Toyota 4RUNNER premature wear problems

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · AL

I am reporting a suspected manufacturing defect involving the exterior paint on my 6th generation Toyota 4Runner. The paint appears to be abnormally thin and is showing premature wear, including chipping and surface irregularities, under normal driving conditions. This vehicle has not been subjected to any abnormal environmental exposure, misuse, or neglect. The condition developed much earlier than expected for a new vehicle and raises concerns about inadequate paint application or quality control during manufacturing. While this issue is cosmetic in nature, it may lead to long-term structural concerns such as corrosion if the underlying metal becomes exposed. Additionally, this concern appears to be reported by multiple owners of the same generation vehicle, suggesting a potential pattern rather than an isolated case. I am requesting that this issue be documented and reviewed for possible investigation if additional complaints are received.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the shock absorber and springs on the suspension were making abnormal sounds while the vehicle was rolling over a dip or bump in the roadway. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the springs and shocks showed premature wear and corrosion. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0094-20 (Front Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Brakes · 230,660 miles · TN

Only a few months after complete front brake replacement:rotors, calipers, pads,when braking at high speed downhill on good highway, the vehicle began vibrating strongly. Stopped at mechanics to have it checked. I had the tires balanced and rotated. Left front brake rotor was extremely hot, diagnosed as warped rotor. Replaced under warranty,caliper and rotor again. Now only a few thousand miles later the vibration is back again. This should not be. This has all happened within the past 15000 miles. Something more is wrong that is causing the brakes to malfunction but I don't see what it is.

Filed Aug 18, 2018 · Brakes · 155,000 miles · VA

Continuous brake caliper issues with then locking up causing them to prematurely wear out rotors and pads. Now with the cause of this issue, lost brake pressure all together almost causing me the driver create an accident in an intersection that could have been a devastating outcome. The vehicle only has 155000 miles, this should never have happened, I've already paid it off pocket alot of money for the brake caliper issue that I could have bought a newer vehicle. This needs to be investigated closely.

Filed May 3, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 40,000 miles · IN

Has a steering wheel shimmy between 60-70 MPH, causing premature wear on tires. Just bought 80k mile warranty tires are they are completely bald at 20k miles even after being rotated every 5k miles, balances, and alignments. Unable to keep vehicle aligned and in balance no matter how soon I have it done after just having it done (once in august and then again immediately in september. Body shop advising that the weld on the rear axle is incorrect causing this issue. Attempted to speak with toyota warsaw, they aren't getting back to me as they said they would, called corporate 800 number and spoke to a rude female who was unwilling to help me. Was told that I had already been driving on unsafe tread, that what would another week hurt? Can't buy new tires until issue is fixed because the tires will just prematurely wear again.

Filed Jun 29, 2017 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · CO

Brakes are not adequate for model. Rotors warp around 15k and keep warping when replaced or resurfaced. Braking is not solid, is slow, and steering wheel shake results when warping occurs. Brakes do not adequately grab. Brakes also are slow to react with ABS on corners, make sounds and brakes are substandard for model. All of this has happened under at 15k and 23k in my car. Dealer said it''s a known issue and tells people to downshift (in an automatic!) instead of brake. Many complaints in internet formula regarding the same. People could get seriously hurt with these issues. Needs to be recalled for brakes and a stronger braking system issued.

Filed Dec 28, 2014 · Steering · NJ

Vehicle handles poorly,worse above 55 MPH,raining,or windy. Vehicle wanders and requires constant course corrections to stay in lane. Tires are feathering on outside edges and are prematurely worn out at under 10,000 miles. According to toyota everything is perfect.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Brakes, Wheels · 74,650 miles · OH

Vehicle purchased used july 2011 w/ 45k miles. In may 2012 at 55k had brakes repaired, all 4 wheels new rotors pads and hardware. In 2014 noticed brake fluid leaking from caliper and discoloring wheels. Dealer service verified front calipers frozen (guide pins and pads rusted in place as well as caliper pistons). This appears to be a design flaw as the caliper does not incorporate any protective boot for the guide pins or any interface between the pad shoe and the caliper body. The caliper body and guide pin appear to be easily oxidized, a fact that toyota attributes to "environmental conditions". Apparently toyota designs for the mildest conditions rather than the harshest. Oddly, it is only the front caliper with this design: the rear caliper incorporates a more modern design with a boot for the guide bolt.

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Brakes · 170,000 miles · CA

Vibration from braking causing very decreased vehicle control posing very increased accident risk. Toyota four runner 02 limited, recurrence of pulsing brake pedal and very high vehicle vibration when braking. This occurs after short or long mountain descents at normal / posted highway speeds under normal passenger loads (not hauling), clear dry conditions. This is the second time this low mileage vehicle has experience this issue. First time, the front rotors were replaced at the dealer by the previous owners expense under 60k miles. The vehicle is driven at most 7k miles a year. The problem has returned over and over and poses a serious hazard to occupants and other highway travelers. Searching the web, there are numerous complaints of warped rotors which toyota dealers are saying is driver error / normal use. I have not driven this vehicle much and not hard. My use would qualify as normal highway travel. The vehicle was purchased by me in 2008 and I have replaced rotors every year. I have purchased the slotted rotors with ceramic as well as semi metallic with no benefit . Certainly the expense of again replacing rotors is concerning, but really, the amount of vibration and decreased control causes me to be very concerned for my, and others, safety. Even if the rotors are replaced, it seems very likely that the vibration and loss of control will return in a few thousand miles of normal use. I would like toyota to admit their vehicles have faulty assembly which causes excessive wear on pads and rotors. I now just took it in again, and this will be the 4th set of rotors, pads and rear drums!

Filed Sep 6, 2010 · Brakes · 51,700 miles · CO

Vibration from braking causing very decreased vehicle control posing very increased accident risk. Toyota four runner 02 limited, recurrence of pulsing brake pedal and very high vehicle vibration when braking. This occurs after long mountain descents at normal / posted highway speeds under normal passenger loads (not hauling), clear dry conditions. This is the second time this low mileage vehicle has experience this issue. First time, the front rotors were replaced at the dealer at the owners expense under 40k miles. The vehicle is driven at most 5k miles a year. The problem has returned and poses a serious hazard to occupants and other highway travelers. Searching the web, there are numerous complaints of warped rotors which toyota dealers are saying its driver error / normal use. I have not driven this vehicle much and not hard. My use would easily qualify as normal highway travel. The vehicle has less than 65k miles on it now. Certainly the expense of again replacing rotors is concerning, but really, the amount of vibration and decreased control causes me to be very concerned for my, and others, safety. Even if the rotors are replaced, it seems very likely that the vibration and loss of control will return in a few thousand miles of normal use.