YearToAvoid

2019 Toyota 4Runner Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2019 Toyota 4Runner has a complaint index of 40, ranking 13th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict. It has 65 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and its top problem area is the Fuel System with 13 complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
40/100
#13 of 21 4Runner years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
65
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
4
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
5
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Top issue
Fuel System
Best nearby year
2021
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
18
17 city / 20 hwy
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Top 2019 Toyota 4Runner problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System13 (20%)
  2. Other12 (18%)
  3. Steering10 (15%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (15%)
  5. Electrical System8 (12%)
  6. Engine6 (9%)
  7. Airbags5 (8%)
  8. Brakes5 (8%)
  9. Structure & Body4 (6%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the engine stalling suddenly while driving around 30 mph, with warning lights activating and smoke seen near the hood.
  • Some describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly at highway speeds due to a fuel pump issue tied to an open recall.
  • Several owners heard a loud groaning or grinding noise when shifting between reverse and drive, especially on inclines.
  • A whining noise from the rear axle was reported at highway speeds, worsening when accelerating and easing when the pedal was released.
  • Sunroofs and windshields have cracked or shattered without apparent impact while driving or stopped.
  • One owner noted the design of a hood scoop reflecting sunlight into the driver's eyes under certain conditions.
2019 Toyota 4Runner complaints: complaints filed per month4May 2019Mar 2020Mar 2021Nov 2021Feb 2023May 2024Apr 2025Sep 2026
65 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2020 (4).

2019 Toyota 4Runner recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V682000Nov 4, 2020Fuel System1,525,742 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

  2. NHTSA 19V670000Sep 20, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 vehicles

    Suspension

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

    Risk: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

  3. NHTSA 19V244000Mar 27, 2019Other3,634 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

See all 4 recalls for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner →

2019 Toyota 4Runner fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
20 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,600
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other 4Runner years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Best1536518
2018Good2558518
2019Good4065418
2020Good3533117
2021Best2036117

All Toyota 4Runner years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2019 4Runner rates Good, ranking 13th worst out of 21 model years for this model. It has a complaint index of 40, lower than many other 4Runner years.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA data shows the Fuel System is the top problem area with 13 complaints, followed by Steering and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, each with 10 complaints.
Does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have a fuel pump recall?
Yes. Recall 20V682000 covers a fuel pump assembly replacement for certain 2018-2019 4Runners and other Toyota models, though it is not classified as a do-not-drive recall.
How many recalls does the 2019 4Runner have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, covering the fuel system, suspension/steering fasteners, and labeling issues.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
EPA rates the 2019 4Runner at 18 mpg combined (17 city, 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.