This page covers 8 recalls, 75 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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
Electrical issues lead the complaint picture for the 2016 4Runner, with the backup camera being the most consistently described problem. Owners report the camera display going blank at random, not tied to any specific action like shifting or restarting, and several note the issue becoming more frequent over time, typically surfacing at higher mileage. Airbag-related complaints are the second most reported system, followed by suspension. A smaller number of owners describe hard starting, with some suspecting fuel delivery as the cause after ruling out the battery and alternator. Paint durability comes up in isolated reports, particularly clear coat peeling on horizontal panels like the hood and roof, though this appears in only a handful of filings rather than as a broad pattern.
75
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect where the passenger-side airbag can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Beyond the airbag issue, there are several accessory-related concerns. On vehicles equipped with the TFORCE roof rack package, the rack's fasteners may not be properly tightened and the rack can detach while driving. Separately, vehicles fitted with an accessory billet grille overlay may have a failing U-nut that lets the overlay break free and become a road hazard. Vehicles with an accessory hood scoop face a similar risk, as the adhesive holding the scoop can weaken and allow it to separate at speed. Two recalls address load capacity labels on vehicles with dealer-installed accessories: if the label shows the wrong weight allowance, the vehicle could be overloaded without the owner realizing it.
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
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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 →
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on 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 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 U-nut securing the Billet Grille Overlay may crack, causing the overlay to separate from the front of the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the U-nuts with upgraded hardware at no cost.
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
The bolts holding the aftermarket roof rack may not be tight enough, which could cause the rack to loosen or detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the roof rack bolts and tighten them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets, causing the air bag to not fully inflate during a crash.
What the fix does
Toyota dealers replace the passenger side air bag module at no charge to restore proper air bag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight capacity label on certain vehicles may show incorrect information about how much weight the tires can safely carry due to installed accessories.
What the fix does
Toyota will send owners a corrected label to place over the inaccurate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight label for aftermarket accessories installed on your 4Runner may show incorrect added weight, causing the vehicle to not meet tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected label at no charge to accurately reflect the weight of your installed accessories.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
