2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 32 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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Worst 2021 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Suspension Failures
Brake System
Considering a 2021 Toyota 4runner?
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 2021 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2021 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 32 most recent complaints
Today while I was driving home from work, in a snow storm, suddenly a low braking power notification and ABS malfunction popped up on my console with loud beeping and my brakes completely stopped working. In order to avoid hitting the car in front of me I had to swerve to the sho…
My backup camera does not work consistently. It will sometimes come on and show objects behind me; other times it is a black screen. I have read where Toyota models from 2022 to newer, but not including the 4 Runner, are having major issues with the back up camera and are unde…
Rear backup camera has been failing or intermittently working, it is available for insp[ection upon request. This has created a situation upon reversing in driveway where I expect it to be on and dont see a vehicle or trailer behind me. I have hit a parked car because I was expec…
Vehicle was diagnosed from a mechanic with no fuel pressure due to not starting. Vehicle has approximately 135,000 miles and had no warnings or indications of problem. It appears when VIN was ran on gov. recall that Honda had issues with fuel pump. Vehicle will be inspected by To…
Several door lock actuators have prematurely failed. The first to do so was front passenger door in summer 2024; front driver door lock failed a few months after. Most recently, approximately 4 months ago, the lock actuator for liftgate failed. This poses safety hazard in easily …
Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented “SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION”. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were u…
My brakes and rotors are requiring replacement after less than 10,000. I purchased my vehicle used with less than 15,000 miles. My brakes and rotors have been replaced three times in the last 45,000 miles. The dealership denies any malfunction or error with the breaking system. I…
As the vehicle was traveling on a highway at 35 mph the vehicle shut off electronically three times and powered itself back on after 15 seconds or so of continuous cruising on the highway. Unable to accelerate or control the vehicle while the electronic component shut off in the …
TRD PRO MODEL Clunk at low speeds. FOX shocks on TRD PRO make clunking sound at low speeds. Toyota replaced 3 shocks under warranty. The 3rd one they charged me labor but covered the shock. Car has highway miles and very little time spent off road as I live in NY. As of today …
While pulling this vehicle in to my garage about halfway in the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle hit a bench on the opposite side of the entrance. After pumping the brakes after waiting about 10 minutes they seemed to work normally. I backed the vehicle out of the g…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the re…
I have a Toyota 4runner 2021. I'm actually presenting steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds more than 60 MPH. I when to the dealership and they align and balance the tires. But problem still happens. They said that…
I purchased the vehicle from a Dealer. During a test drive I noticed a shake in the steering wheel that represented a wheel balance issue. The dealership acknowledged that, according to their techs that it was a wheel issue. A new set of tires was ordered mounted and balanced. I …
was going to work on rt 80 east had cruise control on and was getting off exit 45 in new jersey to get bus into manhattan at approx 430 amwhile getting off highway stepped on brakes pedal went to floor tried pumping nothing happened nor did criuise control disengage or collision…
At speeds above 45 miles and hour, the steering wheel begins to nibble / shake which creates an unsafe driving situation. Vehicle has had alignment performed, and new tires balanced which still has not resolved issue.
Yokohama 245/60r20 Geolander G96 that came with my brand new 2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited I purchased in December 2020. Over the last several weeks every 7 to 10 days I have needed to put air in all 4 tires. Then I was driving on a smooth paved street arriving at work my low press…
Bought the vehicle brand new and have been dealing with a steering wheel/vehicle shake ever since. The vehicle feels out of control around 55-65mph(like death wobble) and the ride is rough at any speed over 50mph. This has been a serious issue on the highway with instances of cro…
Driving up to 60mph the steering wheel vibrates excessively. I have taken it to the dealer and got repairs to fix it but 2 days later it returned. I had wheels balanced and rotated with an alignment. I fear I will loose control of the suv soon.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof exploded, sending glass inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof to be replaced however, the …
When carrying cargo, the cutoff of the LED low beam headlamps is shifted upward blinding on coming traffic and dazzling other drivers. This requires the driver to manually adjust the angle of headlight projection under the hood of the vehicle, as there is not automatic system to …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2021 Toyota 4runner
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 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.
2021 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Toyota 4runner has 32 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Steering Defects (11 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Steering Defects (11 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (10 complaints). #3: Brake System (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2021 Toyota 4runner has 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 32 total NHTSA complaints. 1 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2021 Toyota 4runner has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Steering Defects 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 2021 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.