Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2019 Toyota 4RunnerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. Most complaints involve steering (10) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Nov 2020
Owner complaints
65
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 4, 2020NHTSA 20V682000

Steering

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

SteeringReported Sep 20, 2019NHTSA 19V670000

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

EquipmentReported Mar 27, 2019NHTSA 19V244000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

65 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2019 – Sep 2026
  1. Steering10
  2. Electrical system8
  3. Suspension7
  4. Fuel/propulsion system7
  5. Fuel system, gasoline6
  6. Engine6
  7. Air bags5
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Power train4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 4Runner model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996165
1997264
1998264
1999332
2000493
2001190
2002251
2003708
2004678
2005425
2006381
2007154
200896
200922
2010147
2011163
201296
201336
201477
201586
201681
201736
201860
201965
202033
202136
202239
202333
202410
202560
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

10 reports1 crash
“I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted “to best ability.” A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. Despite this, the vehicle was reportedly operating “within factory specifications.” The condition has persisted through multiple sets of tires and repeated service visits. The ongoing steering pull, vibration, and instability create a safety concern during highway driving because the vehicle does not consistently track straight and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 6, 2026Steering, Suspension, WheelsODI 11736154

Electrical system

8 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while reversing. In addition, the radio volume independently adjusted up and down independently, and independently powered off independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2025Electrical systemODI 11690854

Suspension

7 reports
“Thankfully the piece of my shock coil spring fell off in my driveway on Aug 23rd 2026. I am being told I should not drive my car now as the entire coil spring can come off and cause me to crash. They have a 2018 trd pro at my dealership that has been waiting since March for the same part. I have called Toyota as my 2019 trd pro fox suspension has a defect in the coil spring, but they will only fix if within the 3yr36k warranty. I have 44k miles on my vehicle, and it has never been off road. 1. As of right now until I find someone to fix my suspension it can be inspected upon request 2. The coil can detach and cause an accident 3. No, it has not been inspected 4. No, there were no warnings beforehand.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026SuspensionODI 11764702
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S5)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
4Runner 2WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172118$3,550479
4Runner 4WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
172018$3,550491
4Runner 4WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, AWD · All-Wheel Drive
172018$3,550491
  • 4Runner 2WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    17 city · 21 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • 4Runner 4WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • 4Runner 4WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, AWD
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
24.6%
Overall
4 / 5
Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
24.6%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 13207Vehicle 13206
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 4Runner questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Toyota 4Runner problems?

Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (10), electrical system (8), suspension (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Toyota 4Runner get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Toyota 4Runner at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Toyota 4Runner 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026