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Toyota 4RUNNER: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2026 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2020 (95/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2020 95 · 2021 92 · 2017 88 · 2023 86

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202696/100
Too New

5 complaints · 1 recalls

202582/100
Buy

48 complaints · 1 recalls

202464/100
Unproven

8 complaints · 1 recalls

202386/100
Buy

30 complaints · 1 recalls

202284/100
Buy

39 complaints · 3 recalls

202192/100
Buy

34 complaints · 1 recalls

202095/100
Buybest year

31 complaints · 1 recalls

201983/100
Buy

64 complaints · 4 recalls

201884/100
Buy

57 complaints · 5 recalls

201788/100
Buy

35 complaints · 5 recalls

201664/100
Caution

77 complaints · 8 recalls

201564/100
Caution

85 complaints · 9 recalls

201464/100
Caution

76 complaints · 7 recalls

201364/100
Caution

36 complaints · 6 recalls

201264/100
Caution

96 complaints · 8 recalls

201164/100
Caution

163 complaints · 10 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2020?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2020 Toyota 4RUNNER’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2026 Toyota 4RUNNER head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Toyota 4RUNNER as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.