NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2020 Toyota 4Runner recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner and 33 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (8), service brakes (5), air bags (5). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 17 mpg combined.

The 2020 ranks #2 of 14 4Runner model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (53). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 1

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Equipment · other · labelsNHTSA #22V480000 · 07/06/2022

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Unknown or other8
Service brakes5
Air bags5
Steering4
Suspension4
Back over prevention3
Forward collision avoidance3
Exterior lighting2

By the numbers

33owner complaints filed
4involved a crash
0involved a fire
4injuries reported

Recent owner reports

08/28/2026 · Electrical system,visibility

The door actuator have been replaced a minimum of eight times. Huge safety risk involved since we never know if the vehicle is going to lock. Toyota continues to replace them but not addressing the underlying issue. Not sure if this is all related but the blower motor has been replaced 3- 4 times and the battery has been replaced 4 times

08/25/2026 · Exterior lighting

Driver side headlight goes out approximately every 6 months. Sometimes the light only has to be “wiggled” in its connection and the light comes back on. Sometimes the light must be replaced. The light has also exploded when my spouse was attempting to replace the lightbulb. A friend has a 2014 Toyota 4 runner and the drivers lightbulb has been replaced approximately 12 times in…

03/30/2026 · Back over prevention

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the…

Safety ratings

2020 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2020 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner.

4Runner 2WD

Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L

16city
19hwy
17combined

Regular

4Runner 4WD

Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L · Part-time 4WD

16city
19hwy
17combined

Regular

4Runner 4WD

Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L · AWD

16city
19hwy
17combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Toyota 4Runner year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner have?

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, most recently for equipment · other · labels (07/06/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

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

Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (8), service brakes (5), air bags (5).

Is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner safe?

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2020 a good year for the Toyota 4Runner?

The 2020 ranks #2 of 14 4Runner model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (53). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner get?

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is EPA-rated at about 17 mpg combined.

Own a 2020 Toyota 4Runner in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: 4RUNNER, 4Runner.

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