Latest owner complaints
Steering · Sep 3, 2026 · CA
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 steering wheel to fall out of a locked position and allowed the entire column to…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 25, 2026 · OK
The power door lock actuators on both front doors of my 2021 Toyota 4Runner have failed. The problem developed progressively. The front door locks initially began working intermittently and became less reliable over time. Eventually, both front door lock actuators stopped operating. They have now been inoperative for more than six months. The front doors will not reliably lock…
Exterior Lighting · Jun 22, 2026 · OR
The interior of both headlights have the interior coating peeling in the first 20k miles
Steering · May 30, 2026 · MT
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 to not be considered for a recall when it is this widespread.
Service Brakes · Mar 6, 2026 · CO
Today while I was driving home from work, in a snow storm, suddenly a low braking power notification and ABS malfunction popped up on my console with loud beeping and my brakes completely stopped working. In order to avoid hitting the car in front of me I had to swerve to the shoulder and come to a stop.
Back Over Prevention · Jan 22, 2026 · TX
My backup camera does not work consistently. It will sometimes come on and show objects behind me; other times it is a black screen. I have read where Toyota models from 2022 to newer, but not including the 4 Runner, are having major issues with the back up camera and are under recall. I believe this recall should include the Toyota 4 Runner, as mine seems to be having issues…
Back Over Prevention · Dec 27, 2025 · VA · crash
Rear backup camera has been failing or intermittently working, it is available for insp[ection upon request. This has created a situation upon reversing in driveway where I expect it to be on and dont see a vehicle or trailer behind me. I have hit a parked car because I was expecting it to work as I check rearview mirrors. This is now a habit and I did not realize it wasn't…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 10, 2025 · MO
Vehicle was diagnosed from a mechanic with no fuel pressure due to not starting. Vehicle has approximately 135,000 miles and had no warnings or indications of problem. It appears when VIN was ran on gov. recall that Honda had issues with fuel pump. Vehicle will be inspected by Toyota dealer.
Electrical System · Dec 3, 2025 · AL
Several door lock actuators have prematurely failed. The first to do so was front passenger door in summer 2024; front driver door lock failed a few months after. Most recently, approximately 4 months ago, the lock actuator for liftgate failed. This poses safety hazard in easily exiting vehicle and/or entering it if in dangerous situation. I have been communicating with local…
Air Bags · Jul 18, 2025 · MS
Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented âSRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONâ. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were unable to detect the issue that day. We planned to return the vehicle Thursday July 17. I…
Seats · Jul 18, 2025 · MS
Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented âSRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONâ. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were unable to detect the issue that day. We planned to return the vehicle Thursday July 17. I…
Electrical System · Jul 18, 2025 · MS
Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented âSRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONâ. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were unable to detect the issue that day. We planned to return the vehicle Thursday July 17. I…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent one (22V480000) for equipment. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are steering (13), suspension (10), service brakes (6).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.