Most common 2009 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota 4Runner complaints by model year
Best 4Runner years: 2013, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2025, 2011, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2009 Toyota 4Runner recalls (6)
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010…
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016.
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge.
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 Lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 Toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Remedy: The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early April 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any Toyota all-weather floor mat.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Toyota 4Runner:
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I.
What 2009 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I purchased my 2009 4runner new last year. From the minute I drove it off the lot I noticed a problem with the transmission. Any time the vehicle slows below 15mph and then the accelerator is depressed, the engine revs to a high RPM as if searching for a gear and does not accelerate as commanded. This is very prevalent in slow traffic, slowing for a yield sign or turning corners. The biggest safety concern is in slippery road conditions. When the vehicle finally does find a gear to shift into, it lurches forward. The shifting into gear from a high RPM on slick surfaces could cause the wheels to spin out. I almost experienced a loss of control of the vehicle because of this. I've brought it in to get repaired at the dealership twice. All they do is flash the ECM and the problem persists. Most importantly, Toyota has acknowledged this exact same problem on the 2010 model by issuing a TSB. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and turning, the vehicle lost accelerating power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. Updated 03/21/13 the consumer stated the transmission slipped (revved to high rpms) while attempting to accelerate after slowing down below 15 MPH (while making turns or slowing for traffic). This has caused dangerous situations where significant lag time between depressing the gas pedal and when the transmission engaged while making a left turn across oncoming traffic or when a quick acceleration was needed after slowing down. The potential for an accident is high. …
Electrical system
My granddaughter was driving a 2009 that I bought her for graduation in May 2010. In June 2010 she and some friends were driving and a fire started in the console area. There were flames and smoke. They stopped the car, went up to someone's house and got water to pour into the car and put out the fire out. If they hadn't been quick thinking, the car would be toast. Also, if they had wrecked and could not get out of the car, they would have had severe burns or death. We want the car fixed under warranty rather than our insurance. It was several weeks before Toyota finally hired an independent engineering firm to determine the cause and we still don't have a solution. The car has been at the dealer almost 2 months.
When my wife stepped on the gas to pull into a parking spot,the 4runner just lurched forward into a fence. Luckily no one was in front of the 4runner. The bumper and fence was damaged. She is now very scared to drive the 4runner.
Engine & cooling
When my wife stepped on the gas to pull into a parking spot,the 4runner just lurched forward into a fence. Luckily no one was in front of the 4runner. The bumper and fence was damaged. She is now very scared to drive the 4runner.
I purchased my 2009 4runner new last year. From the minute I drove it off the lot I noticed a problem with the transmission. Any time the vehicle slows below 15mph and then the accelerator is depressed, the engine revs to a high RPM as if searching for a gear and does not accelerate as commanded. This is very prevalent in slow traffic, slowing for a yield sign or turning corners. The biggest safety concern is in slippery road conditions. When the vehicle finally does find a gear to shift into, it lurches forward. The shifting into gear from a high RPM on slick surfaces could cause the wheels to spin out. I almost experienced a loss of control of the vehicle because of this. I've brought it in to get repaired at the dealership twice. All they do is flash the ECM and the problem persists. Most importantly, Toyota has acknowledged this exact same problem on the 2010 model by issuing a TSB. …
2009 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 4Runner rates better than average: 81% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 4Runner at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Toyota 4Runner?
The transmission & drivetrain — 10 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota 4Runner have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from June 2, 2016 (seat heater/cooler). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota 4Runner?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2011, 2003 and 2004. See the full Toyota 4Runner years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 23,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.