Toyota 4RUNNER slipping problems

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · CA

At approximately 520 miles, while performing a low speed left hand turn, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical "thunk" in the drivetrain followed by an immediate loss of motive power (Limp Mode) in my new 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. The engine revved significantly, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, creating a hazardous situation in the intersection of oncoming traffic. A diagnostic health check at an authorized dealer confirmed stored DTC fault codes P281671 and P08BA71, indicating that Pressure Control Solenoids Actuators "H" and "L" were in a "stuck" state. The vehicle's Freeze Frame Data recorded a catastrophic internal transmission slip, showing an engine speed of 1767 RPM while the vehicle was moving at only 4 MPH in 2nd gear. There are no previous warning signs or symptoms of this problem before the transmission failure. It was sudden and unexpected. The manufacturer’s technical service protocols (such as T-SB-0094-24/T-SB-0076-24) for these specific solenoid codes on this specific 8-speed hybrid transmission (L580F) – which is equipped on my vehicle – identify this as an internal mechanical actuator failure requiring full transmission, torque converter, and hybrid module replacement. However, the manufacturer has denied the repair because the vehicle’s specific VIN is not yet listed on a service bulletin and that they could not reproduce it in a short test drive. The manufacturer’s official recommendation is to continue operating the vehicle with a documented and non-repaired powertrain defect until a second failure occurs in traffic. I am reporting this as a significant safety risk, as a recurring loss of motive power during critical driving maneuvers puts myself and other motorists in danger. The vehicle and its stored diagnostic data are available for inspection.

Filed Jun 11, 2019 · Suspension · 171,253 miles · CA

My vehicle has been slipping a lot causing me to lose control of the vehicle it's not the first time it has happened just recently it happened again and I was told to check if there was a recall on the vehicle but there wasn't but after researching my 4runner I've read there was some recalls on the car about the rear suspension.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Transmission · 24,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and turning, the vehicle lost accelerating power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. Updated 03/21/13*lj the consumer stated the transmission slipped (revved to high rpms) while attempting to accelerate after slowing down below 15 MPH (while making turns or slowing for traffic). This has caused dangerous situations where significant lag time between depressing the gas pedal and when the transmission engaged while making a left turn across oncoming traffic or when a quick acceleration was needed after slowing down. The potential for an accident is high. Toyota should address the situation before someone gets into a serious accident as several other reports of this condition have been reported. There are a number of complaints on the internet with the same problem.

Filed Feb 11, 2013 · Driver assistance · 29,000 miles · WA

22dec12 49f entered corner at 50mph, roads slightly wet. 4runner decided the car was slipping and the panic beeps went off and the car applied brakes. Unfortunately the computer straightened the car out and pointed it off the road. It took all my strength to turn the car back into the corner and finally the computer stopped the panic. After this I was unable to turn off the traction control via the enable/disable button until I had turned off the vehicle. I was following a car into the corner and that car navigated the corner fine. Also, since owning this vehicle, 10 times it has assumed I was panic braking. Literally, the 4runner slams on the brakes and brings the vehicle to a stop. Luckily there has been no one behind me during these events. In the winter of 2011, the 4runner lost control on an icy road at fairly low speed. I couldn't do anything because the computer was trying to get control back. I suspect the computer got confused because I could have totally gotten control back. The traction control is never really off. You can turn it off, but it will kick back on when it thinks you are no longer in control of the vehicle.

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · VA

2009 4runner transmission slips (revs to high rpms) while attempting to accelerate after slowing below 15 MPH (while making turns or slowing for traffic). This has caused dangerous situations where a significant lag time between depressing the gas pedal and when the transmission engages while making a left hand turn across on coming traffic or when a quick acceleration is needed after slowing. The potential for an accident is high. Toyota should address this situation before someone gets into a serious accident as several other reports of this condition have been reported.

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · VA

2009 4 runner transmission: same as other complaints about slipping and lag time in engaging into gear at low speeds (like when slowing down to make turns or go over speed bumps). Obviously not shifting correctly and is a safety issue when turning across traffic and the vehicle does not respond properly when the accelerator is depressed. Toyota needs to investigate this as it looks like a recurring problem for this year and a safety issue.

Filed Feb 13, 2010 · Transmission · 400 miles · CA

I have a 2009 toyota 4 runner, purchased new in november '09. The car currently has 1800 miles on it, however I noticed the problem at about 400 miles. The problem is the transmission slips when shifting up at about 10 miles per hour. It does not do this from a complete stop, only after de-accelerating (example, slowing down to make a right turn) and accelerating back up, then it will slip. Nothing has been done to correct this defect because the dealership says they have never heard of this problem with the 4 runner and toyota has not issued a technical service bulletin.

Filed Feb 13, 2010 · Transmission · 3,500 miles · TX

I am filing this claim to report a potential safety problem with the transmission in the 2009 toyota 4runner. I bought my 2009 4runner new in may of 2009 and from the first week noticed a problem with the transmission slipping, and it is progressively getting worse. It happens consistently each time I slow down (but don't stop completely) to turn corners and then continue to accelerate,. The transmission doesn't respond, the car just sits there, and the engine goes from 1500 rpms to up to 2500 rpms before the transmission catches up with the engine again and the car then moves. I am concerned each time this happens, especially when there is traffic following behind me in the turn. I brought it in to the dealership to check it out right after we bought it. They ran a diagnostic and told us that everything checked out ok. I had the technician drive it, and I went with him. He said that he couldn't feel what I was talking about, even though I felt it when he slowed to make a turn. He then told me that it was probably because it took the new electronic transmission a few seconds to communicate with the car's computer. Sounded like he was guessing at what might be causing the problem. I have since contacted customer care at toyota, and received a response in e-mail telling me to contact the dealership in my area, and that toyota had already done so on my behalf. He said if I didn't hear from the manager at my dealership by feb. 11, 2010, to contact toyota again. I haven't heard from my dealership as of feb 13. I have talked with other owners of this model, and they experience the same thing, and they have gotten the same runaround from the company.

Filed Apr 23, 2004 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission sometimes slips. This has happened from day one and I was told that nothing was wrong.

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Seats · 1 miles · FL

Driver's seat keeps slipping when increasing/decreasing/stopping. It is a manual seat and dealer informed me that this was nothing to be concerned about and that there had been other complaints. It is a noticable shift in seat position. Dealer suggested that this is a typical "manual" seat reation. I find this difficult to be comfortable with as I have never had this situation with other vehicles with manual seats. Please notify me via email your findings. Thanks barbara christian.