What the Toyota 4Runner VIN decoder shows
The 4Runner keeps its value well, so used ones often cost more than buyers expect. That makes it important to confirm the engine, drivetrain and year. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th generation.
- Engine: 2.7L four, 3.4L or 4.0L V6, 4.7L V8, 2.4L turbo or i-FORCE MAX hybrid.
- Drivetrain: 4x2 or 4x4.
- Assembly plant: from the first three characters and character 11.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
Toyota 4Runner generations in the US
| Generation | US model years | Engines | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th gen | 2025–present | 2.4L turbo, i-FORCE MAX hybrid | SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, Trailhunter |
| 5th gen (N280) | 2010–2024 | 4.0L V6 | SR5, Trail, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro (from 2015), Nightshade, TRD Sport |
| 4th gen (N210) | 2003–2009 | 4.0L V6 or 4.7L V8 | SR5, Sport Edition, Limited, Trail Edition (2009) |
| 3rd gen | 1996–2002 | 2.7L four or 3.4L V6 | Base, SR5, Limited |
Good to know: the V8 was only offered from 2003 to 2009. The 5th generation is V6-only, and the 6th uses a turbo four, with or without hybrid assist.
Which 4Runner do you have? Models and engines
A badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Engine | US model years | Output |
|---|---|---|
| i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbo hybrid | 2025–present | 326 hp, 465 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic |
| i-FORCE 2.4L turbo four | 2025–present | 278 hp, 317 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic |
| 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE), 5th gen | 2010–2024 | 270 hp, 5-speed automatic |
| 4.7L V8 (2UZ-FE) | 2003–2009 | 235 hp, 268 hp from 2005 |
| 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE), 4th gen | 2003–2009 | 245 hp |
| 3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE) | 1996–2002 | 183 hp |
| 2.7L four (3RZ-FE) | 1996–2000 | 150 hp |
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is standard on the 2025+ Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter, and optional on TRD Off-Road and Limited.
How to read a Toyota 4Runner VIN
Every 4Runner has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
JTE BU5JR 8 K 5 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | JTE | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan (multipurpose passenger vehicle). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | BU5JR | Toyota’s codes for the body, engine, series, drivetrain and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 8 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | K | The model year: K is 2019. |
| 11 · Plant code | 5 | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that vehicle. |
4Runner WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
JTE | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Japan-built 4Runners. Every US 4Runner is built in Japan. |
JTM | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Another Toyota Japan SUV code. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC (JTE and JTM = Toyota Motor Corporation, multipurpose passenger vehicle).
Toyota 4Runner model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T | 1996 | 7 | 2007 | J | 2018 |
V | 1997 | 8 | 2008 | K | 2019 |
W | 1998 | 9 | 2009 | L | 2020 |
X | 1999 | A | 2010 | M | 2021 |
Y | 2000 | B | 2011 | N | 2022 |
1 | 2001 | C | 2012 | P | 2023 |
2 | 2002 | D | 2013 | R | 2024 |
3 | 2003 | E | 2014 | S | 2025 |
4 | 2004 | F | 2015 | T | 2026 |
5 | 2005 | G | 2016 | ||
6 | 2006 | H | 2017 |
V8, TRD Pro or Trailhunter: what to confirm
A 4th-generation V8 4Runner (2003–2009) and the TRD Pro and Trailhunter versions sell for a premium. The VIN shows the engine and drivetrain. Trim packages and off-road equipment are best confirmed with the window sticker or a Toyota dealer.
Toyota 4Runner recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two 4Runners of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important 4Runner campaigns include:
- Takata airbags (2016–2019): 2010–2016 4Runner were recalled for Takata driver and passenger airbag inflators that can rupture.
- Floor mat and accelerator pedal (2011): 2003–2009 4Runner were recalled because the floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal.
- Curtain airbags (2016): 2004–2006 4Runner were recalled because the side curtain airbags can deploy unexpectedly.
- Fuel pump (2020): some 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 4Runner were recalled because the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine.
- Instrument panel (2025): some 6th-generation 4Runner were recalled because speed and warning lights may not show at startup.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact vehicle and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota 4Runner problems by generation
These are issues that owners and mechanics often report. They don’t affect every vehicle, but they are worth checking on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 6th gen (2025–) | Too new for long-term trends | Recalls and software updates completed |
| 5th gen (2010–2024) | Few mechanical trends; Takata and fuel pump recalls | Recalls completed, off-road damage underneath |
| 4th gen (2003–2009) | Underbody and frame rust in salt states; cracked dashboards and ABS faults on some 2003–2005 trucks | Frame and underbody rust, dash condition, ABS light |
| 3rd gen (1996–2002) | Age-related wear, rust | Frame, timing belt records on the V6 |
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota 4Runner
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota 4Runner: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The engine and drivetrain from the VIN match the listing (V6 or V8, 4x2 or 4x4).
- No open safety recalls, especially the Takata airbag recalls on 2010–2016 models.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- Check the frame and underbody for rust, especially on 2003–2009 trucks.
- Look for off-road damage: skid plates, bent suspension parts, scraped rocker panels.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Packages, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota 4Runner VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota 4Runner?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota 4Runner VIN start with?
US 4Runners are built in Japan, so the VIN starts with J, usually JTE (Toyota Motor Corporation).
How do I know which 4Runner generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2025 and newer is the 6th generation, 2010–2024 is the 5th, 2003–2009 is the 4th and 1996–2002 is the 3rd.
Which 4Runner years have a V8?
Only the 4th generation, 2003–2009, offered the 4.7L V8. The VIN shows which engine the truck has.
Does the VIN show if a 4Runner is 4x4?
Yes. The drivetrain is part of the VIN, so a decode shows 4x2 or 4x4.
Does my Toyota 4Runner have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact vehicle.
Is the Toyota 4Runner VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.