NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 33 owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Most complaints involve tires (4) and steering (3). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 4Runner model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 165 |
| 1997 | 264 |
| 1998 | 264 |
| 1999 | 332 |
| 2000 | 493 |
| 2001 | 190 |
| 2002 | 251 |
| 2003 | 708 |
| 2004 | 678 |
| 2005 | 425 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 147 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 60 |
“Purchased size 265/70R17 tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S2) exhibiting severe highway vibration immediately post-installation. The vibration persisted continuously for two years across every rotation, posing serious handling and steering risks. For two years, local shop staff gaslit the customer, claiming an "out-of-round" tire or casing defect was impossible to avoid warranty obligations. During a visit in front of store management, staff repeated the claim in front of management. The customer then presented real-time technical data from Google on the spot, forcing staff to admit casing defects happen. Despite this, management cleared the driver to leave, assuring the vehicle was safe to operate with an infant inside. To obtain objective proof, an authorized TOYOTA dealership inspected the vehicle. The dealer verified steering, suspension, and alignment were completely sound and documented the root cause in writing: "Found front left tire has casing deformation." When escalated to corporate executives—including Robert Moyer and top management—an internal email chain revealed local shop management and corporate leadership actively placing profit over safety,…”
“Vehicle Component: Solid Rear Axle Assembly / Rear Suspension GeometryDefect Summary: The vehicle exhibits a factory manufacturing defect causing severe rear axle misalignment. At approximately 350 miles from new, an official dealership Hunter alignment report documented out-of-spec rear alignment parameters (-0.16° rear total toe) on a non-adjustable, factory solid rear axle assembly. Safety Risk & Impact: A misaligned solid rear axle compromises vehicle stability, introduces rear thrust angle deviation, and impairs predictable vehicle tracking and emergency evasive handling at highway speeds. Because a solid rear axle has no factory adjustment points, this indicates a bent or improperly manufactured axle housing or mounting structure. Due to this ongoing uncorrected factory alignment defect, the vehicle has required close to 10 alignments and is already on its 4th set of tires due to severe, premature tire wear and scrub. Verification & Status: The defect was documented on official dealership alignment equipment at 350 miles. The vehicle and all supporting alignment/service records are available for inspection upon request. The manufacturer executive offices…”
“Vehicle begins to shake when speed reaches 60 to 70 MPH (issue has been happening since the vehicle left the lot). Shaking can be felt in the steering wheel, gas/brake pedals and front seats. Vehicle has been taken to a Toyota dealership three different times and after three realignments and tire rebalancing, the issue still persists. Several 4Runner owner forums are experiencing the same issue in this make, model and year; and suspect the issue might be stemming from a malfunctioning or broken needle bearing.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 503 |
| 4Runner 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 515 |
| 4Runner 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full-time 4WD · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 519 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall 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.
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (4), steering (3), suspension (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Toyota 4Runner at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 4 out of 5 stars overall.