2016 Toyota 4RUNNER Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,576miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER, 5% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,576 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Started with shaking while driving, then they say they couldn't reproduce the same feeling. Then the front car would squeak like and old coil, they say they can't reproduce that. Now they said I needed new brakes and then the ABS, brake, and skid control lights keep coming on and off which coincides with a coil/click feeling under the brake and gas pedal. Car still shakes and squeaked. Toyota keeps saying my car is fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11374970, filed 2020-11, 31,153 miles“The vehicle has had a multitude of issues. I am on my 3rd different set of tires this year (including the original tires). No matter how many times the tires are balanced, the steering wheel shakes rather violently at certain speeds. The tires have been balanced and re-balanced (including road-force balanced, etc.). On-line forums indicate that many other Toyota owners are experiencing the same issue. Also this week I have lost the ability to steer the vehicle (the steering wheel is locking and binding up). …”
NHTSA complaint #11349611, filed 2020-08, 46,000 miles“Vehicle steering is very loose and is very difficult to control if attempting to brake while driving over rough surfaces. Vehicle wanders at highway speeds and is very sensitive to water puddles on wet roads or slight changes in wind while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11300980, filed 2020-01, 46,000 miles“Put the vehicle in h4 mode (4 wheel drive). In a stop position, turn all the way right, or all the way left if you prefer. Accelerate, push on gas pedal. Problem: 1) the car moves in a clunking motion. 2) feels like you are driving with emergency brakes on - but no brakes is on. 3) smells very bad tire burnt smell. 4) if Toyota doesn't fix this problem, its gonna cost more money to fix whatever it causes - gear shaft, ect.. Gets grind or damage. Brought it to the dealership and their mechanics says you can't use 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. What? Its a 4 runner! …”
NHTSA complaint #10957589, filed 2017-02, 300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10168537Oct 21, 2019TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2023 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 4 | 10% |
| 2021 | 13 | 36% |
| 2020 | 4 | 12% |
| 2019 | 10 | 15% |
| 2018 | 12 | 20% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 7 | 9% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 22 | 6% |
| 2005 | 29 | 7% |
| 2004 | 32 | 5% |
| 2003 | 35 | 5% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
| 2000 | 21 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 12 | 5% |
| 1997 | 14 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
| 1994 | 8 | 13% |
| 1993 | 6 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 12% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology