Most common 2017 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 36 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 →
2017 Toyota 4Runner recalls (5)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Structure › Body › Hood
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017.
Equipment
Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Toyota 4Runner:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2017 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Brakes
While driving at full speed on the freeway, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of me. My brake pedal was soft and went down almost to the floor. Rapid pulsing of brakes, as would be expected with the ABS (antilock brake system), did not occur. I pulled around to the shoulder and barely managed to stop in time to avoid a collision, which was quite a frightening experience. I have had a few similar incidents since then, and have noticed that the brake pedal is a bit soft until pumping the pedal a few times. A local dealer diagnosed the problem and said the "ABS actuator assembly" has failed and needs to be replaced. The part itself costs >$2900, making this with labor a ~$3800 repair. (please see attached) 1. This part is not subject to normal wear and tear. 2. Although beyond the 3/36 warranty, this vehicle is relatively new (2019) with only ~55K miles on it. …
Failed brake master cylinder, this is still a rather new vehicle and the mechanics said this is unlikely in a new low mileage vehicle. I did research and this has only happened a few times, seems like a safety recall should be put in place.
Electrical system
For the 2nd time in 5 weeks, the main wiring harness and knock sensor have been eaten and destroyed by rodents. This has caused thousands of dollars worth of damage, and it's due to the soy based wiring used in the wiring harness. I cannot keep this vehicle outside for any period of time without the threat of the harnesses getting chewed.
After less than 20 days of ownership of a new 2017 Toyota 4runner and less than 600 miles, the car failed to idle, showed check engine light and trac off light stayed lit. The car was unsafe to drive and had it towed to the Toyota dealership. They diagnosed that the injector wire had been chewed by a rodent. The cost of the repair was estimated to be $516 and not covered by warranty. I was surprised by this due to the fact we live in seattle and my previous car had been parked in the exact same area for 9 years without this issue. This is not a story of a rarely driven car parked in a rural barn. I am concerned about the viability of this vehicle's electrical system due to the soy based wire insulation than seems to attact rodents. This problem has the potential to affect all safety and engine functions.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the curtain air bags located at the front driver and passenger doors, the rear curtain air bags located at the rear driver's door, and the rear passenger door air bags abruptly deployed. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. The front passenger side tire and wheel were damaged. The contact received burns on the left arm due to the deployment. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
On 7/22/2019, our 4runner rear-ended another vehicle on the freeway. Speed at the time of impact was approximately 55mpg after hard braking from approximately 65mph. None of the 4runner's airbags deployed. The entire front end is destroyed. See photos.
2017 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 4Runner rates better than average: 63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 4Runner at the same age. It is one of the best 4Runner years by this measure. 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 2017 Toyota 4Runner?
The brakes — 9 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota 4Runner have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2017 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from October 25, 2018 (labels). 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 2017 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 13,000 miles; 96% 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.