Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota 4RUNNER

0 Toyota 4RUNNER Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota 4RUNNER average of 80/100

All Toyota 4RUNNER years score consistently around the model average of 80/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2023 82/100 and the weakest is 2018 77/100.

Verdict

All Toyota 4RUNNER years score consistently around the model average of 80/100 (77–82 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2023 82/100 and the weakest is 2018 77/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Toyota 4RUNNER Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota 4RUNNER model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

STEERING

39 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SUSPENSION

14 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota 4RUNNER Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2020 Toyota 4RUNNER

The 2020 Toyota 4RUNNER has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota 4RUNNER. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (5), Steering (4).

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)1 recalls30 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Toyota 4RUNNER Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota 4RUNNER years should you avoid?
All Toyota 4RUNNER years in our database score consistently around the model average of 80/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Toyota 4RUNNER?
The best year for the Toyota 4RUNNER is 2023, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 28 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota 4RUNNER have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota 4RUNNER has a total of 17 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota 4RUNNER worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 80/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota 4RUNNER problems?
The most common Toyota 4RUNNER problems are steering (39 complaints), unknown or other (39 complaints), service brakes (34 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota 4RUNNER reliable long-term?
The Toyota 4RUNNER has an average reliability score of 80/100 across all model years in our database, rated "excellent". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota 4RUNNER generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota 4RUNNER generation is the Fifth generation (N280) with an average score of 80/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota 4RUNNER?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota 4RUNNER is $514 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 28 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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