For those considering a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, it’s crucial to delve into potential reliability concerns. While generally lauded, some owners have reported significant issues with the 4Runner’s X-REAS (Cross-linked Relative Absorber System) suspension, raising questions about its durability, especially for a vehicle marketed for its longevity.
One owner of a slightly older model, a 2013 4Runner Limited, experienced a complete failure of their X-REAS suspension system before even hitting 50,000 miles. This wasn’t under harsh off-road conditions, but during normal city and highway driving. An alignment check revealed that all four shocks were leaking at under 47,000 miles, a stark contrast to the expectation of a long-lasting, robust system, especially after a recent maintenance check just over 1,000 miles prior showed no issues.
Toyota’s X-REAS system is marketed as an advanced feature, designed to enhance handling and ride comfort by automatically adjusting damping force on opposing pairs of shocks. However, this owner’s experience, and reportedly others, suggests a potential flaw in its long-term reliability. Upon contacting Toyota’s Customer Experience Center (CEC), the owner was allegedly informed that such failures are “far more common than Toyota cares for you to know.” The proposed solution from Toyota was a partial contribution of $500 towards a repair bill exceeding $3800, and a suggestion to downgrade to a standard base model suspension system.
This raises serious concerns for prospective and current 2018 Toyota 4Runner owners equipped with X-REAS. Is this advanced suspension system a potential weak point? Owners report a significant difference in ride quality between the X-REAS and the base suspension, implying a downgrade is not a like-for-like replacement. The core issue seems to be that when the X-REAS system fails prematurely, owners are faced with hefty repair bills and a less-than-satisfactory response from Toyota, pushing them towards a cheaper, standard suspension as the only financially viable option.
While Toyota may highlight the X-REAS as a premium feature, experiences like this one cast a shadow on its actual value and longevity. For anyone considering a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, especially a Limited trim which often includes the X-REAS system, it is vital to research potential suspension issues. Understanding the possible costs and Toyota’s approach to addressing these failures is crucial before making a purchase decision. It may be prudent for potential buyers to inquire about the warranty coverage on the X-REAS system and consider whether the potential benefits outweigh the risk of premature and costly repairs. Owners experiencing similar issues are encouraged to document their experiences and contact Toyota to voice their concerns, referencing case number 1812132362 as a point of reference for the reported commonality of these failures.
