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2008 Toyota 4Runner: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, most recently filed June 2016. Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 5campaigns 2 seat · 2 equipment · 1 vehicle speed control Source: NHTSA Complaints 96filed Owner reports, 2004–2013 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 18mpg combined $3,628/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4 L 6-cyl· 5-speed automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V396000 Filed Jun 2, 2016

Seat Heater Electrical Wiring

Seats · front assembly · seat heater/cooler
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
23.6% repairedof 7,749 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V396000
Listed for 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V743000 Filed Nov 19, 2014

Seat Heater Electrical Wiring

Seats · front assembly · seat heater/cooler
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
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. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
26.9% repairedof 3,233 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V743000
Listed for 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V113000 Filed Feb 24, 2011

PEDAL ENTRAPMENT

Vehicle speed control · accelerator pedal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Repair progress not yet reported1,363,244 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V113000
Listed for 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 10V035000 Filed Feb 3, 2010

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Repair progress not yet reported271,417 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V035000
Listed for 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 10V036000 Filed Feb 3, 2010

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Repair progress not yet reported153,418 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V036000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which 4Runner years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Toyota 4RunnerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (96)

96 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

10involved a crash
2involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 96.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2008 compares with other 4Runner years

Best and worst 4Runner years →
678 425 381 154 96 22 145 163 96 36
2004200520062007200820092010201120122013
This year (2008)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 18 mpg combined

18
mpg combined
16
city
21
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,700
CO₂ tailpipe
494 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$3,628per year
$302per month
833gallons a year

Miles ÷ 18 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2008 Toyota 4Runner configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 17$3,950523
4.7 L 8-cyl · 5-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17$3,950523
4.7 L 8-cyl · 5-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 17 / 15$4,450593

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2008 4Runner for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All 4Runner years

Where to next

Which 4Runner years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2009 Toyota 4Runner report22 complaints · 6 campaigns →2007 Toyota 4Runner report154 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2008 Toyota 4Runner FAQ

How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 16V396000 (seat), 14V743000 (seat), 11V113000 (vehicle speed control), 10V035000 (equipment), 10V036000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2008 Toyota 4Runner problems?

Owners filed 96 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (27), Structure (16), Vehicle speed control (16) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2008 Toyota 4Runner get?

EPA rates the 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic version at 16 city, 21 highway and 18 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2008 4Runner compare with other years?

Among the 2004–2013 Toyota 4Runner model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (22) and the 2004 the most (678). The 2008 drew 96. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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