Toyotas are one of the most reliable cars on the market. They’re known for their long lives and high mileage. Among these models comes the Toyota 4Runner. It’s a midsize SUV and one of the strongest contenders in the market. So how long do Toyota 4Runners last?
The Toyota 4Runner has a lifespan of up to 300,000 miles. The 4Runner has an average life of 200,000 miles. The key to getting your 4Runner to reach the 300,000-mile mark is regular maintenance, such as oil, filter, and part replacements.
This article will look at how long your 4Runner should last, what steps you can take to ensure your car lasts as long as it can, and how much it costs to maintain your 4Runner regularly.
How Long Does the 4Runner Last?
Your 4Runner should last 200,000 miles and, if given the proper care, can last up to 300,000 miles.
In 2019, I See Cars surveyed 15.8 million vehicles to determine the most long-lasting ones. The 4Runner was among the top contenders, only to be beaten by another model out of the Toyota stable.
Almost all the names at the top of the list were Toyota which is quite a testament to how reliable your Toyota can be.
The Toyota 4Runner is currently ranked as the longest-lasting midsize SUV on the market.
Manufacturers guarantee that any vehicle will last till its warranty period. The standard warranty is three years/36,000 miles, but Toyotas tend to last well past that.
Life Of Major Parts Of The 4runner
The 2021 4Runner comes with a 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 motor. The 2023 model will get a 2.4L 4-cylinder powered engine generating the same horsepower but making it more fuel efficient.
The engine of your 4Runner, considering it receives regular oil and filter changes, should last 150,000 to 200,000 miles easily.
The 4Runners engine comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has a life of 100,000 miles, but changing it by 75,000 miles is recommended.
The 2021 4Runner has a kinetic dynamic suspension system. It has an average lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
To show how reliable they are, Vikings Garage posted a video of a high-mileage 4Runner with almost 350,000 miles on the clock:
Maintenance For Your 4Runner
The expected cost of maintaining and repairing your 4Runner is $5,585 for the first ten years. During the first ten years, there’s also a 16.08% chance that your 4Runner will require serious repairs.
Toyota suggests scheduling a service visit every 5000 miles. Some standard changes that might need to be made include the following:
1. Oil Change
You must change the oil in your 4Runner every 3000 to 5000 miles.
An oil change is one of car maintenance’s most vital parts.
2. Tune-Up And Inspection
To ensure your 4Runner is always at its peak performance, it’s recommended to get a tune-up and inspection every 5,000 miles, 15,000 miles, and 30,000 miles.
3. Fluid Changes
The differential or transfer case fluid intervals are longer than those compared to engine oil.
Toyota recommends changing the fluids every 20,000 miles.
4. Engine Timing Belt
The average life of the timing belt is seven years. It’s difficult to indicate when the timing belt is worn out; it just breaks.
To avoid inconvenience, you should change the belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Some engines have chains instead; these need to be changed every 80,000 to 120,000 miles.
5. Clutch Replacement
If your 4Runner is manual, the clutch might need to be changed. Your clutch maintenance depends on the driver.
If a clutch is abused, it could require a change by 30,000 miles and, if used correctly, can have a long lifespan, up to 150,000 miles.
Common Toyota 4Runner Issues
1. Rusting
The most common problem with large Toyota vehicles is rust.
The 4Runner has received several complaints of rust-related issues. The rusting tends to start within the first three years of ownership and damages the car’s underbody, making it unsafe to drive.
To avoid this issue, you must coat the underside of your 4Runner with rust-resistant materials. If you live in an area where it snows and salted roads are expected, you must get a rust-proof coat.
Toyota doesn’t cover rust issues, so it’s better to deal with them before they become serious.
2. Transmission Issues
Owners of the models manufactured in 1990, 2011, and 2016 have noted similar problems. Their 4Runners fail to shift into overdrive or don’t shift into drive upon initially starting.
These issues result in power loss and difficulties while shifting.
3. Rusted Solenoids
A rusted solenoid is a prevalent issue in the 4Runner from the third and fourth generations. The corroded solenoids result in the car stopping or failing to start entirely.
Many owners have said that if their solenoid is rusted, the 4Runner makes an odd ticking noise when starting.
Final Thoughts On How Long Toyota 4Runners Last
If you want a sturdy and dependable car, the Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice. It has a powerful engine, massive towing power, and off-roading abilities.
Make sure to regularly take your 4Runner in for maintenance checks and have the various fluids, and part replacements done within the recommended time frame before they can develop into more detrimental problems.
By taking good care of your Toyota 4Runner, you can also join the 300,000+ mile club.
FAQs
What Is The Gas Mileage Of The Toyota 4runner?
The Toyota 4Runner gets 16 city miles per gallon and 19 highway miles per gallon. The 2023 model is predicted to have excellent gas mileage with the same horsepower as before.
How Many Toyota 4Runners Reach 200,000 Miles?
Around 4.1% of 4Runners reach the 200,000 milestones. Many also end up going 300,000. Your 4Runner does have the capability to achieve 200,000 miles easily if taken care of.
How Do Toyota Cars Last So Long?
Toyota owes its longevity to the company’s intricate design and production. The quality check system is so precise that all defects are eliminated before the car is sold to the customer, making all Toyota cars long-lasting.
