Toyota 4Runner Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Toyota 4Runner years to avoid are 2011, 2022, 2023, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 87, 80, 93, and 100. The best years by this measure are 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024, with complaint index scores of 0, 13, 20, and 7.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2022Avoid 2023Avoid 2025Best 2013Best 2017Best 2021Best 2024
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,046
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Crashes reported
- 74
- Fires reported
- 14
- Top problem area
- Airbags
4Runner Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Toyota 4Runner problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 73 | 145 | 6 | 2 | 12 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 163 | 4 | 1 | 10 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 60 | 96 | 5 | 1 | 8 | Airbags | 19 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 0 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Airbags | 18 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Good | 40 | 77 | 5 | 1 | 7 | Electrical System | 18 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 67 | 86 | 10 | 0 | 9 | Airbags | 18 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 79 | 6 | 1 | 8 | Electrical System | 18 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Best | 13 | 36 | 3 | 1 | 5 | Brakes | 18 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 58 | 7 | 1 | 5 | Steering | 18 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 47 | 65 | 5 | 1 | 4 | Fuel System | 18 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Good | 27 | 33 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 17 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Best | 20 | 36 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Steering | 17 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 80 | 39 | 5 | 1 | 3 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 17 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 93 | 32 | 6 | 1 | 1 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 17 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Best | 7 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Structure & Body | 17 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 57 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Brakes | 22 | 4★ |
4Runner years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Toyota 4Runner Index 100 · 57 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2025 4Runner has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, from 57 complaints. Brakes account for 40% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 400 miles. Owners report vehicles accelerating on their own while parking, seat belts releasing during a rear-end crash, and brake pedals that failed to stop the vehicle despite being pressed. One electrical system recall applies to this model year.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Index 93 · 32 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2023 4Runner has 32 complaints and a complaint index of 93, the second worst year. Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads at 19% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,501.5 miles. Owners describe a rollover where seat belts unbuckled simultaneously, unintended acceleration in a parking lot, and a brake pedal that turned stiff and failed to slow the vehicle before a collision. One recall addresses an incorrect load carrying capacity label.
2011 Toyota 4Runner Index 87 · 163 complaints · 10 recalls
The 2011 4Runner logged 163 complaints and a complaint index of 87, the third worst of all years covered. Airbags dominate, making up 69% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 62,500 miles. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes, brake pedals not responding leading to repeat accidents, and one report of flames from the center console. NHTSA recall 19V741000 covers front airbag inflator replacement on this model year, and two other recalls also apply.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Index 80 · 39 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2022 4Runner shows 39 complaints and a complaint index of 80, ranked fourth worst. Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Suspension, Wheels & Tires each account for 18% of complaints. Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes including one where a driver suffered a concussion, sudden loss of motive power with smoke from under the hood, and a seat belt buckle that would not release. Three recalls apply, including one for a wiring harness fix to restore high-beam function.
Most common Toyota 4Runner problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags351 (34%)
- Other148 (14%)
- Brakes122 (12%)
- Electrical System120 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires100 (10%)
- Structure & Body90 (9%)
- Engine87 (8%)
- Steering85 (8%)
- Fuel System65 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain38 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Toyota 4Runner years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011, 2022, 2023, and 2025 4Runner rank worst, with complaint index scores of 87, 80, 93, and 100 respectively.
- What are the best Toyota 4Runner years?
- The 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024 4Runner rank best based on NHTSA complaint data, with complaint index scores of 0, 13, 20, and 7.
- What is the biggest problem area for the Toyota 4Runner overall?
- Airbags are the top complaint category across all years, making up 34% of all 1,046 complaints, followed by Brakes at 12% and Electrical System at 11%.
- Does the 2011 Toyota 4Runner have an airbag recall?
- Yes, NHTSA recall 19V741000 covers front airbag inflator replacement for the 2011 4Runner, part of a broader Takata-related airbag recall.
- Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
- The 2025 4Runner has the highest complaint index of all years covered, 100, driven largely by brake-related reports, making it a year to approach with caution relative to other model years.