2013 Toyota 4RUNNER

▲ Better than typical
2013 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:27.572Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
36
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 9 complaints 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1990 1991: 43 complaints 1992: 53 complaints 1993: 52 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1999: 220 complaints 2000: 379 complaints 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2005: 410 complaints 2006: 381 complaints 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2011: 163 complaints 2012: 96 complaints 2013: 36 complaints 2013 36 2014: 77 complaints 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2018: 60 complaints 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2023: 31 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 9 complaints 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1990 1991: 43 complaints 1992: 53 complaints 1993: 52 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1999: 220 complaints 1999 2000: 379 complaints 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2005: 410 complaints 2005 2006: 381 complaints 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2011: 163 complaints 2012: 96 complaints 2013: 36 complaints 2013 36 2014: 77 complaints 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 60 complaints 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2023: 31 complaints 2023 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 9 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1990 1991: 43 complaints 1992: 53 complaints 1992 1993: 52 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1998 1999: 220 complaints 2000: 379 complaints 2000 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2004 2005: 410 complaints 2006: 381 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2010 2011: 163 complaints 2012: 96 complaints 2013: 36 complaints 2013 36 2014: 77 complaints 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2018: 60 complaints 2018 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2022 2023: 31 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2024 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026

2013: 36 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19842
19852
19868
19875
19889
19896
199079
199143
199253
199352
199412
199547
199672
1997139
1998130
1999220
2000379
2001154
2002192
2003528
2004612
2005410
2006381
2007154
200896
200922
2010146
2011163
201296
201336
201477
201587
201681
201736
201860
201965
202032
202136
202239
202331
202410
202560
20268

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

31% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

During an accident, both side airbags deployed (Front airbags did not deploy).

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-26

2013 Toyota RAV4. Consumer writes in regards to brake failure *ld the consumer stated the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing a crash into an unoccupied parked vehicle and a light pole. The airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-17

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

The component that failed is the air back clock spring. It’s preventing the horn form functioning properly. In turn can result in an accident from lack of warning other drivers and/or air bag might not go off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-07

Service brakes

14% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). I have experienced on multiple occasions, upon breaking, having sudden unexpected acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-23

Fuel/propulsion system

11% · 4 reports

Electrical system

11% · 4 reports

Engine

8% · 3 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Make: Toyota Model: 4Runner Year: 2013 Mileage: 76,200 Description of Incident While driving on [XXX] at night, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure, leaving it immobilized in the middle of the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-01

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2015-09-22Engine and engine cooling15V515000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015.

  2. R
    2016-09-15Engine and engine cooling16V577000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016.

  3. R
    2017-09-01Equipment, structure17V425000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

  4. R
    2018-01-29Air bags18V024000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly.

  5. R
    2019-02-15Air bags19V005000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.

  6. R
    2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.

  7. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V515000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16V577000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 17V425000 · Equipment, structure
  • Recall 18V024000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V005000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V741000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.