Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 36 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2022 is 9 years after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
3
Complaints
36
Complaint Rate
3
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
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is 9 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 13 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 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is 9 years after the facelift refresh.
With 36 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 (6). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2021 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
- AIR BAGS: Owners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with airbag... (6 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several issues with the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, most notably with the sunroof and... (6 complaints)
Compare 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER With
2022 Honda Passport
Score: 74/100
2022 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 62/100
2022 Ford Explorer
Score: 65/100
2022 Ford Bronco
Score: 43/100
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 62/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- AIR BAGS (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- STEERING (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- ENGINE (1)
- Other/I am not sure (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- POWER TRAIN (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER has 3 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
3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Toyota 4RUNNER Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
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.
EQUIPMENT
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET21A.
2022 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 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect airbag system for deployment issues in crash scenarios
- Test brakes for pedal going to the floor or spongy feel
- Check for steering wheel vibrations between 50-70 mph
- Verify sunroof and windshield for spontaneous shattering
- Ensure backup camera display is clear and functional
- Examine seat belts for proper retraction and release
- Confirm electrical system functions correctly when steering
Check Any 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 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.
2022 Toyota 4RUNNER Common Problems by Component
36 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly in crash situations. Complaints commonly describe airbags failing to deploy in head-on and side-impact collisions, with several incidents resulting in injuries such as concussions and whiplash. Owners also report an issue with the passenger airbag not activating unless additional weight is applied. These problems are noted at various mileages, from as low as 200 miles to around 76,000 miles. The pattern of non-deployment in crashes and the need for external weight to activate the passenger airbag present significant safety implications for potential buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, most notably with the sunroof and windshield. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, with some owners noting that the shade being closed prevented glass from entering the cabin. This issue often occurs without any apparent external cause, suggesting a potential safety risk. Additionally, one owner mentions experiencing three windshield cracks within eight months, questioning the structural integrity. Other complaints include problems with the backup camera displaying a black screen intermittently and a trailer light connection that fails to stay secure, posing a potential hazard when towing. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, with no specific timeline emerging.
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving brake pedal failure. Complaints frequently mention the brake pedal going to the floor, resulting in the vehicle creeping forward or being unable to stop completely. Some owners describe having to pump the brakes to achieve stopping power. These issues are noted to occur without any warning lights or visible brake fluid leaks, and one owner reports a diagnosis of a faulty brake master cylinder. The problems are reported at various mileages, with one instance occurring at 12,600 miles, and present significant safety implications due to the potential for loss of vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner report issues with the vehicle's speed control features, particularly involving the adaptive cruise control and anti-collision systems. Common symptoms include unexpected braking when no vehicle is directly in front, and braking triggered by vehicles in adjacent lanes, which can lead to near-collisions with vehicles following behind. Additionally, one owner describes a significant speed limitation, with the vehicle unable to exceed 30 miles per hour and exhibiting excessive shaking. Complaints often note these issues occurring during straight-line driving at various speeds, and owners have experienced difficulty in diagnosing and resolving these problems through dealerships. Safety implications are evident as sudden braking can cause potential rear-end collisions.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners report persistent steering wheel vibrations and shimmies in the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, particularly noticeable between 50-70 mph. Complaints frequently mention this issue has been present since the vehicle's purchase, with some owners noting it from as early as 12,500 miles. The symptoms include aggressive steering wheel vibration, pulling to the right, and difficulty controlling the vehicle, which multiple owners describe as a potential safety risk due to the possibility of losing control. Despite tire replacements, balancing, and alignments, the issue remains unresolved, with some owners having undergone numerous dealership inspections without a fix. This pattern of complaints suggests potential concerns for used car buyers regarding unresolved steering vibrations and the associated safety implications.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner report issues related to the back over prevention system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the backup camera display, including instances where the display becomes blurry or disappears entirely. One owner reports the center console display, which includes the backup camera, suddenly disappearing, affecting access to other features like GPS and phone connection. Another owner describes a blurry camera display while reversing, which was deemed a normal characteristic by the dealer, advising reliance on mirrors instead. These issues appear at low mileage, around 20 miles, and may impact the effectiveness of the backup camera, potentially affecting safety during reversing maneuvers.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners report two main suspension-related issues with the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The first involves premature tire wear, with one owner noting that 70k mile tires lasted only 45k miles due to inside wear, even with regular rotations and subsequent discovery of sagging front struts. The second issue described is a steering wheel shake linked to the right CV joint losing concentricity when warmed up, which stops when the vehicle is in four-wheel drive. This issue reportedly occurs during highway driving and affects the ability to maintain a straight line, though no crashes or loss of control are mentioned. These problems are observed around 45k miles and are particularly noted in vehicles equipped with the XREAS suspension system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the electrical system of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, particularly involving the steering wheel's impact on various functions. Symptoms include unintended changes in radio channels, phone disconnection, GPS interruption, and the airbag warning light activation, which are attributed to a faulty spiral cable. Another complaint highlights the susceptibility of the wiring harness to rodent damage due to soy-based insulation, leading to significant repair costs and disabling safety features. These issues occur shortly after purchase, with one case noted just nine days post-purchase, and carry potential safety implications due to the loss of standard safety functions.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner report issues with seat belts becoming stuck and not releasing. Complaints frequently mention that seat belts fail to loosen or retract, trapping occupants in their seats. This problem is noted in both rear passenger and front driver seats, with one incident requiring emergency services to cut the seat belt to free a child. The issues have been reported at low mileages, around 100 miles. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported, but the inability to exit the vehicle without external assistance poses a significant safety concern.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintI am writing to formally report a concerning issue with my 2022 Toyota 4Runner, which currently has approximately 22,000 miles. The vehicle is regularly serviced at a certified oil change facility, and during routine use, I noticed a puddle of oil forming in my driveway. Upon contacting the service center, I was advised to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The technician identified a crack in the OEM plastic oil filter housing, which was causing engine oil to leak. I was informed that this is a known issue the technician has encountered on multiple Toyota vehicles equipped with the same plastic housing. To resolve the issue, I purchased a replacement OEM aluminum oil filter housing, which the technician installed. Since the replacement, the oil leak has ceased, and there have been no further incidents. I am concerned that the original plastic oil filter housing may be defective or prone to premature failure, potentially leading to engine damage or safety hazards. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated and considered for a recall or service bulletin, as it may affect other Toyota owners.
When Do 2022 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(selected) | 79/100 | -3 | Good | 3 | 36 |
| 2021 | 82/100 | 0 | Excellent | 1 | 31 |
| 2020 | 82/100 | +5 | Excellent | 1 | 30 |
| 2019 | 77/100 | 0 | Good | 4 | 61 |
| 2018 | 77/100 | — | Good | 5 | 56 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER?
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
Is the 2022 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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