Toyota · 4Runner · 2016
8
Recalls
75
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls and 75 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: electrical system (10 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
24.6% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy Status
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
Remedy Status
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 17R1.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy Status
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling one 2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicle manufactured November 1, 2016 and one 2017 Lexus GX460 vehicle manufactured November 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Takata PSPI-LD front passenger air bag inflators that may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets. As a result, in the event of a crash, the air bag may not fully inflate during deployment of the primary stage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy Status
Toyota dealers have replaced the passenger side air bag modules, free of charge. Toyota notified the affected dealers on December 15, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G06, GLR.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Remedy Status
SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Remedy Status
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2016. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 16R2.
On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road. I do not know what it was but it impacted the front skid plate and seems to be no other damage from the impact. There was no contact with the bumper, wheels or otherwise. There was no sudden change in speed or loss of control at all. The most dangerous result of this was the deployment of all the airbags (except passenger front airbag, there were no passengers). A police report was filed with Culpeper County Sheriff (case# 2603-0033) and my insurance agency (USAA claim # 016632631-800). The shop where the vehicle was towed (Ace Collision in Madison, VA) expressed surprise at the total deployment of the air bags given the scenario. There were no warning lamps on, the vehicle was in perfect operating condition and all recalls have been addressed according to CarFax
My 4Runner is hard starting all the time. I’ve replaced the battery, tested the alternator etc. It sounds exactly like the problem of the fuel pump recall. The 4Runner was recalled from 2014-2015, my car was technically put together in Sept 2015, but is labeled a 2016. I believe my fuel pump is failing. I am extremely nervous it is going to not start one day while I am out camping.
Rear view camera / backup camera randomly displays blanks screen. Screen has no other issues noted. Has been occurring over the past couple years.
PAINT CLEAR COAT BUBBLING ISSUES REGARDING ROOF AND REAR BUMPER
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,293.
Wiring harness to rear window defogger melted causing the rear window to crack and shatter. Safe lite replaced the window and recommended the harness not be reconnected. Told me it was not uncommon. Vehicle was not being used at the time. It was in my driveway when the window blew outward. Inspected by Safe lite, Reported to Liberty Mutual. No warning light, rear defogger was not in use, car was off.
I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating. The clear coat on the hood and roof (horizontal panels) is severely peeling and delaminating. The protective clear layer has failed, and the base coat is beginning to oxidize. This is not the result of neglect, damage, or improper care. The condition appears to be premature material or manufacturing failure of the clear coat. I have contacted Toyota corporate and opened a case. I was informed there are currently no other documented cases for gray paint and that additional complaints would be required before further investigation. I have read numerous reports in online owner forums indicating this is a common issue affecting 4Runners and other Toyota models, particularly on sun-exposed horizontal panels. However, Toyota has not formally addressed this issue for gray paint vehicles. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential widespread clear coat defect and to request further review.
On 5/11/2025, my husband and I were returning home from the grocery store. I was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. Upon arriving at our residence, I pulled into our driveway, which has a slight downward incline. As in our usual practice, I attempted to stop in front of the garage to unload groceries before entering, as the hatch of our vehicle can come in contact with the garage door when opened inside. While aligning the vehicle with the garage door, I began breaking and turning slightly to the left. However, as I attempted to come to a complete stop in front of the closed garage door, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. Despite applying the brakes, the vehicle continued moving and crashed through the closed garage door. Due to the steering wheel being slightly turned, the vehicle veered left upon entering the garage, striking the left interior wall and a 32 foot ladder that was leaning against it. The impact with the wall and ladder brought the vehicle to a stop although the engine continued to rev and the vehicle attempted to move forward. My husband instructed me to shut off the engine, which I did immediately. My husband was not injured in the incident. I sustained pain in my left shoulder and upper left back. A medical evaluation indicated that the pain is expected to subside within a few weeks; imaging will be conducted if symptoms persist. I have filed both auto and homeowner's insurance claims regarding the incident. Additionally, I contacted the dealership, which advised me to report the issue to the manufacturers corporate office. They noted that the vehicle is equipped with a fail-safe system designed to prevent simultaneous engagement of the brake and accelerator. This was a very scary incident that I don't want to have happen to someone else.
This vehicle has experienced the front coil spring cracking on the right front, the left front cracked at 114K miles. This is a very common issue with 2015-2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD-Pro, it is a design defect in the way the coil spring terminates and sits on the top hat and bottom spring perch. Toyota has discontinued the defective parts and redesigned the spring perch on the updated strut and uses a different spring, but it is not recalled and should be as this is a safety defect. A broken coil spring can cause sudden loss of control of the vehicle resulting in a crash and even death.
I drive for a living and yesterday I was driving while this happened 3 separate times. I was going 70 mph on the highway when my radio, usb ports blower motor and dash cluster power went out. I was terrified that my car would shut off while driving. Upon checking the car over, I noticed the battery mount was broken/missing pieces. The upper portion had become lose due to the broken parts and had stuck itself to my positive battery terminal. Lots of sparks when I tried to remove it. I finally got it broke loose using a piece of wood instead of my hands. Very scary.
I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as more miles are put on. I will take it in however when I called them they said since it’s not a known issue I will have to replace it and it’s not cheap!
Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My Date , sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and noticed and said , weird , the switch isn't even on . Then the smoke became very apparent as we got onto the Freeway and we were compelled to pull over as the electrical components or wiring were on the verge of catching fire , where the Electic Seat switch is located .
X-REAS sport enhancement system is failing in a vehicle (2016 Toyota 4 Runner) with 58,000 miles that has always been driven on city streets. Front struts and rear shock absorbers are both leaking and require replacement.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner equipped with an Ironman 4x4 USA, Part: Pro Forge upper control arm. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the contact stated that after calling and leaving messages with the manufacturer regarding the recall, the contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.
Passenger side back seat seatbelt broke under normal wear and tear.
The entire exterior body clear coat is peeling off. This started about 1.5 years ago on the tailgate. It has now spread to the hood and the top of the vehicle. I called Toyota customer care, and they indicated this a known widespread problem with this vehicle make and model. So far, only the pearl white color has been recalled as the result of numerous consumer complaints. My vehicle color is nautical blue- Toyota indicated there has not been enough consumer complaints yet for this color for it to be recalled. Toyota suggested I log a complaint here in hopes it will result in a recall.
This vehicle transmission is demonstrating transmission shuddering problems, We have returned this car three time for the same repair. The highly reputable transmission has cited direct purchases of this part from Toyota has constantly have quality issues with the torque converter, This problem was inspected and confirmed by dealer and independent service center. They both concluded the same diagnose, There were no warning messages. We fear travelling on interstate roads is hazardous.
- The Roll Over Side Curtain Airbags deployed and hit my head. Both sides deployed. - I was in 4Wheel Low Range. Driving with a group of trucks. The obstacle was a set of mud ruts. - All witnesses did not understand, nor have seen this happen. - Toyota sent me a report based on their review of the vehicle. They said the Roll Over sensors detected a roll-over event. They advised that it is a "predictive" system. That at some point in my driving through the mud ruts, the system thought I was rolling over... I was not anywhere near a roll-over. - I requested to know why the RSCAS button was removed. Toyota advised that it was governed by NHTSA to be removed from models produced after a certain year. - I do not want to have my vehicle repaired to "factory specifications" given the experience I had. Toyota could not negotiate that request on my behalf. This is my request to NHTSA.
Fuel pump failed , vehicle stalled driving 70 down highway.. I have read there is a Recall in place for 2014, 2015, 2017,2018 4 runners. Why not 2016?
I had a one car head on collision with a tree. Airbags deployed..drivers side knee airbags deployed causing multiple lacerations and large hematoma to both calves
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 75 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner are electrical system (10 reports), air bags (8 reports), unknown or other (6 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 8 recalls on record for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.