Last updated: 2026-03-04

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Toyota 4RUNNER

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$514

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
74/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
87/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)STEERING (8)

4 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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)

2010redesign
2011
2012
2013refresh
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019selected
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

20V6820002020-11-04

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.

19V6700002019-09-20

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.

19V2440002019-03-27

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

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 3/5

Rollover risk: 24.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota 4RUNNER Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

4RUNNER
$514
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

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.

8
8
8
13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)STEERING (8)FUEL SYSTEM (6)AIR BAGS (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5)SUSPENSION (4)POWER TRAIN (4)Other (13)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total1 crash1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total1 fire

STEERING

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total1 crash1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (6 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

5 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners 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.

5 complaints total
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

15,000–50,000 milesSteering wheel shake
31,500–48,000 milesSuspension rust and noise
2,200–10,000 milesFuel pump issues

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.

avg 80
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota 4RUNNER reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201877/100Good
201977/100Good
202082/100Excellent
202182/100Excellent
202279/100Good
202382/100Excellent
202479/100Good
202581/100Excellent

Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202681/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202581/100+2Excellent136
202479/100-3Good18
202382/100+3Excellent128
202279/100-3Good336
202182/1000Excellent131
202082/100+5Excellent130
2019(selected)77/1000Good461
201877/100Good556

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 61 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), STEERING (8 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (6 complaints), AIR BAGS (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER has estimated annual repair costs of $514/year, which is $59 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue