The Lemon Index2016 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 18 to 19 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner, 23.2M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine659K views
2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner buying guideThe Car Care Nut · 659K views - Brakes & ABS562K views
How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerFun With VDubs Wanderlost Overland · 207K views · 4 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils284K views
How to replace Spark Plugs on 2010-2021 4Runner and 10-14 FJ CruiserThe Car Care Nut · 161K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service239K views
How to change the engine oil on a TOYOTA 4Runner - 2010-2023 (5th Gen)Pie Top Hiking · 140K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Driveshaft, axles & 4x4210K views
Differential Fluid Service - 5th Gen Toyota 4RunnerT4R Garage · 134K views · 2 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition123K views
NEW For 2024 Model Year - First Look At Toyota 4Runner In Underground ColorTRD JON · 123K views - Gauges, lights & wiring117K views
Adjust Your Headlights - 2010 - 2024 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner5 Minute Fix it · 117K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank107K views
Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerHow to Automotive · 107K views
Before you buy, watch
2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner Buyer’s Guide - Reliability & Common ProblemsDiscerning Cars · 261K views
Name A More Reliable Off-Roader // 2023 4Runner TRD ProSarah -n- Tuned · 221K views
2024 VS 2025 Toyota 4Runner Comparison Review || Still The Best Reliable SUV?Car Help Corner · 111K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 80 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 46K miles on the car (42 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- body structure 2017
The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Show all 8 recalls
- body structure 2017
The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
- equipment 2017
The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
- airbags 2016
As a result, in the event of a crash, the air bag may not fully inflate during deployment of the primary stage.
- tires 2016
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
- equipment 2016
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 249 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "a battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
- While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Rodents chewed up wiring harness for fuel injector. Vehicle parked in encoded garage.
2016 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 11055111
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), engine (17%) and airbags (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner have?
8 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Toyota 4Runner safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota 4Runner problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,000 and 46,900 miles. The middle report was at 25,000 miles, from 42 complaints.
Does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner have?
4.0L 6-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works