⌘K
Home›Toyota›4Runner›2016
Toyota · Midsize / large SUV

2016 Toyota 4Runner

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
41 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns8
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA79
Crash ratingNHTSA overall4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA19 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize or large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 4Runner 2WD, is EPA-rated at 19 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 79 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
4Runner 2WDGasRWD4.0L 6-cyl172219$3,300
4Runner 4WDGas4WD (part-time)4.0L 6-cyl172118$3,450
4Runner 4WDGasAWD4.0L 6-cyl172118$3,450

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36856, 36858, 36859.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

Compare coverage →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (8)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

J0A, J0B, J0C, JLI
928,220 vehicles
ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperaRiskAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.FixToyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
NHTSA campaign 19V741000reported Oct 17, 2019Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
▲high

Air Bags

1,299,448 vehicles
ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ERiskAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.FixToyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
NHTSA campaign 19V005000reported Jan 9, 2019Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
▲high

Structure

SET17C
431 vehicles
ProblemSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.RiskIf the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixSET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
NHTSA campaign 17V763000reported Nov 29, 2017Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
▲high

Structure

SET17B
3,547 vehicles
ProblemSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.RiskIf the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixSET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
NHTSA campaign 17V425000reported Jul 3, 2017Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
▲high

Equipment

17R1
1,019 vehicles
ProblemGulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.RiskIf the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixGulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 17R1.
NHTSA campaign 17V291000reported May 1, 2017Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
▲high

Air Bags

G06, GLR
2 vehicles
ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling one 2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicle manufactured November 1, 2016 and one 2017 Lexus GX460 vehicle manufactured November 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Takata PSPI-LD front passenger air bag inflators that may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets. As a result, in the event of a crash, the air bag may not fully inflate during deployment of the primary stage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskThe improper inflation of the passenger air bag may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixToyota dealers have replaced the passenger side air bag modules, free of charge. Toyota notified the affected dealers on December 15, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G06, GLR.
NHTSA campaign 16V937000reported Dec 21, 2016Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
▲high

Tires

SET16A
94 vehicles
ProblemSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."RiskAn incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.FixSET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
NHTSA campaign 16V236000reported Apr 22, 2016Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
○minor

Equipment

16R2
844 vehicles
ProblemGulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."RiskAn incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.FixGulf States will notify owners, and dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2016. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 16R2.
NHTSA campaign 16V228000reported Apr 20, 2016Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

NHTSA defect investigations

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
79complaints filed

6 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 6 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 6 · 2017: 11 · 2018: 9 · 2019: 10 · 2020: 11 · 2021: 7 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2026: 8

Most-cited components

Electrical System18
Unspecified16
Air Bags10
Suspension9
Structure8
Power Train6

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of…”Oct 7, 2025 · Back Over Prevention · NHTSA owner report
“Wiring harness to rear window defogger melted causing the rear window to crack and shatter. Safe lite replaced the window and recommended the harness not be reconnected. Told me it was not uncommon. Vehicle was not being used at the time. It was in my driveway when the window blew outward. Inspected by Safe lite, Repor…”Jul 15, 2025 · Visibility/Wiper · NHTSA owner report
“On 5/11/2025, my husband and I were returning home from the grocery store. I was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. Upon arriving at our residence, I pulled into our driveway, which has a slight downward incline. As in our usual practice, I attempted to stop in front of the garage to unload groceries be…”May 16, 2025 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆25%
SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆25%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other 4Runner model years

A

2026 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 7 complaints

A

2025 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 58 complaints

A

2024 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 8 complaints

A

2023 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 32 complaints

B

2022 Toyota 4Runner

3 recalls · 39 complaints

A

2021 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 36 complaints

A

2020 Toyota 4Runner

1 recalls · 33 complaints

C

2019 Toyota 4Runner

4 recalls · 64 complaints

C

2018 Toyota 4Runner

5 recalls · 58 complaints

C

2017 Toyota 4Runner

5 recalls · 36 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

JSON for this page · API