Toyota 4RUNNER won't shift problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WY

Vehicle information center showed "Hybrid System Failure" while driving in heavy rain for 4 hours. All 4 wheels began violently shuddering and speed slowed down (limp mode?). It was very difficult to control vehicle during this time, and I was looking for an exit on the [XXX] in heavy traffic with no place to pull off. I found an exit some miles (~7 miles?) away and parked in an Outlet Mall (XXX Outlet shops). Repeated tries to start the vehicle still showed "Hybrid System Failure" on the vehicle information center. After about 1 hour, I tried starting the vehicle again and it was normal. I took it to a Toyota dealer the following day (Monday) and have attached the report. Vehicle had 5,000 miles on it and it was purchased XXX. The wheels violently shuddering, with no place to pull over in heavy truck traffic made this an exceptionally dangerous situation. I suspect that these hybrid vehicles cannot handle rain. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 Jan 21, 2021 · Engine · 25,000 miles · MD

While driving my 4 runner at about 45 MPH, it just stopped working. Engine was still running but it would not go. It was like it was stuck in neutral. I pressed the gas all the way to the floor and nothing. I was stuck in the middle of the road and unable to go. About 30-45 seconds and it began to work again. I took it to newark toyota and reported the problem but they said since they were unable to duplicate there was nothing they could do. They claimed maybe the floor mat got stuck under the pedal- it is a secure floor mat and I am positive the floor mat was not in the way. I was able to push gas pedal all the way to the floor with no movement of the car. Also I was already driving the car without any issues before it completely stopped working. I am just lucky it didn't happen on an interstate - as I would not have been able to get out of the way of fast moving traffic.

Filed Apr 24, 2020 · Body, Brakes · 190,000 miles · TX

Transmission would not shift in motion leaving from a stop sign. I later found out my transmission lines had corroded away leaking a large amount of transmission fluid. After replacing brakes and adding brake fluid I noticed the brake fluid had leaked from bottom. I had to replace all brake lines and fittings due to corrosion.

Filed Aug 18, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,000 miles · MO

The secondary air injection pump is sending error messages and the vehicle is now in limp mode. The vehicle will not go over 30mph.

Filed Apr 26, 2018 · Brakes · 215,000 miles · AZ

Clutch/brake pedal bracket broke/cracked after pressing the clutch pedal. Was originally diagnosed as a bad clutch and almost pulled the plug to get the clutch replaced. Would have been a load of wasted money on a poor diagnosis. Pedal bracket cracked with clutch pedal was pressed to start the car. Heard lour crack, car started, but would not go into gear.

Filed Sep 28, 2017 · Engine · 102,000 miles · IA

2005 toyota 4runner 4.7l v8. "check engine" and vsc trac. Codes 1441, 1444 and 2440.toyota knows they put a faulty secondary air injection system in the v8 engines for a number of years, and now they want $2200 to fix the problem. If the faulty valve sticks open, the vehicle will automatically go into "limp mode" with a maximum speed well below safe travel speeds on highways and interstates, creating a safety hazard for occupants and others on the road. Toyota did a recall on other models with the same engine, but nothing for the 4runner. This is a know issue with the v8 engine, and they are covering the repair for sequoias and tundras with the same engine.

Filed Jul 24, 2017 · Engine · 125 miles · VA

2005 toyota 4runner 4.7l v8. "check engine" and vsc trac. Codes 1441, 1444 and 2440 vehicle went into limp mode on the highway and I was unable to accelerate about 20 MPH on a 70 MPH highway. Major safety issue. This is a known issue with the toyota v8 but toyota is not covering the 4runner but is covering the same engine part in the tundra. The mechanic knew exactly what the problem was and sees it all the time. Repair is $2,000 with no reimbursement from toyota

Filed Feb 27, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · WA

Abs light ;po500 code speed sensor a speedometer not working, wont shift into gear with ABS light on windows malfunction and all electric windows stopped working possibly due to same ABS circuite as noticed same exact timeframe. Apart from that prior malfunctions include airbag light stays on needs restting from dealer and also horn does not operate. Missing/no factory installed fog lamps --dealer wants over 1,200.00 for 2 basic fog lamps from their parts dept.