MODEL
Toyota 4Runner
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 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 71. 13 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.
The 4Runner's safety picture across our 2019 to 2025 coverage window is a study in contrasts. Its best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 85 out of 100 in the 2024 model year, which lands in the Strong band, a meaningful result for a truck-based platform that has resisted the kind of wholesale structural redesign that typically drives higher scores. Crash-test results reflect that mixed story: a respectable 4-out-of-5 stars in frontal testing and a strong 5-out-of-5 in side impact, but a 3-out-of-5 rollover rating that buyers should take seriously. That rollover figure is not surprising given the 4Runner's tall, narrow, body-on-frame architecture, but it is a real number that shoppers should weigh, particularly those who plan family hauling on public roads rather than trail use. Across the model years we cover, NHTSA records show 12 recalls, a moderately elevated count for a six-year span, and 254 owner complaints including 26 crash allegations, 4 fire allegations, and 21 injury allegations. These complaints are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but the volume warrants attention. The fire-related allegations in particular are worth tracking through NHTSA's complaint database before purchase. On balance, the 4Runner earns a creditable safety index in its best years, but the rollover score and complaint load mean prospective buyers should not treat this as a passive purchase.
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.