This page covers 6 recalls, 35 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota 4runner.
18 mpg combined
13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Among 2013 4Runner complaints, the airbag system draws the most reports by a clear margin. The dominant issue owners describe is a failed clockspring, the rotary connector behind the steering wheel, which causes the horn to stop working and raises concerns about whether the airbag would deploy correctly. Several owners report this happening without any prior warning. Service brake complaints are the next most-reported category, with owners describing soft or spongy pedal feel and reduced stopping performance. A smaller cluster of electrical complaints includes door lock motors failing in a way that traps occupants inside the vehicle, and a few owners report the fuel gauge reading well above half while the engine unexpectedly stalls or shuts off at highway speeds.
35
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Toyota 4Runner has 6 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag defect is part of the wide-ranging Takata recall and applies specifically to vehicles sold or ever registered in high-humidity states and territories, where moisture accelerates the risk of inflator rupture. Prior repair attempts have not fully resolved the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for the same underlying defect. The remaining recalls affect vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessories. A hood scoop attached with adhesive can weaken and detach from the hood while driving, becoming a road hazard. There are also two overlapping recalls covering dealer-installed accessory exhaust tips that can burn people standing behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding certain aftermarket hood scoops to the hood may weaken over time, causing the scoop to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will mechanically fasten the hood scoop to the hood using mechanical fasteners instead of adhesive.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket exhaust tips installed by the distributor may extend too far and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned smaller version that sits further back behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Accessory exhaust tips installed on certain 4Runner vehicles may protrude and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned, smaller-diameter version that sits more recessed behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
