2026 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems
Compared with other Toyota 4RUNNER years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported part: Transmission and drivetrain (3 complaints).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 300miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by other or unknown (2) and electrical system (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 300 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 30 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 24 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown2 29%
- Electrical system1 14%
- Exterior lighting1 14%
- Fuel system1 14%
- Wheels1 14%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The car has the iforce max powertrain. At low speeds or in stop and go traffic, when the car has come to a stop, the car will lurch forward, which could potentially cause an accident. I took car to dealership and they said this is normal operation of the hybrid system and there is no fix. This is a huge safety issue if the car pushes itself forward and potentially causing an accident. The transmission system is very unrefined.”
NHTSA complaint #11715365, filed 2026-02Other or unknown: “**Vehicle:** 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5- -700Miles I am reporting a persistent vibration issue that appears to come from the engine bay and is transmitted through the driver's side floorboard into the driver's left foot and leg. The vibration is most noticeable when the transmission is engaged and the vehicle is under load. If the transmission is disengaged while the vehicle is still moving, the vibration disappears, even though the driveshaft, axles, and other drivetrain components are still rotating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11753918, filed 2026-07Electrical system: “The contact owns a 2026 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, after disconnecting the trailer wiring harness, the message Tow/Haul Mode or a Trailer Coverage Indicator appeared even though the vehicle was no longer hauling the trailer. The message No Trailer Detected was occasionally displayed. The contact stated that the indicator deactivated, and the lane assistance and emergency steering feature were displayed while driving. The Lane Assistance, and the wheel did not vibrate or jerk into the correct position. …”
NHTSA complaint #11755992, filed 2026-08, 300 milesExterior lighting: “The Toyota 4Runner (5th and 6th Generations) lacks a dedicated 'Approach Lighting' function, creating a critical personal safety and trip-and-fall hazard during nighttime entry. Users are forced to navigate the vehicle's perimeter in total darkness, increasing the risk of injury from unseen obstacles or security threats. I am requesting an investigation into this lighting logic omission and a remedy via a software update to the Lighting Control Module to ensure owner safety for all generations of the 4Runner platform.”
NHTSA complaint #11729314, filed 2026-04Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 300 and 300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4RUNNER · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| 4RUNNER Hybrid · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2026 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2025: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 4Runner 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 4Runner Hybrid 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
| 4Runner Hybrid 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V571000Sep 2, 2026Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2026, Tacoma 2024, Tundra 2025 +3 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, 2025 Tundra Hybrid, Tundra, 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, 4Runner i-Force Max Hybrid, and 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label may display…
- 26V282000May 4, 2026Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2026
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2026 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
Recall details for the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 30 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036129Jul 20, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11034826Jun 25, 2026Other or unknown. 2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat in the correct position. In addition, some models may also utilize retainers for passenger…
- 11034819Jun 18, 2026Other or unknown. During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce conditions such as pulling or drifting. If the wheels are replaced or refinished before vehicle…
- 11034813Jun 10, 2026Other or unknown. A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load…
- 11034812Jun 10, 2026Other or unknown. Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extendedvehicle…
- 11033414May 19, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
- 11032475Apr 15, 2026Other or unknown. Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying our new car customers. Customer feedback indicates the following areas deserve special attention when performing PDS: • Careful inspection…
- 11029891Feb 12, 2026Brakes. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0006-26.
- 11029890Feb 12, 2026Other or unknown. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0005-26.
- 11029883Feb 11, 2026Brakes. Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition where the front brakes produce a squealing noise when driving in…
Other model years of the Toyota 4RUNNER
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 300 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 60 | 925 | 1 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 10 | 2,038 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 9,500 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 30 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 39 | 23,600 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 637 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 33 | 9,000 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 65 | 13,074 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 60 | 20,500 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 36 | 12,890 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 81 | 25,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 87 | 38,977 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 77 | 40,000 | 7 | 4 | 19 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 36 | 72,450 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 96 | 45,144 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 163 | 41,320 | 10 | — | 19 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 147 | 58,000 | 12 | — | 20 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 22 | 21,500 | 6 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 96 | 53,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 69,824 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 381 | 100,762 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 425 | 104,850 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 115,978 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 696 | 106,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 225 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 185 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 483 | 143,464 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 330 | 155,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 250 | 157,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 261 | 167,600 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 161 | 175,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 172 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 64 | 115,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 51 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 53 | 141,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 43 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 78 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | 72,391 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 284,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota 4RUNNER model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 2.
Has the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER (4Runner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 300 miles and the middle half falls between 300 and 300 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.