repaired · 2021 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2016 Toyota 4RUNNERProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 81 owner complaints about the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-425 the manufacturer reports only 56% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER has problems
81 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
18Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
9Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
9Structure1 crash/fire/injury
6Engine
6Power train
5Service brakes
4Wheels
4Fuel/propulsion system
2010 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 1 |
| Air bags | 10 | 5 |
| Suspension | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 9 | 1 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 2 |
| Wheels | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 20 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2016 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Body: hood
Risk. If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q3
Equipment
Risk. If the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. The improper inflation of the passenger air bag may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other 4RUNNER year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 4RUNNER median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Toyota 4RUNNER safety ratings
2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 3 stars (24.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 4RUNNER owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I drive for a living and yesterday I was driving while this happened 3 separate times. I was going 70 mph on the highway when my radio, usb ports blower motor and dash cluster power went out. I was terrified that my car would shut off while driving. Upon checking the car over, I noticed the battery…
Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell, like a hot, burning electrical smoke. My Date, sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm, then says, it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that…
Own a 2016 4RUNNER?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.