2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 75 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 75 most recent complaints
On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road. I do not know what it was but it impacted the front skid plate and seems to be no other damage from the impact. There was no contact with the…
I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating. The clear coat on the hood and roof (horizonta…
My 4Runner is hard starting all the time. I’ve replaced the battery, tested the alternator etc. It sounds exactly like the problem of the fuel pump recall. The 4Runner was recalled from 2014-2015, my car was technically put together in Sept 2015, but is labeled a 2016. I believe …
Rear view camera / backup camera randomly displays blanks screen. Screen has no other issues noted. Has been occurring over the past couple years.
I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repair…
PAINT CLEAR COAT BUBBLING ISSUES REGARDING ROOF AND REAR BUMPER
Wiring harness to rear window defogger melted causing the rear window to crack and shatter. Safe lite replaced the window and recommended the harness not be reconnected. Told me it was not uncommon. Vehicle was not being used at the time. It was in my driveway when the window bl…
On 5/11/2025, my husband and I were returning home from the grocery store. I was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. Upon arriving at our residence, I pulled into our driveway, which has a slight downward incline. As in our usual practice, I attempted to stop in fr…
This vehicle has experienced the front coil spring cracking on the right front, the left front cracked at 114K miles. This is a very common issue with 2015-2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD-Pro, it is a design defect in the way the coil spring terminates and sits on the top hat and bottom …
I drive for a living and yesterday I was driving while this happened 3 separate times. I was going 70 mph on the highway when my radio, usb ports blower motor and dash cluster power went out. I was terrified that my car would shut off while driving. Upon checking the car over, I …
The entire exterior body clear coat is peeling off. This started about 1.5 years ago on the tailgate. It has now spread to the hood and the top of the vehicle. I called Toyota customer care, and they indicated this a known widespread problem with this vehicle make and model. …
Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My Date , sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at t…
X-REAS sport enhancement system is failing in a vehicle (2016 Toyota 4 Runner) with 58,000 miles that has always been driven on city streets. Front struts and rear shock absorbers are both leaking and require replacement.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner equipped with an Ironman 4x4 USA, Part: Pro Forge upper control arm. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the contact stated that after calling and leaving messages with the manufacturer…
This vehicle transmission is demonstrating transmission shuddering problems, We have returned this car three time for the same repair. The highly reputable transmission has cited direct purchases of this part from Toyota has constantly have quality issues with the torque converte…
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was d…
Passenger side back seat seatbelt broke under normal wear and tear.
- The Roll Over Side Curtain Airbags deployed and hit my head. Both sides deployed. - I was in 4Wheel Low Range. Driving with a group of trucks. The obstacle was a set of mud ruts. - All witnesses did not understand, nor have seen this happen. - Toyota sent me a report based o…
Fuel pump failed , vehicle stalled driving 70 down highway.. I have read there is a Recall in place for 2014, 2015, 2017,2018 4 runners. Why not 2016?
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2016 Toyota 4runner
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Toyota 4runner. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Toyota 4runner has 75 NHTSA owner complaints, 5 crash-related, and 8 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (18 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (18 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (16 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2016 Toyota 4runner has 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 75 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2016 Toyota 4runner has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2016 Toyota 4runner
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.