Used Toyota 4Runner: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 286 complaints across these 8 years; the 2019 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2025
Most reported: brakes
36 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: body and structure
8 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: wheels and tires
28 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2022
Most reported: airbags
36 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
2021
Most reported: steering
31 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2020
Most reported: airbags
30 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2019
Most complaintsMost reported: fuel system
61 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
2018
Most reported: steering
56 complaints5 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the 4Runner from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11 | 8 | 4 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 39 | ||
| Brakes | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 34 | ||
| Electrical | 3 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 23 | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 24 | |||
| Fuel system | 8 | 11 | 19 | ||||||
| Body and structure | 3 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
4Runner generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
Mileages where 4Runner problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
Every 4Runner recall to confirm
12 recalls cover the 4Runneryears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 4 campaigns span more than one model year.
