Makes›Toyota›4Runner›2006

2006 Toyota 4Runner

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Toyota 4Runner
Pictured: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in Wind Chill Pearl, front right, 2025-05-18. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD /Limited V6, 4dr SUV 4WD /Limited V8, 4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5 V6, 4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5 V8
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
Horsepower
227 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 20 hwy
Length
189 in
Curb weight
4,299–4,555 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints257 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 54 for similar models — most often about the structure:body.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Toyota 4Runner is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.0L 6-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,354 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /Limited V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 20 highway), 2% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.

What changed for 2006

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 4Runner — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 4Runner →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–4.0L 6-cyl
Engine227 hp4.7L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

SR5

Built in: Tahara, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2006 4Runner configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD /Limited V6189 in75.2 in71.3 in109.8 in62.2 / 61.8 in4,354 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD /Limited V8189 in75.2 in71.3 in109.8 in62.2 / 61.8 in4,555 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5 V6189 in75.2 in70.9 in109.8 in62.2 / 61.8 in4,299 lb54/46
4dr SUV 4WD /Sr5 V8189 in75.2 in71.3 in109.8 in62.2 / 61.8 in4,504 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 18-2%$3,700494
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 170%$3,950523
4Runner 2WD4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 18 / 16-13%$4,200555
4Runner 4WD4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-6%$4,200555
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2006 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Toyota 4Runner (this car)18 MPGNot rated5
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated2
2006 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated10
2006 Ford Explorer16 MPGNot rated0
2006 Toyota Highlander27 MPGNot rated9
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee17 MPGNot rated2
2006 GMC Yukon16 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Feb 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V065000 · 320,409 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Risk
If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Feb 24, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V113000 · 1,363,244 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Toyota 4Runner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

257Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
132,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Structure › Body123
Unknown Or Other69
Suspension56
Air Bags15
Service Brakes14
Visibility/Wiper13
Steering10
Electrical System9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/12: 522/01: 322/02: 422/03: 122/04: 122/06: 122/09: 222/11: 323/01: 123/03: 323/06: 123/11: 123/12: 124/01: 124/05: 124/11: 124/12: 125/02: 125/07: 125/09: 225/12: 126/04: 126/06: 126/09: 121/1222/0322/0923/0323/1224/1125/0726/04max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Toyota 4Runner buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Structure › Body — 123 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Suspension — 56 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 132,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 4Runner years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 4Runner23194.9 inNot rated27
2025 4Runner23194.9 in★★★★★162
2024 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★110
2023 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2022 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★339
2021 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★136
2020 4Runner17189.8 in★★★★★133
2019 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★465
2018 4Runner18189.8 in★★★★★559
2017 4Runner18189.8 inNot rated536
2016 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated880
2015 4Runner19189.8 inNot rated987

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →