Toyota 4RUNNER loss of power problems

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 200,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure initially occurred without warning; however, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) message was displayed with an audible beeping sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was a red warning light flashing on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · TX

I am reporting what I believe is a design defect involving the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) System on my 2014 Toyota 4Runner. My vehicle illuminated the Check Engine Light and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code P2440 (Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open). During my inspection, I found that the factory-installed foam air pump filter had completely deteriorated and was missing. The filter appears to have disintegrated over time rather than being removed during maintenance. The filter is intended to prevent contaminants from entering the Secondary Air Injection pump and switching valves. Once it deteriorates, debris can enter the system, potentially contaminating the switching valve and causing the P2440 fault. This failure caused my vehicle to enter reduced-power ("limp") mode, resulting in a significant loss of engine power and acceleration. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not accelerate normally while driving, increasing the risk when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. Toyota has discontinued the original replacement foam filter, preventing owners from restoring the system with the factory-designed component. Numerous other owners have reported similar failures involving deteriorated or missing foam filters, P2440/P2442 diagnostic codes, and costly Secondary Air Injection System repairs. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether deterioration of this factory foam filter is a design or material defect that allows contamination of the Secondary Air Injection System and can lead to limp mode and reduced engine performance. If confirmed, Toyota should provide an appropriate remedy, such as redesigned components or an extended warranty for affected vehicles. This failure appears to result from deterioration of an original factory component rather than improper maintenance or normal wear and presents a potential safety concern for other Toyota 4Runner owners.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

We were traveling north on hwy 23 in southern Minnesota pulling a 5000 lb trailer in the rain and it was windy. When the road split to 4 lane I stepped on the gas to speed up from 55 to 65 and the vehicle studderd and lost all power. Many warning lights cam on and I think it said stop within .3 miles. We pulled to the side of the road and basically coasted to a stop. It was on hybrid power. We called the nearest Toyota dealership and they suggested restarting the vehicle and see if we could make it to them. The engine did restart still with all the warnings on and we were able to drive it to the dealer being really gentle with the throttle. They pulled codes and it was intake related. They removed the air filter and it was dripping wet. The raised intake ingests water when it's raining and if it's working hard enough it pulls it through the filter into the intake and causes the vehicle to suddenly lose power which could possibly cause a accident. I am also concerned about water pulling dirt with it into the motor and causing damage. I have driven the vehicle in the rain since this happened but not pulling a trailer and really working it and so far it hasn't shut down on me yet but I've pulled the filter and it was wet. I have brought this issue to my dealer but they said they are not aware of a problem. I will attach a video of the wet filter I pulled from the air box after driving in a rain storm and a video of the warning lights that appeared. I don't think the dealership I took it too has any records of it because it was just after closing and they used a handheld scanner. They just dried our filter off and cleared the codes.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 11,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The vehicle lost motive power while attempting to access the freeway on three occasions. The reduced power mode message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and initially they were unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed that the sensor needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was open. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2013 VIN# [XXX] LP# XXX The gas needle will be above the half (middle line), and the fuel range on top of the dash would read anywhere from 160-213 miles, going 45 mph up a hill or 70 mph on the freeway, all of a sudden starts to stall and completely shut off while still driving. I would then only have a few seconds to try to pull over due to losing all power, and not being able to shift into neutral because it's a push/start button. The car will only turn back on after putting some gas into it, so I make sure to never let the gas needle go below the middle line or have the gas range reading go below anything around 160-200 miles since the vehicle has shut down at a different amount each time, and there's been multiple times. Also, the fuel level needle never matches with how many miles is shown on the range, displaying inaccurate readings. It has poor acceleration, poor mileage, and now making a loud whining noise that is heard from outside the vehicle near gas tank. I have tried looking up the VIN and it does not show that it falls under the recall, despite it having all the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump/sending unit. I love my 4Runner but I am in fear for my life whenever I drive it and not showing accurate fuel levels. I pray that nobody runs into me if the vehicle stalls out in the roadway, while going 30-80 mph (it has done it on regular roads and on the highway). There are no warning lights or check engine light. It's at about 208,000 miles, with the issue slowly getting worse over time. I am requesting for it to be inspected free of charge, as well as getting the necessary repairs that the recall is for free of charge. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Engine · AZ

Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle.

Filed Mar 24, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 8,000 miles · MD

Vehicle was being driven on beltway and suddenly lost all power, braking, and steering capabilities. Emergency brake was used to stop vehicle. Vehicle was not able to be restarted. Phone attached via cigarette outlet was zapped. Manufacturer has failed to assume any responsibility customer has endured due to this total vehicle malfunction.

Filed Sep 30, 2020 · Fuel system · 125,700 miles · AZ

My children and I almost died twice! 4 runner almost caused serious injury or death. 9/24/20, 6:15 pmish, vehicle in motion for approximately over an hour, 70mph cruise control set, beginning to climb up a large mountain westbound interstate 8. Engine hesitates/stalls briefly, steering became difficult, car shuddered, was difficult to maintain control of vehicle, only lasted seconds. At a slower speed engine back up and all was fine, assumed it was not a major issue. Continued driving the vehicle for the next two days at same higher speeds and for long periods of time. 9/26/20, around 6:30 pm, vehicle in motion for over an hour, about 70mph flow of traffic, not in cruise control, flat road, eastbound interstate 8, left lane of 4 lanes of traffic. Engine stalls/hesitates for about 10 long seconds, loss of power steering, almost ran into barricade on left, almost ran into car on right, luckily no one behind us. Saw blackish smoke out rearview mirror. Loud sounds, shaking and grinding. After about 10 seconds and crying/screaming kids, engine no longer stalled and was able to control vehicle to turn on hazards. We are lucky to be alive! Safety exited, contacted toyota service to inform them. Vehicle towed 161 miles to dealership, they see nothing wrong with the vehicle and were ready to release it to us. Back story, most all service performed by toyota dealership and did what was suggested. 8/31/20 toyota poway installed fuel pump safety recall (prior to this I had no issue, this was preventative) a week later engine light on, alexander toyota, finds my safety recalled part was incorrectly secured/installed. They fixed it and returned the car. Since the fuel pump safety recall part was improperly installed we are now experiencing engine hesitation/stalls, our vehicle is unsafe can cause serious injury of death.

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · 36,000 miles · CA · fire

I was driving my 4 runner down the three lane city road doing about 40-45 mps when my navigation screen shut off and tried to reconnect to my phone. This happened twice in a matter of 5-7 minutes. Since I was driving, I was not able to do anything with either my phone or my navigation system. It acted as it if was just trying to reconnect to my phone when it was actually turning off and rebooting as if I was just starting the car .the third time it happened, I was making a left hand turn on to a very busy four lane road when in mid turn, it felt like I had lost power steering. I checked the dashboard for any warning lights and that is when I noticed there was no power of any sorts to my 4 runner nor was there any warning lights. I was not even able to put my flashers on to warn oncoming traffic. I coasted to the shoulder when I noticed a strong smell coming from the front of the car. It smelt like burnt plastic. I got out of my car when traffic permitted and went to call a tow truck when my 4 runner started smoking very heavily from under the hood with in a two to three minute time frame. I immediately called 911 and they dispatched a fire truck and police to the scene where , upon arrival, the front of my 4 runner was completely covered in flames within a matter of 5-7 minutes since the vehicle lost power . The fire department blocked off the road and put out the vehicle fire. The fireman said that he believed fire started in the engine block due where it appeared the fire started and how it burned.

Filed Jan 3, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 28,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 toyota 4runner. While driving in the left lane at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact stated that the vehicle seized and was unable to be moved. The engine was still running, but the vehicle would not accelerate. All the indicators on the instrument panel illuminated at the time of the failure. Modern toyota (3178 peters creek pkwy, winston-salem, nc 27127) diagnosed the vehicle, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000. *tt