2008 Toyota 4RUNNER Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER, 4% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The front windshield defrost does not clear the window. I had the veh at the shop today and was told it would be in excess of $1,000 and the dashboard would have to be taken completely off and they still could not guarantee a fix. I have read a lot on line about this make and model having this problem. Why has there not been a recall??? This is a very dangerous issue on this veh. I bought my vehicle used in february and have just now tried to use the defrost. The switch does not convert to the windshield from the blower at the feet with sufficient air. …”
NHTSA complaint #10809764, filed 2015-12, 94,500 miles“Toyota issued a short term warranty enhancement, expiring march 2018, for a known safety defect. I believe that the potential ramifications are significant and that this should be a recall as opposed to a warranty enhancement. The defect is in the rear window seal and electrical system; use of the defroster can cause the window to blow out. My car has a significant body defect adjacent to the rear window seal, and the seal is damaged, indicating that this is an accident waiting to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11034032, filed 2017-10“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER. The contact stated that the front metal frame for the sun roof glass was corroded. The vehicle was taken to dealer, who suggested replacing the seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 130,000. The current mileage was 132,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10523308, filed 2013-07, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH with the windshield wipers activated, smoke began to emit from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the wiper switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that smoke was present coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed that the wiper switch and the wiper motor failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10682064, filed 2015-02, 115,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10142892Jun 20, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns where the vehicles rear hatch glass broke during defroster operation.
- 10131745Mar 2, 2017Warranty Policy Bulletin POL17-03: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns where the vehicles rear hatch glass broke during defroster operation.
- 10131744Mar 2, 2017Dealer Package: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131743Mar 2, 2017Dealer Email: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131742Mar 2, 2017Region Email: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131801Feb 27, 2017TSB: Some 2003 ? 2009 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit back door glass "broken" without external impact. This condition may be associated with rear window defogger usage…
- 10131993Dec 19, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988Dec 19, 2013The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 6% |
| 2006 | 22 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 2% |
| 2003 | 18 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 4% |
| 1992 | 4 | 8% |
| 1991 | 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 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
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 29, 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