Which years should I avoid for the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback?

For the 4Runner, avoid 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025. For the Outback, avoid 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Which model has more reported complaints?

The Outback has 7,647 total complaints (478 per model year) versus the 4Runner's 1,046 total complaints (65 per model year), but totals are not normalized by sales volume.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The Outback averages 24.7 MPG combined compared to 18.1 MPG combined for the 4Runner.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

The 4Runner's top issue is Airbags at 34% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 12%. The Outback's top issue is Electrical System at 30%, followed by Visibility & Wipers at 26%.

Which model has had more recalls?

The Outback has had 49 recall campaigns across 2010-2025, versus 34 for the 4Runner.

Toyota 4Runner vs Subaru Outback: Which Years to Avoid

The Toyota 4Runner logged 1,046 complaints across 2010-2025 (65 per model year) with 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025 to avoid; the Subaru Outback logged 7,647 complaints (478 per model year) with 2017-2020 to avoid. The 4Runner averages 18.1 MPG combined versus 24.7 MPG for the Outback. Totals aren't sales-normalized, so raw counts favor the lower-volume model.

Head to head

Toyota 4Runner

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 1,046
Per model year: 65
Recall campaigns: 34
Years to avoid: 2011, 2022, 2023, 2025
Best years: 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024
Top problem area: Airbags
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 18.1
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.0 ★

Subaru Outback

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 7,647
Per model year: 478
Recall campaigns: 49
Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Best years: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2023
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	4Runner				Outback
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Caution	145	12	19	Best	356	18	22
2011	Avoid	163	10	19	Caution	651	16	22
2012	Caution	96	8	19	Best	292	16	22
2013	Best	36	6	18	Good	297	12	24
2014	Good	77	7	18	Best	208	10	24
2015	Caution	86	9	18	Caution	510	5	25
2016	Caution	79	8	18	Caution	643	4	25
2017	Best	36	5	18	Avoid	917	4	25
2018	Good	58	5	18	Avoid	811	3	25
2019	Good	65	4	18	Avoid	1,034	3	25
2020	Good	33	1	17	Avoid	897	6	27.5
2021	Best	36	1	17	Good	296	4	27.5
2022	Avoid	39	3	17	Caution	463	4	26
2023	Avoid	32	1	17	Best	89	2	25
2024	Best	8	1	17	Good	102	0	25
2025	Avoid	57	1	22	Good	81	0	25

Complaint Index by year

Toyota 4Runner

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Subaru Outback

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback?: For the 4Runner, avoid 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025. For the Outback, avoid 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Which model has more reported complaints?: The Outback has 7,647 total complaints (478 per model year) versus the 4Runner's 1,046 total complaints (65 per model year), but totals are not normalized by sales volume.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The Outback averages 24.7 MPG combined compared to 18.1 MPG combined for the 4Runner.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: The 4Runner's top issue is Airbags at 34% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 12%. The Outback's top issue is Electrical System at 30%, followed by Visibility & Wipers at 26%.
Which model has had more recalls?: The Outback has had 49 recall campaigns across 2010-2025, versus 34 for the 4Runner.