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 2008 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.
Vehicle displayed a check engine light due to a non sealing gas cap. This condition also disables the stability control system. Vehicle lost control on wet conditions and was unable to recover due to all traction and stabilization systems being turned off due to a check engine light (faulty gas cap). I have owned the vehicle for 6 years and have put over 80,000 miles on it without incident. Vehicle was in motion traveling the speed limit on a rainy road.
Tamara recall prev owned veh, bought from dealership as "safe" to operate,110,000 mi on 11072016. Prev owner and current owner had ve had veh serviced regularly. Undercarriage and braking noise while in motion on hwy. Rear door not able to open, manually or with remote. Maint light and tire light came on. Post noise inspection by mechanic, left (?)front axle boot is split. Front noise undetermined (sway bar links or strutts?) at this time. Rear left driver's side axle bearing and seal leaking transmission fluid(?) into brakes. Brakes affected by leaking fluid and will have to be replaced due to damage by fluid, which could cause brake failure while driving. Rear door lock failure due to interior corrosion/rust. May need to be replaced.
When driving, the car was making a thumping noise which went away when the brakes were applied. Toyota dealer said it was a bent rear axle and would cost $2300 to replace. The vechicle is in excellent condition with 108,000 miles. Have never hit a big pothole or run over a curb. I believe it is a defect that came with the car and showed up after driving for 10 years. There are a lot of bent axles reported over the internet on Toyota trucks and suvsl more than any other vechiclel I have owned many many cars and suvs and never had a bent rear axle beforel dealer said I would get reimbursed if Toyota issued a recall. Very unhappy with this!
Frame rust is so pervasive on my 2008 4runner that the Toyota dealer refuses to make necessary repairs to transmission. The dealer suggested that I "walk away from the vehicle", citing future rust-related problems with caliper replacement and other routine maintenance. Rust on differential axle LED to the shearing off of the fluid drain bolt, rendering that impossible to drain/refill. Attached are notes from the dealer's maintenance engineer, citing rusted cross member bolts and other components interfering with necessary repairs. I have serious concerns about the ongoing safety and road-worthiness of this vehicle.
Engiene/powertrain computer/module checked. Has been rescheduled four times by the dealer and continues to give the same fault in the car. The fault is the following as it runs and brakes the second beautifulness of the trasmission is left. And when he releases the brake a little, the throat is thrown to the front giving a blow. He does it many times in the day. By untoyota 4runner 08 engine control module (ECM) defective.
New, from 15,000- 25, 000 miles, 2008 Toyota four runner, jerking when accelerated on the freeway. It is as if the shift gear or transmission is not properly working. This has occurred multiple times after the 15, 000 mile service. First dealership workers stated nothing wrong. Current dealership has not checked for cause nor have they offered a solution. Car remains at dealership. Second issue, most recent incident, same vehicle at 25, 000 miles when accelerated on the freeway, jerked uncontrollably, worst than before, accelerated to fast speed (floor mat was secured), would not brake. Driver attempted to move to exit. Engine remained revved up. Brakes slowed but did not stop vehicle. Able to move to exit...heavy traffic. I could have reared ended many vehicles. Smoke and burning odor from brake area. …
Won't engage in four wheel drive 4 wheel drive.the 4 wheel drive indicator light kept flashing along with the wheel stabilizer indicator. Driving in snow, steering became very unstable. Vehicle has extended warranty which dealer seems to refuse to honor. Staten island Toyota service claims someone emptied fluid from transfer case..no one has done work on car and no oil leakage ever evident in my driveway..car was in driveway for several days before moving that evening. Rarely driven in 4h position for gas purposes, and 99.9% of the time the car is driven on paved roadways. Seems the dealer isn't willing to honor the extended warranty on the vehicle and has managed to right up the service call to cover Toyota's butt. They now want an additional $500. To drop transfer case. I am not feeling very trusting of the service center since. I have paid $200 already to diagnosis the problem. …
I own a 2008 Toyota 4runner sr5. I purchased it new from my local Toyota dealer in November, 2008. By the spring of 2009 I noticed a sporadically occurring delay in the automatic transmission while switching from reverse to drive, lasting approximately 5 to 8 seconds. This would happen right after switching from r(reverse) to d (drive). My car is still under warranty, I have taken the car back to the dealership several times. They are unable to determine the cause. This problem occurs quite frequently. The dealership service department acknowledged that they would/could not do anything under warranty without getting the car to repeat the problem. I left my car for overnight with the dealership several times but they were unable to resolve this problem. …
2008 Toyota 4runner sport - when shifting from reverse to drive the transmission does not always engage. Estimate about 15-20% failure. For about 5 seconds the vehicle acts as if in neutral. If I do not realize what is happening and apply gas, when it finally engages, the car dangerously lurches forward. Fairly sure it is an electronic issue. Has occurred since purchase. Have taken to dealer 3 times. Responses 1) can't repeat and can't start changing parts because May trigger lemon law, 2) can't repeat and no one else has reported, 3) can't repeat, so we will look at it again when you bring in for next oil change. Despite my explaining repeatedly that this is a serious safety concern dealer has shown no real interest to resolve. My home's driveway is on a blind curve and I will not back into road because I can not be sure I can accelerate when needed. …
Transmission complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, 28% of the model year's 96 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 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 2008 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.