Is the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

The 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER has 54 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Top problems: STEERING (12 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (10 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER gets 17 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2824. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER is approximately $1,846/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Toyota 4RUNNER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER has 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 77. The most common issue is steering problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: i bought a 2021 4runner late april of 2021. i reported and scheduled an appointment for a balance check. this didn't seem to fix the problem. while they where in the process of balancing the tech broke 2 center caps. i will setting up an appointment to have the dealership recheck and alignment. i've. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 5 crash reports 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

12 complaints

22%

• I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE
• The steering wheel will shimmy between 50-61mph. Just under 60mph is when it's most apparent. Worse on a cold morning when beginning commute. Can vary from slight vibration felt in the hand to visibly shaking. Can also be felt on the vehicle floor and seats when at its worst.
• Between 58-65mpg steering whee shakes. Vehicle has been back to dealer for rebalancing the tires twice and a front end alignment. The issue persists.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS06/07/2022

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."

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,824

Per month

$235

Per mile

23.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,846

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1846

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota 4RUNNER Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2021 4RUNNER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 54 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: On May 27, 2021 The brakes failed on my brand new 2021 Toyota TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner. I attempted to brake at a stop light, the brake pedal went to the floor and the car did not stop. Luckily no accident occurred and I was able to drive it home (4 miles). No warning lights or messages appea
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: TIRE PRESSURE WAS 56 PSI ON ALL FOUR TIRES; MEASURED ON THREE DIFFERENT GAUGES. BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T TIRES WITH WRITING 'NEVER EXCEED 40 PSI'. NEW CAR PURCHASED 13 DAYS AGO.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)