2008 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 2008 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 20.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of vehicle speed control at 11.9%.
Complaints134
Crashes15
Fires2
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 20.9% · 28
Vehicle speed control 11.9% · 16
Structure 11.9% · 16
Unknown or other 9.0% · 12
Suspension 8.2% · 11
Service brakes 7.5% · 10
Engine 5.2% · 7
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.7% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 2008 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 59,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2008 Toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regards to transmission repairs and seeks reimbursement. *Smd according to the invoice, the thrust bearing behind the front planetary failed and damaged the front planetary gear. The damage from the planetary contaminated the unit with metal, causing the need for the torque converter and electronics to be replaced. Power train
2008 Toyota 4runner clunk felt and heard when coming to a stop and when releasing the brakes to go. After researching it is obvious that there is a design flaw with the driveshaft slip joint in the Toyota. The lexus gx470 is identical yet lexus customers can have this problem fixed and there is a tsb issued for the lexus (l-sb-0116-08). Power train · reported at 5,000 miles
While stopped in traffic, when you remove the foot from the brake pedal and before you step on the gas, at times the car makes a thumping sound which you can feel. Possibly transmission. Dealer says no problem and cant recreate the thumping. It continues to this day. Power train · reported at 12,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…