2021 Toyota 4Runner recalls and problems

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Toyota 4Runner recalls

Recall 22V-480: Equipment

Reported Jul 6, 2022 · 280 vehicles affected · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

2021 Toyota 4Runner problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	13
Suspension	10
Service Brakes	6
Wheels	4
Forward Collision Avoidance	3
Electrical System	3
Exterior Lighting	3
Visibility/Wiper	2
Unknown or Other	2
Back Over Prevention	2
Visibility	1
Tires	1

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Electronic Lock/Latch Actuator — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 637 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Toyota 4Runner complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Sep 3, 2026

While vehicle was parked and not in use, upon entering the vehicle, the steering wheel/column dropped out of its locked position on its own. Disassembly of the steering column revealed that the tilt-lock mechanism's steering lock fracture bolt has broken in half on the right side. This cause the steering wheel to fall out of a locked position and allowed the entire column to rotate skewed to the left side. The steering wheel became dangerous to use as it was in a freed position that allowed the entire column to move while providing inputs into the steering wheel. Had this occurred while the…

Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Aug 25, 2026

The power door lock actuators on both front doors of my 2021 Toyota 4Runner have failed. The problem developed progressively. The front door locks initially began working intermittently and became less reliable over time. Eventually, both front door lock actuators stopped operating. They have now been inoperative for more than six months. The front doors will not reliably lock or unlock using the vehicle's power locking system or key fob, while the rear power door locks continue to operate normally. I discussed the problem with a Toyota dealership and was told by dealership personnel that they…

Steering · reported May 30, 2026

I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable to not be considered for a recall when it is this widespread.

Service Brakes · reported Mar 6, 2026

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 shoulder and come to a stop.

Back Over Prevention · reported Jan 22, 2026

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 under recall. I believe this recall should include the Toyota 4 Runner, as mine seems to be having issues which affect my safety and others. I called the nearest Toyota dealership to verify if my car was under recall and they said no. I have not taken the vehicle to be inspected by the dealership. This issue started about 6…

Other Toyota 4Runner years

2026 2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Toyota 4Runner years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner: 22V-480 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

Owners report steering problems most often (13 reports), followed by suspension (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 637 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.