NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 34 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner achieved a 3-star rollover rating. This particular result stands out against an otherwise solid safety performance, as the crash tests show strong performance in most impact categories. The avoidance technology suite earned full marks. With a single recall of narrow scope, the 2021 4Runner earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, both sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 24.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 34 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2021 4Runner earns a "Strong" safety rating from MotorCaliber, with a Safety Index score of 78 out of 100. This places it a full band higher than the 2020 model. A key factor in this improvement is a near-perfect defect record score of 16.25 out of 20, reflecting a single, narrowly focused recall. This recall affects only vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels distributed by Southeast Toyota, not the general production. The model also achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection contributed 57 out of 70 possible points, highlighted by a 5-star side-impact rating. The rollover assessment resulted in 3 stars, indicating a 25 percent rollover risk. Owners filed 34 unverified complaints, a figure to monitor, but one that does not detract from the overall "Strong" designation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
A 3 out of 5 star rollover rating for the 2021 4Runner indicates a 25 percent rollover risk. This figure is partially offset by a "No Tip" result in dynamic tip testing. In other federal crash evaluations, the vehicle achieved 4 out of 5 stars for overall protection and frontal impact, alongside a 5 out of 5 star rating for side impact protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15848
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2021 4Runner. Southeast Toyota Distributors issued a recall for certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels, citing a load-rating label concern under the Equipment category. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
Thirty-four owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 4Runner. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering with 12 reports, Suspension with 10, and Service Brakes with 6. Three alleged crashes and one alleged fire are included in that total.
34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner carries a specific recall for its Black Gunner Wheels. Owners or prospective buyers should verify with a Toyota dealer that this, or any other open recall, has been addressed.
- The 2021 4Runner's Safety Index of 83 out of 100 represents a 5-point gain over the 2020 model year's 78, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band for the first time in consecutive years tracked.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 25 percent rollover risk is the weakest crash-test result for this model year and is the primary factor preventing a higher crash-protection score.
- The single recall for this model year is limited to vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels distributed through Southeast Toyota Distributors, meaning most 2021 4Runner units are not affected.
- Steering and Suspension together account for 22 of the 34 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, making those systems the most frequently alleged concern among owners who reported to the agency.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 34 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15848), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2021.
- 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 67 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.