Pre-purchase report
71,000 miles · asking $29,500 · 4.0L 1GR-FE V6
6 known failure points for this generation · cost data pending verification
A body-on-frame SUV built on ancient, proven mechanicals that trades refinement for durability. Money mostly goes to consumables (brakes, tires, fluids) and age-related items rather than catastrophic drivetrain failures, since the 1GR-FE V6 and 5-speed auto are genuinely tough.
AI-drafted profile
This failure-mode list was drafted by AI and cross-checked against this car’s real NHTSA complaint data. It has not yet been verified by our mechanics or owners, and it deliberately shows no cost figures: we never publish a dollar amount we can’t source. Own one? Your cost submissions below are what turn this into a verified teardown.
What you’ll notice: Steering warning light, intermittent loss of power assist, or heavy steering.
Steering is the top mechanical complaint area on this generation, with reports of EPS faults; matches NHTSA STEERING complaints.
Typical window: 30k-90k miles
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
What you’ll notice: No-start, stalling, or rough running with a fuel-related warning.
Toyota recalled certain Denso low-pressure fuel pumps across this era; aligns with the FUEL/PROPULSION and FUEL SYSTEM complaints.
Condition-driven: inspect, don't assume
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
What you’ll notice: Backup camera dropout, Entune freezes, or intermittent accessory faults.
Electrical system complaints are common on this generation, mostly around the dated infotainment and camera modules.
Condition-driven: inspect, don't assume
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
What you’ll notice: Clunking over bumps and loose steering feel.
Sway bar links, lower control arm bushings, and struts wear at typical mileage; matches SUSPENSION complaints.
Typical window: 60k-120k miles
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
What you’ll notice: Flaking scale on frame rails, brake and fuel lines, and skid plates.
Like most body-on-frame Toyotas, salt-belt trucks corrode from underneath; inspect before anything else.
Condition-driven: inspect, don't assume · applies only if found
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
What you’ll notice: Cracks forming across the top of the dash, usually near the passenger airbag seam.
5th-gen 4Runner dashes are a well-known weak point, especially in hot, sunny climates where the material degrades and splits.
Condition-driven: inspect, don't assume · applies only if found
AI-drafted, unverified · cross-checked against NHTSA complaints · submit what you paid below to verify it
AI-drafted for this chassis. Hand it to your inspector.
64 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file for the 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (public federal data). Failure mileages come from odometer readings owners filed with NHTSA.
failures cluster 15k-52k mi · median 41k (n=8) · this car is past the median
failures cluster 1k-23k mi · median 22k (n=5) · this car is past the median
failures cluster 11k-47k mi · median 30k (n=9) · this car is past the median
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 20
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply
156 manufacturer service bulletins on file with NHTSA for this model year.
EQUIPMENT (72) · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34) · STRUCTURE (32) · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (8)
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