota 4RUNNER Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$514

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

4RUNNER
$514
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect brake pedal for sinking or lack of stopping power
  • Check for steering wheel vibration or wobble at 50-65 mph
  • Verify fuel pump operation and listen for abnormal noises
  • Inspect for rust on seat rails and seat belt attachments
  • Test door locks for proper electrical function
  • Check for any oil leaks from the transfer case
  • Ensure suspension components are intact and not cracked

Check Any 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 4RUNNER in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota 4RUNNER with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2018 Toyota 4RUNNER Common Problems by Component

56 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

11
9
6
12
STEERING (11)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)AIR BAGS (6)FUEL SYSTEM (5)SERVICE BRAKES (4)POWER TRAIN (3)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)Other (12)

STEERING

11 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with steering, particularly a vibration or wobble occurring between 50-65 mph, often described as a shaking steering wheel or unstable vehicle behavior. Complaints also mention a clunking noise from the front end and a steering wheel that does not easily return to the center position, requiring constant correction. Some owners note the steering wheel material flaking off, leading to discomfort. These issues are often observed shortly after purchase or around 22,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, especially in windy conditions or at highway speeds, as some owners describe difficulty maintaining lane position.

11 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report several issues related to glass components, with multiple complaints about spontaneous shattering of the sunroof and other windows, often without any apparent impact, while the vehicle is both stationary and in motion. These incidents occur at varying mileages and include descriptions of loud noises preceding the shattering. Additionally, there are reports of persistent engine vibrations transmitted through the steering wheel, causing discomfort and numbness, with one owner citing injury after prolonged driving. A fire incident is also reported, where the vehicle caught fire twice, first while parked and then again in an impound lot. These complaints suggest potential safety risks, particularly regarding glass integrity and unexplained vehicle fires.

9 complaints total1 fire1 injury

AIR BAGS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Multiple complaints describe situations where the vehicle was involved in significant collisions, including impacts with cows, exit signs, and guardrails, yet the airbags did not deploy. These incidents often occur at high speeds, with one report noting a collision at 80 mph. One complaint also mentions an injury resulting from a crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports, as they highlight potential safety implications related to airbag performance in this model.

6 complaints total6 crashes1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving vehicle stalling while driving, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights such as traction control and check engine. Complaints often occur around 20,000 to 30,500 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention a recall related to the fuel system, with delays in part availability preventing timely repairs. Some owners also describe an abnormal humming sound from the fuel pump when the vehicle is stationary. Safety implications include potential loss of power while driving, but no reports of crashes or fires are noted in the complaints.

5 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the brake pedal traveling to the floor and a lack of immediate stopping power. Typical symptoms include the brake pedal sinking unexpectedly, requiring drivers to pump the brakes or shift to park to prevent rolling, and the vehicle sometimes pulling to one side or failing to stop promptly. These issues are reported across various mileages, including vehicles with as few as 12 miles and up to 26,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple owners describing scenarios where the vehicle rolls into traffic or requires additional braking attempts to stop, posing a potential risk of collision. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these brake-related complaints and the potential for unresolved safety issues.

4 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues primarily related to the power train, with complaints highlighting unexpected vehicle movement and component failures. One report describes a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly reversed while the driver was exiting, suggesting a potential issue with the brake-shift interlock system. Another owner notes a front differential failure leading to axle damage and potential wheel lock-up, with no prior warning signs, occurring around 30-45 days after a faint grinding noise was first heard. Additionally, a third complaint mentions transmission problems at approximately 24,733 miles, including stalling, dashboard warnings, and metal debris found in the transmission, leading to a recommendation for replacement. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including loss of control and vehicle damage, which prospective buyers should consider.

3 complaints total1 crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the electrical system, including rodent damage to soy-based wiring, sudden loss of power while driving, and malfunctioning door locks. One complaint describes rodents eating the wiring, leading to warning lights and engine shaking, costing over $1000 to repair. Another owner reports a complete loss of power, braking, and steering capabilities while driving, with an emergency brake needed to stop the vehicle. Additionally, some owners experience failures in the electrical locking system, with no prior warning, resulting in costly repairs as the vehicle is out of warranty. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, especially the sudden loss of vehicle control, and may involve significant repair costs, making them important considerations for prospective buyers.

3 complaints total
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the suspension, specifically noting problems with the front shock springs cracking and snapping, particularly in cold weather. These issues are reported at relatively low mileage, around 25,000 miles, and result in the vehicle being deemed unsafe to drive by dealers. Another owner describes persistent shaking in the front end and steering wheel, which remains unresolved despite multiple service visits. The safety implications include the vehicle being unsafe to drive due to compromised suspension integrity.

2 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the transfer case seals and engine noises in the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. Complaints frequently mention transfer case seal failures around 64,000 miles, leading to oil leaks onto the exhaust, which could pose a fire risk or cause loss of power. Another issue involves a popping noise from the engine, resulting in temporary deceleration and abnormal engine sounds around 47,000 miles, with an airbag warning light activation. These problems suggest potential safety implications, such as fire hazards or loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these issues and consider checking for repairs or recalls related to these symptoms.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with rusting seat rails and seat belt attachments on the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. A specific complaint describes a new vehicle with these components exhibiting rust, which a local service center recommends addressing by replacing all seats. However, the regional representatives opt not to replace or treat the rust, asserting that the seat integrity is not yet compromised. This situation suggests potential safety implications, as the rust affects seat belt attachments, though no immediate failures or accidents are reported. Buyers considering this model should be aware of this issue and may want to inspect these components for rust, especially in vehicles with low mileage.

2 complaints total

When Do 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

64,000 milesTransfer case seal failures
12–26,000 milesBrake pedal issues
20,000–30,500 milesFuel system stalling

Best & Worst Toyota 4RUNNER Years

Best Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Buy

The best Toyota 4RUNNER year is 2023 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (82/100) and 2020 (82/100).

Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Avoid

No Toyota 4RUNNER years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Toyota 4RUNNER years-to-avoid analysis →

Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Score Trend

Toyota 4RUNNER reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 80/100.

avg 80
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota 4RUNNER reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201877/100Good
201977/100Good
202082/100Excellent
202182/100Excellent
202279/100Good
202382/100Excellent
202479/100Good
202581/100Excellent

Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202681/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202581/100+2Excellent136
202479/100-3Good18
202382/100+3Excellent128
202279/100-3Good336
202182/1000Excellent131
202082/100+5Excellent130
201977/1000Good461
2018(selected)77/100Good556

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 56 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER include: STEERING (11 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), AIR BAGS (6 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER has estimated annual repair costs of $514/year, which is $59 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue