NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a 3-star rollover rating, a notable point in its overall safety profile. This contributed to its 78/100 score on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Average band. The vehicle's crash protection numbers were solid, and its recall record was clean, with only one recall issued. However, the limited availability of crash avoidance technology also impacted its final ranking.
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 24.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2020 4Runner's rollover performance demands attention; its 3-star rating and 25 percent rollover risk probability are the lowest scores on its crash-test scorecard. This characteristic warrants careful consideration for those evaluating this tall-body SUV. Overall, the 2020 model year marks a meaningful step forward in safety measurement for the 4Runner. Its Safety Index climbed 7 points to 78/100, up from the 2019 model's 71/100. This improvement is anchored in crash protection, contributing 57 of a possible 70 index points, the strongest single component in its breakdown. However, the avoidance-tech score of 5 out of 10 reflects a real gap. The absence of forward collision warning is a concrete limitation that holds the index back, despite the strong structural performance, even with standard lane departure warning and electronic stability control. The vehicle's single recall, tied to Southeast Toyota Distributors and wheel-load labeling, is narrow in scope and does not carry a park-outside advisory. Additionally, 31 reported complaints, spread across brakes, airbags, and steering, represent data points for VIN-specific monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner achieved a 4 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its strongest performance was in side-impact protection, earning a full 5-star rating. Frontal crash tests also yielded a respectable 4 stars. The most significant area of concern for this model year is its rollover performance. The 4Runner received only 3 stars in this category, with a 25 percent rollover risk in the static stability factor test. However, it is noteworthy that the dynamic tip test did not record a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14724
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner carries one recall campaign. It was issued by Southeast Toyota Distributors and targets 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels, flagging a concern with load-related labeling on that equipment. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is recorded in the data for this campaign.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V480000
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.
Reported 2022-07-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has logged 31 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 4Runner. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (8 reports), Service Brakes (5), Air Bags (5), Steering (4), and Suspension (4). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old 4Runner should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The one recorded recall involves specific 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels, so confirming whether those wheels are present and whether the remedy has been completed is the priority safety step.
- The 2020 4Runner's Safety Index of 78/100 represents a 7-point increase over the 2019 model year's 71/100, the largest driver of which is the crash-protection sub-score of 57/70.
- The 3-star rollover rating with a 25 percent rollover risk probability is the lowest NHTSA score this model year received and is specific to the tall-body 2WD configuration tested.
- Forward collision warning is absent on the 2020 4Runner, contributing to an avoidance-tech sub-score of only 5 out of 10, a concrete gap compared to competitors that offered the feature as standard that year.
- The sole recall for this model year is limited to vehicles sold through Southeast Toyota Distributors equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels, meaning not all 2020 4Runner units are affected.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 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 2020 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 4Runner years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14724), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2020.
- 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 86 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.