NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 64 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, side impact protection stands as a clear strength, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. However, the overall safety profile is tempered by a 3-star rollover resistance rating. This model also registers a low 2 out of 10 for its crash avoidance technology. These factors collectively contribute to its 71/100 Safety Index score, placing the 2019 4Runner squarely in the Average band for its model year.
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner ranks 90 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 24.6% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 64 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2019 4Runner arrives with a Safety Index of 71/100, an Average rating for this model year. Its crash protection is a strong element of this score, contributing 57 out of 70 points, backed by a 5-star side impact rating from NHTSA. However, its avoidance technology subscore registers at just 2 out of 10. This is attributable to the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems on the 2019 model. Electronic stability control is standard and accounts for the minimal technology credit awarded. The vehicle's defect record subscore is 11.75 out of 20, influenced by four recall campaigns. The most extensive of these is a fuel pump recall, affecting multiple Toyota models across the 2018 and 2019 production years. A separate steering recall, linked to distributor-level installation errors, warrants attention from prospective used-market buyers, as remedy completion status is contingent on individual vehicle service records. The 2019 4Runner has also accumulated 64 owner complaints. Of these, steering and fuel system issues appear prominently, aligning with the identified recall categories. This overlap between owner complaints and recall data is a noteworthy pattern for any review of specific used units.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
Rollover risk for the 2019 4Runner SUV AWD stands at 25 percent, earning 3 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's evaluation. The vehicle did not tip in the dynamic test. Other crash protections are stronger: side protection achieved a full 5 stars, with frontal impact receiving 4 stars. The overall rating for the 4Runner SUV AWD is 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13207
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The most consequential targets the fuel pump on the gasoline delivery system, a component failure that can stall the vehicle. A separate steering recall was issued by Southeast Toyota Distributors for installation errors on certain units. Two additional campaigns address equipment labels on distributor-modified vehicles. No do-not-drive order is indicated in the NHTSA data on file.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
STEERING19V670000
Risk: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.
Reported 2019-09-20
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V244000
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Reported 2019-03-27
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18V753000
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
Reported 2018-10-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
Owners have filed 64 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other at 12 reports, followed by Steering at 10, Electrical System at 8, Fuel and Propulsion System at 7, and Suspension and Fuel System at 6 each. All are unverified allegations.
64 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2019 4Runner is subject to two open federal safety recalls concerning the fuel pump and steering. Before purchase, any potential owner should verify through the NHTSA VIN lookup tool that both recall campaigns have been completed. An open recall is a persistent safety risk, not a mere maintenance consideration.
- The 2019 4Runner's avoidance tech subscore of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a gap that directly suppresses the overall Safety Index below what the crash-test stars alone would suggest.
- A fuel pump recall covering 2018-2019 4Runner production was issued in November 2020, meaning many vehicles were already in secondary ownership when the campaign launched, raising the likelihood that some units have not yet received the remedy.
- The steering recall issued by Southeast Toyota Distributors in September 2019 applies specifically to vehicles that SET handled, not the full production run, so buyers should confirm whether a specific VIN falls within the affected population.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA flag Steering as the second-most-cited category with 10 allegations, a figure that aligns with the active steering recall and warrants a pre-purchase inspection focused on steering components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2019 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota 4Runner earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 24.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 64 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 4Runner years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13207), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 90 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.