2017 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems
Compared with other Toyota 4RUNNER years
Typical for this model
40/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Toyota 4RUNNER year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 20 of its 36 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (14 complaints, median 17,800 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 36filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 12,890miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 14 complaints (39% of the total), followed by brakes (9) and electrical system (5). 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 96% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 12,890 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 208 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 10 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 14 Toyota 4RUNNER model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 40 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown14 39%
- Brakes9 25%
- Electrical system5 14%
- Air bags3 8.3%
- Engine2 5.6%
- Fuel system2 5.6%
- Steering2 5.6%
- Body and structure2 5.6%
- Suspension2 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.6%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “We were driving on the highway from dallas to houston and all of the sudden, we heard and explosion. At first we thought that something hit our truck, but when we opened the sunroof cover it was completely shattered. Some pieces hit the car behind us, but no one was hurt. Luckily the interior cover was closed.”
NHTSA complaint #11057849, filed 2018-01, 8,124 milesBrakes: “While driving at full speed on the freeway, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of me. My brake pedal was soft and went down almost to the floor. Rapid pulsing of brakes, as would be expected with the ABS (antilock brake system), did not occur. I pulled around to the shoulder and barely managed to stop in time to avoid a collision, which was quite a frightening experience. I have had a few similar incidents since then, and have noticed that the brake pedal is a bit soft until pumping the pedal a few times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11439109, filed 2021-11, 55,000 milesElectrical system: “My car was parked overnight and the next day when I got in to run errands and my check engine light was flashing and my trac off light was on. When I put the vehicle in drive it was very sluggish, I called the dealer and they sent a tow truck. The truck stayed overnight so they could diagnose but she was pretty sure that it was rodents chewing on the wires because it was a common problem. My husband and I did some checking while it was in service and found out that they use a soy base on the wiring and that rodents love it and it's pretty common problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10970966, filed 2017-04, 1,599 milesAir bags: “A deer ran out in front of me, driving 50 MPH. Passenger side hit, all 8 airbags deployed. Passenger side airbag under steering wheel, cut up my legs horribly, very swollen, refused hospital due to covid 19 fear. The airbags cut up my left arm and my daughter's right arm(she was passenger). Very happy that we were safe, but the serious cuts on my body seemed quite severe for the hit which was on passenger side and by a deer.”
NHTSA complaint #11329874, filed 2020-06, 45,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
96% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,600 and 26,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4RUNNER · SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 24.6% risk |
| 4RUNNER · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 24.6% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V753000Oct 25, 2018Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2017–2019
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…
- 17V831000Dec 20, 2017Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2017–2018, Tundra 2017–2018, Tacoma 2017 +4 more
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…
- 17V763000Nov 29, 2017Structure › Body › HoodCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2015–2018
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…
- 17V295000May 2, 2017Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2017, Camry 2017, RAV4 2017 +12 more
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not…
- 17V291000May 1, 2017EquipmentCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2016–2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
Recall details for the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 208 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11022964Aug 20, 2025Electrical system. Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
- 11020657Jun 13, 2025Electrical system. The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
Other model years of the Toyota 4RUNNER
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 300 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 60 | 925 | 1 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 10 | 2,038 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 9,500 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 30 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 39 | 23,600 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 637 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 33 | 9,000 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 65 | 13,074 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 60 | 20,500 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 36 | 12,890 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 81 | 25,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 87 | 38,977 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 77 | 40,000 | 7 | 4 | 19 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 36 | 72,450 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 96 | 45,144 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 163 | 41,320 | 10 | — | 19 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 147 | 58,000 | 12 | — | 20 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 22 | 21,500 | 6 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 96 | 53,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 69,824 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 381 | 100,762 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 425 | 104,850 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 115,978 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 696 | 106,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 225 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 185 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 483 | 143,464 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 330 | 155,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 250 | 157,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 261 | 167,600 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 161 | 175,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 172 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 64 | 115,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 51 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 53 | 141,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 43 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 78 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | 72,391 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 284,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota 4RUNNER model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 14 complaints (39% of the total), followed by brakes with 9.
Has the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER (4Runner 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 12,890 miles and the middle half falls between 7,600 and 26,000 miles; 96% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.