The 2019 4Runner with the 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) is generally robust but shares the platform's known weaknesses: secondary air injection system failures, transmission cooler line leaks, and occasional low-speed pre-ignition issues that can lead to catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Secondary Air Injection System Failure (P0410/P0441 codes)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0410, P0441, or P0446 codes, Failed emissions test, Air pump noise or complete silence on cold starts, Stuck or clogged air injection valves
Fix: Replace air injection pump, check valves, and/or vacuum switching valve. Often requires cleaning carbon buildup from intake ports. 2-4 hours labor depending on component access.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle near front crossmember, Low transmission fluid warnings, Burnt smell from ATF contacting exhaust, Harsh shifting or slipping if fluid level drops critically
Fix: Replace corroded cooler lines from transmission to radiator. Lines rust through where they contact frame rails. Includes fluid flush. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) and Piston/Ring Damage
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or pinging under light load at 1,500-2,500 RPM, Sudden loss of power, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic failure: rod knock, coolant in oil, or complete seizure
Fix: If caught early with carbon buildup only: top-end cleaning and valve service, 8-12 hours. If piston damage occurred: short block replacement or full rebuild, 20-30 hours. Use Top Tier fuel and avoid lugging the engine in high gear to prevent.
Estimated cost: $1,500-3,500 for top-end; $6,000-12,000 for short block/rebuild
Front Lower Ball Joint Wear
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps at low speed, Wandering steering or poor return to center, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Play detected during suspension inspection
Fix: Replace lower control arms (ball joints are not serviceable separately on 5th-gen). Alignment required. 2.5-3.5 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 for both sides with alignment
Evaporative Emissions Charcoal Canister Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0441 or P0446 codes, Difficulty filling fuel tank (pump clicks off repeatedly), Fuel smell near rear of vehicle, Failed emissions test
Fix: Replace charcoal canister and/or vent valve located under rear near spare tire. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil drips from pinion yoke area at front of rear diff, Low diff fluid level discovered during service, Whining noise from rear end if run low on fluid
Fix: Replace pinion seal and check backlash/bearing preload. Requires driveshaft removal. 2-3 hours labor plus fluid.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Use Top Tier gasoline and avoid prolonged low-RPM lugging in 5th/6th gear to minimize LSPI risk on the 1GR-FE
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for rust, especially in salt-belt states—catching them early prevents catastrophic fluid loss
Follow Toyota's severe-duty maintenance schedule (every 5k miles for oil, 30k for trans fluid) if used for towing or off-road
Check ball joint play at every alignment or tire rotation after 70k miles—catching wear early avoids control-arm separation
Buy one—the 2019 4Runner is a tank that holds value, but budget $1,500-2,500 for deferred maintenance on anything over 80k miles and avoid examples with engine knock or low oil pressure.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on passenger side
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Control Modules — 2019 Toyota 4Runner
Every control module on the 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Optional equipment. Sensor calibration required after replacement.
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under passenger seat or behind glove box
🔧 Toyota Techstream
⚠️ VIN registration, immobilizer pairing, and calibration required. TIS subscription mandatory for programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
STEERING · 19V670000
2019-09-20
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 19V244000
2019-03-27
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 18V753000
2018-10-25
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
Vehicle Info — 2019 Toyota 4Runner
Performance
Horsepower
270hp
Torque
278lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.4sec
Quarter mile
15.6sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
20mpg
Combined
18mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
5,000lb
Payload
1,440lb
Curb weight
4,805lb
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
5th generation 4Runner; standard hook attachment for front blades
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.