MODEL
Toyota 4Runner Safety
NHTSA safety across every Toyota 4Runner model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Toyota 4Runner we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 71. 14 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame midsize SUV that has carved out a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts and families who prioritize trail capability over on-road refinement. Spanning our 2019 to 2025 coverage window, it competes in a segment that includes the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, targeting buyers who want genuine four-wheel-drive ruggedness wrapped in a practical, five-door package.
A notable 85 out of 100 in the NHTSA Safety Index for the 2024 model year places the 4Runner in the Strong safety band, a significant achievement for a truck-based platform that has not undergone a complete structural redesign. This result is particularly noteworthy given the vehicle's architecture. Crash-test results from NHTSA, however, present a mixed picture. While it earned a respectable 4 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing and a strong 5 out of 5 stars in side impact, the 4Runner received a 3 out of 5 star rollover rating. This lower rollover score is consistent with the vehicle's tall, narrow, body-on-frame design, and it represents a critical data point for prospective buyers, especially those intending to use the vehicle for family transport on public roads rather than off-road applications. Over the 2019 to 2025 model years, NHTSA records document 12 recalls, a moderately elevated number for a six-year production span. Additionally, 254 owner complaints have been filed, encompassing 26 crash allegations, 4 fire allegations, and 21 injury allegations. While these complaints are unverified allegations, their volume warrants attention, particularly the fire-related claims. Prospective buyers are advised to consult NHTSA's complaint database for further details on these fire allegations before purchasing. In sum, while the 4Runner achieves a creditable safety index in its strongest years, the persistent rollover rating and the recorded complaint volume indicate that this vehicle requires careful consideration from shoppers.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the 4Runner for its proven off-road capability, straightforward controls, and commanding driving position. Many note that the cabin materials and on-road ride comfort lag behind more modern unibody rivals, and that the driving dynamics feel deliberately old-school. Most conclude it delivers strong value for buyers who prioritize genuine trail utility over polished everyday refinement.
- The 4Runner carries a 3-out-of-5 star rollover rating from NHTSA, reflecting its tall body-on-frame design. Buyers who primarily drive on highways and urban roads should factor this into their decision, especially when carrying passengers.
- Twelve recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Before buying any used example in this range, verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all open recalls have been completed by a Toyota dealer.
- Owner complaints across our coverage window include 4 fire-related allegations and 26 crash allegations. These are unverified reports, but the fire allegations in particular merit a review of the specific complaint details on NHTSA's public database before finalizing a purchase.
- The 2024 model year achieved the strongest NHTSA Safety Index in our coverage window at 85 out of 100, landing in the Strong band. If maximizing the federal safety score matters to you, the 2024 model year represents the best available result within this generation.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Toyota 4Runner with 4 recalls.