NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. This score is primarily driven by its solid crash-test performance and a comprehensive suite of avoidance technologies. The vehicle's defect record contributes modestly to this assessment. Overall, the 4Runner presents a credible safety profile.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner ranks 103 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 | 81 / 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 | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 103 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
For the 2023 model year, the 4Runner achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology, a key factor in its elevated safety standing. This score reflects standard equipment for forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The vehicle's overall Safety Index score reached 81 out of 100, moving it into the "Strong" band, a notable improvement from the 2022 model's 79. Crash protection accounts for 57 of a possible 70 points. This performance is influenced by a 5-star side-crash rating from NHTSA. However, a 3-star rollover rating, indicating a 25 percent rollover risk, prevents the protection score from reaching its maximum. The defect record contributes 13.75 out of 20 points. This is largely due to a single recall campaign. This recall addresses a label issue from Southeast Toyota Distributors, not a structural or powertrain defect. Thirty owner complaints are on file, some alleging crashes and injuries, though these remain unverified. Prospective used-market buyers should verify recall remedy completion by VIN.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
Rollover risk is a notable concern for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, with NHTSA assigning 3 out of 5 stars in this category and calculating a 25 percent chance of rollover. Despite this, the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip." Overall, the vehicle received 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its frontal crash performance also earning 4 stars. Side-impact protection proved a strength, achieving a 5-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18596
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. It was issued by Southeast Toyota Distributors and targets a load-carrying capacity modification label on certain vehicles distributed in the Southeast region. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign based on available NHTSA data.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
Owners have filed 30 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 6 crashes and 5 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Unknown Or Other at 12 reports, followed by Tires and Exterior Lighting at 3 each, with Service Brakes, Steering, and Seat Belts each drawing 2 reports.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
Buyers of a 2023 Toyota 4Runner should prioritize verifying recall remedies. The most notable open recall for this model year involves incorrect labels from Southeast Toyota Distributors. As open recalls transfer with ownership, a VIN check via NHTSA's recall lookup tool is a critical step to confirm this, or any other, recall has been addressed before purchase.
- The 2023 4Runner crossed from the Average band into the Strong band on the NHTSA Safety Index, rising to 81/100 from the 2022 model's 79/100, a band-crossing gain driven in part by a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score.
- The single recall for this model year is a Southeast Toyota Distributors label campaign affecting load-carrying capacity modification labels on certain Southeast-region vehicles, a narrow administrative issue with no park-outside or do-not-drive directive.
- NHTSA's rollover test returned 3 out of 5 stars with a 25 percent rollover risk for this model year, the lowest individual star rating in the NCAP suite, though the dynamic tip test produced a No Tip result.
- Thirty unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, with alleged incidents including 6 crashes and 5 injuries; the most frequently cited component category is Unknown Or Other with 12 reports, and the most recent complaint was submitted in 2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18596), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2023.
- 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 103 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.