VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sits mid-pack among 4Runner years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (12), suspension (10), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

54

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted923 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 7 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 95 complaints1991: 55 complaints1992: 73 complaints1993: 58 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 201 complaints1996: 203 complaints1997: 363 complaints1998: 303 complaints1999: 446 complaints2000: 638 complaints2001: 240 complaints2002: 306 complaints2003: 906 complaints2004: 923 complaints2005: 573 complaints2006: 520 complaints2007: 204 complaints2008: 134 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 175 complaints2011: 182 complaints2012: 112 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 90 complaints2015: 116 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 77 complaints2019: 87 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 55 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 54 complaints2026: 7 complaints
4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1222%
Suspension1019%
Brakes611%
Tires & Wheels59%
Driver Assistance59%
Electrical System36%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Lighting36%
Other24%
Seats12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Speed Control12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V480000OtherJuly 6, 2022 · 280 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 28, 2026

“TRD PRO MODEL Clunk at low speeds. FOX shocks on TRD PRO make clunking sound at low speeds. Toyota replaced 3 shocks under warranty. The 3rd one they charged me labor but covered the shock. Car has highway miles and very little time spent off road as I live in NY. As of today clunking is back in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 26, 2024

“While pulling this vehicle in to my garage about halfway in the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle hit a bench on the opposite side of the entrance. After pumping the brakes after waiting about 10 minutes they seemed to work normally. I backed the vehicle out of the garage and saw NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 29, 2023 · crash

“Rear backup camera has been failing or intermittently working, it is available for insp[ection upon request. This has created a situation upon reversing in driveway where I expect it to be on and dont see a vehicle or trailer behind me. I have hit a parked car because I was expecting it to work as…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 15, 2025 · crash

“Steering wheel shimmy and shake from around 55-63mph. Intermittently happens but is very well documented across forums. This affects 4runners that are brand new, and there is no clear answer to a fix. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 25, 2021

2021 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 54 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 4Runner year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (12 complaints), suspension (10 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.