2014 Toyota 4runner: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Toyota 4runner? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 76 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2014 Toyota 4runner Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2014 Toyota 4runner trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2014 Toyota 4runner Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2014 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
24.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
24.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Toyota 4runner has 76 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- 4runner
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 76
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 21
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Toyota 4runner?
The 2014 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Toyota 4runner
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially those related to airbags and steering.
- Request service records for reported components such as airbags, steering, and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially those related to airbags and steering.
- Request service records for reported components such as airbags, steering, and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Toyota 4runner, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Toyota 4Runner are concentrated in electrical faults, with 24 reports, followed by uncategorized issues and structural problems. Airbag malfunctions and steering defects also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 5 out of 76 total complaints.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints (24) among all components.
- Airbag malfunctions and steering defects each have 7-8 complaints, indicating potential safety-related concerns.
- The 2014 model year has 7 recalls, which may address some of the reported issues.
- Electrical Faults
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Steering Defects
All 2014 Toyota 4runner Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Toyota 4runner. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
White Paint Peeling From Metal Body Panels
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact purchased four Bridgestone tires in 2022, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 245/60/R20, DOT Number: 1RBTEAAU1. The contact stated that all four tires had developed cracks on the sidewalls and by the tire beads. The tires we…
I had a collision and rear ended a truck. My front left bumper was completely damaged. My chest hit the steering wheel. My airbags did not deploy.
paint is peeling on my 2014 Toyota 4runner . Toyota recalled for white paint but nothing for blue . i already paid so much for the car but not paying extra for the paint . Toyota should fix it .
Vehicle was involved in an accident where the driver side airbag did not deploy.
My exhaust pipe rusted apart after the muffler causing the hot exhaust to expel upward and melt a rubber grommet on the floor. Then it proceeded to shoot into cargo area, melting the carpet backing and Styrofoam pad and insulation under the cargo area carpeting. This happened on …
The handsfree calling/talking is unusable neither party can hear the other due to it echoing and has very distortion. So I'm unable to use my handsfree talking while driving.
I notice my gas wasn't lasting long. One day I was pumping gas and noticed that underneath my 4-runner gas was pouring out from the top of my fuel tank. Took it to the dealership and they repaired the charcoal canister, canister assembly and purge valve assembly. Cost me $953.48 …
Stumbling/Studering and hesitation when accelerating took it to dealership and they performed a tune-up and complete fuel system service when to pick it up and still doing the same thing. Dealership rechecked it and said Torque converter was faulty. Had to replace transmission.
Left rear Brake Caliper Failure, Both Front Struts and both rear shocks were worn out per dealership. Had to replace all above.
Intermediate steering shaft u joint Steering is difficult. Vehicle only has 80000 miles Just out of warranty as of 5/23
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. There were no injuries sustained. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contac…
My gear shift became difficult to shift. As I was driving it, when I physically shifted to the Drive position, the display didn't confirm "D", but I could drive. As I was driving, the car shifted to Neutral without me shifting, but did not show "N" on the display. My car stopp…
Three of the four locks do not work on a consistent basis. My car got broken into because the locks don't work. I just replaced three of the four locks for around $1,200.00. Neither the key fob nor the actual key would open the doors on the vehicle. This is an extreme safety …
The horn stopped functioning. This is a safety hazard because i am not able to alert other drivers. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Toyota Dealer. No codes and no lights were displayed.Fearing for my family's safety, I paid for the repairs.
Windshield cracking
Fuel level sensor in gas tank not working properly
The steering became almost unresponsive and I could not turn the steering wheel while driving. I brought it to a repair shop and they said the intermediate steering shaft and u-joints were rotted out and rusted to where it seized up. The vehicle only has 55k miles on it and I d…
Having major problems with door lock actuators. just replaced front passenger side for 950 dollars at Toyota dealer and was told the other 3 doors may start failing as well. I did not realize at first that the door was not locking which would make it so easy for someone to break …
Car would have trouble starting. Once i got it to start it would stall when stopped
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Toyota 4runner.
2014 Toyota 4runner Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Toyota 4runner. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Toyota 4runner Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 76 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (24 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (11 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Toyota 4runner?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Toyota 4runner, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 76 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Toyota 4runner. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2014 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota 4runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Toyota 4runner based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.