Toyota 4Runner years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota 4Runner years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 13 (65 complaints). 2015 through 2023 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 0 (from 36 complaints), 2024 at 3 (from 8 complaints), and 2012 at 3 (from 96 complaints). The Toyota 4Runner 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, 6 of 65 complaints name Fuel system, gasoline.
Data as of .
2013
2024
2012
2025–26
Toyota 4Runner reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota 4Runner. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 22 |
| 2025 → Too early | 29 | 57 | 1 | Service brakes | 22 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 3 | 8 | 1 | Structure | 17 |
| 2023 → | 8 | 32 | 1 | Tires | 17 |
| 2022 → | 10 | 39 | 3 | Air bags | 17 |
| 2021 → | 7 | 36 | 1 | Steering | 17 |
| 2020 → | 7 | 33 | 1 | Service brakes | 17 |
| 2019 → Most | 13 | 65 | 4 | Fuel system, gasoline | 18 |
| 2018 → | 11 | 58 | 5 | Steering | 18 |
| 2017 → | 7 | 36 | 5 | Service brakes | 18 |
| 2016 → | 9 | 79 | 8 | Electrical system | 18.3 |
| 2015 → | 9 | 85 | 9 | Air bags | 18.3 |
| 2014 → | 5 | 77 | 7 | Electrical system | 18.3 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 0 | 36 | 6 | Air bags | 18.3 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 3 | 96 | 8 | Air bags | 19 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 6.6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P265/70R17 113S (SR5/TRD), P265/60R18 (Limited), P245/60R20 107H (TRD Pro), 245/70R17 (select trims)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 19V005 covers certain Toyota 4Runner vehicles with passenger frontal air bag inflators that may explode after long-term exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling, including 2014-2016 4Runner models registered in NHTSA Zone A states and territories, 2011-2016 4Runner models in Zone B, and 2010-2016 4Runner models in Zone C. Depending on the vehicle, dealers replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. NHTSA campaign 20V682 covers certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles among a larger Toyota and Lexus population: the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. That campaign expands NHTSA recall 20V-012.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 5.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/70R17 (17-in.), 265/70R18 (18-in.), 265/55R20 (20-in.)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 25V595 covers certain 2025 Toyota 4Runner vehicles, along with other Toyota and Lexus models. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights. An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers update the instrument panel software over-the-air for non-plug-in-hybrid vehicles, free of charge; plug-in-hybrid vehicles receive an inspection and software update or instrument panel replacement as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota 4Runner years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 0 (from 36 complaints), 2024 at 3 (from 8 complaints), and 2012 at 3 (from 96 complaints).
Which Toyota 4Runner year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 13 (65 complaints). 2015 through 2023 are in that same range. On the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, 6 of 65 complaints name Fuel system, gasoline.
How do Toyota 4Runner owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota 4Runner years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Toyota 4Runner years are too early to compare?
The Toyota 4Runner 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
5th generation (N280), model years 2010-2024 in the US.
What oil does a Toyota 4Runner take?
Fifth-generation US 4.0L V6 models use 0W-20 (about 6.6 qt with filter). 2025+ sixth-generation 2.4L i-FORCE models use 0W-20 (about 5.9 qt with filter).
How much can a Toyota 4Runner tow?
The fifth-generation 4.0L V6 is rated for 5,000 lb (trailer plus cargo). The 2025+ sixth generation lists up to 6,000 lb when properly equipped; i-FORCE trims are limited to 5,000 lb with a dead-weight hitch.