2008 Toyota 4RUNNER Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER, 7% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Whenever I accelerate on the uphill or high accelerate then odor became really horrible, harsh smell, smell like tnt firework, either matches then egg rotten. I suspect the exhaust system seem faulty. I went multiple auto shop they mention it could be related to exhaust manifold but when I described that the odor came out from outside not interior air vent then they started to re-check my exhaust and said I am all good to drive as well, its ok . The odor is frustrating, annoying. …”
NHTSA complaint #11131095, filed 2018-09, 119,000 miles“Exhaust manifold cracking on Toyota v8 4.7 engine allowing exhaust fumes into the cabin and causing dizziness. When doing my research ive seen pages and pages of this issue known to Toyota about the 4.7 engine that is used in a number of there models from lexus to the tundra pick lines and anything that uses the 4.7 engine. This is deadly being in the midwest and you have your windows up and heat on in the winter or summer with AC on. Thank you for your time”
NHTSA complaint #11181062, filed 2019-02, 124,000 miles“After having timing belt replaced by Toyota dealer bob tyler of pensacola, florida; while driving belt came apart leading to loss of power, control, and making emergency stop. Toyota feels that failure is normal in less than 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10536395, filed 2013-08, 104,000 miles“I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rusted away. Tacomas were able to have their frames replaces. The 4runner has a similar if not identical frame due to them sharing the same underlying platform. …”
NHTSA complaint #11460612, filed 2022-04“During a maintenance visit to east coast Toyota of carlstadt, nj an update to the ecu computer system was performed. After this update I noticed the engine stalling, then recovering and auto then surging forward. This was explained by Toyota as smart technology to modify eng/ect system. In my opinion this is a dangerous fix : example --when trying to enter a traffic lane from a dead stop, with foot on break if you attempt to accelerate the engine cuts out- sending you into traffic with a lag instead of a power boost. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649497, filed 2014-10Related service bulletins
- 11005119Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 11005061Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10150414Sep 8, 2016Technical Instructions: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service…
- 10150413Sep 8, 2016Dealer Package: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign (SSC)…
- 10150412Sep 8, 2016Dealer Package email: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign…
- 10150411Sep 8, 2016Region Letter: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign (SSC)…
- 10150410Sep 8, 2016Region Letter email: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign…
- 10134223Sep 15, 2015TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 1 | 10% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 6 | 8% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 21 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
27 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology