There are 2 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2018 Toyota 4Runnerin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A POPPING NOISE OCCURRED THAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND THAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMAL. THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED HAAS TOYOTA WORLD (20400, I-45, SPRING, TX 77373) TWICE, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026