CarBrief

NHTSA has only 7 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner[1]. It also has 2 recalls, both about a load label that could lead to overloading the vehicle[2][3].

7owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
21–23MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 7 owner complaints for this model year, and none mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components, so the groups below add up to more than the total.

The power train group is named most often, in 3 complaints[7]. Next are unknown or other with 2 complaints[8]. Forward collision avoidance, visibility/wiper, fuel/propulsion system, exterior lighting, wheels and electrical system each have 1[9][10][11][12][13][14].

We read the text of a small sample of these complaints. In the 3 power train complaints we read, owners describe three different things[7]:

The visibility complaint comes from one owner who describes a blind spot toward the upper right, which they tie to the windshield slant and the mirror position[10].

With so few reports, none of these can be called a pattern. They are things to ask about on a test drive.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 4Runner[4].

Fuel economy

All versions in the EPA data use a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine with an automatic (S8) transmission and regular fuel[15][16][5].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Estimated annual fuel cost
2WD, rear-wheel drive[15] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, rear-wheel drive (second listing)[17] 20 / 24 / 22 $3,050
4WD, part-time 4-wheel drive[16] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 4-wheel drive[18] 20 / 24 / 21 $3,200
Hybrid 4WD, part-time 4-wheel drive[5] 23 / 24 / 23 $2,900
Hybrid 4WD, 4-wheel drive[19] 22 / 24 / 23 $2,900

EPA fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not what you will pay at the pump. On combined mileage, the hybrid is the most efficient of the three and the 4WD is the least[5][16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4WD and AWD versions 4 stars overall, 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 20.4%[6][20]. The rear-wheel-drive version also gets 4 stars overall, 4 frontal and 5 side, but 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[21].

Engine and size

The EPA Test Car List rates the 2.4L 4-cylinder at 278 hp[22]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

4-door SUV Hybrid 4-door SUV
Length[23][24] 195 in 195 in
Width[23][24] 78 in 78 in
Height[23][24] 74 in 73 in
Wheelbase[23][24] 112 in 112 in
Curb weight[23][24] 4,870 lb 5,410 lb

How 2026 compares with other years

1995: 172 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 161 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 261 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 250 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 330 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 483 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 185 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 225 complaints, 1 recalls2003: 696 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 678 complaints, 2 recalls2005: 425 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 381 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 154 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 96 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 22 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 147 complaints, 12 recalls2011: 163 complaints, 10 recalls20112012: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2013: 36 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 77 complaints, 7 recalls2015: 87 complaints, 9 recalls20152016: 80 complaints, 8 recalls2017: 36 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 59 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 65 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 33 complaints, 1 recalls2021: 36 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 39 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 33 complaints, 1 recalls20232024: 9 complaints, 1 recalls2025: 62 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 7 complaints, 2 recalls72026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 4Runner model year. The 2026 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951721
19961612
19972611
19982501
19993300
20004830
20011851
20022251
20036963
20046782
20054255
20063815
20071545
2008965
2009226
201014712
201116310
2012968
2013366
2014777
2015879
2016808
2017365
2018595
2019654
2020331
2021361
2022393
2023331
202491
2025621
202672

The 2026 model year has 7 complaints, the fewest of any 4Runner year NHTSA lists from 1995 to 2026[4]. The next lowest is 2024 with 9, and 2025 has 62[4]. Its 2 recalls match 1996 and 2004, and several years have 1 or none[4].

These counts are not adjusted for sales, and a newer model year has had less time to collect reports. A low number here does not prove this year is better than the others.

Should you buy a used 2026 4Runner?

The record so far is short. NHTSA has 7 complaints and no reported crashes, fires, injuries or deaths[1]. The 2 recalls are about a label, and the remedy for each is a replacement label[2][3]. The power train complaints we read are worth raising at a test drive, especially low-speed behavior, which one owner tied to the hybrid system, but they come from a small sample[7]. Ask whether the label recall work has been done, and compare the EPA mileage of the version you want[16][5].

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA has 7 complaints on file, and power train is named in 3 of them[1][7]. In the sample we read, owners describe a lurch at low speed, a loss of power and a vibration[7].
Has the 2026 Toyota 4Runner been recalled?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls, 26V571 and 26V282, both about the load carrying capacity label[2][3].
What is the gas mileage of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
EPA combined ratings are 22 MPG for 2WD, 21 MPG for 4WD and 23 MPG for Hybrid 4WD[15][16][5].
How safe is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall[6][20][21]. Rollover is 3 stars for 4WD and AWD and 4 stars for RWD[6][21].
Is 2026 a good year for the Toyota 4Runner?
It has the fewest NHTSA complaints of any listed year, with 7[4]. That count is not adjusted for sales and the year is new, so it is not proof of reliability[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V571, filed September 2, 2026: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V282, filed May 4, 2026: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota 4Runner model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for 4Runner Hybrid 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 3 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 1 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 4Runner Hybrid 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Toyota 4Runner with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 278 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 4RUNNER 4DR SUV: length 195 in, width 78 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,870 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 4RUNNER HYBRID 4DR SUV: length 195 in, width 78 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 5,410 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.