Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota 4runner
How the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4runner compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota 4runner: The Tacoma averages 27 complaints per year with no recalls, while the 4Runner averages 36 complaints and 23 recalls. Tacoma owners report transmission shudder and broken door handles; 4Runner owners report brake vibration and steering issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota 4runner more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup known for off-road capability and durability, but owner complaints over the past decade reveal a pattern of powertrain and structural issues. The most common problems involve the transmission shuddering or vibrating, especially at low speeds, and interior door handles breaking, which can trap occupants inside. Engine issues, such as loss of power and shuddering, also appear, sometimes in wet conditions. While the Tacoma has no recalls on record, these complaints suggest potential reliability concerns that buyers should investigate.
Toyota 4runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV with a reputation for longevity, yet it has a higher complaint volume and more recalls than the Tacoma. Owners frequently report brake problems, including high-pitched squeals and severe vibration that can reduce stopping power, as well as steering issues like knocking and unintended lane departure from the LKA system. Suspension and airbag concerns also appear. With 23 recalls over 10 years, the 4Runner has a more documented history of safety-related defects, making a thorough inspection and recall check essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota 4runner |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 270 Better | 361 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 23 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 36 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.0 Better | 36.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 | 26 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Tacoma
- 01POWER TRAIN51
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER37
- 03STRUCTURE35
- 04ENGINE30
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
Owners report transmission shuddering or vibrating, especially when slowing down between 10-26 mph, and in one case a driveshaft broke while using 4WD during a snowstorm, leaving the vehicle disabled.
Interior door handles are failing without warning, often on low-mileage trucks, making it difficult or impossible to exit the vehicle from inside, which is a safety concern in emergencies.
Some owners experience sudden loss of power and shuddering, such as when passing in rain or pulling into traffic, which can be dangerous if the vehicle barely moves when throttle is applied.
“MY 2025 TACOMA is part of a recall by Toyota, I was notified of the potential issue on early November 2025 and told Toyota was working on a remedy. On December 3rd, 2025 while using 4-wheel drive during a snow storm the drive shaft (recall issue) broke. On De…”
“I have a 2026 Toyota Tacoma 850 miles on it. I had a problem at about 200 miles that the transmition started to shutter or vibrate as it was slowing down around 26 miles an hour to 10 not exactly that every time but close and as it slowed down it had this dis…”
Toyota 4runner
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 02SERVICE BRAKES62
- 03STEERING48
- 04SUSPENSION34
- 05AIR BAGS32
Brakes emit high-pitched squeals, especially when backing up or in wet conditions, and in some cases vibrate severely and fail to slow the vehicle, forcing drivers to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
The Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) can steer the vehicle into oncoming lanes under certain conditions, and there is a knocking felt through the steering wheel during turns over 30 mph, indicating potential suspension or steering component wear.
A persistent vibration from the engine bay is transmitted through the floorboard to the driver's foot, and the rear tailgate cannot be opened if the rear window is slightly lowered, which could be a safety issue in emergencies.
“Vehicle: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Summary of Issue: The rear tailgate cannot be opened if the rear window is even slightly lowered. This appears to be an intentional design feature; however, it creates a real-world safety concern. Description of Safety Concern: In…”
“**Vehicle:** 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5- -700Miles I am reporting a persistent vibration issue that appears to come from the engine bay and is transmitted through the driver's side floorboard into the driver's left foot and leg. The vibration is most noticeable…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Tacoma
No recalls on record.
Toyota 4runner — 23 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2026 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and…
The risk: An incorrect load carrying capacity label may lead to improper loading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108,…
The risk: An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Buyer analysis
Toyota Tacoma or Toyota 4runner: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tacoma has fewer complaints per year (27.0) compared to the 4Runner (36.1), and it has no recalls, while the 4Runner has 23. This suggests the Tacoma may have fewer overall issues, but both have significant problems that require attention. The Tacoma's issues are more about comfort and convenience, while the 4Runner's are more safety-critical, especially brakes and steering.
Key differences
- The Tacoma has no recalls, while the 4Runner has 23, including issues with labels, instrument cluster, headlights, and electrical systems.
- The Tacoma's top complaints are powertrain (transmission shudder) and structure (door handles), whereas the 4Runner's top complaints are brakes and steering, which are more safety-critical.
- The 4Runner has a higher complaint rate (36.1/yr) than the Tacoma (27.0/yr), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- The Tacoma has 2 deaths reported in complaints, while the 4Runner has 0, but the 4Runner has more crash-related complaints (36 vs 29).
- Test the transmission for shuddering or vibration during slow-down from 25 mph to 10 mph, and check for any driveline clunks or vibrations when engaging 4WD.
- Inspect all interior door handles, especially the driver's side, for signs of weakness or failure, and try opening from inside multiple times.
- Brake test at various speeds, especially in wet conditions, to check for squealing or vibration, and have the brake system inspected for wear or defects.
- Test the Lane Keeping Assist on a marked road to ensure it doesn't drift toward oncoming lanes, and listen for knocking in the steering during turns.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and confirm all open recalls have been fixed.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and low-speed maneuvers, to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- Inspect the interior door handles on the Tacoma and the tailgate operation on the 4Runner.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the powertrain, brakes, and steering components.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any prior complaints or repairs related to the issues mentioned.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota 4runner |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 7 |
| 2025 | 79 | 54 |
| 2024 | 0 | 8 |
| 2023 | 51 | 30 |
| 2022 | 57 | 39 |
| 2021 | 78 | 34 |
| 2020 | 0 | 31 |
| 2019 | 0 | 64 |
| 2018 | 0 | 58 |
| 2017 | 0 | 36 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Tacoma or Toyota 4runner in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota 4runner
- Toyota Tacoma total complaints
- 270
- Toyota 4runner total complaints
- 361
- Toyota Tacoma total recalls
- 0
- Toyota 4runner total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
- 27.0
- Toyota 4runner avg complaints/year
- 36.1
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota 4runner top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER