2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner maintenance schedule

The 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner is a fifth-generation SUV built around the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 with an automatic transmission. Toyota's schedule is fixed-interval: a service visit every 5,000 miles or 6 months and an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months when 0W-20 oil is used. Routine costs at independent shops run about $300–$570 a year.

Intervals on this page are from Toyota's 2010, 2013, 2018 and 2019 Warranty & Maintenance Guides and the 2018 owner's manual. No 2020–2024 document was available, so those years are assumed to follow the 2019 guide.

Normal or Severe: Which Schedule the 4Runner Needs

Toyota's guide has one fixed schedule, plus extra items for special operating conditions. The main change under those conditions is the oil interval: Toyota says the oil and filter should be replaced at 5,000 miles or 6 months, regardless of the oil used. The second change is the transmission fluid. Toyota lists a replacement every 60,000 miles only when you drive while towing, using a car-top carrier, or carrying heavy loads.

One exception applies to the first model year. The 2010 guide also covers a 4-cylinder engine, and for 4-cylinder vehicles the oil interval is 5,000 miles or 6 months. The 2010 guide says the vehicle may be certified for 0W-20, and its 10,000-mile V6 interval applies only if 0W-20 oil is being used.

Complete Maintenance Schedule

The table below lists Toyota's scheduled items for the 4Runner 4.0L V6. Shop costs are 2026 national averages for independent shops. DIY costs are parts and fluid only.

Oil Change: Type, Capacity, Interval, and Cost

The correct oil for the 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) is SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil. ILSAC GF-5 is the oil grade the 2018 owner's manual names, and the recommended viscosity is SAE 0W-20. If 0W-20 is not available, Toyota allows 5W-20, but replace it with 0W-20 at the next oil change. Oil capacity with filter is 6.6 quarts.

Typical Oil Change Costs

DIY notes: you need ramps or jack stands, a filter wrench, and a catch pan that holds more than 6.6 quarts. Torque the drain plug to spec and take the used oil to a recycling point.

Brake Service

Brake fluid is not on Toyota's replacement schedule for the 4Runner; its level and condition are inspected at every 5,000-mile service. Have the pads and rotors checked at each tire rotation. Towing, heavy loads and city driving wear them faster.

Signs you need pads or rotors: a persistent squeal at low speeds, a grinding noise, reduced stopping performance, or vibration through the pedal. Independent shops usually include a basic visual brake check with a tire rotation at no extra charge.

Tire Rotation

Toyota lists a tire rotation every 5,000 miles or 6 months on the 4Runner. If you drive off-road and see uneven wear, have the tires checked between visits. Tire sizes vary by trim; check the placard on the driver's door jamb before you buy tires.

A rotation costs $25–$50 at an independent shop; the retailer that sold you the tires may include free rotations. Skipped rotations shorten tread life and can add hundreds of dollars over the life of a set.

Fluids: Transmission, Coolant, Power Steering

Transmission: Toyota's guide lists an inspection of the automatic transmission for signs of leakage every 30,000 miles. The only scheduled transmission fluid replacement is every 60,000 miles when the vehicle is used for towing, with a car-top carrier, or with heavy loads. A drain and fill at an independent shop costs about $150–$250; DIY fluid costs $50–$80.

Coolant: first replacement at 100,000 miles / 10 years, then every 50,000 miles / 5 years. Expect a shop coolant service to cost $120–$180.

Power steering: Toyota's 5,000-mile fluid check covers the power steering fluid (if equipped) along with the brake fluid level and condition.

4WD models: Toyota's schedule adds a propeller shaft bolt re-torque at 30,000 miles and a transfer-case oil replacement, and its 15,000-mile inspection list includes the drive shaft boots. Check your guide for the transfer-case interval that applies to your model year.

Known Issues and Recalls

NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns and 999 owner complaints for 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner model years (as of November 10, 2026).

Most recent recalls

The 5 most recent of 33 campaigns. Look up any vehicle by VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup.

• NHTSA Campaign 24V548000 (2024-07-23). Component: Equipment: other: labels

  • NHTSA summary: "The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”"
  • Remedy: "GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024."
  • Affected model years: 2024

• NHTSA Campaign 23V680000 (2023-10-12). Component: Equipment: other: labels

  • NHTSA summary: "The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”"
  • Remedy: "Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC will mail a new modified label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023."
  • Affected model years: 2023

• NHTSA Campaign 22V480000 (2022-07-06). Component: Equipment: other: labels

  • NHTSA summary: "The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”"
  • Remedy: "SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022."
  • Affected model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

• NHTSA Campaign 22V310000 (2022-05-06). Component: Equipment: other: labels

  • NHTSA summary: "The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”"
  • Remedy: "GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022."
  • Affected model years: 2022

• NHTSA Campaign 21V963000 (2021-12-13). Component: Exterior lighting: headlights

  • NHTSA summary: "The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”"
  • Remedy: "Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022."
  • Affected model years: 2022

Owner-Reported Complaints

• Air bags: 346 complaints (46 crashes, 36 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners report SRS/airbag warning lights, cases where airbags did not deploy or suspected inflator issues; individual reports describe injury associated with airbag system faults. These complaints align with NHTSA Campaign 16V340000 covering 2010–2011 inflator replacements in high-humidity/temperature regions.
  • Maintenance connection: Address SRS warnings promptly; diagnostics and any inflator or module replacement are dealer/recall or qualified-shop services.

• Electrical system: 94 complaints (0 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Reports include intermittent or failed exterior lights (brake/turn), failed socket assemblies, and accessory antenna/radio reception failures; owners describe repairs for faulty sockets, connectors, and radio/antenna components.
  • Maintenance connection: Electrical faults can require wiring, connector, or module replacement; inspect bulb sockets and connectors during routine visits if lights or electronics behave intermittently.

• Unknown / Other: 92 complaints (5 crashes, 5 injuries)

  • Summary: A broad category including sunroof/glass breakage, paint/clearcoat peeling, and other body/trim issues reported by owners.
  • Maintenance connection: Items such as paint, glass and trim are cosmetic or body repairs; retain repair records and check for any applicable recalls or service campaigns for body accessories or finish issues.

• Steering: 83 complaints (3 crashes, 3 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners report steering shimmies, steering feel changes, and gauge/readout issues that can affect perceived fuel level or vehicle control feedback.
  • Maintenance connection: Steering complaints commonly relate to wheel alignment, worn suspension/steering components, or tire issues; inspect tie rods, ball joints, and alignment during scheduled services.

• Service brakes: 62 complaints (5 crashes, 3 injuries)

  • Summary: Reports include brake pedal travel to the floor, ABS/warning lights illuminating, and unexpected braking system warnings; individual owners report intermittent ABS or traction control alarms.
  • Maintenance connection: Brake hydraulic system condition, pad/rotor wear, and ABS sensors should be inspected at routine service intervals; address warning lights with diagnostic testing.

Annual Maintenance Cost

Below is a sample annual cost for a 4Runner driven 15,000 miles a year on Toyota's 5,000-mile oil interval for special operating conditions. Costs are independent shop averages for 2026.

Add the periodic items: a transmission drain and fill every 60,000 miles if you tow ($150–$250), coolant service at 100,000 miles ($120–$180), and brake pads ($200–$650 per axle when needed). Off-road damage or corrosion repairs raise the yearly total.

How to Stay on Schedule

1. Book a service visit every 5,000 miles or 6 months: rotate the tires and inspect the fluid levels, including brake fluid level and condition.
2. Change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20, or every 5,000 miles or 6 months under special operating conditions.
3. Replace the engine and cabin air filters every 30,000 miles, and have the transmission checked for leaks at the same visit (plus the propeller shaft bolt re-torque on 4WD models).
4. Log the long items now: transmission fluid every 60,000 miles if you tow, coolant at 100,000 miles, and spark plugs at 120,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil does a 4Runner 4.0L V6 take?

The 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) takes SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil, the viscosity Toyota recommends in the 2018 owner's manual. Toyota allows 5W-20 only as a temporary substitute until the next change. Capacity with filter is 6.6 quarts.

How often should I change the oil in a 4Runner?

On the V6, Toyota's interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months when 0W-20 oil is used, and 5,000 miles or 6 months under special operating conditions, regardless of the oil used. The 2010 guide also covers a 4-cylinder, whose interval is 5,000 miles or 6 months.

When should I change the transmission fluid?

Toyota's guide lists an inspection of the automatic transmission for leaks every 30,000 miles. It lists a fluid replacement every 60,000 miles only when the vehicle is used for towing, with a car-top carrier, or with heavy loads. Independent shop drain and fill services cost $150–$250.

How often does the 4Runner need a coolant change?

Toyota lists the first engine coolant replacement at 100,000 miles or 10 years. After that, replace it every 50,000 miles or 5 years. A coolant service at an independent shop costs $120–$180, and pre-mixed coolant for a DIY job costs $30–$50.

What extra maintenance do 4WD 4Runners need?

Toyota's schedule adds a propeller shaft bolt re-torque at 30,000 miles and a transfer-case oil replacement for 4WD models; check your guide for the transfer-case interval. The 15,000-mile inspection list also includes the drive shaft boots on 4WD models.

How often should I rotate the tires?

Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Toyota lists a tire rotation at every 5,000-mile service on the 4Runner, so it fits into the same visit as the fluid level inspection. Check the door placard for your tire size and pressures.

Track your 4Runner's maintenance schedule with Pinion — it loads Toyota's recommended intervals by VIN and sends reminders before each service is due.