2018 Toyota 4Runner maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2018 4Runner, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $45-$80). Normal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20. If 0W-20 oil was not used at the last oil change, replace the oil and filter at the next 5,000-mile service; 5W-20 may be used when 0W-20 is not available, but it must then be replaced at 5,000 mi / 6 months. Severe (driving on dirt or dusty roads; towing, using a car-top carrier or heavy vehicle loading; repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32F/0C; extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months, regardless of the oil used.
- Brake Inspection
- 5,000mi
- ≈ 8,000km
- 6 mo
- Tire Rotation
- 5,000mi
- ≈ 8,000km
- 6 mo
- Engine Air Filter
- 30,000mi
- ≈ 48,000km
- 36 mo
- Cabin Air Filter
- 30,000mi
- ≈ 48,000km
- 36 mo
Service intervals
From the 2018 Toyota 4Runner schedule.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemNormal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20. If 0W-20 oil was not used at the last oil change, replace the oil and filter at the next 5,000-mile service; 5W-20 may be used when 0W-20 is not available, but it must then be replaced at 5,000 mi / 6 months. Severe (driving on dirt or dusty roads; towing, using a car-top carrier or heavy vehicle loading; repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32F/0C; extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months, regardless of the oil used. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $45-$80 | |
| Tire RotationEvery 5,000 mi / 6 months. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | $25-$50 | |
| Engine Air FilterReplace every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe (dirt/dusty roads): inspect every 5,000 mi. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | $20-$45 | |
| Cabin Air FilterReplace every 30,000 mi / 36 months; inspect at every 15,000-mile service. Heavy traffic, dirt roads, urban/dusty/desert areas may shorten life. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | $15-$35 | |
| Spark PlugsReplace at 120,000 mi / 144 months (emission-warranty item). | 120,000 mi / 144 mo≈ 193,000 km / 144 mo | $180-$280 | |
| Engine CoolantFirst replacement at 100,000 mi / 120 months, then every 50,000 mi / 60 months; inspected at every 15,000-mile service. Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (or a similar non-silicate, non-amine, non-borate ethylene-glycol coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology). | 100,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 161,000 km / 120 mo | $120-$180 | |
| Brake Fluid (inspect level/condition)Only 'brake fluid level/condition' inspection at every 5,000-mile service; no replacement scheduled. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | — | |
| Brake InspectionSafety itemVisual every 5,000 mi / 6 months; thickness measurement and disc runout every 30,000 mi / 36 months. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | — | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid (inspect) (5-speed automatic only)5-speed automatic. Normal: only 'Automatic transmission for signs of leakage' every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe (towing, car-top carrier, heavy loading): replace at 60,000 and 120,000 mi. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | — | |
| Rear Differential Fluid (inspect)All 4Runners. Normal: inspect every 15,000 mi / 18 months. Severe (towing, car-top carrier, heavy loading): replace every 15,000 mi. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Front Differential Fluid (inspect) (4WD only)4WD (part-time and full-time). Normal: inspect every 15,000 mi / 18 months. Severe (towing etc.): replace every 15,000 mi. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (inspect) (4WD only)4WD (part-time and full-time). Normal: inspect every 30,000 mi / 36 months. Severe (dirt/dusty roads, or towing/car-top carrier/heavy loading): replace every 30,000 mi. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | — | |
| Propeller Shaft Lubricate & Re-torqueLubricate the propeller shaft and re-torque the propeller shaft bolt every 15,000 mi / 18 months. Severe (dirt/dusty or salted roads; towing): every 5,000 mi. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — | |
| Drive Belt InspectionInitial inspection at 60,000 mi / 72 months, then every 15,000 mi / 18 months. | 60,000 mi / 72 mo≈ 97,000 km / 72 mo | — | |
| Suspension & Steering InspectionInspect ball joints and dust covers, steering gear, and steering linkage and boots every 15,000 mi / 18 months. | 15,000 mi / 18 mo≈ 24,000 km / 18 mo | — |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
- 0 Due now
- 0 Within 5,000 mi
- 0 Later
Ask Rev about my 4Runner
GarageHub · Free · Your AI MechanicOpenThe 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV powered exclusively by the proven 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 with a timing chain (no belt replacement needed). Its part-time 4WD system (on equipped models) adds differential and transfer case fluid checks to the schedule. The intervals below follow Toyota's 2018 Warranty & Maintenance Guide.
What happens if you skip it
- Neglecting transmission fluid changes can lead to harsh shifting and premature failure of the 5-speed automatic, a $3,500-$5,000 replacement on this model.
- Skipping differential and transfer case services on 4WD models causes accelerated gear wear, leading to whining noises and eventual $1,200-$2,000 rebuild costs.
- Deferred coolant changes increase risk of head gasket failure on the 1GR-FE V6, a known weak point that can cost $2,000-$3,500 to repair.
- Worn brake pads left unaddressed will score rotors and potentially damage calipers, turning a $300 pad replacement into an $800+ brake system overhaul.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 80,000+ mi
- Lower ball joint wear causing clunking over bumps; common on all 5th-gen 4Runners and requires replacement of the entire lower control arm assembly.
- 100,000+ mi
- Exhaust manifold cracking or stud failure on the 1GR-FE V6, producing ticking noises at cold start; often requires manifold replacement.
- 120,000+ mi
- Secondary air injection pump failure (if equipped) triggering check engine light; pump replacement costs $400-$700 but does not affect driveability.
- 150,000+ mi
- Automatic transmission may exhibit delayed engagement or slipping if fluid changes were deferred; often requires rebuild or replacement.
- 100,000+ mi
- Front and rear axle seals may begin leaking on 4WD models, contaminating brake components if not addressed promptly.
- 120,000+ mi
- Radiator and heater core leaks become more common as plastic end tanks age; coolant loss and overheating risk if ignored.
Common questions about the 2018 Toyota 4Runner
How often does a 2018 Toyota 4Runner need an oil change?
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $45-$80). Normal: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 months with SAE 0W-20. If 0W-20 oil was not used at the last oil change, replace the oil and filter at the next 5,000-mile service; 5W-20 may be used when 0W-20 is not available, but it must then be replaced at 5,000 mi / 6 months. Severe (driving on dirt or dusty roads; towing, using a car-top carrier or heavy vehicle loading; repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32F/0C; extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery): every 5,000 mi / 6 months, regardless of the oil used.
What maintenance does a 2018 Toyota 4Runner need?
The services not to skip on a 2018 Toyota 4Runner: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; brake inspection every 5,000 mi / 6 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Toyota 4Runner at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 80,000+ mi: Lower ball joint wear causing clunking over bumps; common on all 5th-gen 4Runners and requires replacement of the entire lower control arm assembly. 100,000+ mi: Exhaust manifold cracking or stud failure on the 1GR-FE V6, producing ticking noises at cold start; often requires manifold replacement. 120,000+ mi: Secondary air injection pump failure (if equipped) triggering check engine light; pump replacement costs $400-$700 but does not affect driveability. 150,000+ mi: Automatic transmission may exhibit delayed engagement or slipping if fluid changes were deferred; often requires rebuild or replacement. 100,000+ mi: Front and rear axle seals may begin leaking on 4WD models, contaminating brake components if not addressed promptly. 120,000+ mi: Radiator and heater core leaks become more common as plastic end tanks age; coolant loss and overheating risk if ignored.
Keep this schedule for your 4Runner
Log what you've done, get reminded what's next. Rev knows the intervals for your 4Runner.