NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, landing it in the Average safety band. This score marks a four-point decrease from the 2021 model year. Its placement reflects a balance of solid crash-test performance against a modest record of defects, positioning the 2022 4Runner as a middle-of-the-road safety option within its segment.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner ranks 108 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 | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 24.6% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 108 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2022 4Runner's safety profile is notably defined by its recall record. Three distinct recall campaigns for this model year contribute to a defect record sub-score of 11.75 out of 20, a significant factor in the vehicle's four-point drop in the NHTSA Safety Index to 79/100, placing it in the Average band. This contrasts with the 2021 model's 83/100 Strong rating. Crash protection remains a core strength, evidenced by a 57 out of 70 sub-score. This is bolstered by a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star overall rating. However, the 4Runner's 3-star rollover score and 25 percent rollover risk figure prevent this sub-score from reaching its full potential. In terms of avoidance technology, the 2022 4Runner achieves a perfect 10 out of 10. Standard features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Despite the strong technology offering, 39 owner complaints, while unverified by NHTSA, cite issues with Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance systems, components central to the vehicle's safety architecture. The 2022 4Runner presents a year marked by distributor-level recall activity and a rollover profile demanding careful consideration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
The 2022 4Runner carries a 25 percent rollover risk, reflected in its 3 out of 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA. This marks the vehicle's weakest crash-test performance, despite a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. Overall, the 4Runner earned 4 out of 5 stars. Its side-impact protection is a strong point, achieving a perfect 5-star rating, while frontal crash protection rated at 4 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16664
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2022 4Runner. Two involve load-carrying capacity label errors on vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota Distributors and Gulf States Toyota, affecting units equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels or sold through regional distributors. The third, issued earlier, addresses a driver-side high-beam headlight that may be inoperable after installation. No do-not-drive or park-outside order is on record for this model year.
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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V310000
Risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
Reported 2022-05-06
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS21V963000
Risk: An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET21A.
Reported 2021-12-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?
Owners have filed 39 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 5 crashes and 7 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Unknown or Other issues, Suspension, Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Service Brakes, with Steering also appearing among the top reported concerns.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?
All three recall campaigns for this 4-year-old vehicle, including issues with the headlights and load-label, necessitate confirmation of remedy completion. Prospective buyers should verify with a dealer or seller that the corrective work has been performed and documented, and use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2022 4Runner's Safety Index fell four points year over year, from 83/100 Strong in 2021 to 79/100 Average, a shift driven largely by three recall campaigns specific to this model year.
- A 3-star NHTSA rollover rating and a 25 percent rollover risk figure are the weakest points in the 2022 crash-test profile and distinguish this year's safety picture from its strong side-impact result of 5 stars.
- Two of the three recalls originate with regional distributors, Southeast Toyota Distributors and Gulf States Toyota, meaning affected inventory is geographically concentrated and VIN-level verification is essential to confirm whether a specific used unit is covered.
- Unverified owner complaints to NHTSA include 6 allegations tied to Air Bags and 5 tied to Forward Collision Avoidance, components that are central to the vehicle's standard crash-avoidance equipment suite.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2022 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 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 2022 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16664), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2022.
- 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 108 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.