Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 80/100

No 4RUNNER year is bad enough to skip. Years differ mainly in recall counts and complaint rates, with 2018 and 2019 carrying the most of both. The year to buy is 2023.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2023 82/100
Model average
80/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Toyota 4Runner Problems?

STEERING

39 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2018, 2019

2021: Shaking or shimmy through the wheel at highway speed is the dominant complaint, most often between 55 and 65 mph, though reports range from 45 to 70 mph.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2018, 2019

2023: Sunroof glass shatters without warning at highway speeds.

SERVICE BRAKES

34 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2022, 2020

2025: Loud squealing, howling, or grinding comes from the brakes, mostly when backing up and on cold starts, though some owners hear it going forward too.

AIR BAGS

24 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2018, 2020

2022: No air bags deploy in serious crashes.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

23 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2025, 2021

2019: The engine stalls while driving, with every warning light coming on, and sometimes restarts by itself.

SUSPENSION

14 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2020

2019: Shocks, springs and shock brackets rust and wear early, and the suspension clunks over dips and bumps.

Best Toyota 4Runner Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 model year has an excellent standing, one recall, and 2.5 complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2018 and 2019 years log 4 and 4.6, with five and four recalls. Its top complaints are tire vibration and a low-beam shadow, and it has been on the road long enough to trust the record.

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)1 recalls28 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Toyota 4Runner has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota 4Runner Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota 4RUNNER years should I avoid?
None. No tracked year falls well below the model's own average. The 2018 and 2019 years rank lowest, with more recalls and higher complaint rates, so inspect those more carefully and favor 2023 if your budget allows.
Is the 2018 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Yes, it rates good, though it is one of the two weakest years. It has five recalls and 56 owner complaints. Steering is the top complaint area with 11 reports, followed by air bags with six. One fire report is on file.
Is the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER worse than other years?
It has the highest complaint rate of any year, at 4.6 per 10,000 sold. It also has four recalls and 61 complaints. Steering, electrical system, and unclassified problems tie at eight reports each. It still rates good, not poor.
Should I buy a 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Do not treat 2026 as the safest choice. It shows zero complaints and zero recalls, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. The 2025 year already shows 14 brake complaints among its 36. Choose 2023, which has a longer record.
What problems does the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
The main complaints are a steering wheel vibration tied to tires and a dark shadow in the low beams. Owners say dealers call the headlight pattern by design. Two seat belt complaints also exist, so check belt retraction and webbing on any example you inspect.

How we score every Toyota 4Runner model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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