Verdict
2021 Toyota 4Runner: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 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 34 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 63% of 2021 SUVs. Steering leads the reports (35%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
34
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
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 2021 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Steering issues lead owner complaints (35% of 34 reports), followed by service brakes (12%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 34 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11741081, ODI 11531153, ODI 11521332, ODI 11497027, ODI 11481939.
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 +Close −
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
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 4Runner 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 16 | 19 | 17 |
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.
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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.
2021 Toyota 4Runner: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
Owners filed 34 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner — fewer complaints than 63% of comparable 2021 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
The most-reported problem areas are Steering (35% of complaints) and service brakes (12%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota 4Runner at 17 mpg combined.