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2021 Toyota 4Runner VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (11), Electrical System (3), Service Brakes (3).

4RUNNER reliability snapshot

82/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$514
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#9/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 65% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Toyota 4RUNNER before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Steering11
  • Electrical System3
  • Service Brakes3
  • Suspension3
  • Back Over Prevention2
  • Visibility Wiper2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test drive at highway speeds (50-70 mph) to check for steering wheel shake
  • Inspect brake pedal for firmness and responsiveness
  • Verify backup camera functionality multiple times
  • Check door lock actuators for consistent operation
  • Inspect sunroof for any signs of stress or damage
  • Ensure all electrical systems, including airbags, are functioning properly
  • Check for any outstanding recalls and confirm repairs have been completed

2021 4RUNNER recalls (1)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 4RUNNER. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. EQUIPMENTNHTSA 22V480000Jul 6, 2022

    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."

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

    Remedy

    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.

Used-market value

2021 Toyota 4RUNNER resale snapshot

82.2%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$39,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Toyota 4RUNNER on the road

144,696 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner

With a 91/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER rates well above average for reliability. The recall count is limited, which supports a low overall defect and compliance burden in the available data. As year 12 of its generation, the record reflects a mature platform rather than an early-cycle model.

Complaint activity is present but not broadly distributed. Reports concentrate most heavily in steering, while the remaining categories—electrical system, service brakes, suspension, and back over prevention—show smaller clusters. This pattern points to a primary area of attention rather than widespread system instability.

Overall, the data indicates strong reliability with low buyer risk, with steering standing out as the main concentration of complaints.

What you get in a 2021 Toyota 4Runner report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Toyota 4Runner — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

With a 91/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER rates well above average for reliability. The recall count is limited, which supports a low overall defect and compliance burden in the available data. As year 12 of its generation, the record reflects a mature platform rather than an early-cycle model.

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?

1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Toyota 4Runner problems?

The most-reported 2021 Toyota 4Runner problem areas are: Steering (11), Electrical System (3), Service Brakes (3).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Toyota 4Runner, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.