2020 Toyota 4Runner Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th out of 21 model years, and earns a "Good" verdict. It has 33 complaints, 1 recall, and no do-not-drive recalls, with brakes as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 4Runner years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 33
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 16 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2020 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other9 (27%)
- Brakes6 (18%)
- Airbags5 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (15%)
- Steering4 (12%)
- Electrical System3 (9%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- HVAC1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash reports, including a side impact at about 35 mph and a slide-off-road crash at 40 mph.
- Some owners report the front passenger airbag deactivating even when an adult occupant is seated, based on a weight sensor.
- Brake pedals reportedly sink to the floor with a delay before engaging, sometimes requiring multiple pumps to regain braking.
- One owner described a hissing and electronic noise when pressing the brake pedal.
- A structural complaint described rust and rust powder falling from the frame after removing the rear seat covers.
- One owner reported the engine stalling three times at speeds under 40 mph, suspecting a fuel pump issue.
2020 Toyota 4Runner recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V480000Jul 6, 2022Other280 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2020 Toyota 4Runner fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 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.
2020 compared with other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 4Runner a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th of 21 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other 4Runner years. It has 33 complaints and 1 recall on file.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 6 complaints and 18% of all reported issues, with a median mileage at failure of 9,000 miles for the model year overall.
- Does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 4Runner, covering incorrect load carrying capacity labels on vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 4Runner compare to other years?
- The 2020 model ranks 14th worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 35 versus years like 2005 and 2006 at 90 and 100, and better years like 2013 and 2024 at 0 and 5.
- Were there any airbag problems reported in the 2020 4Runner?
- Yes, airbags are the second most common problem area with 5 complaints, including reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes and unexpected deactivation warnings.