NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong safety band. Its perfect score in avoidance technology is a significant factor in this assessment, indicating robust preventative measures. The vehicle's defect record also contributes positively to its overall rating. However, prospective buyers with a particular concern for rollover risk should note the 4Runner's 3-star rating in that specific category.
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner ranks 109 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
A 3-star rollover rating, with a 20 percent risk, marks a significant vulnerability in the 2026 4Runner's crash protection profile. This result is a key factor in its 57 out of 70 score for crash protection, despite an otherwise strong 5-star rating for side-crash performance. The model year registers an 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, retaining a position in the Strong band. This incremental gain from the prior year's 85 is supported by a near-perfect 19 out of 20 in the defect record sub-score and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard features. This year's single recall is limited to a labeling error concerning load-carrying capacity on units distributed by Gulf States Toyota, indicating no systemic safety flaw. Five unverified complaints have been filed, a low count for a new model, though one complaint alleging an issue with Forward Collision Avoidance merits attention as more data becomes available. The 2026 4Runner demonstrates robust active-safety provisions and a contained defect history, but the federal rollover assessment indicates a clear area for improvement.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota 4Runner perform in crash tests?
The 2026 4Runner's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars stands as its weakest crash-test result, accompanied by a 20 percent rollover risk, though it did achieve a "No Tip" in the dynamic test. Frontal impact protection is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, aligning with the vehicle's overall 4 out of 5-star rating. Side-impact performance proved exemplary, earning a perfect 5-star rating from NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21655
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
The 2026 4Runner carries one recall campaign. Gulf States Toyota issued a recall over an incorrect load-carrying capacity modification label on certain vehicles, classified under Equipment, Other, Labels. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this campaign. Buyers should verify their specific VIN at NHTSA to confirm remedy status.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V571000
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 18, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA18.
Reported 2026-09-02
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V282000
Risk: An incorrect load carrying capacity label may lead to improper loading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will mail a new modification label to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 26R1.
Reported 2026-05-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 4Runner. Unverified allegations span Power Train (2 reports), Exterior Lighting, Fuel/Propulsion System, Visibility/Wiper, and Forward Collision Avoidance, one report each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these unverified filings.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
This is a current-model-year vehicle, so any shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup immediately to confirm whether the Gulf States Toyota label recall applies and whether the remedy has been completed before taking delivery.
- The 2026 4Runner's Safety Index rose one point to 86 out of 100 versus the 2025 model year, driven by a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score and a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 20 percent rollover risk is the single most notable crash-test weakness specific to this model year's NHTSA results.
- The sole 2026 recall is a Gulf States Toyota labeling campaign affecting the load-carrying capacity modification label, not a powertrain or safety-system defect, but VIN-level verification is still essential.
- Five unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, including one allegation touching the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a figure that will likely grow as fleet miles accumulate on this brand-new model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota 4Runner places
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota 4Runner safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota 4Runner crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2026 Toyota 4Runner crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other 4Runner years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21655), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4Runner 2026.
- 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 109 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.