2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 78 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 51 |
| 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 | 380 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 35 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 48 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
29% 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
18% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
12% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V480000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.