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2010 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, most often about the air bags (63% of complaints, typically around 75,000 miles). It is 10th of 27 4Runner model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2010 Toyota 4Runner problems
Air bags
92 complaints · 63%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles.
Takata recall - it has been almost a year since the takata recall was initiated for my 2010 4Runner. Toyota states that I should not operate my vehicle with anybody in the passenger front seat. This is quite unacceptable! Toyota should be required to provide a remedy for this extremely dangerous recall asap!
Takata recall I believe the Toyota action plan is negligent in response to a known defect with potentially fatal consequences. As I have been notified by letter, my vehicle is equipped with the defective inflators and located in the region of most detrimental climate. The vehicle has also been in service long enough…
Body and structure
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 101,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Bought this vehicle because it rated high, even though it cost more money than competitor models. Reliability is worth it to me. However, the frame started having significant rust after just a few years and was causing some expensive repairs. Fire shield rusted off and was removed. Now the massive skid plate bracket…
My wife was at a red light waiting for the light to change when she was hit on the driver side front fender and tire area . No air bag deployed there is over 8,000 dollars in damages the other driver was moving 35+ MPH at impact so now along with the whiplash and shoulder bruises and seat belts cuts there mental…
Brakes
11 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 17,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
2010 Toyota 4Runner. Larger SUV so I thought loss of control in the snow twice was due to weight increase to new vehicle. Be more careful. But in the last two weeks I have had the front brakes lock up twice on dry pavement. This was not emergency braking but harder than normal. There was no pulsing of brakes as there…
I have brakes hydraulic problem on my 2010 4Runner, I brought to dealer 3 times in the past but they insisted there was no issues with the brake system. The brake paddle when depressed had hissing sound, seemed like there was air leaks somewhere..when pressed down the brake paddle, the vehicle would accelerate a bit…
Speed control
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles.
I was driving into town (approx. 12 miles) and slowed to about 40 MPH as I was approaching a stop light. I had to apply all my weight to stop the vehicle. The engine did not return to idle speed when I was stopped. I shifted to neutral and the RPM indicated 1500 revs. I kicked the gas pedal and the engine returned to…
While driving along at slower speeds the engine seems to quit for about 5sec then it comes on again. This is a dangerous condition. This could happen anytime.
Stability control
6 complaints · 4%22dec12 49f entered corner at 50mph, roads slightly wet. 4Runner decided the car was slipping and the panic beeps went off and the car applied brakes. Unfortunately the computer straightened the car out and pointed it off the road. It took all my strength to turn the car back into the corner and finally the computer…
After starting my vehicle the ABS and stability control lights came on and never went off. My anti lock braking and traction control do not work now. I just found out Toyota is recalling several models from 2012 and 2013 for the same problem and my vehicle is not listed. Do I have to have an accident or injury before…
Wheels and tires
6 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 12,500 miles.
Multiple wheel stud failure during routine tire rotation. The owners manual recommends 83 ftlbs torque on the lug nuts. During a tire rotation, three wheel studs failed, two at the recommended 83 ftlbs and one at 75 ftlbs. When taken to the Toyota dealership, their service technician broke two with his torque wrench…
I brought my 4Runner in to a reputable tire store for a routine tire rotation. The technician snapped a lug stud. I then had to take the truck to a separate automotive repair shop to have the stud replaced. I attributed the incident to a poorly trained technician. Recently, I brought the truck in for another tire…
Transmission
5 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
I was driving into town (approx. 12 miles) and slowed to about 40 MPH as I was approaching a stop light. I had to apply all my weight to stop the vehicle. The engine did not return to idle speed when I was stopped. I shifted to neutral and the RPM indicated 1500 revs. I kicked the gas pedal and the engine returned to…
Periodically seemed stiff when shifting into drive, then the "4 lo" light starts flashing. I tried putting the range selector in 4 lo which resolved the flashing light a few times. Took the vehicle to Toyota and they could find nothing wrong because there were no codes. The last time I it happened, it stuck in 4 lo…
Steering
5 complaints · 3%The contact owns a 2010 Toyota 4Runner. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to sway as if the steering wheel was malfunctioning. There were no indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate…
My wife was at a red light waiting for the light to change when she was hit on the driver side front fender and tire area . No air bag deployed there is over 8,000 dollars in damages the other driver was moving 35+ MPH at impact so now along with the whiplash and shoulder bruises and seat belts cuts there mental…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 Toyota 4Runner recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began november 20, 2019. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are j0a, j0b, and j0c. Lexus' numbers for this recall are jli, jlj, and jlk.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4runner, 2003-2006 tundra, 2003-2013 corolla, 2009-2010 corolla matrix, 2004-2005 rav4, 2002-2007 sequoia, 2011-2013 sienna, 2008-2012 scion xb, 2008-2009 lexus is-f, 2007-2012 yaris and lexus es350, 2010-2017 lexus gx460, 2002-2010 lexus sc430, 2006-2012 lexus is250 and is350 and 2010-2015 lexus is250c and is350c vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began february 15, 2019. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "zone a" toyota: g0p, lexus: glg; "zone b" toyota: g0r, lexus glh; "zone c" toyota: h0a, and lexus: hla.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 toyota 4runner, 2014-2015 scion xb, lexus is350c, is250c, 2014 toyota sienna, lexus is-f, and 2014-2017 lexus gx460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 toyota corolla, corolla matrix, lexus is250, is350, 2011-2016 4runner, 2011-2015 scion xb, lexus is350c, is250c, 2011-2014 toyota sienna, lexus is-f, 2011-2017 lexus gx460, and 2011-2012 lexus es350 vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north car
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the toyota, scion and lexus owners. General motors will contact the pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on january 29, 2018. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "zone a" toyota: g0p, lexus: glg; "zone b" toyota: g0r, lexus glh; "zone c" toyota: h0a, and lexus: hla.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2013 scion xb, toyota corolla, corolla matrix, sienna, 4runner, lexus is250, is350, is250c, is350c, is-f, and gx460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of al, ca, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, sc, tx, pr, as, gu, the mp (saipan), and the u.s. Vi or "zone a." toyota is also recalling certain 2010 scion xb, toyota corolla, corolla matrix, yaris, 4runner, lexus is250, is350, is250c, is350c, es350, is-f, gx460, and pontiac vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of az, ar, de, dc, il, in, ks, ky, md, mo, ne, nv, nj, nm, nc, oh, ok, pa, tn, va, and wv or "zone b." toyota is also recalling certain 2009 scion xb, toyota corolla, corolla matrix, yaris, lexus is250, is350, es350, is-f, and pontiac vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of ak, co, ct, id, ia, me, ma, mi, mn, mt, nh, ny, nd, or, ri, sd, ut, vt, w
Engine: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began september 15, 2016. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226. Set's number for this recall is set16d.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 toyota 4runner vehicles manufactured september 3, 2009, to december 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by set or set dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the toyota and lexus owners. General motors will contact the pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on december 6, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are g1p (toyota zone a), g1r (toyota zone b), g2g (lexus zone a), and g2h (lexus zone b). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are g0p (toyota zone a), g0r (toyota zone b), glg (lexus zone a), and glh (le
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 scion xb and lexus is f, 2009-2011 toyota corolla and corolla matrix, 2006-2011 toyota yaris, lexus is250 and lexus is350, 2010-2011 toyota 4runner, lexus is250c, lexus is350c and lexus gx460, 2011 sienna, 2007-2011 lexus es350, and 2009-2010 pontiac vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 scion xb and lexus is f, 2007-2008 toyota yaris, 2006-2008 lexus is250 and lexus is350 and 2007-2008 lexus es350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, distric
Engine: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on september 22, 2015. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226. Set's number for the recall is set15d.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 toyota 4runner vehicles manufactured march 29, 2010, to july 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by set or set dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix: Southeast toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on may 28, 2013. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 toyota tundra, 2010-2012 rav4, 2012 toyota sequoia, 2010-2011 toyota corolla, 2010-2011 toyota camry and camry hybrid, 2010-2013 toyota highlander and highlander hybrid, 2010-2013 toyota fj cruiser, 2011 toyota land cruiser, 2010-2013 toyota venza, 2010-2011 toyota 4runner, 2010-2013 toyota tacoma, 2011-2012 toyota sienna, 2012 toyota prius, 2013 scion fr-s, 2011 scion xd, 2011 scion xb, and 2012 scion tc vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 110, "tire selection and rims."
Seats
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on march 21, 2013. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 tacoma, 4runner, camry, camry hybrid, prius, and rav4; model year 2009-2010 avalon, fj cruiser, and highlander hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year corolla, sienna and tundra; model year 2009-2013 highlander and venza; model year 2012 prius v; and model year 2010-2012 sequoia. During modification by set to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest dvd systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Questions about the 2010 Toyota 4Runner
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Toyota 4Runner?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (92 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles); body and structure (12 complaints, typically around 101,500 miles); brakes (11 complaints, typically around 17,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota 4Runner have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 17, 2019 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the Toyota 4Runner?
- It is 10th of 27 4Runner model years by number of complaints, with 146 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.