This page covers 8 recalls, 145 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Toyota 4runner.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner centers heavily on airbags, which account for the large majority of filed reports. Owners most commonly describe airbags failing to deploy during collisions, with several reports noting occupants struck the steering wheel or dashboard without any restraint system activation. A smaller cluster of complaints touches on structure, where owners describe frame corrosion and rust developing in ways they consider premature, sometimes noting soft spots or deterioration despite undercoating. Vehicle speed control draws a handful of reports as well, with at least one recurring thread involving the fuel gauge reading inaccurately, owners describe the gauge showing a quarter tank or more while the vehicle runs out of fuel entirely, sometimes repeatedly within a short period.
145
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls address this same airbag inflator defect, with some filings specifically targeting vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories where heat and moisture accelerate propellant degradation. Prior repair campaigns did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why several separate filings exist. On the interior safety side, certain vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota and fitted with aftermarket seat heaters carry a separate concern: a copper heating element in the front seats can short circuit and start a fire. Two lower-severity recalls cover accessory exhaust tips that Southeast Toyota or its dealers installed on some vehicles; those tips can reach temperatures high enough to burn someone standing behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The propellant in the passenger-front airbag can degrade over time from heat, humidity, and temperature changes. A degraded propellant may cause the airbag to deploy with excessive force or rupture, sending fragments toward occupants or damaging the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket exhaust tips installed by the distributor may extend too far and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned smaller version that sits further back behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or entire air bag assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Accessory exhaust tips installed on certain 4Runner vehicles may protrude and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned, smaller-diameter version that sits more recessed behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
