Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid
We analyzed 678 owner complaints and 58 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota 4Runner model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2015 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in airbags & restraints.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Airbags & Restraints
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota 4Runner Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota 4Runner Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 96 | 8 | 74/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota 4Runner | 36 | 6 | 42/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | 77 | 7 | 66/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota 4Runner | 86 | 9 | 84/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 81 | 8 | 74/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 36 | 5 | 45/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 60 | 5 | 56/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 65 | 4 | 46/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 33 | 1 | 17/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 36 | 1 | 21/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 39 | 3 | 37/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 33 | 1 | 26/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota 4Runner: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota 4Runner model years to avoid are 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring airbags & restraints issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota 4Runner?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota 4Runner is 2020 (as well as 2020, 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota 4Runner?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota 4Runner are Airbags & Restraints, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota 4Runner?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 58 safety recall campaigns and recorded 678 official owner complaints for the Toyota 4Runner.