Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 61 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 6 years after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
4
Complaints
61
Complaint Rate
4.6
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$514
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
4 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 6 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 10 in the Fifth generation (N280) (2010–2024).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 5th generation 4RUNNER (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Fifth generation (N280)
Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 6 years after the facelift refresh.
With 61 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (8). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Toyota 4RUNNER, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $59 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- Low major repair risk (13%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (8 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (8 complaints)
Compare 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER With
2019 Honda Passport
Score: 59/100
2019 Ford Explorer
Score: 69/100
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 62/100
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 67/100
2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- STEERING (8)
- FUEL SYSTEM (6)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5)
- SUSPENSION (4)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- ENGINE (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Toyota 4RUNNER Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
STEERING, SUSPENSION
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.
EQUIPMENT
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.
2019 Toyota 4RUNNER NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 24.6%
Safety Technologies
Toyota 4RUNNER Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$514
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for steering wheel shake at 50-70 mph
- Inspect undercarriage for rust, especially on suspension components
- Verify recall completion for fuel pump replacement
- Test airbag warning lights and deployment functionality
- Check for brake pedal responsiveness and unusual noises
- Inspect for electrical system issues, such as blank instrument cluster or radio malfunctions
Check Any 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 4RUNNER in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota 4RUNNER with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Toyota 4RUNNER Common Problems by Component
61 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report several issues, with frequent mentions of malfunctioning backup cameras and Bluetooth connectivity problems. The backup camera often displays a frozen or blank image, which one owner notes increases the risk of a crash. Bluetooth connectivity issues are described as producing robotic and static sounds, rendering it unusable for calls. Additionally, two separate complaints describe sunroofs that spontaneously shatter, with one incident almost leading to a crash. Some owners report fragile windshields that crack easily, and one complaint highlights a potential health hazard due to the windshield defrost system only using external air, causing respiratory distress in one case. These issues are reported at varying mileage, with some occurring under 12,000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, including problems with the instrument cluster, radio, and vehicle starting. Complaints frequently mention the instrument cluster going blank and the radio volume adjusting independently. Multiple owners describe starting issues, where the vehicle either fails to start or stalls unexpectedly, with some reporting abnormal noises or warning lights. Two cases involve rodent damage to soy-based wiring, leading to operational issues. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a fire following stalling and smoke from the hood. These issues appear across varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 15,000 miles.
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with steering, particularly a shaking or wobbling of the steering wheel at speeds typically between 50-70 mph. Complaints often describe the problem persisting despite repeated attempts to balance and rotate tires, check alignments, and maintain correct tire pressure. This issue appears across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing it as early as 15,000 miles and others around 50,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash with an injury due to loss of steering control, indicating potential safety implications. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these steering concerns, especially at highway speeds.
FUEL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to a delayed response when depressing the accelerator, particularly when attempting to overtake at speeds of 50-55 MPH. This symptom is often linked to the fuel pump, with one owner noting a 15-second delay in vehicle response despite no warning lights. Many complaints also highlight an ongoing recall for the fuel system, with parts unavailable for an extended period, leaving some owners feeling unsafe. The reported issues often occur at relatively low mileages, around 2,200 to 10,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of motive power and jerking during driving, though no crashes or fires are mentioned in the complaints.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the airbag system, particularly non-deployment during crashes and airbag warning lights. Three complaints involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, despite significant vehicle damage, resulting in one reported injury. Another complaint describes a persistent airbag warning light due to a sensor failure, with a repair cost burden for the owner. These issues are reported across various mileages, from 20,000 to over 95,000 miles. The pattern of airbag non-deployment in collisions and warning light activations suggests potential safety implications for used car buyers to consider.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, specifically mentioning a recall that lacks a timely resolution. Complaints describe symptoms such as potential random fuel pump failures that could lead to the vehicle stalling, particularly at high speeds, which poses a risk of losing control. These issues are reported even in vehicles with low mileage, some with less than 5,000 miles. Multiple owners express frustration over the absence of a remedy and the lack of clear communication from Toyota regarding the timeline for repairs. Safety implications are evident, as the possibility of the vehicle shutting off while driving is a recurring concern among owners.
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)
SUSPENSION
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to suspension components, particularly involving rust and abnormal noises. Complaints often describe rusted shock absorber brackets and premature wear and corrosion of springs and shocks, with some owners noting these issues around 31,500 to 48,000 miles. Audible noises, such as a hollow 'thunk' from the TRD Pro tuned Fox shocks, are also commonly mentioned, especially at low speeds and in cooler temperatures. While one report describes a near crash due to a jerking motion when turning, no actual accidents are noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential suspension component deterioration and associated costs, as some repairs are not undertaken due to expense.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the transmission. Common symptoms include a complete transmission failure at around 84,000 miles, unusual vibrations when shifting from first to second gear, and grinding or groaning noises when transitioning between reverse and drive, especially on inclines. These noises are noted from the vehicle's first use and are reported to persist. Some owners express concern about potential internal damage to the transmission, with one owner noting a similar complaint from another customer at the same dealership. Safety implications mentioned include the potential for losing control if the transmission fails, though no crashes or injuries are reported.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner report several issues related to the service brakes. Complaints frequently mention warning lights, including the ABS and traction control lights, activating without apparent cause. Another common issue is the brake pedal requiring full depression to the floor before the vehicle begins to stop, indicating potential brake responsiveness concerns. Additionally, multiple owners describe a recurring squeaking noise, likened to metal rubbing against metal, when releasing the brakes, especially noticeable after the vehicle has been parked for extended periods. These issues are reported at low mileage, around 4,000 miles, with no direct mention of crashes or loss of control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these owner-reported brake system concerns.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2019 Toyota 4Runner's engine, including a situation where the vehicle unexpectedly stops responding to the accelerator while driving, as if stuck in neutral. This problem occurs without prior warning, leaving the driver unable to move the vehicle for a short period before normal function resumes. Another complaint involves the check engine light illuminating, linked to a recall for the fuel system, with the issue arising around 14,649 miles. These symptoms suggest potential safety concerns, such as sudden loss of vehicle movement, which could be hazardous in high-speed traffic situations.
When Do 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota 4RUNNER Years
Best Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Buy
The best Toyota 4RUNNER year is 2023 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (82/100) and 2020 (82/100).
Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Avoid
No Toyota 4RUNNER years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Toyota 4RUNNER years-to-avoid analysis →Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Score Trend
Toyota 4RUNNER reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 80/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 81/100 | +2 | Excellent | 1 | 36 |
| 2024 | 79/100 | -3 | Good | 1 | 8 |
| 2023 | 82/100 | +3 | Excellent | 1 | 28 |
| 2022 | 79/100 | -3 | Good | 3 | 36 |
| 2021 | 82/100 | 0 | Excellent | 1 | 31 |
| 2020 | 82/100 | +5 | Excellent | 1 | 30 |
| 2019(selected) | 77/100 | 0 | Good | 4 | 61 |
| 2018 | 77/100 | — | Good | 5 | 56 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
Is the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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