SUVs · NHTSA data

Used Toyota 4Runner: recalls, complaints and safety ratings by year

What the federal data says about every Toyota 4Runner model year from 2015 to 2022, before you buy one used in Texas.

Used Toyota 4Runner Recalls and Complaints by Year
Short answer. Among 2015–2022 model years, NHTSA data shows the 2020 Toyota 4Runner with the fewest recall campaigns plus owner complaints (1 recalls, 33 complaints), and the 2015 with the most owner complaints (86). Complaint counts also rise with how many were sold, so compare years, not brands.

Year by year

Model yearRecall campaignsOwner complaintsMost reported componentBest NCAP overall
2015986Airbags4 of 5 stars
2016881Electrical System4 of 5 stars
2017536Unknown Or Other4 of 5 stars
2018560Steering4 of 5 stars
2019465Unknown Or Other4 of 5 stars
2020133Unknown Or Other4 of 5 stars
2021136Steering4 of 5 stars
2022339Unknown Or Other4 of 5 stars

Recall campaigns and complaints are counted from NHTSA records for each model year. NCAP shows the highest overall rating among the tested versions; some versions are not tested.

What owners report most

Components named most often in owner complaints across all years on this page (436 complaints in total). One complaint can name more than one component.

Unknown Or Other81
Steering51
Airbags49
Electrical System47
Suspension46
Service Brakes32

Before you buy a used Toyota 4Runner in Texas

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask the seller for proof that open recalls were repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
  2. Check the title for salvage, rebuilt or flood brands. See how to check a Texas title.
  3. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection, focused on the components owners report most (above).
  4. If you live in an emissions county (Travis, Williamson, or Bexar since November 1, 2026), plan for the emissions test before registration renewal. See Texas inspection and emissions rules.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a used Toyota 4Runner has open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows recalls that have not been repaired on that exact vehicle. A recall listed on this page may already be fixed on the car you are looking at.

Are NHTSA complaints about the Toyota 4Runner verified?

No. Complaints are reports filed by owners and NHTSA does not confirm each one. They are useful to see which parts owners report most, not as proof of a defect.

Which Toyota 4Runner years are on this page?

Model years 2015 to 2022, the range most shoppers in the Austin and San Antonio used market look at. Data was pulled from the NHTSA API on 2026-11-05.

Sources

Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.

Want a personalized car guide?

Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.

Anthony Hunt

Anthony Hunt

Web developer and car enthusiast in Austin, Texas. Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free.

anthonyhunts.com
Chat with Anthony on WhatsApp