The 2022 4Runner is actually powered by a 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE), a proven engine dating back to 2003, but one with a known Achilles heel: secondary air injection system failures and head gasket issues at higher mileages. The transmission and drivetrain are solid, but the engine's age means you're buying 20-year-old tech with its associated quirks.
Secondary Air Injection System Failure (Check Engine Light P0410/P0441)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0410, P0411, P0441 codes, Rattling noise on cold starts from stuck air pump, Failed emissions testing in states that monitor secondary air
Fix: Replace secondary air injection pump and/or check valves. Some techs delete the system in non-emissions states, but proper fix is replacement. 2-3 hours labor for pump, 1 hour for valves.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Head Gasket Failure (External Coolant Leaks)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from head/block mating surface, visible as white residue, Slow coolant loss without visible leaks elsewhere, Sweet smell from engine bay after driving, In severe cases, coolant in oil (milky dipstick)
Fix: Both head gaskets, head resurfacing, timing components while in there, new water pump. This is a 16-20 hour job due to tight engine bay. Many shops recommend doing both heads even if only one is leaking.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or under front of vehicle, Pink or red fluid spots on driveway, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick
Fix: Replace corroded transmission cooler lines (common in rust belt). If caught early, it's just lines. If run low, you're looking at transmission damage. 2-3 hours for lines only.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Front Lower Ball Joint Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Failed safety inspection for ball joint play
Fix: Replace lower ball joints (often both sides). Some techs replace entire lower control arms for easier install. 3-4 hours for both sides with alignment.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Exhaust Manifold Crack/Leak (Right Bank)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking noise on cold start that fades as engine warms, Exhaust smell in cabin with heat on, Visible soot or black marks on right-side manifold
Fix: Replace cracked exhaust manifold. Right side is more accessible than left. Some aftermarket options available but OEM lasts longer. 4-5 hours labor right side.
Estimated cost: $900-1,500
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of rear differential, Oil spots on driveway behind vehicle, Low differential fluid level (check fill plug)
Fix: Replace pinion seal, check pinion bearing preload, refill with 75W-85 GL-5. If caught early, just a seal. If run dry, bearings are damaged. 2-3 hours if just seal.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 60k regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—this transmission runs hot and fluid degrades
Inspect head gasket areas annually after 100k miles; catching weeps early saves thousands
Flush coolant every 50k with Toyota red coolant—helps prevent head gasket issues
Grease front suspension annually if you off-road or live where salt is used
Solid truck with a dated but proven V6—just budget for head gaskets after 120k and stay on top of the secondary air system; otherwise, these run forever.
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 — 2022 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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. 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."
Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 22V310000
2022-05-06
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. 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."
Consequence: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 21V963000
2021-12-13
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. 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."
Consequence: An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET21A.
Vehicle Info — 2022 Toyota 4Runner
Performance
Horsepower
270hp
Torque
278lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.4sec
Quarter mile
15.8sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
16mpg
Highway
19mpg
Combined
17mpg
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 2022 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.