Toyota 4runner Common Problems

The most common Toyota 4runner problems, based on 351 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2026), are unknown or other, service brakes, steering, suspension. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (64). Complaints are owner-reported and differ from official recalls — check a specific VIN's recalls and history at vincheck.it.com.

Most-reported Toyota 4runner problem areas
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	70 reports
SERVICE BRAKES	57 reports
STEERING	45 reports
SUSPENSION	30 reports
AIR BAGS	24 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	23 reports
ENGINE	15 reports
STRUCTURE	14 reports
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11 reports
FUEL SYSTEM	11 reports

Toyota 4runner best & worst years (by complaint volume)

Ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint count per model year — a leading reliability signal. The highest-complaint years are worth extra scrutiny; the lowest are the safer bets. Always confirm with a specific VIN's history.

Model year	Complaints
2019 Toyota 4runner	64
2018 Toyota 4runner	57
2025 Toyota 4runner	48
2022 Toyota 4runner	39
2017 Toyota 4runner	35
2021 Toyota 4runner	34
2020 Toyota 4runner	31
2023 Toyota 4runner	30
2024 Toyota 4runner	8
2026 Toyota 4runner	5

Worst year: 2019 (64 complaints). Best year: 2026 (5).

Complaints by year: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Toyota 4runner problems?

Across 351 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2026), the most-reported Toyota 4runner problem areas are unknown or other, service brakes, steering, suspension.

Is the Toyota 4runner reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints are one reliability signal. The Toyota 4runner has 351 on record, most concentrated in the 2019 model year (64). Cross-check recalls and a specific VIN's history before buying.

Which Toyota 4runner years should you avoid?

By NHTSA complaint volume, the 2019 Toyota 4runner draws the most owner complaints (64), while the 2026 has the fewest (5). Complaint counts are one signal — always check a specific VIN's history too.

Which is the most reliable Toyota 4runner year?

Among the years we track, the 2026 Toyota 4runner has the fewest NHTSA complaints (5), a positive reliability signal. Confirm with recalls and the specific vehicle's history before buying.

Do complaints mean the Toyota 4runner was recalled?

Not necessarily. Complaints are individual owner reports; recalls are official safety actions. Check open recalls for a specific Toyota 4runner VIN with our free recall lookup.

Toyota 4runner recalls · Toyota 4runner overview · Full Toyota 4runner VIN history — from $5.12/report