2021 Toyota 4Runner recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner and 36 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (13), suspension (10), service brakes (6). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 17 mpg combined.
The 2021 ranks #6 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.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
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
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 ro…
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…
The interior of both headlights have the interior coating peeling in the first 20k miles
Safety ratings
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
4Runner 2WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
4Runner 4WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L · Part-time 4WD
Regular
4Runner 4WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (13), suspension (10), service brakes (6).
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner safe?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Toyota 4Runner?
The 2021 ranks #6 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner get?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is EPA-rated at about 17 mpg combined.
Own a 2021 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.