MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Toyota 4Runner

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

1Recalls
30Complaints
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 2023 Toyota 4Runner earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 18596

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record13.75/20
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:LABELS23V680000

Risk: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC will mail a new modified label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET23A.

Reported 2023-10-12

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

6reported crash
1reported fire
5reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 12Tires 3Exterior Lighting 3Service Brakes 2Steering 2Seat Belts 2

Other 4Runner years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18596), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota 4runner 2023. Class rank 107 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure