The Lemon Index2021 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 25 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 18, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 1 recall, and it gets 17 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 2021 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 36 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2021 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.
Recalls 1
- equipment 2022
The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect.
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 128 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- TSB All 2021 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
- The Toyota Quality group is looking to better understand our customers expectation regarding…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Between 58-65mpg steering whee shakes. Vehicle has been back to dealer for rebalancing the tires twice and a front end alignment. The issue persists.
2021 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 11420755
More owner reports
At speeds above 45 miles and hour, the steering wheel begins to nibble / shake which creates an unsafe driving situation. Vehicle has had alignment performed, and new tires balanced which still has not resolved issue.
NHTSA complaint 11497027
Steering wheel shimmy and shake from around 55-63mph. Intermittently happens but is very well documented across forums. This affects 4runners that are brand new, and there is no clear answer to a fix.
NHTSA complaint 11418568
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 18; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (44%), suspension (40%) and wheels (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
1 safety recall (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner get?
17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
4.0L 6-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2021?
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