Is the 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

The 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER has 175 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (92 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (12 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Yes, there are 12 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Toyota 4RUNNER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER has 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.3x the segment average of 77. The most common issue is air bags problems (53% of all complaints), specifically: my wife was at a red light waiting for the light to change when she was hit on the driver side front fender and tire area . no air bag deployed there is over 8,000 dollars in damages the other driver was moving 35+ mph at impact so now along with the whiplash and shoulder bruises and seat belts cuts. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year.

9 crash reports 3 injuries

175

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

92 complaints

53%

• MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS
• DURING A WREAK GOING ABOUT 40 MPH THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR FLIPPED AND HIT A TREE THEN LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR LEFT THE STREET AND WENT ONTO GRAVEL ROAD PRIOR TO LOOSING CONTROL.
• TL* TAKATA RECALL.THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUF

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER

Based on 72 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 54K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

High-mileage issuemedian 75K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

High-mileage issuemedian 102K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (12)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE17/10/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota 4RUNNER Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2010 4RUNNER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 175 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TOYOTA RAV4 2010 - ON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS GOING ABOUT 5 MPH AND I LOOKED DOWN FOR A SECOND AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR. BEFORE I HIT THE CAR I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND BASED ON MY MANY YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE (12+) I BELIEVE THE CAR SHOULD HAVE STOPPED BUT IT DID NOT. THE INCIDENT WAS VERY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE LIFT GATE WAS OPEN AND CLOSED ON ITS OWN WITH FORCE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STANDING UNDERNEATH IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING AUTOMATICALLY AND THAT SHE HAD TO MANUALLY OPEN IT. THE VEHICL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TOYOTA RAV4 2010 - ON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS GOING ABOUT 5 MPH AND I LOOKED DOWN FOR A SECOND AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR. BEFORE I HIT THE CAR I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND BASED ON MY MANY YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE (12+) I BELIEVE THE CAR SHOULD HAVE STOPPED BUT IT DID NOT. THE INCIDENT WAS VERY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)