2021 Toyota 4RUNNER

▲ Better than typical

2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:32.850Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 36 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1984	2
1985	2
1986	8
1987	5
1988	9
1989	6
1990	79
1991	43
1992	53
1993	52
1994	12
1995	47
1996	72
1997	139
1998	130
1999	220
2000	379
2001	154
2002	192
2003	527
2004	612
2005	409
2006	381
2007	154
2008	96
2009	22
2010	145
2011	163
2012	96
2013	36
2014	77
2015	86
2016	79
2017	36
2018	58
2019	64
2020	32
2021	36
2022	39
2023	30
2024	8
2025	56
2026	7

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

STEERING 36%

36% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260903

SUSPENSION 28%

28% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240122

SERVICE BRAKES 17%

17% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While pulling this vehicle in to my garage about halfway in the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle hit a bench on the opposite side of the entrance. After pumping the brakes after waiting about 10 minutes they seemed to work normally.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240128

was going to work on rt 80 east had cruise control on and was getting off exit 45 in new jersey to get bus into manhattan at approx 430 amwhile getting off highway stepped on brakes pedal went to floor tried pumping nothing happened nor did criuise...

NHTSA ODI report, 20230204

WHEELS 11%

11% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

On 3/30/21 it was discovered that my 2021 4runner with 5500 miles caught fire while parked in my enclosed garage. This event happened while my family and I were sleeping.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210716

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260825

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220901 — equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect.

Remedy: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

Campaign 22V480000 — check if this car was fixed