2008 Toyota 4Runner
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 27 of 96 complaints (28%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 154 in 2007 to 96 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,450–3,900 | 3,450–3,900 | 3,450–4,150 | 3,450–4,150 | 3,100–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–18 | 16–18 | 15–18 | 15–18 | 19–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–16 / 18–20 | 14–16 / 18–21 | 14–16 / 17–21 | 14–16 / 17–21 | 17–18 / 22–23 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–555 | 494–555 | 494–592 | 494–592 | 444–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 381 | 154 | 96 | 22 | 145 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 28 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 6 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 18 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 27 of 96 NHTSA complaints (28%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner get?
EPA rates it 15–18 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
EPA estimates $3,450–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 16 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $3,450 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 16 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 15 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 27 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 15 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 16 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER · Campaign 16V396000 · Jun 2, 2016
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER · Campaign 14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL · Campaign 11V113000 · Feb 24, 2011
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V035000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V036000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.