repaired · 2024 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Toyota 4RUNNERProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 22V-480 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Roy Cohutta, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Steering
10Suspension
6Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
4Wheels
3Exterior lighting
3Electrical system
2Forward collision avoidance
2Back over prevention
2Visibility/wiper
88 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Suspension | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 2 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 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.
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
2021 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
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER safety ratings
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD 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: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What 4RUNNER owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While vehicle was parked and not in use, upon entering the vehicle, the steering wheel/column dropped out of its locked position on its own. Disassembly of the steering column revealed that the tilt-lock mechanism's steering lock fracture bolt has broken in half on the right side. This cause the…
I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable…
I have a Toyota 4runner 2021. I'm actually presenting steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds more than 60 MPH. I when to the dealership and they align and balance the tires. But problem still happens. They said that not problem has…
Own a 2021 4RUNNER?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.