MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
34Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER

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.

VERDICT

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 24.6%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15848

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
1reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 12Suspension 10Service Brakes 6Wheels 4Exterior Lighting 3Electrical System 3

Other 4Runner years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15848), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota 4runner 2021. Class rank 68 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure