Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I just purchased my 2006 4runner and decided to take it to the shop where I work to have them do an oil change and fluid check, the mechanics brought me back and told me that my frame is rusting from the inside out and they think that in a matter of 2 yrs tops the frame will be rotted and collapse . I was terrified and in a panic my husband had taken my 4runner it to his friends garage and had the whole underneath undercoated. I called a Toyota dealer and asked if there was anything that Toyota can do and he told me that a lot of 4runner owners have been calling about their rotted frames and he told me that it's omly a matter of time when the 4runners will be recalled because they share the same frame as the tacoma's I am so sick with fear and I just can't understand why they would delay this recall when it is a risk of human lives I drive my kids in this 4runner and every time I go …
After only a couple of years started rusting pretty badly on frame, crossmembers and front and rear differentials. Also stabilizers skid plates and basically anything under the truck. Thought it was only surface rust until parts were cracking and stabilizers fell off truck. Rear end was ready to drop off truck! Truck only has 81,000 miles and looks brand new. Wanted to keep another 10 years! My wife and kid used this and could have crashed them both! Frame rusted from inside out and dealer deemed undriveable this week! Truck valued at $13-15,000! Dealer wont warranty and not under tacoma and sequoia recalls! Same frame issues Toyota! Recall the 4 runner Toyota! Major danger of frame looking OK from outside but crumbling and falling apart while driving. Have been a mechanic and body person all my life and never seen rusting and crumbling of a frame in chunks falling off! …
I have a 2006 Toyota 4 runner that has been developing excessive rust flaking on the rear axle housing,brake components, frame and rear suspension componets.we have had warranty work performed approx. 1 year ago and the mechanics at Toyota stated they needed to replace or repair various transmission lines before they would return the vehicle to my wife. I asked them what am I suppose to do about all the rust problems and they really didnt have a answer and said I need to talk to the service manager that was not there at the time. I have made every attempt to radicate this issue that has been getting worse over time. Vehicle is garage kept and was purchased new as we are the only owner of this vehicle. Myself and everyone else know Toyota knows about this problem and refused to do anything about it. …
I was driving my wife 2006 Toyota 4runner sr5 approximately 55-60 miles per hours on 88 west in california and the SUV experience sudden acceleration pass 70 miles per hours. I then step on the brakes as hard as I could but the SUV continues to accelerate faster than 70 miles per hour. While my foot is on the brake pedal at all time but the SUV could not slow down. The SUV then struck the rear of a pick up truck in front. After the impact, my SUV continued approximately a half mile and then I was able to slow down and bring to a stop in the right lane. Toyota down load the data on the SUV black box on 3/18/2014 and sent a letter to me and my wife this week stating that the gas pedal is normal.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The vehicle was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The contact stepped out of the vehicle with the child in the front passenger seat. The child released the gear shift to reverse, and the vehicle drifted and crashed into a house. The child was not injured. There was property damage , along with damage to the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that there should be a safety mechanism on the gear shift. The failure and current mileages were 11,500. Updated 09/10/08. The vehicle suffered minor damage. Updated 09/16/08.
Excessive vehicle vibration. From review of www.tacomaworld.com forums this is a fairly common occurence with 2nd generation tacomas (2005 to 2015). It seems to stem from the split driveshaft models (prerunners and 4x4s). In some cases it has resulted in vehicles dropping the driveshafts. In my truck, in one day it went to fine to what felt like the worst wheel imbalance I had ever felt. I immediately had my wheels balance and there was no improvement. That's when I went to the forums. Also, http://www.tacomahq.com/3392/Toyota-tacoma-driveline-vibration-TSB-2005-2014/
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that oil was discovered in the driveway where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to tarbox Toyota (3671 quaker ln, north kingstown, ri 02852, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the rear differential was leaking and the frame was rotted. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the excessive rust on the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,595.
Tl* - while driving his 2006 Toyota rav4 at 60 MPH the contact felt a jerking as if the vehicle were struck from the rear. He believes that the vehicle''s 4 wheel drive engaged causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle spun several times and flipped over multiple times coming to a rest on the vehicle''s roof. The airbag did not deploy. The driver was injured. The contact will have the vehicle, pictures, and a police report available.
Vehicle parked in driveway (running) with transmission in park and the emergency brake fully engaged. Vehicle rolled out of driveway, across street, over curb, and down a steep ravine hitting a tree. Broached local dealer concerning any safety issues or vehicle problems and they indicated none had been reported to them or your website and questioned circumstances as reported. Customer paid for all damages and repairs.
I own a 2006 Toyota 4-runner after about 40,000 miles we started experiencing a clunking sound and the vehicle would lurch forward while taking your foot off the brake while at a complete stop. I addressed this with my local Toyota dealer and at the time they didn?t know what it was. This problem persisted from a once and awhile issue to doing it every time. I spoke with another person who had a v8 and the same problem, Toyota fixed his vehicle by installing a new Lexus driveline. Once I told the service center about them fixing a vehicle with the same problem they explained they have been having issues with the driveline and the yoke on these vehicles. Their fix was to lube the driveline zerk fitting. This worked for a few weeks, but the problem persisted. We are worried that the car will eventually lurch forward and either hit another vehicle or pedestrian. …
Transmission complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, 8% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.