VehicleVerdict

2019 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner sits mid-pack among 4Runner years: 87 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (13), other (12), and steering (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

87

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other 4Runner years?

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1315%
Other1214%
Steering1011%
Electrical System910%
Suspension67%
Engine67%
Airbags56%
Brakes56%
Tires & Wheels56%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Transmission45%
Body & Structure33%
Driver Assistance22%
Seat Belts22%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

19V670000SuspensionSeptember 20, 2019 · 34 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence

Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

19V244000OtherMarch 27, 2019 · 3,634 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

18V753000OtherOctober 25, 2018 · 1,295 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

NEED TO REMEDY THIS OPEN RECALL OF DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT CAN SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE BEEN CALLING TOYOTA ON A WEEKLY BASIS ASKING FOR A REMEDY, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED AN ANSWER. HOW ARE PEOPLE SUPPOSED TO KEEP DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT COULD JUST SHUT OFF AND LOSE CONTROL?

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 18, 2020

Steering wheel out of control while driving. My car lost control and crashed. I contacted Toyota Motor North America.Inc. But they said their inspection didn’t find evidence that the incident was the result of a defect in my vehicle.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 11, 2022 · crash

Steering wheel out of control while driving. My car lost control and crashed. I contacted Toyota Motor North America.Inc. But they said their inspection didn’t find evidence that the incident was the result of a defect in my vehicle.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 11, 2022 · crash

I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR TWO MINUTES ON A CITY ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THEN THE CAR STARTED ON ITS OWN AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THEN THE CAR STALLED AGAIN AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD IN FRONT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 24, 2020 · fire

I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR TWO MINUTES ON A CITY ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THEN THE CAR STARTED ON ITS OWN AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THEN THE CAR STALLED AGAIN AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD IN FRONT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 24, 2020 · fire

2019 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

It is close to typical for the 4Runner: 87 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (13 complaints), other (12 complaints), steering (10 complaints).

Does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 4Runner years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2006, 1999, 1997, 2002, 1998, 2001, 2007, 1996, 1995, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2017. The cleanest record among 4Runner years belongs to 1985.

How safe is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.