2021 Toyota 4RUNNER Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 36%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 350miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER, 36% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 350 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.
“I bought a 2021 4RUNNER late april of 2021. I reported and scheduled an appointment for a balance check. This didn't seem to fix the problem. While they where in the process of balancing the tech broke 2 center caps. I will setting up an appointment to have the dealership recheck and alignment. I've read reports where this has been a problem before with a lot of 4 runners. I'm disappointed with the customer service as well there. Please help me resolve this problem. I really love the vehicle but at 60-65mph the steering wheel shakes and the 4RUNNER wants to pull to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #11415750, filed 2021-05, 350 miles“I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable to not be considered for a recall when it is this widespread.”
NHTSA complaint #11741081, filed 2026-05“I have a Toyota 4runner 2021. I'm actually presenting steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds more than 60 MPH. I when to the dealership and they align and balance the tires. But problem still happens. They said that not problem has been found when they verified the vehicle but they noticed the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11531153, filed 2023-07“I purchased a 2021 sr5 premium and on the 2nd day I noticed that after driving at 60-63 the car shakes and pulls to the right, I've took it back to the dealership, and the problem still there. They said that is normal but after reading on forums alot of people are experiencing the same problem. Will take it back to have check out again.”
NHTSA complaint #11431705, filed 2021-09“Driving up to 60mph the steering wheel vibrates excessively. I have taken it to the dealer and got repairs to fix it but 2 days later it returned. I had wheels balanced and rotated with an alignment. I fear I will loose control of the suv soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11453013, filed 2022-02Steering: 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 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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