Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% | 3,000 miles |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% | 9,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% | 8,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 26,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% | 141,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 107,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% | 115,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% | 133,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 6% | 127,000 miles |
| 2005 | 25 | 6% | 154,000 miles |
| 2004 | 13 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2000 | 9 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% | 169,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 6 | 4% | 256,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof exploded, sending glass inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800.
I was driving my new car with less than 500 miles on a highway with no other cars around and nothing overhead. It sounded like a gun went off then I could hear the glass falling sliding around on the sunroof shade. The glass was blown outward proving nothing fell and broke it. A Toyota dealers is replacing the sunroof but refuse to accept responsibility and let warranty pay. My 2 year old daughter was in the cover and I'm so thankful I had the sun roof shade closed because glass would have been sprayed over all of us.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to lock the doors with the key fob, the front passenger's side door failed to lock as desired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the actuator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. Shortly after the repair, the front passenger's side window failed to lower and raise. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and reattached the window's wiring harness due to the harness detaching. Shortly after the second repair, the same window failed again and the lock on the driver's door failed to lock. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
My model is a trd off road 4runner with the "bold" package which includes a non-functional hood scoop. The unsafe factor is that the design of the hood scoop allows for bright sunlight to be reflected directly into the driver eyes, effectively blinding the driver. Although it takes the right combination of direction of travel, time of day, etc. This has occurred three times in the 5 months I have owned the vehicle. I have personally solved the issue by applying a non reflective decal which has eliminated the issue. I attempted to bring this to the attention of Toyota customer care with negative results. I would like to see that your agency suggest Toyota apply a non-reflective decal as part of the manufacturing process (as they already do on the Toyota tacoma pickup).
Wiring harness to rear window defogger melted causing the rear window to crack and shatter. Safe lite replaced the window and recommended the harness not be reconnected. Told me it was not uncommon. Vehicle was not being used at the time. It was in my driveway when the window blew outward. Inspected by Safe lite, Reported to Liberty Mutual. No warning light, rear defogger was not in use, car was off.
Sunroof "exploded" while driving at low speed on a desolate road. Car was parked at a beach rental for 3 days in the hot sun and this was the first trip, heard a popping noise. Since there were no vehicles within at least 1/2 mile and no buildings within 50 yards did not think this noise was caused by a road hazard. Looked over the car and could not figure out what the noise was. When we arrived back at the house and were sitting on the deck we noticed the sunroof looked strange, a bubble in the center . Further inspection found the sunroof shattered, still in place. Lucky we had the cover drawn closed but even luckier it stayed intact.
I had 20,000 miles and bought the veichle brand new and went to leave work and my veichle was struggling to stay going and my check engine light was flashining. When I'd go to reverse the vehicle would struggle and act like it was going to die. I had to go 20mph on the side roads about 15 miles to the dealer. The RPM shouldn't shift. It was caused by a mouse I guess? Since they use soy base and see this a lot. So fustrating when you pay $38,000 for a veichle. I'd much rather drive my older 2010 Honda that never had an issue with so called a mouse. They of course wouldn't cover it. To top it off I had a major oil leak at 19,000 miles causing about $6,000 worth of damage. Which was the factory's fault they said. It was covered by warrenty, but still it's ridiculous. I bought the car new. With 1 mile on it, fresh off the truck. As of right now I have no faith in Toyota. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Toyota 4runner. While driving 60 MPH, an explosive noise was heard. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and discovered that the sun roof exploded without impact or warning. There were no injuries. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact called jim hudson Toyota at [phone] (located at 970 columbiana dr, irmo, sc 29063) and was informed to call her insurance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota 4Runner years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (25), 2006 (21), 2003 (15), 2004 (13) and 2000 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Toyota 4Runner window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Toyota 4Runner model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota 4Runner window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the sun/moon roof assembly (16 mentions), followed by the windshield (12).
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.