Worst Toyota 4Runner Years (And Why You Should Skip Them in 2025)

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Thereโ€™s a reason the Toyota 4Runner has built such a loyal fan base over the years. Itโ€™s tough, itโ€™s dependable, and it can handle dirt trails and city streets alike without breaking a sweat.

But not every 4Runner year hits that sweet spot.ย  Some have issuesโ€”big onesโ€”and if you’re shopping for a used one in 2025, you’ll want to steer clear of a few key troublemakers.

Weโ€™re not here to trash the 4Runner. Itโ€™s a legend for a reason. But even legends have a few skeletons in the garage. Letโ€™s break down which years are best left on the lotโ€”and why.

First-Gen 4Runner (1984โ€“1989) – Great for Enthusiasts, Not for Everyone

A white 4Runner SUV navigates a winding road through a lush forest
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, This first-gen was totally truck-like

Letโ€™s start at the beginning. The original 4Runner, launched in 1984, was more of a modified Hilux pickup than a true SUV.

Toyota literally bolted a fiberglass canopy onto the truck bed, tossed in a couple of seats, and called it good. Rugged? Absolutely. Practical daily driver in 2025? Not so much.

Why You Might Want to Skip It

  • Zero modern safety featuresย โ€” no airbags, no ABS, not even a reinforced roof.
  • Built for trails, not trafficย โ€” everything from the ride comfort to the interior feels dated.
  • Bare-bones amenitiesย โ€” think manual everything and noisy cabins.

If you’re building an off-road toy or restoring a classic, it might still have appeal. But for the average driver looking for reliability and comfort? Look elsewhere.

Third-Gen Red Flags: 1996โ€“1997 & 2000

Sleek black Toyota 4Runner, parked on a paved surface
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, The end of the third-gen 4Runner was good

The third generation brought in big upgradesโ€”refined looks, better engines, and a smoother ride. But a few early model years were far from flawless.

1996โ€“1997 (Head Gasket Headaches)

The 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 engine was generally a solid performer, but those first couple of years? Not its best moment.

  • Common Issue:ย Head gasket failure. Toyota did initiate a special service campaign, but many of those early engines never got the fix.
  • Cost to Fix:ย Easily $2,000โ€“$3,000 in parts and labor.
  • Warning Signs:ย Overheating, coolant loss, white exhaust smokeโ€”classic red flags.

If you’re looking at a โ€™96 or โ€™97, ask for paperwork. No head gasket fix? No deal.

2000

The 2000 model racked upย 546 NHTSA complaints, withย 177 related to frame rust. Thatโ€™s not just cosmeticโ€”it can get dangerous.

One owner even reported the transmission mount falling through a rusted-out section of the frame.

Others mentioned suspension components detaching entirely. You donโ€™t want to take this thing off-roadโ€”or on-road, reallyโ€”if the frame’s rotting out from under you.

Fourth-Gen Trouble Spots: 2003โ€“2006

A rust-colored Toyota 4Runner, ready for an adventure in the wilderness
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Fourth-gen 4Runner was impressive, although each production year had its own flaws

The fourth generation (2003โ€“2009) is a popular pick today for its balance of refinement and toughness. But early production years saw more than their fair share of complaints.

Letโ€™s take a closer look:

Year NHTSA Complaints Major Issues Notable Problems
2003 805 Rust, head gaskets, dash cracks 273 rust-related complaints
2004 910 Severe frame rust, braking failures, paint issues 94 ABS/braking complaints
2005 617 Transmission problems, air pump failures, rust Repairs as high as $3,000
2006 137 Suspension failures, speed control issues 3 crashes from suspension, 8 from speed control

What Went Wrong?

Rust (Again)

Toyota didnโ€™t apply enough underbody protection, and it shows. Frames, body mounts, and control arms are especially vulnerable.

Some owners reported repairs exceeding $10,000โ€”others were told the frame was beyond saving.

Mechanical Failures

2005 is a standout for problems:

  • Head gasket and steering fluid leaks.
  • Failing air injection pumps (not cheap to fix).
  • Transmission slipping or failing entirely.

Dashboard cracking was also rampant across multiple yearsโ€”ugly, yes, but more of an annoyance than a dealbreaker.

Still, when itโ€™s combined with major rust and drivetrain issues, it’s hard to justify the risk.

Fifth-Gen Watchlist: 2013

A rugged Toyota 4Runner, ready for an adventure
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, Fifth generation is present for twelve years now

The fifth generation (2010โ€“present) is arguably the most reliable run of 4Runners yet. Models from 2016 onward, in particular, have aged well. But one year doesnโ€™t quite hold up to the rest.

2013: The Outlier

On paper, the 2013 4Runner looks fine.ย JD Powerย gives it a strongย 83 out of 100 reliability score. But look closer and youโ€™ll find:

  • 6 recalls
  • Airbag inflator explosionsย (serious safety issue)
  • Peeling paintย (so widespread, Toyota extended paint warranties to 14 years)
  • Braking malfunctions
  • Excessive engine oil consumption
  • Loose hood scoops that detach at high speeds

Real Costs

  • Estimated 10-Year Maintenance:ย $5,250
  • Thatโ€™s higher than most other fifth-gen models, and some of these issues directly affect safety and resale value.

If you’re dead set on a 2013, make sure every recall was addressed. Even then, there are better (and safer) choices out there.

Why All of This Still Matters in 2025

Weโ€™re talking about used SUVs hereโ€”many of them 15, even 20+ years old. And with age comes wear, tear, and rust that doesnโ€™t care what badge is on the grille.

Hereโ€™s What Can Go Wrong

  • Frame rust can make a vehicle uninsurable or unsafe.
  • Unrepaired head gasket issues can cause catastrophic engine failure.
  • Outdated safety tech means lower protection in real-world crashes.

Sure, a 4Runner with 250,000 miles might stillย runโ€”but is it worth spending $3,000+ on repairs every few months? Thatโ€™s a question buyers need to ask seriously in 2025.

Smarter Used Buying

Not all 4Runners are trouble. But shopping smart can save you from a big mistake. Hereโ€™s how:

Do a Deep-Dive Vehicle History Check

Use CarFax or AutoCheck. Look for:

  • Recalls and whether theyโ€™ve been completed.
  • Major accidents.
  • Frequent owners or flipped titles (could mean hidden issues).

Inspect for Rust Like a Pro

Especially important for third- and fourth-gen models:

  • Look under the carโ€”frames, control arms, and rocker panels.
  • Tap rusted spots with a screwdriver. If it flakes or sounds hollow, thatโ€™s bad news.
  • If the underbody is coated in black goop, ask whether itโ€™s original rust-proofing or just hiding damage.

Verify Repairs and Maintenance

Ask for receipts. Repairs like head gaskets or transmission rebuilds should be backed up with documentation. No records? Walk away.

Take a Long Test Drive

Donโ€™t just go around the block:

  • Listen for engine knock, whines, or grinding.
  • Check for transmission slipping or hard shifts.
  • See if the brakes feel soft or the vehicle pulls to one side.

Let a Mechanic Get In There

A pre-purchase inspection can cost $100โ€“$200, but itโ€™s worth every penny. Mechanics can spot early signs of issues most buyers would miss.

What to Skip and What to Consider Instead

A Toyota 4Runner navigates a challenging off-road trail
Source: YouTube/Screenshot, This 2013MY is known for frequent engine issues

Worst Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid in 2025:

  • 1984โ€“1989: Too outdated for most people
  • 1996โ€“1997: Head gasket risks
  • 2000: Frame rust nightmare
  • 2003โ€“2006: Rust, gaskets, transmission issues
  • 2013: Recalls, paint, and engine quirks

Safer Bets:

  • 2008โ€“2009: End of the fourth-gen runโ€”refined and generally solid.
  • 2015โ€“2022: Most fifth-gen models are incredibly reliable and have updated safety tech.
  • TRD Off-Road or Limited trims: Well-equipped trim levels and often better maintained.

The 4Runner is a workhorse, no doubt. But not every year deserves your hard-earned money. A little research today can save you thousandsโ€”and a whole lot of headachesโ€”tomorrow.

Picture of Ted Friedman

Ted Friedman

My name is Ted, and I'm a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion that started at a young age. I'm always keeping up with the latest trends and innovations in the automotive world, and I love sharing that knowledge with fellow car lovers. If it's new tech, performance upgrades, or design trends news you're after, I'm the guy to bring you fresh insights from the world of cars. Check my latest pieces out!
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