NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
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 involving the front passenger airbag inflator, which can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue accounts for the majority of these recalls and reflects the well-known Takata inflator problem. Several filings cover overlapping sets of vehicles, but the underlying defect is the same: the passenger-side airbag inflator can degrade over time, particularly in high-humidity and high-temperature climates, and explode with excessive force during deployment. Some of these filings specifically target vehicles registered or sold in warm, humid states and territories such as Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Guam, where the environmental conditions accelerate propellant breakdown. Regardless of geography, the consequence is the same: an inflator that throws metal fragments rather than safely cushioning an occupant in a crash.
On the interior safety side, certain 4Runners equipped with aftermarket seat heaters are covered by a separate recall. The copper heating element in the seat can short circuit if damaged, creating a fire risk inside the cabin.
The remaining two recalls apply specifically to vehicles distributed through Southeast Toyota and equipped with dealer-installed accessory exhaust tips. Those tips can extend far enough or retain enough heat to burn someone standing behind the vehicle, whether loading cargo or standing near the tailgate.
At a glance
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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 →
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
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.
