NHTSA Data Explorer

Toyota 4Runner

Data refreshed September 6, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Toyota 4Runner.

Complaints

5,856

Active records

Recalls

46

Active records

TSBs

1,149

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

17

Injuries

344

Crashes

394

Fires

59

Top reported issues — Toyota 4Runner

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

3,898

Operating state

897

Braking behavior

402

Safety restraint issue

375

Reporting mechanism

354

Noise

335

Vibration/harshness

313

Fluid issue

296

Driver assistance issue

246

Thermal issue

222

Ride/handling behavior

218

Engine behavior

211

Safety restraint behavior

196

Smell

167

Access/entry issue

147

Performance issue

142

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

132

Steering behavior

114

Electrical issue

53

Lighting behavior

43

Infotainment behavior

35

Starting behavior

33

Recent change

26

HVAC behavior

22

Powering on/off behavior

22

Wiper/washer behavior

4

Communication/network issue

3

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Sep 3, 2026


While vehicle was parked and not in use, upon entering the vehicle, the steering wheel/column dropped out of its locked position on its own. Disassembly of the steering column revealed that the tilt-lock mechanism's steering lock fracture bolt has broken in half on the right side. This cause the steering wheel to fall out of a locked position and allowed the entire column to rotate skewed to the left side. The steering wheel became dangerous to use as it was in a freed position that allowed the…

2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 31, 2026


I have a 2016 Metallic Gray Toyota 4Runner and there appears to be a clear-coat defect on the hood and roof.

2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 30, 2026


Fire

On August 29, 2026, I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake when I noticed the vehicle moving forward even though I was pressing the brake pedal. I immediately entered a nearby parking lot at very low speed. I had significant difficulty stopping and used the electronic parking brake to help keep the vehicle stopped. While still inside, I noticed a strong burning smell and smoke. After exiting, I saw smoke coming from the passenger side. I walked to that side and saw flames…

2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 28, 2026


The steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is at the dealer for inspection/repair. When driving the steering is loose, when you go over bumps there is an audible thump in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealer in Rockwall Texas for the 3rd time for this issue. The lower steering shaft was deemed defective by the technician due to excessive play on the first visit. Even with the defective steering component the vehicle was returned to me in that condition due to a lack of…

2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 28, 2026


The door actuator have been replaced a minimum of eight times. Huge safety risk involved since we never know if the vehicle is going to lock. Toyota continues to replace them but not addressing the underlying issue. Not sure if this is all related but the blower motor has been replaced 3- 4 times and the battery has been replaced 4 times

2023 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 25, 2026


Purchased size 265/70R17 tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S2) exhibiting severe highway vibration immediately post-installation. The vibration persisted continuously for two years across every rotation, posing serious handling and steering risks. For two years, local shop staff gaslit the customer, claiming an out-of-round tire or casing defect was impossible to avoid warranty obligations. During a visit in front of store management, staff repeated the claim in front of management. The customer…

2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 25, 2026


The power door lock actuators on both front doors of my 2021 Toyota 4Runner have failed. The problem developed progressively. The front door locks initially began working intermittently and became less reliable over time. Eventually, both front door lock actuators stopped operating. They have now been inoperative for more than six months. The front doors will not reliably lock or unlock using the vehicle's power locking system or key fob, while the rear power door locks continue to operate…

2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 25, 2026


Driver side headlight goes out approximately every 6 months. Sometimes the light only has to be “wiggled” in its connection and the light comes back on. Sometimes the light must be replaced. The light has also exploded when my spouse was attempting to replace the lightbulb. A friend has a 2014 Toyota 4 runner and the drivers lightbulb has been replaced approximately 12 times in 6 years. The passenger side headlight is not affected.

2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 11, 2026


Swivel motion has started to jam when half locked, base will show half red/half green and refuse to lock. Unlock handle becomes hard to lift to swivel the car seat back to attempt to lock it again. I’ve contacted Evenflo, but waiting to hear back.

2026 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Filed Aug 10, 2026


The contact owns a 2026 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, after disconnecting the trailer wiring harness, the message Tow/Haul Mode or a Trailer Coverage Indicator appeared even though the vehicle was no longer hauling the trailer. The message No Trailer Detected was occasionally displayed. The contact stated that the indicator deactivated, and the lane assistance and emergency steering feature were displayed while driving. The Lane…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated September 6, 2026. Refreshed nightly.