Last updated: 2026-04-20
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Report
The 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 1 recall and 28 owner complaints.
Recalls
1
Complaints
28
Complaint Rate
2.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$514
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- TIRES (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is 10 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 14 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.
2010: Fifth generation (N280) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2013: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is 10 years after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2023 is 10 years after the facelift refresh.
At 2.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2024 Toyota 4RUNNER, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$59 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Glass components and tailgate functionality (10 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER With
2023 Ford Bronco-Sport
Reliability: 67/100
2023 Honda Passport
Reliability: 75/100
2023 Land Rover Defender 110
Reliability: 57/100
2023 Ford Bronco
Reliability: 50/100
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability: 62/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)
- TIRES (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 12.1
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC will mail a new modified label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET23A.
Buying a used 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER? Check its history first
Every 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 24.6%
Safety Technologies
Toyota 4RUNNERRepair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17 MPG
Running cost: $4,000/yr
Fuel + repair
16 city / 19 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,500 |
| 4Runner 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,500 |
| 4Runner 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER.
Inspect sunroof for cracks or signs of stress
Check for steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds
Test low beam headlights for distracting shadows
Verify airbag system functionality through a professional inspection
Examine seat belts for tears or signs of wear
Ensure backup camera provides a clear image
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER Common Problems by Component
28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, primarily involving glass components and tailgate functionality. Multiple complaints describe incidents where the sunroof unexpectedly shatters while driving, with glass fragments entering the vehicle. Windshield problems are also noted, including cracking when using the defroster and frequent repairs due to minor debris impacts. Additionally, some owners experience the rear tailgate opening at highway speeds, particularly in cold conditions. These issues present potential safety risks, such as distraction, compromised visibility, and exposure to the elements, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
TIRES
3 complaintsOwners report that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner experiences steering wheel vibrations linked to tire issues across different tire brands, including Dunlop, Falken, and Nitto. Common symptoms described include severe steering wheel and seat vibrations at highway speeds, typically starting around 3 to 25,000 miles. These vibrations persist despite attempts to address them, such as tire rotation or brake component replacement. Safety implications are noted due to the potential for steering instability at high speeds, with one owner expressing concern over possible tire defects like belt separation or out-of-round conditions. Buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may affect driving comfort and safety.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's exterior lighting, specifically with the low beam headlights. Complaints frequently mention a large shadow or dark area on the driver's side, visible at night, which distracts drivers by appearing in the periphery or on the road ahead. This shadow is not present when using high beams and is described as a design characteristic by dealers and Toyota representatives. The issue is noted from the time of vehicle delivery, with no specific mileage range mentioned. Owners express concern that this distraction could pose a safety risk as it draws attention away from the road.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy upon impact, and no prior warnings or dashboard notifications indicate a problem with the airbag system until after the accident occurs. In both reported incidents, crash scenarios involve collisions where safety systems, including airbags and assisted braking, do not activate. These incidents highlight significant safety implications, as the lack of airbag deployment is associated with crashes, raising concerns about the reliability of these safety features. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues when evaluating safety features.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the seat belts in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, including seat belts unbuckling during a rollover crash and torn webbing in rear seat belts. In one incident, all seat belts unbuckled simultaneously during a rollover, resulting in four injuries and a subsequent fire. Another owner describes difficulty retracting rear seat belts due to torn webbing, despite limited use and no heavy cargo. These complaints occur at approximately 10,000 miles and within a few months of ownership. Safety implications include potential injury risk from seat belts failing to secure passengers during accidents.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintAfter adjusting the vehicle lock sound level in the settings, it completely disabled my key fobs and the panic function on the key fob. Had to take to dealer to fix. Dealer had never seen the issue before. Been reported online many many times. Dealers and Toyota refuse to acknowledge a known issue.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintVehicle begins to shake when speed reaches 60 to 70 MPH (issue has been happening since the vehicle left the lot). Shaking can be felt in the steering wheel, gas/brake pedals and front seats. Vehicle has been taken to a Toyota dealership three different times and after three realignments and tire rebalancing, the issue still persists. Several 4Runner owner forums are experiencing the same issue in this make, model and year; and suspect the issue might be stemming from a malfunctioning or broken needle bearing.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe car just accelerated while during into parking lot. I used brake but did work and hit on to the pole. It accelerated pretty fast. The parking lot store has a video of me coming in slow and the the car accelerated.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintSafety-relatedMy vehicle is rear-ended by a large earth mover branded as a Kenworth. My vehicle was then pushed into another. After the initial impact, my engine went racing above 5,000 RPM. It was disengaged from the transmission. I switched my car into neutral, shut my car off and the engine was no longer racing when I restarted the car. Because of an engine racing, I am concerned about the potential that somebody's transmission would be engaged and it could cause serious further injury.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintThe Front differential need to be replaced. The dealership where we purchased the vehicle replaced the differential. When we got the vehicle back we still had the same problem. The car was making a groaning sound while turning to the right above 35 mph. And the whole car would shake and my wife said it felt like the car was going to fall apart. The vehicle also needed new sway bar bushings my guess is that is because the shaking caused by the bad differential. A car shaking that bad and the axle loose inside the differential seems like a huge safety issue. Also I found a tsb online for this exact issue. I found that our vehicles vin was part of the tsb. I sent that information to the technician that has been working with us and he was unaware of the tsb. And was upset that he replaced the front differential and was not made aware of the tsb from Toyota. For some reason he couldn’t see it I believe he said it was because the dealership is in the process of changing there computer systems. But from my understanding the tsb is just to put a damper in the differential so you can no longer hear the noise coming from the differential. This in my opinion is not fixing the problem with the differential the axle will still be loose inside the differential causing the vehicle to shake and probably wear out suspension components and tires. We also had 3 different sets of tires installed on our vehicle because of the issue with the differential. When we would take the car to the dealership they said that everything looked good and would tell us that if the car was shaking we should take it back to les Schwab and have them balance the wheels and it never seemed to fix the problem. In my opinion this poses safety issues if the axle fails while driving. Especially in our situation because we live in the mountains where we have many roads that don’t have guardrails and because a lot of the roads were we live are in canyons that fallow rivers and creeks.
When Do 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota 4RUNNER Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2023
(Current Model)
2021
2020
Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Avoid
No Toyota 4RUNNER years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Toyota 4RUNNER maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
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(selected) | 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 | 77/100 | 0 | Good | 4 | 61 |
| 2018 | 77/100 | — | Good | 5 | 56 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER?
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
Is the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Toyota 4RUNNER.
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