The Lemon IndexToyota 4Runner.
The best Toyota 4Runner years are 2013, 2017, 2021. Years to avoid: 2003. Across 2010-2022, it has a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2000 to 2025.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Scores before 2010 are rough: fewer owners filed complaints back then.
Best years to buy
2013.
Quick answers.
Is the Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable models we track, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2010-2022: Lemon Index 26; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2013 and the worst is 2003.
What are the best Toyota 4Runner years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2013, 2017, 2021.
What Toyota 4Runner years should you stay away from?
The years with the most complaints per car sold: 2003.
How many recalls does the Toyota 4Runner have?
115 safety recalls across the 25 model years we track. Most: 2010 (12), 2011 (10), 2015 (9). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Toyota 4Runner problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name engine, transmission & drivetrain and brakes most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 64 | 1.6× fewer complaints than average | 79 | service brakes, hydraulic (28%) | 2 | — | 16–19 |
| 2001 | 23 | 4.3× fewer complaints than average | 24 | engine (25%) | 3 | — | 16–17 |
| 2002 | 36 | 2.8× fewer complaints than average | 30 | suspension (20%) | 3 | — | 16 |
| 2003 | 193 | 1.9× the average car's complaints | 172 | engine (47%) | 3 | — | 15–18 |
| 2004 | 82 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 80 | engine (30%) | 2 | — | 15–18 |
| 2005 | 53 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 39 | engine (21%) | 5 | — | 16–18 |
| 2006 | 64 | 1.6× fewer complaints than average | 46 | transmission & drivetrain (22%) | 5 | — | 16–18 |
| 2007 | 55 | 1.8× fewer complaints than average | 45 | speed control (33%) | 5 | — | 16–18 |
| 2008 | 61 | 1.6× fewer complaints than average | 35 | transmission & drivetrain (40%) | 5 | — | 15–18 |
| 2010 | 39 | 2.6× fewer complaints than average | 20 | service brakes, hydraulic (30%) | 12 | — | 19–20 |
| 2011 | 43 | 2.3× fewer complaints than average | 23 | transmission & drivetrain (17%) | 10 | — | 19 |
| 2012 | 26 | 3.8× fewer complaints than average | 14 | brakes (43%) | 8 | ★★★★☆ | 19 |
| 2013 | 3 | 33.3× fewer complaints than average | 2 | wheels (50%) | 6 | ★★★★☆ | 18–19 |
| 2014 | 25 | 4× fewer complaints than average | 21 | electrical (33%) | 7 | ★★★★☆ | 18–19 |
| 2015 | 45 | 2.2× fewer complaints than average | 42 | airbags (21%) | 9 | ★★★★☆ | 18–19 |
| 2016 | 32 | 3.1× fewer complaints than average | 36 | electrical (25%) | 8 | ★★★★☆ | 18–19 |
| 2017 | 18 | 5.6× fewer complaints than average | 25 | brakes (28%) | 5 | ★★★★☆ | 18 |
| 2018 | 28 | 3.6× fewer complaints than average | 40 | steering (22%) | 5 | ★★★★☆ | 18 |
| 2019 | 32 | 3.1× fewer complaints than average | 43 | fuel or EV drive system (16%) | 4 | ★★★★☆ | 18 |
| 2020 | 22 | 4.5× fewer complaints than average | 27 | airbags (19%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 17 |
| 2021 | 18 | 5.6× fewer complaints than average | 25 | steering (44%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 17 |
| 2022 | 22 | 4.5× fewer complaints than average | 34 | airbags (18%) | 3 | ★★★★☆ | 17 |
| 2023 | 22 | 4.5× fewer complaints than average | 33 | tires (12%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 17 |
| 2024 | – | too few complaints to score | 9 | body structure (44%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 17 |
| 2025 | 100 | about average | 60 | brakes (40%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 21–23 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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