2022 (COVID) models?

Hi All,

New to the forum. Don't own a 4runner yet, but hoping to soon. Had a question I was hoping the community could help me out with while I start my search. Looking to get into a 5th gen from the last 4 to 5 years with low miles and was curious about the 2022 models.

I'm seeing a good number of them out there. Makes sense with 3 year leases... but considering these are COVID models, has anyone noticed any differences? Reliability? Fit & Finish? Should they be avoided or just as good as any other year?

Thanks in advance! Appreciate any info!

 

You should avoid any 4Runner with Raptor Lights installed, because that vehicle was owned by a person who makes poor life choices and thus didn't take care of their ride.

 

Only thing I’ve noticed, from pictures, is the hood insulation material looks significantly worse than earlier 5th gens. They definitely reduced the amount of black felt/fiber lining over the yellow foam material.

 

Haven't really seen reason to worry thus far, mine's fine and it was built mid-2020 but maybe not soon enough for the tough decisions to set in.

 

Mine is a 2022.
Not a single warranty repair.

 

Find the the latest model year you can, with the least amount of miles and rust, and the most service records. Buy that one and drive it into the ground. No need to invent a new reason to avoid buying a 4Runner.

 

I never read where anyone was concerned about a covid era vehicle… until now.
Don’t drink the kool aid!
Buy a 4Runner and don’t look back.
Mine is a 21 and it never got covid and never had the jab either!

 

17’, 18’, 19’ were the sweet spots for the 5th Gen.

 

Oh yea OP, a big question is whether you want the suite of driver assists or not, LED headlights, factory Android Auto/CarPlay, etc.

 

The 5th gen track record is pretty good. Your chances of running into a random problem in a "covid era" 4runner are unlikely to be any greater than any other year. Maybe even less, all things considered.

Just get one that fits your budget. You're rolling the dice regardless with a used vehicle. "Covid era" is gonna be far down the list of causes of potential problems. Likely at the end of the list.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

I am on my second 2022 and have only had one issue and that is an intermittent loud static noise in the head unit when starting the vehicle. Has only happened twice in two years, so I think it is a good track record.
Zero issues with drive train or suspension.

 

welcome

 

no issues here mine’s perfect inside and out

 

I had a December 2020 built 2021 4R that needed the front KDSS piston replaced. That was covered under warranty (about a week before it ran out) but I feel that was just a random part failure and nothing to do with it being built during COVID.

The only other thing I had done under warranty was the hatch handle rubbing through the paint causing rust but that is an issue even up to the last produced 5th gen 4R's, like my current June 2024 built 4R.

 

Some manufacturers made their cars with less options (i.e. no heated seats) for 1 or 2 years after Covid/microchip shortage but still sold them at full price.

I don’t believe Toyota did that, at least for the 4R.

the only thing I’m aware is that Toyota put the old pro wheels instead of the new ones on some MY24 (and maybe MY23?)

 

Appreciate it everyone! I'm just always a little paranoid when I look at getting into a "new" vehicle is all. Wouldn't be too surprised if productivity/reliability dipped during those years. So was just looking for some experience.

Used to have old Jeep XJs and really miss being off-road, reliability, and wrenching on them. Always liked 4runners and pumped to get into one and bring that back.

 

I have a 2022 SR5P delivered in Oct 2021, that was in shipment from Japan when purchased. Thus likely built Aug/Sep. 2021. Only problem I have had was the window motor in driver door had to be replaced after about 2 years, under warranty of course. It would not fully seat the window in the top weather stripping all the way, resulting in annoying wind noise, particularly at highway speeds. Never leaked.

 

You are not wrong to try and avoid models built then. We are even seeing continued issues from Covid even now.

That said Toyota is super reliable to begin with and even though some of the issues during 21-22 are a legitimate concern its unlikely it will be an issue for many.

 

Good on you, it’s prudent to check!

I know there’s always been potential pitfalls but it after being burned by the lack of engine immobilizers in HyunKia’s, I say you can’t take anything for granted!

It’s not paranoia if they’re out to get you!

(“they” meaning the trend of sneaky cost-cutting, not Toyota saying “haha I’m gonna fuck fitzy in a few years “)

 

Is there any Year 2021/2022 Specific Issue of concern or just fishing for answers to make up 10 post.
Most on this forum including myself are T4R Fans though.
Just asking for a friend

 

I have a 2022 ORP, just hit 50k. Only problem was a faulty wheel speed sensor which I replaced myself in about 10 minutes. Zero issues beyond that. Top quality fit and finish. Nothing is loose and there are zero rattles even after light-to-moderate off-roading.

 

Mine is a 2021 TRD Pro.
I had poor wheel alignment and wheel balance. But I believe that is not a covid problem. I think since realistically TRD Pro final assembly point is USA, not fully build in Japan, so it may not have best quality as trims fully build in Japan.

 

Yes I’d be curious of what are these so called issues for MY21/22 due to COVID.
Never heard of them before this post

 

Mine has been flawless so far.

 

Base sr5 24 4x4 almost 30k no issues whatsoever

I love base models… everything you need, and nothing you don’t

 

Wasn’t there that key shortage debacle where new vehicles were being delivered with only one key?

 

Lots of posts/threads throughout the forum. Shortage of chips for key fobs, so many came with 1 vs 2, reports of door opening smoothness, alignment, and wheel balance issues. Some transmission slippage issues, but that can happen anyway. Then you have all the issues with the Tundra's and massive recalls due to debris left in the engine during manufacturing certainly can bring up questionable issues with other models.

Still cant really go wrong with any year, but there was a ton of supply chain issues and labor issues 20-22 and even today.

 

It was built in Japan, I don't think one needs to worry about Toyota's Japanese assembled models during those years as much as stuff built in NAFTA zone or Europe.

 

For those, the 2nd key was available after a few months so I wouldn’t call that an issue anymore for someone wanting to buying one right now.

None of these are due to COVID. Previous model years were the same