The Lemon Index

All cars · Toyota 4Runner

2019 Toyota 4Runner.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel or ev drive system, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 18 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.

32Lemon Index · 100 = average car

One of the most reliable. 3.1× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2013 · Worst year 2003

Toyota 4Runner
Photo shows a 2017 Toyota 4Runner. Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints43first 3 years
Fuel economy18 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★☆NHTSA overall

Fixes owners look up most.

From 100 YouTube videos about the 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner, 23.2M views. The 2019 is the same generation.

  1. Timing chain & engine659K views
    2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner buying guide2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner buying guideThe Car Care Nut · 659K views
  2. Brakes & ABS562K views
    How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerHow to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerFun With VDubs Wanderlost Overland · 207K views · 4 videos
  3. Spark plugs & ignition coils284K views
    How to replace Spark Plugs on 2010-2021 4Runner and 10-14 FJ CruiserHow to replace Spark Plugs on 2010-2021 4Runner and 10-14 FJ CruiserThe Car Care Nut · 161K views · 2 videos
  4. Oil changes & service239K views
    How to change the engine oil on a TOYOTA 4Runner - 2010-2023 (5th Gen)How to change the engine oil on a TOYOTA 4Runner - 2010-2023 (5th Gen)Pie Top Hiking · 140K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
  1. Driveshaft, axles & 4x4210K views
    Differential Fluid Service - 5th Gen Toyota 4RunnerDifferential Fluid Service - 5th Gen Toyota 4RunnerT4R Garage · 134K views · 2 videos
  2. No-start: theft light, key & ignition123K views
    NEW For 2024 Model Year - First Look At Toyota 4Runner In Underground ColorNEW For 2024 Model Year - First Look At Toyota 4Runner In Underground ColorTRD JON · 123K views
  3. Gauges, lights & wiring117K views
    Adjust Your Headlights - 2010 - 2024 5th Gen Toyota 4RunnerAdjust Your Headlights - 2010 - 2024 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner5 Minute Fix it · 117K views
  4. Fuel pump, filter & tank107K views
    Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerReplace the Fuel Pump on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerHow to Automotive · 107K views

Before you buy, watch

Views 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 65 owner complaints, owners reported:

5crashes
3injuries
1fires
6tows

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

fuel or ev drive system16%
engine14%
fuel system, gasoline14%
electrical12%
brakes9%

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.

Transmission problems in every Toyota 4Runner year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 13K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 24K miles on the car (26 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

Recalls 4

  • fuel system, gasoline 2020

    If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • steering 2019

    During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

  • equipment 2019

    The text on the load capacity label may become illegible.

Show all 4 recalls
  • equipment 2018

    The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Toyota told dealers about

Toyota sent dealers 157 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and…
  • Safety Connect is a vehicle option which requires a subscription fee for the system to be active
  • Some customers may encounter Bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: ?

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningNot offered
Lane departure warningNot offered
NHTSA front crash test of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner
Front crash test · NHTSA
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines

About $3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl.

In owners' words

2019 Toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle stalling while driving and to the recall no. 20v-012.

2019 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 11319493
More owner reports

Recall still does not have resolution identified. Unsafe to drive at high speeds

NHTSA complaint 11399218

Quick answers

Is the 2019 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 2019 Toyota 4Runner problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel or ev drive system (16%), engine (14%) and fuel system, gasoline (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?

4 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner get?

18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2019 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 2019 Toyota 4Runner problems start?

Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,100 and 24,600 miles. The middle report was at 13,100 miles, from 26 complaints.

Does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.

How much does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?

About $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?

4.0L 6-cyl.

What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2019?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data