VehicleVerdict

2026 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 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, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission229%
Driver Assistance114%
Fuel System114%
Lighting114%
Other114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

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

26V282000OtherMay 4, 2026 · 94 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2026 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity. 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 load carrying capacity label may lead to improper loading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GST will mail a new modification label to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 26R1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The car has the iforce max powertrain. At low speeds or in stop and go traffic, when the car has come to a stop, the car will lurch forward, which could potentially cause an accident. I took car to dealership and they said this is normal operation of the hybrid system and there is no fix. This is a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 14, 2026

“The car has the iforce max powertrain. At low speeds or in stop and go traffic, when the car has come to a stop, the car will lurch forward, which could potentially cause an accident. I took car to dealership and they said this is normal operation of the hybrid system and there is no fix. This is a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 14, 2026

“With the slanted windshield and location of the rearview mirror creates a blind spot when looking to the upper right. Both my husband and I have trouble seeing. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 27, 2026

“Vehicle less than 1 month old and less than 500 miles had a total transmission failure causing a unsafe driving situation while driving , no warning of impending failure resulting loud banging noise and vibration , sudden loss of speed while driving and dashboard lighting up with different…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 2026

“The Toyota 4Runner (5th and 6th Generations) lacks a dedicated 'Approach Lighting' function, creating a critical personal safety and trip-and-fall hazard during nighttime entry. Users are forced to navigate the vehicle's perimeter in total darkness, increasing the risk of injury from unseen…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 5, 2026

2026 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 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 2026 Toyota 4Runner?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 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.