2009 Toyota 4runner Fuel System Problems

When your wife pressed the gas pedal to pull into a parking spot, your 4Runner suddenly lurched forward uncontrollably and hit a fence, damaging the bumper. This unexpected acceleration occurred without warning, and she's now afraid to drive the vehicle. The issue may involve the fuel system, electrical system, or engine controls, and will likely require diagnostic testing to identify what caused the sudden acceleration.

Your fuel gauge is giving inaccurate readings. While driving, it showed empty with a warning light flashing, but when you restarted the engine it jumped to half full—even though you hadn't actually used much fuel. At the gas station, you discovered the tank only needed 15 gallons, meaning the gauge was reading incorrectly the whole time. The gauge now seems stuck around the half-full mark regardless of actual fuel consumption. The fuel gauge sender or instrument cluster likely needs diagnosis and repair to get accurate fuel level readings again.