2021 Toyota 4RUNNER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
36 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
637 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 36 complaints (36.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 13 | 36.1% |
| Braking behavior | 5 | 13.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 2.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 2.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 13 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 |
Steering: 13; Suspension: 10; Service Brakes: 6; Wheels: 4; Electrical System: 3; Exterior Lighting: 3; Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 33 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
2020: 1; 2021: 12; 2022: 5; 2023: 3; 2024: 4; 2025: 5; 2026: 6
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11415750 · 2021-05-09 (May 9, 2021)
I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE READ REPORTS WHERE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE WITH A LOT OF 4 RUNNERS. I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL THERE. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY LOVE THE VEHICLE BUT AT 60-65MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND THE 4RU…
Owner-reported narrative. 350 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415750 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11418003 · 2021-05-21 (May 21, 2021)
The steering wheel will shimmy between 50-61mph. Just under 60mph is when it's most apparent. Worse on a cold morning when beginning commute. Can vary from slight vibration felt in the hand to visibly shaking. Can also be felt on the vehicle floor and seats when at its worst.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11418003 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11421989 · 2021-06-23 (June 23, 2021)
On May 27, 2021 The brakes failed on my brand new 2021 Toyota TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner. I attempted to brake at a stop light, the brake pedal went to the floor and the car did not stop. Luckily no accident occurred and I was able to drive it home (4 miles). No warning lights or messages appeared at all before, during or after the incident. This occurred between 3-4 pm in Custer, SD on Main Street during clear weather. The vehicle was hauled to Toyota dealer in Rapid City, SD the next morning, May 28th. They could not duplicate the …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11421989 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11505501 · 2023-02-04 (February 4, 2023)
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 warning come on a total collapse of system had this car for approx 1 month purchased used at paramus mercedes benz took this vehicle to my mechanic for a full inpection everything was good vehicle had approx 22000 miles on it at purchase lost all control and crashed go…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11505501 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11425082 · 2021-07-16 (July 16, 2021)
On 3/30/21 it was discovered that my 2021 4runner with 5500 miles caught fire while parked in my enclosed garage. This event happened while my family and I were sleeping. The fire was discovered @5am at which time the fire department was contacted. The fire was contained to the garage. The vehicle was a total loss and was determined to be the source of the fire that destroyed all of the contents in my garage and significantly damaged the garage structure resulting in a rebuild. The fire department performed an initial investigation, a 3r…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11425082 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11704362 · 2025-12-10 (December 10, 2025)
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 Toyota dealer.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11704362 at NHTSA ↗