# Toyota 4Runner traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 12 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (3) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 12 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Toyota 4Runner (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (3). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Toyota 4Runner traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 86 | 3% | | 2016 | 2 | 81 | 2% | | 2017 | 2 | 36 | 6% | | 2018 | 3 | 60 | 5% | | 2020 | 1 | 33 | 3% | | 2025 | 1 | 60 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Toyota 4Runner traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Toyota 4Runner has 26 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Toyota 4Runner page](/vehicles/toyota-4runner) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Toyota 4Runner owners report - "After the incident, the Toyota app displayed 9 active alerts, including Brake System Malfunction, ABS Malfunction, Low Brake Fluid, Parking Brake System Malfunction, Vehicle Stability Control System Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Smart Stop System Malfunction, and Drive-Start Control..." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2026 - "Investigation of the vehicle computer showed the vehicle was unknowingly sold to me with errors in the multi-terrain, esc and pre-collision system. Vehicle was purchased in november of 2019. See attached photos for verification." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2020 - "At the second-to-last STOP sign on our route, a yellow slip indicator light suddenly appeared on the dashboard. We did not know why. We wondered if we had accidentally touched a control near the steering wheel. The brakes still worked normally, and my husband stopped completely. I photographed the warning light...." -- owner of a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota 4Runner traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Toyota 4Runner years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2018 4Runner model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 3 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota 4Runner with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Toyota 4Runner has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota 4Runner warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-4runner): 6 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-4runner): 14 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-4runner): 4 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Toyota 4Runner - [Toyota 4Runner specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-4runner) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-4runner Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.