Toyota 4Runner: best & worst years

No Toyota 4Runner model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Toyota 4Runner year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 8 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 8 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 8 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.; Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.; Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.; Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.; Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor. Full report ↗
2012 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.; Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor. Full report ↗
2009 Recommended 7 Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.; Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.; Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.; Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.; Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.; Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.; Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.; Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.; Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.; Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.; Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.; Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.; Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 6 Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.; Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.; Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.; Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.; Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.; Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.; Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age. Full report ↗

Toyota 4Runner problems by year

2024 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Last of the long-running 5th-gen 4Runners, fully mature with minimal complaints, legendary reliability and best-in-class resale; dated tech and mpg are the only real downsides.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2023 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Near-final 5th-gen year with very few complaints, fully sorted reliability and outstanding resale; an easy used recommendation if you can accept the fuel economy.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Mature, low-complaint 4Runner with proven durability, strong off-road ability and excellent resale; dated drivetrain and fuel economy are the main trade-offs.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2021 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Dependable, capable 5th-gen 4Runner with top resale; a small steering-complaint cluster this year, but reliability and longevity remain a major strength.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

One of the most trouble-free 4Runner years, with very low complaint volume, bulletproof 4.0 V6 mechanicals and class-leading resale; thirsty but exceptionally dependable.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2019 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Proven, dependable 4Runner with outstanding resale and durability; a handful of steering and electrical complaints, offset by simple, long-lived mechanicals.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2018 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Highly reliable 5th-gen 4Runner with excellent resale and off-road ability; minor steering and fuel-system complaints, but mechanically about as dependable as midsize SUVs get.

  • Steering complaints including on-center looseness or wander and occasional power-steering concerns, most reported in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Fuel-system complaints such as difficulty refueling and fuel-gauge accuracy on some examples.

2017 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Well-sorted 5th-gen 4Runner with low complaint volume, legendary 4.0 V6 reliability, serious off-road capability and best-in-class resale; a strong used pick.

  • Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.
  • Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.
  • Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches.

2016 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Dependable mid-5th-gen 4Runner with strong resale; electrical/infotainment and some suspension complaints persist, but the proven drivetrain keeps long-term costs low.

  • Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.
  • Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.
  • Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches.

2015 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Capable, durable 5th-gen 4Runner, but 2015 draws infotainment glitches, steering and brake-rotor complaints and lingering Takata airbag recalls; solid once sorted.

  • Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.
  • Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.
  • Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Caution

First facelift year brings Entune infotainment and added electronics, with more electrical and infotainment complaints; underlying 4.0 V6 reliability and resale remain excellent.

  • Lingering Takata airbag inflator recall completion on these model years; verify the remedy was performed.
  • Front brake complaints including soft pedal feel and rotor warping or vibration.
  • Entune infotainment and electrical complaints after the mid-cycle update, including screen freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and backup-camera glitches.

2013 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Very clean pre-facelift 5th-gen year with low complaints, simple proven mechanicals and top-tier resale value; one of the safer used 4Runner buys, recalls aside.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.
  • Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor.

2012 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Sweet-spot early 5th-gen 4Runner that shed the launch teething issues, with proven 4.0 V6 durability, low complaint volume and outstanding resale; confirm Takata airbag recall completion.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.
  • Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor.

2011 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Mechanically dependable early 5th-gen 4Runner with great resale, but the heaviest Takata airbag-recall exposure of the generation; verify the inflator recall was performed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.
  • Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Strong, durable first-year 5th-gen 4Runner, but it carries Takata airbag-inflator recalls and the most recall actions of any 4Runner year; mechanically excellent once recalls are confirmed complete.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; the inflator can degrade over time. Confirm the recall remedy was performed before purchase.
  • Scattered early-build electrical and infotainment glitches typical of a new-platform launch, mostly minor.

2009 Toyota 4Runner Recommended

Final 4th-gen year with the fewest complaints of the generation, proven 4.0 V6/4.7 V8 durability, genuine off-road capability and class-leading resale; just confirm a rust-free frame.

  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.
  • Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.
  • Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age.

2008 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Late 4th-gen 4Runner with bulletproof mechanicals, strong off-road ability and excellent resale; a few powertrain and speed-control complaints, and frame rust is still worth checking in salt regions.

  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.
  • Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.
  • Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age.

2007 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Mid-cycle 4th-gen 4Runner with proven 4.0 V6 reliability and good resale; frame rust eases but front-brake wear and some unintended-acceleration-era concerns remain, so verify the underbody.

  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.
  • Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.
  • Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Same durable 4th-gen drivetrain and strong resale, but 2006 still carries the heavy frame-rust and suspension-corrosion pattern along with dash cracking; a clean-frame example is a keeper, a rusty one is not.

  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.
  • Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.
  • Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age.

2005 Toyota 4Runner Caution

Tough, capable 4th-gen V6/V8 4Runner with legendary mechanicals, but salt-belt frame and undercarriage corrosion is a real, expensive risk this year, plus dash cracking and front-brake wear; inspect the frame before buying.

  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion, especially in salt-belt climates, where the rear frame and underbody can rust through; subject of an extended corrosion warranty and a class-action suit. Inspect the frame before buying.
  • Unintended-acceleration and throttle/speed-control concerns from the floor-mat and pedal recall era; confirm the applicable recalls were completed.
  • Front suspension wear including lower ball joints and control-arm bushings, with clunks and uneven tire wear as components age.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Toyota models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.