Toyota 4Runner Wheel & Tire Problems

Owners have filed 295 complaints about wheels & tires problems with the Toyota 4Runner — 5% of all 4Runner complaints. The worst model years are 1999 (35), 1998 (34) and 1997 (23). Problems typically start around 68,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

295complaints
1999worst year
68ktypical miles
2related recalls
25crashes
0fires

Wheel & Tire complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2611182334352291221171918576333141242524121
Wheel & Tire complaints per model year, Toyota 4Runner.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2026114%—
202523%—
2024111%—
2023412%23,000 miles
202225%—
2021514%0 miles
202026%—
201946%19,000 miles
201823%0 miles
201713%45,000 miles
201645%46,000 miles
201511%40,000 miles
201434%80,000 miles
201338%68,000 miles
201132%5,000 miles
201064%13,000 miles
200877%45,000 miles
200753%16,000 miles
2006185%25,000 miles
2005194%52,000 miles
2004173%2,000 miles
2003213%102,000 miles
2002125%75,000 miles
200195%26,000 miles
2000225%156,000 miles
19993511%160,000 miles
19983414%116,000 miles
1997239%180,000 miles
19961811%165,000 miles
1995116%44,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Tread/belt
    41
  • Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
    17
  • Sidewall
    14
  • Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
    9
  • Temporary/emergency spare tire
    3
  • Rim
    2
  • Hub
    2
  • Hubcap/cover
    1

Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    4132%
  • 25k–50k
    2620%
  • 50k–75k
    119%
  • 75k–100k
    129%
  • 100k–150k
    1613%
  • 150k+
    2217%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota 4Runner equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: WildPeak, Tire Size: 275/70/R17, DOT: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel and driver's seat began to vibrate violently, prompting the contact to dramatically reduce the speed of the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the four tires. The independent mechanic found an abnormally heavy spot on all four tires, preventing the tires from being properly balanced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 23,000.

2023 4Runner · 23,000 miles · May 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota 4Runner equipped with Nitto Tires, Tire Line: Ridge Grappler, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: 737079K4222. The contact stated while driving 58 MPH, the steering wheel was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the tires had caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The dealer referred the contact to the tire manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The tire manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle manufacturer was also made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer for assistance from the Service Manager. The failure mileage was approximately 3.

2023 4Runner · 0 miles · Sep 2023

Bought the vehicle brand new and have been dealing with a steering wheel/vehicle shake ever since. The vehicle feels out of control around 55-65mph(like death wobble) and the ride is rough at any speed over 50mph. This has been a serious issue on the highway with instances of crossing lanes because of lack of control over steering. No warning lights have ever come on. Been to the dealership many times complaining about the issue just to be told that the "problem can't be replicated". I have taken it to several tire shops as well to have the wheels/tires balanced but nothing seems to help. I even bought new wheels and tires just to see if this was the cause and still no solution. This is a serious problem that thousands of 4Runner owners are experiencing and Toyota needs to get to the bottom of this. This absolutely should not be happening on brand new/modern day vehicles. …

2021 4Runner · Jan 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed corrosion underneath the vehicle and on the lug nuts. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to locate any failure on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer, Clearwater Toyota (21799 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33765: [phone]) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing multiple unknown components and serial bolts to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. Toyota case number is [redacted]. "

2019 4Runner · Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs · 19,000 miles · Apr 2022

I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50-60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted "to best ability." A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. …

2019 4Runner · Feb 2019

75 MPH impact on interstate, 4 runner complete loss. Engine protruded into foot well and not a single airbag was deployed. Injuries include - concussions, broken nose, head lacerations, head and neck problems.

2016 4Runner · 53,000 miles · Oct 2020 · crash · 2 injuries

Put the vehicle in h4 mode (4 wheel drive). In a stop position, turn all the way right, or all the way left if you prefer. Accelerate, push on gas pedal. Problem: 1) the car moves in a clunking motion. 2) feels like you are driving with emergency brakes on - but no brakes is on. 3) smells very bad tire burnt smell. 4) if Toyota doesn't fix this problem, its gonna cost more money to fix whatever it causes - gear shaft, ect.. Gets grind or damage. Brought it to the dealership and their mechanics says you can't use 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. What? Its a 4 runner! You can drive 4 wheel when you want too. Besides, the problem exist on wet pavement or snow conditions too. How are we suppose to get out of our drive way if this feature doesn't work during snow conditions. Or when you use it, it damages your car - as described above. …

2016 4Runner · 0 miles · Feb 2017

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact purchased four Bridgestone tires in 2022, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 245/60/R20, DOT Number: 1RBTEAAU1. The contact stated that all four tires had developed cracks on the sidewalls and by the tire beads. The tires were replacement tires. The tire dealer was contacted and advised the contact that it was normal wear on the tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 80,000.

2014 4Runner · Sidewall · 80,000 miles · Mar 2026

Related recalls (2)

Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire

NHTSA recall 17V-295 · May 2, 2017 · 409 vehicles

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.

Wheels

NHTSA recall 02V-339 · Dec 17, 2002 · 176 vehicles

On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with five factory alloy wheels (model 6934 and 6936), with factory llat, and with port installed wr4, four alloy wheel upgrade processed at the jacksonville, florida port and distributed by southeast Toyota distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south…

Remedy: Owners will be provided with different style lug nuts, a warning label for the spare re/alloy wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota 4Runner years have wheel & tire problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (35), 1998 (34), 1997 (23), 2000 (22) and 2003 (21) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1999.

Is there a recall for Toyota 4Runner wheel & tire problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-295 (temporary/emergency spare tire, May 2, 2017); 02V-339 (wheels, Dec 17, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Toyota 4Runner wheel & tire problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the tread/belt (41 mentions), followed by the pressure monitoring and regulating systems (17).

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.