2016 Toyota 4Runner problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner, filed between 2016-06-30 and 2026-08-31. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (18, 23%), air bags (10, 13%) and suspension (9, 11%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Toyota 4Runner complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 23% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 16 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 10 | 13% | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 9 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 8 | 10% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 6 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carry handle, shell, base | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 18 complaints
- 18 complaints of 79 (23%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 6 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner covers this system.
Air bags: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 79 (13%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 4 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner; the latest, campaign 19V741000, says: “These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.”
Suspension: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 79 (11%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- Owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner covers this system.
Structure: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 79 (10%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- Owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner; the latest, campaign 17V763000, says: “The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.”
Engine: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 79 (8%) name the engine.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner covers this system.
Power train: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 79 (8%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the wheels; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names 4RUNNER, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Toyota 4Runner recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner's most common problem areas are the electrical system (18 of 79 complaints), air bags (10 of 79 complaints) and suspension (9 of 79 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner's problems?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.