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Toyota · Mid-Size SUV · 2003–2009

Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen is available with 2 engine variants — from 235 to 249 hp.

4.0L V6 · Benziner· 245 PS
2003 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
4.7L V8 · Benziner· 235 PS
2003 2009
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 4.0L V6 (Benziner, 245 PS) has the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 4.7L V8 (Benziner, 235 PS) has the 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Gleicher rostanfälliger Rahmen wie der Tacoma 2005-2010 — aber der 4Runner ist NICHT im Toyota-Settlement. Klage eingereicht, keine Entschädigung. Reparatur auf eigene Kosten.

Same rust-prone frame as the 2005-2010 Tacoma — but the 4Runner is NOT in Toyota's settlement. Lawsuit filed, no compensation. Repair at own expense.

Symptoms: Visible rust-through on frame, structural weakening
from 80,000 km
Ad frame rust 4Runner 4th genframe replacement 4Runner
 High
✖Gummibuchsen an den Karosserie-Auflagepunkten sammeln Wasser → Rost frisst sich von innen in den Rahmen. Von außen nicht sichtbar.

Rubber bushings at body mount points collect water → rust eats into the frame from inside. Not visible from outside.

Symptoms: Creaking over bumps, visible rust at body mounts when bushings removed
from 100,000 km
Ad body mount 4Runnerframe bushing 4Runner 4th gen
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,457 complaints · 2003–2009
Body Structure
980 ⚠ 13
Suspension
395 ⚠ 9
Other
390 ⚠ 10
Brakes
267 ⚠ 17
Powertrain
181 ⚠ 5

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Body Structure (980 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (395 complaints)
⚠ Other (390 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen (2003–2009) — 13 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Other, Body, Suspension.

4Runner (2UZ-FE, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement mandatory every 145,000 km, Plastic heater connector bursting and causing overheating, Water pump wearing out together with timing belt. Power: 235 PS.

4Runner (1GR-FE, 2003–2009) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure at high mileage, Thin cylinder liners cannot be bored out, Water pump fails prematurely at 65,000–80,000 km. Power: 245 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota 4Runner? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen have? +
The Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen has 13 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8), 1GR-FE (4.0L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8).
Which Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 235 hp V8 with full-time AWD and low range: the reliability legend. 2UZ-FE documented to 1 million miles. BUT: exhaust manifold cracks universally — "two types: already cracked, about to crack." Aftermarket headers instead of OEM replacement. Air injection pump on 2005+ expensive at dealer, bypass kit as cheap fix. Frame rust same as V6 — the engine outlives the frame.
Is the Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen worth buying used? +
The Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen? +
The Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen is available with engine variants from 235 to 249 hp. Petrol: 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8), 1GR-FE (4.0L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee