TireKick

Verdict

2020 Toyota 4Runner: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.

Owners filed 31 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 63% of 2020 SUVs. Unknown Or Other leads the reports (19%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

31

Reports to NHTSA, 2020

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

17

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

Fewer complaints than 63% of 2020 SUVs

The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Unknown Or Other issues lead owner complaints (19% of 31 reports), followed by air bags (16%).

Unknown Or Other19% · 6 reports
Air Bags16% · 5 reports
Service Brakes13% · 4 reports
Steering13% · 4 reports
Suspension10% · 3 reports
Back Over Prevention6% · 2 reports
Chest Clip3% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting3% · 1 report

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11523940, ODI 11480820, ODI 11475549, ODI 11444957, ODI 11435369.

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

EquipmentJun 2022 · 22V480000Details +

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2020 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2020 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive161917
4Runner 4WD4.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive161917
4Runner 2WD4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive161917

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2020 Toyota 4Runner: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

Owners filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner — fewer complaints than 63% of comparable 2020 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

The most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (19% of complaints) and air bags (16%).

How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Toyota 4Runner at 17 mpg combined.