The Toyota 4Runner is famous for going 300,000+ miles. The 5th gen (2010-present) is the longest single-generation run of any major SUV and only gets better with age. The 2017-2019 models are mature, refined, and still relatively affordable.
Buy: 2017-2019 4Runner SR5 or TRD Off-Road
Avoid: 2010 (first-year 5th gen), 2003-2004 V8 (rare issues)
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 8.5/10 | Mid-cycle refresh. Mature 5th gen. | · Sun visor · Audio module · Wind noise |
BUY |
| 2015 | 9/10 | Few documented issues. | · Audio · Minor electrical · Tire wear |
BUY |
| 2016 | 9/10 | Continued strong reliability. | · Audio · Brake judder · Minor |
BUY |
| 2017 | 9.5/10 | Peak 5th gen reliability ratings. | · Audio · Minor electrical · Tire wear |
BUY |
| 2018 | 9.5/10 | Same as 2017. Top-tier reliability. | · Audio · Brake judder · Minor |
BUY |
| 2019 | 9.5/10 | Identical reliability profile. | · Audio · Sensor calibration · Minor |
BUY |
| 2020 | 9/10 | 10-year anniversary. Continued reliability. | · Audio lag · Sensor · Minor |
BUY |
| 2022 | 9/10 | Final years of 5th gen before redesign. | · Audio lag · Sensor · Wind noise |
BUY |
The 1GR-FE V6 paired with the 5-speed automatic is one of the most reliable powertrains ever made. 300,000+ miles common with basic maintenance.
Run AI diagnosis →Entune head units fail or lose CarPlay support. Aftermarket replacements popular.
Run AI diagnosis →Driver's visor cracks at hinge. Toyota TSB extended coverage on some VINs.
Run AI diagnosis →Mirror and roof rack wind noise. Some owners add aftermarket seals.
Run AI diagnosis →Front rotor warping causes steering shimmy. Rotor replacement is the fix.
Run AI diagnosis →Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System hydraulic lines occasionally weep. Mainly an aging-mileage issue.
Run AI diagnosis →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
Diagnose My 4Runner for $5.99Year-, make-, model-specific AI · Powered by NHTSA + AI
If your 4Runner is throwing a check engine light, these codes are most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for diagnosis steps.
The 2017-2019 4Runner is the consensus best year. Mature 5th gen reliability, refined updates, and the bulletproof 4.0L V6.
A well-maintained 4Runner routinely reaches 300,000+ miles. The 4.0L V6 is one of the longest-lived engines on the market.
Yes. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power consistently rank the 4Runner among the most reliable SUVs on sale.
Avoid 2003-2004 V8 4Runners (head gasket on 2UZ-FE is rare but expensive) and the 2010 first-year 5th gen (minor electronics bugs since fixed).
TRD Off-Road adds locking rear diff, crawl control, and KDSS - worth it if you go off-road. SR5 is cheaper and equally reliable.
Yes - the 4Runner's 5-speed feels behind newer 8-10 speeds. But it is bulletproof, which is the tradeoff.