2008 Toyota 4Runner

Introduction

The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV that offers impressive off-road capabilities and a spacious interior. It is powered by a 4.0L V6 engine that produces 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner is known for its durability and reliability, but it has not been immune to certain issues over the years.

Engine

4.0L V6

• Piston Ring Failure: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, engine knocking. Solution: Replace piston rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Water Pump Failure: Premature failure of the water pump leading to coolant leaks and overheating. Solution: Replace water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Tranmission: Transmission slips or hesitates while shifting, especially when cold. Solution: Replace transmission fluid, transmission filter, or torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,500+
• Transmission Control Modules (TCM) Failure: Faulty TCM leads to erratic gear shifting or transmission failure. Solution: Replace TCM. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Bushing Failure: Premature failure of the rear suspension bushings, causing knocking or clunking noises. Solution: Replace suspension bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ball Joint Failure: Premature failure of the front lower ball joints, leading to rattling or shimmying. Solution: Replace ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Alternator fails, causing battery to discharge and vehicle to stall. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Starter Motor Failure: Starter motor fails, preventing the engine from starting. Solution: Replace starter motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rear Differential Seal Leak: Leak in the rear differential seal, causing oil to leak onto the rear axle. Solution: Replace rear differential seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Power Window Failure: Power window motors or regulators fail, preventing windows from rolling up or down. Solution: Replace window motor or regulator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Cup Holder Design: Cheaply made cup holders prone to breakage. Solution: N/A. Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
• Dashboard Rattles: Squeaks and rattles from the dashboard. Solution: Add sound dampening material or tighten loose screws. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+

Summary

While the 2008 Toyota 4Runner is generally reliable, it is not without its issues. The most severe and costly issues tend to be related to the engine and transmission, particularly the piston ring failure and transmission slipping. However, many of the other issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the 4Runner remains a capable and dependable SUV with strong off-road capabilities.