What is the routine maintenance schedule for a Toyota 4Runner?

In brief, a Toyota 4Runner generally follows a regular 5,000-mile (or six-month) oil-change cycle with tire rotations and basic inspections at each visit, plus larger service milestones around 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, and 120,000 miles. The exact timing is guided by Toyota’s Maintenance Minder system and can vary by model year, engine, and driving conditions.

Beyond the baseline cadence, owners should rely on the Maintenance Minder alerts and the owner’s manual for year-specific recommendations. The 4Runner’s routine care includes regular oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspection of tires, brakes, belts, and cooling components, with more extensive parts replacement scheduled as mileage climbs or as the system indicates wear. This guide outlines a practical framework applicable to most 4Runners, noting that exact intervals may differ by year and drivetrain.

Regular maintenance schedule

Before listing the routine tasks that are typically performed at the regular service interval, here is a concise overview of what to expect every 5,000 miles (or six months) under normal driving conditions.

• Engine oil and oil filter replacement


• Tire rotation and a check of tire condition and tread wear


• Brake system inspection (pads, rotors, and lines) and brake fluid level check


• Fluid level checks and top-offs as needed (coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer, and power steering fluid if equipped)


• Inspection of belts, hoses, lights, wipers, and battery condition


• Cabin air filter inspection and replacement if needed; engine air filter inspection and replacement as required


• Under-vehicle inspections for leaks or abnormal wear

Regular maintenance at this cadence helps maintain reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety, while the Maintenance Minder can prompt more frequent service if conditions demand it.

Major service milestones

These milestones reflect more comprehensive inspections and replacements that commonly occur at roughly 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, and 120,000 miles. Exact items and timing vary by year and engine, so always consult the owner’s manual and your Maintenance Minder.

• About 30,000 miles
  
  
  
  • Replace engine air filter and cabin air filter (or inspect and replace as needed)
  
  
  • Rotate tires; inspect belts, hoses, cooling system, and brakes
  
  
  • Check fluid levels and top off as needed; inspect suspension and steering components
  
  
  
  


• About 60,000 miles
  
  
  
  • Replace engine air filter and cabin air filter if not done at 30k
  
  
  • Inspect spark plugs (many 4Runner engines require plug replacement around 100k–120k; plan accordingly)
  
  
  • Inspect or replace belts if worn; check cooling system and transmission fluids per Minder
  
  
  • Inspect front and rear differentials, transfer case, and drive belts; check brakes and suspension
  
  
  
  


• About 90,000 miles
  
  
  
  • Reevaluate spark plug replacement timing based on model year and engine; inspect belts and hoses
  
  
  • Inspect drivetrain fluids (transfer case, differentials) and cooling system
  
  
  • Continue regular inspections, tire rotation, and fluid top-offs
  
  
  
  


• About 120,000 miles
  
  
  
  • Replace spark plugs if not already done within recommended window
  
  
  • Replace coolant and transmission fluid if indicated by Minder or service schedule
  
  
  • Inspect and service differential and transfer case fluids; verify the timing chain condition (no belt replacement is required on engines with a timing chain)
  
  
  • Comprehensive inspection of cooling system, belts, hoses, battery, and braking components
  
  
  
  

Because 4Runners use different engines and transmissions across model years, some items may shift earlier or later. Always follow the Maintenance Minder prompts and refer to your specific year manual for exact intervals.

Maintenance Minder and model-year nuances

The Maintenance Minder system in most Toyota 4Runners personalizes service intervals based on driving conditions, climate, and usage. It can shorten or extend the interval between visits compared with a fixed mile-based schedule. The system will alert you when a service is recommended, and the manual provides the definitive list of required maintenance for your exact configuration. If you frequently tow, drive in dusty environments, or do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, expect to see sooner service reminders.

Engine, fuel, and drivetrain specifics

The 4Runner commonly uses a 4.0-liter V6 across many generations, which features a timing chain (not a belt). Spark plugs typically require replacement around the 100,000–120,000 mile range depending on engine design and driving conditions. Oil type and capacity can vary slightly by year and market, but a conventional recommendation is to use the grade specified in the owner’s manual and to change oil with the filter at each interval. Transmission and differential fluid service intervals are often around 60,000 miles or as indicated by Minder, with some heavy-use scenarios requiring more frequent changes. Always confirm with your manual and Minder for your exact configuration.

Summary

In practice, keeping a Toyota 4Runner in peak condition centers on the regular 5,000-mile cycle for routine care and the major 30k/60k/90k/120k-mile milestones for more extensive maintenance. The Maintenance Minder system tailors these intervals to your driving, so rely on its alerts in addition to the owner’s manual. Regular oil changes, tire care, brake inspections, and fluid checks form the foundation, while engine and drivetrain components are refreshed at defined milestones to sustain reliability for years to come.

Bottom line: follow the Maintenance Minder, align with your model year’s manual, and schedule service before a warning light or a noticeable change in performance suggests otherwise. This approach helps preserve the 4Runner’s capability, resale value, and overall safety.

What year 4 runner to stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Toyota 4Runner include 1988-1995 (with the 3.0L V6) and 2003-2006 due to significant issues like head gasket failures, frame rust, and transmission problems. Other models to be cautious of are 2001-2002 (rust and poor crash test scores) and 2010-2011 (electrical faults and airbag defects). 
Specific years to avoid and their common issues
This video discusses the worst years to buy a used Toyota 4Runner: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · Oct 29, 2024

• 1988-1995: Models with the 3.0-liter V6 engine are prone to repeated head gasket failures. 
• 2001-2002: These third-generation models are known for rust and have received poor ratings in crash tests. 
• 2003-2006: This period is frequently cited as one of the worst. 
  • 2003-2005: All three years suffer from severe frame rust. 
  • 2004: Considered by many to be the worst year due to extensive rust, paint issues, and problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). It also had high complaints about rear impact safety and dashboard cracks. 
  • 2005-2006: These years also have reported issues, including exterior rust and potential transmission problems. 
• 2010-2011: These first years of the fifth generation were plagued with electrical faults, including problems with dashboard lights and sensors. 
• 2015: This model year has been linked to electrical and suspension problems. 

Important considerations

• Many of these issues are concentrated in specific generations. The 2003-2005 4Runner is particularly notorious for severe rust, as documented by sources like RealTruck and The Nicks Law Firm. 
• While some models had significant problems, specific issues were sometimes fixed in later years within the same generation. For example, the third-generation 4Runner improved after 2001. 

When should a 4Runner timing chain be replaced?

There is no set replacement schedule for a Toyota 4Runner timing chain; they are designed to last the life of the engine and are only replaced when a problem occurs. Regular maintenance, especially consistent oil changes, is key to its longevity. You should have a mechanic inspect it if you hear rattling, experience reduced power, or get a check engine light, as these can be signs of a worn-out chain or tensioner. 
Timing chain vs. timing belt

• Timing chains are made of metal and are much more durable than timing belts, which are made of rubber and require replacement typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. 
• Timing belts in certain models, like the 4.7L V8, do have a recommended replacement interval (e.g., at 90,000 miles or 9 years), so it's important to check your specific engine type and owner's manual. 

Signs of a failing timing chain

• Rattling or knocking noises: from the engine bay, which can indicate a stretched chain or a worn tensioner. 
• Reduced engine power: or sluggish performance. 
• Check engine light: or specific engine codes related to camshaft or crankshaft position. 
• Misfiring or poor idling: can indicate that the chain has jumped a tooth. 
• Metal shavings: in the engine oil. 

What to do if you suspect an issue

• Have a mechanic inspect the timing chain, especially if you notice any of the signs listed above.
• If a timing chain needs to be replaced, it's crucial to also replace the tensioner and guides at the same time for a complete and reliable repair. 

What is the major maintenance schedule for a 4Runner?

Using the Toyota 4Runner maintenance schedule, we let you know when your car needs servicing and we make sure the job gets done right. The Toyota 4Runner service intervals come at 5,000, 15,000, and 30,000 miles, and are a key part of keeping your car in peak driving shape and making sure your warranty remains intact.

What is Toyota's recommended service schedule?

Toyota's maintenance schedule typically involves services at 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000-mile intervals, with more extensive services at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Key services include rotating tires, inspecting fluids, and replacing oil and filters. It's important to follow the specific schedule for your model, which can be found in your owner's manual, and perform services every six months if you drive less than the mileage suggests. 
Key service intervals

• Every 5,000 miles or 6 months: Perform a visual inspection of brakes, check and adjust fluid levels, inspect wiper blades, and rotate the tires. 
• Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: Includes all 5,000-mile services, plus replace the cabin air filter and the engine oil and oil filter. 
• Every 15,000 miles or 18 months: Includes all 5,000-mile services, plus replace the cabin air filter and perform additional checks on items like brake lines, hoses, and exhaust systems. 
• Every 30,000 miles or 36 months: Includes all services for previous intervals, plus replace engine air filter, replace rear differential oil and transfer case oil (for 4WD models), and re-torque propeller shaft bolt (for 4WD models). 
• For low-mileage drivers: Get maintenance every six months, even if you haven't hit the mileage milestone. 
• Always check your owner's manual: Your owner's manual contains the most accurate and specific maintenance schedule for your individual Toyota model.