Is the Toyota 4Runner Reliable?
1990–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Toyota 4Runner? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Toyota 4Runner Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2025 | 1 | 44 | 6 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2024 | 0 | 10 | 2 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2023 | 0 | 26 | 1 | — | 66 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 28 | 1 | — | 64 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 24 | 3 | — | 65 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 23 | 6 | — | 63 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 40 | 2 | — | 54 | Fair |
| 2018 | 4 | 29 | — | — | 59 | Fair |
| 2017 | 4 | 14 | — | — | 68 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the 4Runner Compares to Similar Vehicles
The 4Runner scores 7 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Toyota 4Runner Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 244 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable?+
The Toyota 4Runner scores 62/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 13 recall campaigns and 244 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year 4Runner is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 4Runner achieved the highest reliability score of 72/100 with 1 recall and 6 complaints.
How many miles does a 4Runner last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Toyota 4Runner owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used 4Runner will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Toyota 4Runner Research
Check a Specific Toyota 4Runner VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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