Toyota 4Runner recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Toyota 4Runner, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Toyota 4Runner. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Toyota 4Runner, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1984–2025 with 129 recall campaigns and 7600 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2010 (12), 2011 (11), and 2015 (9).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2004 (843), 2003 (717), and 2005 (548).
- Top recall themes: Equipment and labeling, Airbags, and Fuel and emissions.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Structure:body, Suspension, Air bags.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Equipment and labeling
17 campaigns · Years: 1996, 2005–2024These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.
Airbags
7 campaigns · Years: 2004–2006, 2010–2016These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
Fuel and emissions
4 campaigns · Years: 1988, 2003, 2014–2015, 2018–2019These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Steering and suspension
4 campaigns · Years: 1989–1998, 2001–2002, 2018–2019These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Seats and restraints
3 campaigns · Years: 2005–2012These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Electrical
2 campaigns · Years: 2012, 2025These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Engine and cooling
2 campaigns · Years: 2010–2015These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Toyota 4Runner in NHTSA complaint data are Structure:body, Suspension, Air bags.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 28 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Structure:body:bumpers, Structure:body. |
| 2024 | 1 | 11 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Service brakes, Structure. |
| 2023 | 1 | 36 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting, Tires, Air bags. |
| 2022 | 3 | 48 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, Suspension. |
| 2021 | 1 | 47 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Suspension, Service brakes. |
| 2020 | 1 | 41 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, Steering. |
| 2019 | 4 | 81 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Fuel/propulsion system. |
| 2018 | 5 | 71 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Air bags, Service brakes. |
| 2017 | 5 | 46 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Electrical system, Air bags. |
| 2016 | 8 | 97 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Suspension, Air bags. |
| 2015 | 9 | 116 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Suspension. |
| 2014 | 7 | 88 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Steering. |
| 2013 | 6 | 46 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, Electrical system. |
| 2012 | 9 | 111 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Service brakes. |
| 2011 | 11 | 181 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure:body, Power train. |
| 2010 | 12 | 175 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure:body, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2009 | 6 | 33 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system, Power train. |
| 2008 | 5 | 132 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Structure:body, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2007 | 5 | 204 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2006 | 5 | 517 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Steering. |
| 2005 | 0 | 20 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Steering. |
| 2005 | 5 | 548 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Steering. |
| 2004 | 0 | 76 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Service brakes. |
| 2004 | 2 | 843 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Service brakes. |
| 2003 | 0 | 188 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Service brakes. |
| 2003 | 3 | 717 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Service brakes. |
| 2002 | 0 | 45 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Power train. |
| 2002 | 1 | 261 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Power train. |
| 2001 | 0 | 34 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Power train. |
| 2001 | 1 | 205 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Power train. |
| 2000 | 0 | 118 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 2000 | 0 | 520 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1999 | 0 | 134 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1999 | 0 | 312 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1998 | 0 | 135 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1998 | 1 | 168 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Suspension, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1997 | 0 | 163 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Structure:body, Suspension:rear. |
| 1997 | 1 | 200 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Structure:body, Suspension:rear. |
| 1996 | 0 | 111 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Structure:body, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1996 | 2 | 92 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Structure:body, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1995 | 0 | 149 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1995 | 1 | 52 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1994 | 0 | 61 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1994 | 1 | 15 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1993 | 1 | 58 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1992 | 1 | 73 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1991 | 1 | 55 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Power train:clutch assembly. |
| 1990 | 1 | 95 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1989 | 1 | 7 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Tires, Exterior lighting:brake lights. |
| 1988 | 1 | 12 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt, Power train:axle hubs, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1987 | 0 | 7 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:mechanical:carrier/rack, Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft, Tires. |
| 1986 | 0 | 13 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly, Parking brake:conventional. |
| 1985 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1984 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Tires:tread/belt. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Equipment , Air bags and Seats
Other Toyota Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Toyota models.
- 86 2017–2020
- Avalon 1995–2022
- bZ4X 2023–2025
- C-HR 2018–2027
- Camry 1983–2027
- Camry Solara 1999–2009
- Cargo Van 1987–1989
- Celica 1981–2027
- Corolla 1981–2027
- Corolla Cross 2022–2027
- COROLLA iM 2017–2018
- Corolla Matrix 2003–2013
- Corona 1981–2027
- Cressida 1981–1992
- Crown 2023–2027
- Crown Signia 2025–2027
- Echo 2000–2005
- FCHV-adv 2009–2027
- FJ Cruiser 2007–2014
- GR Corolla 2023–2027
- GR86 2022–2027
- Grand Highlander 2024–2027
- Highlander 2001–2027
- Land Cruiser 1981–2027
- Mirai 2016–2027
- MR2 1985–2007
- Paseo 1992–2027
- Pick-Up 1981–1995
- Previa 1991–1998
- Prius 2001–2027
- Prius C 2012–2020
- Prius V 2012–2017
- RAV4 1996–2027
- Scion tC 2005–2016
- Scion xB 2004–2015
- Sequoia 2000–2027
- Sienna 1995–2027
- Supra 1981–2027
- T100 1993–1998
- Tacoma 1995–2027
- Tercel 1981–1999
- Tundra 1995–2027
- Van 1984–1991
- Venza 2009–2027
- Yaris 2007–2027
- Yaris iA 2017–2019
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.