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New 4runner Burning Rubber Smell

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Tepito, Feb 6, 2023.

  1. Feb 6, 2023 at 3:33 PM
    #1
    Tepito

    Tepito [OP] New Member

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    I just picked up my new 2023 4runner ORP from the dealership and when I got home, noticed a burning rubber smell outside the car. It seemed to be coming from the front of the car around the wheel wells. Is this normal?
     
  2. Feb 6, 2023 at 3:49 PM
    #2
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    Contact your sales person.
     
  3. Feb 6, 2023 at 4:36 PM
    #3
    KENTUCKYRUNNER

    KENTUCKYRUNNER New Member

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    mine smelled that way too. went away after a week or 2. just from being new, brakes, new tires ect.... in my opinion
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2023
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  4. Feb 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM
    #4
    Late Life Crisis

    Late Life Crisis New Member

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    sometimes the smell is called

    degassing

    I think it is where all the components that smell are losing their factor freshness, so as to speak
     
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  5. Feb 6, 2023 at 6:41 PM
    #5
    5thToy

    5thToy New Member

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    Commonly reported and experienced early in both my 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners.
     
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  6. Feb 6, 2023 at 6:50 PM
    #6
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    Welcome to the new car smell, enjoy. :)
     
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  7. Feb 6, 2023 at 7:52 PM
    #7
    5six

    5six New Member

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    Outside the car after first driving it most likely anything that gets hot from use: brakes; header; catalytic converters; muffler; parts of the engine. See if you can pinpoint it to front or rear if you’re really concerned about it. I’m assuming most likely rear and from underneath. If not, double check under the hood for anything obvious. But first handful of drives, odours should be more prevalent.
     
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  8. Feb 6, 2023 at 8:01 PM
    #8
    PC836

    PC836 New Member

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    When I drove home my new PRO, it had the same smell. I think its just the new rubber or plastic smell near heat source burning off. I wouldnt even sweat it.
     
  9. Feb 7, 2023 at 2:08 AM
    #9
    Matt83

    Matt83 New Member

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    At 40,000 miles I can still smell the burning from the poorly designed muffler after steep inclines or towing.
     
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  10. Feb 7, 2023 at 5:53 AM
    #10
    HotelMedicis

    HotelMedicis No Commercial Interests

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    This is normal. Dozens of people have been touching that vehicle and the oil from their hands may still be on the exhaust pipes etc. Mine smelled that way too. Almost all new cars have it. It will be gone in a day or two.
     
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  11. Feb 7, 2023 at 6:03 AM
    #11
    reef_surfer

    reef_surfer New Member

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    Mine did this as well. The smell seemed to be most prevalent when the seat heaters were on.
     
  12. Feb 7, 2023 at 9:28 AM
    #12
    beedee

    beedee Member

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    Normal.
     
  13. Feb 7, 2023 at 10:03 AM
    #13
    Tepito

    Tepito [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like nothing to worry about and after driving it a couple more times the smell is much less noticeable.
     
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  14. Feb 7, 2023 at 10:05 AM
    #14
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

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  15. Feb 7, 2023 at 10:10 AM
    #15
    LuLu

    LuLu New Member

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    I also perceived oil smell coming through the ventilation for almost 5k miles. Until they discovered residual oil underneath. No leaks.
    Drivetrain was degreased. For months now. no smell.

    @Tepito .. Is yours coming through vents?
     
  16. Apr 29, 2023 at 10:04 AM
    #16
    CalcityRenegade

    CalcityRenegade New Member

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    Mine is stinky too. Only 75kms (46miles) on her so will do a trip this weekend to break things in nicely.
     
  17. Apr 29, 2023 at 4:33 PM
    #17
    LuLu

    LuLu New Member

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    Probably residual oil smell. Everything was cleaned out during my first oil change. Same boat. Maybe it was greased at factory to prevent rust in transit??
     
  18. Apr 30, 2023 at 1:19 AM
    #18
    MountainMan

    MountainMan New Member

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    Same. 45k and it still stinks after a long drive.
     
  19. Apr 30, 2023 at 1:43 PM
    #19
    ecoterragaia

    ecoterragaia New Member

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    Totally normal, mine smelled like that for the first 3000 miles or so. When I thought it went away, it came back after some towing over a mountain.
     

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