Summary
The Toyota 4Runner has 24 recalls spanning 1989 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue being a Takata airbag inflator defect on 2010 models where the propellant can degrade over time and cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, sending fragments into the cabin.
Several other safety-critical recalls affect mid-to-late production years. On 2018-2019 vehicles processed by Southeast Toyota Distributors, steering and suspension fasteners may not have been properly torqued during installation, which can cause a loss of vehicle control or components detaching onto the road. The 2016 model year has a separate airbag concern: a small number of vehicles left the factory with front passenger airbag inflators missing ignition booster tablets, meaning the bag may not inflate correctly in a crash. On 2016-2017 vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package, roof rack fasteners may loosen and allow the rack to separate from the vehicle while driving. Also on 2012 vehicles fitted with aftermarket remote engine starters sourced through Gulf States Toyota, a module malfunction can disrupt the vehicle's communication network and disable anti-lock brakes and stability control without warning.
Going back to the 2003-2006 era, the side curtain airbags on certain vehicles can deploy without warning, raising the risk of occupant injury. The 2003 model year has a fuel system concern where a diaphragm in the fuel rail's pulsation damper can fail and leak fuel, creating a fire risk near heat or ignition sources. A separate 2003 recall involves an accelerator pedal that can stick wide open if an unsecured or incompatible floor mat becomes lodged beneath it. The 2001 model year has a front lower ball joint that can wear excessively and separate from the steering knuckle, causing sudden loss of steering.
Earlier production carries two steering-related issues. On 1990 models, repeated full-lock steering maneuvers can fatigue the steering relay rod until it fractures, removing steering control. On 1996 models, heavily loaded two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive examples can lose directional stability during aggressive maneuvers.
A cluster of label-related recalls affects several recent year ranges, including 2023, 2020-2022, 2017-2019, 2015-2016, and 2016 vehicles, where load-carrying capacity or weight rating labels installed by regional distributors carry incorrect values and can lead owners to unknowingly overload the vehicle. The 2022 model year has a separate compliance recall where accessory fog light installation can disable the driver's side high-beam headlight. On 2010-2015 vehicles fitted with accessory exhaust tips by Southeast Toyota Distributors, the tips can reach temperatures that burn a person standing behind the vehicle.
