Toyota 4Runner
In Canada: generations, trims, common issues, recalls and fuel costs
This guide covers the Toyota 4Runner across 4 generations from model year 1996. Transport Canada lists 9 recalls for it since the 2000 model year, the latest issued in November 2021 (list read ). Canadian 4Runners are four-wheel drive: every 2024 model was a 4x4 with the V6, and the 2026 line-up uses on-demand or full-time 4WD depending on grade.
Overview
The 4Runner is Toyota’s body-on-frame mid-size SUV, a truck-based wagon that has kept its off-road hardware while most rivals turned into crossovers. It has been sold in North America since the 1980s and is built in Japan. Buyers are people who tow, head up forestry roads and ski-hill parking lots, or want a vehicle that shrugs off rough use for a long time; its roll-down rear window is a signature. The fifth generation ran from 2010 to 2024 with the same 4.0 L V6, and the current model uses a turbo four-cylinder or hybrid. In Calgary, the things to check on a used one are frame corrosion on 2003–2006 trucks, which many owners have reported to NHTSA, and recall work on the fuel pump and passenger airbag.
- Body type
- Mid-size body-on-frame SUV
- Model years covered
- 1996 on
- Generations
- 4
- Production
- The 4Runner is built in Japan for North America; it has never been built in Canada.[1]
- Transport Canada recalls
- 9 since the 2000 model year
- NRCan fuel rating, 2026
- 10.0–11.2 L/100 km combined, about $3,246–$3,636 a year
Generations
Newest first. Years are model years; “on” means the generation is still in production.
-
Sixth generation (N500)
2025 on
Moved to the TNGA-F platform shared with the Tacoma, with a 2.4 L turbo four-cylinder or i-FORCE MAX hybrid; still built in Tahara, Japan.[1][9]
-
Fifth generation (N280)
2010–2024
Shared its platform with the Prado 150 and Lexus GX; V6 only in Canada, with a five-speed automatic for the whole run. Facelifted for 2014, and every Canadian 2024 model was a 4x4.[1][8]
-
Fourth generation (N210)
2003–2009
Based on the Prado 120 with a new 4.0 L V6 and, for the first time, an optional 4.7 L V8; stability control was standard and full side airbags became standard for 2008.[1][3]
-
Third generation (N180)
1996–2002
Built on the Land Cruiser Prado’s chassis with the Tacoma’s drivetrain; North America lost the manual for 2000 and the four-cylinder for 2001, leaving the 3.4 L V6.[1][2]
Trims and engines
Trims sold in Canada
| Trim | Years | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| SR5 | 1996 on | The core grade throughout; the 2026 SR5 is a seven-seat, three-row model with on-demand 4WD.[2][3][4][8][9] |
| Limited | 1996 on | Luxury grade, with full-time 4WD and X-REAS suspension on the fifth generation.[2][3][8][9] |
| Sport Edition | 2003–2009 | Fourth-generation grade with X-REAS suspension and sportier trim.[1][3] |
| Trail | 2010–2016 | Off-road grade with a locking rear differential, crawl control and KDSS; replaced by TRD Off Road.[1][4][5] |
| TRD Off Road (and Premium) | 2017 on | Off-road grade with Bilstein shocks and a locking rear differential; offered gas or hybrid for 2026.[1][6][8][9] |
| TRD Pro | 2017 on | Top off-road grade with FOX shocks and a heritage TOYOTA grille; hybrid-only since 2025.[1][6][7][9] |
| TRD Sport | 2022 on | Street-oriented two-row grade with sport suspension and 20-inch wheels.[1][8][9] |
| Platinum | 2025 on | Luxury hybrid with full-time 4WD, power running boards and 20-inch wheels.[1][9] |
| Trailhunter | 2025 on | Overlanding hybrid with Old Man Emu shocks, a high air intake, roof rack and skid plates.[1][9] |
Engines
| Engine | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L V6 (5VZ-FE) | 1996–2002 | The only North American engine from 2001.[1][2] |
| 4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) | 2003–2024 | 270 hp in the fifth generation with a five-speed automatic.[1][8] |
| 4.7 L V8 (2UZ-FE) | 2003–2009 | Gained VVT-i for 2005.[1][3] |
| 2.4 L turbo I4 (T24A-FTS) | 2025 on | 278 hp and 317 lb-ft; 2,722 kg towing rating.[1][9] |
| i-FORCE MAX hybrid 2.4 L turbo I4 | 2025 on | 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.[1][9] |
Common issues
Problems a source documents for this model, tagged by what kind of source it is. What each tag means:
- Recall
- A safety recall. Transport Canada’s list further down has the recall itself, and a dealer can tell you from your VIN whether it applies to your vehicle.
- Service bulletin
- A manufacturer’s technical service bulletin: its instructions to dealers for diagnosing and repairing the problem. A bulletin is not a recall.
- Owner complaint pattern
- Owners have reported it in complaints. A pattern in reports is not a recall, and not a finding that every vehicle has the problem.
-
Frame corrosion on fourth-generation trucks
Owners have reported frame rust to NHTSA in large numbers for these years, with structure the most-reported component. There was no Canadian recall, so inspect the frame rails and crossmembers closely before buying.[11][12][18][19]
-
Cracked or sticky dashboard
Heat and humidity can crack the dashboard or make it sticky. Toyota’s U.S. warranty enhancement ZE6 replaced affected dashboards on certain 2003–2005 4Runners; that coverage has ended.[10]
-
Front lower ball joint wear
Premature ball joint wear can add steering effort and noise and, in extreme cases, let the joint separate. Dealers inspect and replace the joints.[13]
-
Floor mat can trap the accelerator
An unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat could hold the accelerator down. Part of Toyota’s 2011 floor-mat recall.[14]
-
Passenger airbag inflator recall
Long exposure to heat and humidity can degrade the passenger airbag propellant so the inflator ruptures. Dealers replace the passenger airbag inflator.[15]
-
Low-pressure fuel pump failure
The in-tank fuel pump can fail, causing rough running, a no-start or a stall. The recall replaces the pump.[16]
Transport Canada recalls
Transport Canada lists 9 recalls for the Toyota 4Runner since the 2000 model year, grouped below by generation, newest first. A recall that spans two generations is listed under both. Read from Transport Canada on .
Check one model year against Transport Canada’s live list with the recall check, or decode your VIN first with the VIN decoder.
Fifth generation (N280) 2010–2024
5 recalls
-
Recall 2021-723 · Electrical
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 55,683 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2003–2019
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC XC8/XC9 / SRC RC8/RC9 / SRC RD1/RD2
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903
Safety risk. Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire.
Corrective action. Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
-
Recall 2020-514 · Fuel System
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 126,597 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2014–2015, 2018–2019
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC RB3 & SRC RB4
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls SRC R95/SRC R96 and SRC RA2/SRC RA3 (Transport Canada Recall Numbers 2020-005 and 2020-088).
Safety risk. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action. The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
-
Recall 2020-088 · Fuel System
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 111,835 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2014–2015
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC RA2 / SRC RA3
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall SRC R95/SRC R96 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-005)
Safety risk. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action. The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
-
Recall 2019-008 · Airbag
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 376,282 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2010–2016
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC R75 / SRC R76
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function.
Safety risk. If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury.
Corrective action. Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
-
Recall 2017-363 · Electrical
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 39,189 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2016–2017
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC R39/R40/R47/R48
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the electrical power cords of some dealer installed block heaters may have been improperly manufactured, causing the wires to contact each other, resulting in a short circuit. A short circuit could lead to a fire which would increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property.
Corrective action. For vehicles where the subject block heater was approved for installation, the dealer will replace the block heater assembly with a new one of an improved design. For vehicles where the subject block heater was not approved for installation, dealers will remove the block heater assembly. In the interim, until the remedy can be performed, dealers will cut the plug end from the block heater cord to disable the block heater's operation.
Fourth generation (N210) 2003–2009
4 recalls
-
Recall 2021-723 · Electrical
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 55,683 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2003–2019
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC XC8/XC9 / SRC RC8/RC9 / SRC RD1/RD2
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903
Safety risk. Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire.
Corrective action. Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
-
Recall 2016-051 · Airbag
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 6,962 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2004–2006
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SRC R14 / SRC R15
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the roll rate sensors in the airbag control module may improperly calibrate if the vehicle experiences a body roll motion approximately four seconds after the ignition is turned to the ‘ON’ position. If the vehicle experiences another subsequent body roll motion, the system may erroneously detect a rollover, causing both of the side curtain airbags to deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners to be activated. Unintended airbag and/or seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could result in injury and increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing injury and/or property damage.
Corrective action. Dealers will replace the airbag control module with one which has improved programming.
-
Recall 2011-082 · Other
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 115,600 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2003–2009
- Manufacturer’s no.
- SSC 135, SSC 136
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A fully depressed accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.
Corrective action. Dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2009290 for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
-
Recall 2003-099 · Fuel System
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 1,317 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2003
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 308
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the diaphragm in the pulsation damper at the end of the fuel rail may be damaged and could leak. In the worst case, this may result in a fire if in the presence of a heat source or an ignition source.
Corrective action. Dealer will replace the pulsation damper.
Third generation (N180) 1996–2002
1 recall
-
Recall 2005-151 · Suspension
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 14,341 (whole recall)
- Covers
- 4RUNNER 2001–2002
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 511
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, a manufacturing issue with the front lower ball joint could result in premature wear. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort, reduced vehicle self-centering and noise in the front suspension. In extreme cases, when the driver continues to operate the vehicle in this condition, the lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control.
Corrective action. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower ball joints.
Source: Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Fuel economy and cost
Natural Resources Canada’s combined ratings (55% city, 45% highway driving) for the newest model years it has rated. NRCan rates every drivetrain, transmission and package separately, so each row gives the range across them. The yearly cost assumes 20,000 km a year, the distance NRCan’s own fuel consumption search tool assumes, at Statistics Canada’s average self-serve price in Calgary for August 2026: regular 162.3¢/L, premium 188.4¢/L, diesel 210.6¢/L. Each rating is costed at the fuel NRCan rated it on. How far and how you drive will move it.
| Year | Engine | Fuel | Combined L/100 km | Fuel a year (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.4 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 11.1–11.2 | $3,603–$3,636 |
| 2026 | 2.4 L, 4 cylinders hybrid (2 versions) | Regular | 10.0–10.1 | $3,246–$3,278 |
| 2025 | 2.4 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 11.1–11.2 | $3,603–$3,636 |
| 2025 | 2.4 L, 4 cylinders hybrid (2 versions) | Regular | 9.9–10.1 | $3,214–$3,278 |
| 2024 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.8 | $4,479 |
| 2023 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.8 | $4,479 |
| 2022 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.8 | $4,479 |
| 2021 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.8 | $4,479 |
| 2020 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.8 | $4,479 |
| 2019 | 4.0 L, 6 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 13.2 | $4,285 |
Source: Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings, read . Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Prices: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography (https://doi.org/10.25318/1810000101-eng), used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
Canada notes
- Canadian 4Runners are four-wheel drive: every 2024 model was a 4x4 with the V6, and the 2026 line-up uses on-demand or full-time 4WD depending on grade.[8][9]
- The 4Runner is built in Japan for North America; it has never been built in Canada.[1]
- Road salt: frame and underbody rust is the most-reported complaint for 2003–2006 4Runners, and there has been no Canadian frame recall for this model, so an underbody inspection matters on any Alberta used purchase.[11][12]
- Block heaters: certain Toyota dealer block heater kits fitted to 2003–2019 4Runners were recalled because the cable could overheat while plugged in.[17]
Ask Calgary-area shops to quote on your Toyota 4Runner
Describe the job once. Local shops reply with their own prices.
Or browse shops for the work these issues and recalls lead to: Engine Repair & Diagnostics in Calgary · Brake Repair in Calgary · Tire Shops in Calgary · Inspection & Maintenance in Calgary.
Sources
The entry above was checked against these on . The numbers beside each fact point here.
- Wikipedia, Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2002 Toyota 4Runner specifications. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2006 Toyota 4Runner specifications. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2010 Toyota 4Runner brochure. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2014 Toyota 4Runner specifications. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2017 Toyota 4Runner brochure. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, 2020 Toyota 4Runner brochure. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, Now on sale: 2024 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- Toyota Canada, Now on sale: 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (via NHTSA), Warranty Enhancement Program (ZE6) Phase 2: warranty extension for cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards. Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2003 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2005-151: front lower ball joints (4Runner). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2011-082: accelerator pedal entrapment by floor mat (4Runner). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2019-008: passenger frontal airbag inflator (4Runner). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2020-514: low-pressure fuel pump (4Runner). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2021-723: engine block heater cable kits (Toyota and Lexus). Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2005 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2006 Toyota 4Runner. Accessed .
Where the recall and fuel data comes from
- Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
- Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open data).
- Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings search tool.
- Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography.
Transport Canada’s recalls and NRCan’s fuel ratings: contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Pump prices: Statistics Canada, used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence. Neither government endorses GarageMap. More Toyota guides: Toyota models · all vehicle guides.