2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 3 complaints and 7 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly moving in reverse without driver input, causing safety hazards. Another common complaint involves noises emanating from the fuel pump.
Common Issues- Unexpected reverse movement. Vehicle reportedly shifted into reverse and moved quickly without the driver applying the brake, dragging an occupant outside the vehicle and crashing into a fence.
- Brake-shift interlock concerns. Reports indicate a potential defect or design flaw related to the brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse function leading to unintended vehicle movement.
- Fuel pump noise. Owners observed unusual sounds coming from the fuel pump area during normal operation.
The vehicle is subject to 7 recalls affecting various components including labeling, suspension, steering, fuel system, and body structure. These recalls address safety risks such as improper load capacity labels, loose fasteners, fuel pump failure, and potential detachment of parts that could create road hazards.
Recalls- Certification label error. NHTSA recall 18V753000 affects 1295 vehicles modified with a TRD wheel package, which may have incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating labels. An overloaded vehicle risks a crash. Southeast Toyota Distributors will mail corrected labels free of charge.
- Suspension and steering fasteners. NHTSA recall 19V670000 affects 34 vehicles where suspension and steering fasteners may be loose. Loose components risk loss of vehicle control or detachment, increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and tighten fasteners free of charge.
- Fuel pump failure. NHTSA recall 20V682000 covers over 1.5 million vehicles including this model. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail causing engine stall and crash risk. Toyota will replace the fuel pump assembly free of charge when parts become available.
- Load carrying capacity label. NHTSA recall 17V831000 involves 649 vehicles with incorrect load capacity labels risking vehicle overload and crash. Toyota will provide corrected labels at no cost.
- Billet Grille Overlay attachment. NHTSA recall 17V763000 affects 431 vehicles with accessory grille overlays that may detach if U-nuts fracture. Detached parts could cause road hazards. Dealers will replace U-nuts with upgraded hardware free of charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs, safety-related defects, or unresolved recall remedies may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting legal counsel familiar with these laws can help understand available options.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Summary
2018
Model Year
3
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
1528151
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
1525742 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
34 vehicles affected
STEERING
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
1295 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
649 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
431 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2076511VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2076510POWER TRAIN
While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.
2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2073686FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump make noises and I can hear it