Steering & suspension issues are among the top complaints by vehicle owners
When Toyota introduced its first 4Runner model in 1984, it was essentially a modified, slightly more comfortable, Hilux pickup truck. Every few years since then, Toyota has made substantial changes to the 4Runner, with the most recent 5th generation model debuting in 2010, and the last major facelift unveiled in 2014.
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Now, the 4Runner is well-positioned in the rugged SUV market, but it’s certainly not without its problems. We highlighted major problems with airbags, service brakes, and the car’s electrical system in our article, 2020 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Top Complaints.
Both electrical system and service brakes problems are also the subject of complaints about the 2021 4Runner. But the most common problems reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so far relate to steering, suspension, and vehicle wheels. Other issues include exterior lighting, visibility and wiper problems, and forward collision avoidance.
The most alarming incident in the 2021 complaint reports relates to the electrical system. A 4Runner with only 5,500 miles on the clock caught fire in a closed garage while the family was sleeping. The car was destroyed and the garage has to be rebuilt. Investigators cannot determine the cause of the fire except to say it started in the vehicle. An electrical fault is suspected.
Another disturbing complaint, while not as common, relates to the sunroof of the car exploding. There were only 2 complaints, but enough to take notice of. In one incident, the dealer reportedly said the sunroof needed replacement but it hadn’t been done. In the other, the dealer agreed to replace the sunroof but wouldn’t accept responsibility.
It’s in situations like these that you need a consumer law firm like Lemberg Law on your side. We deal with the manufacturer and the dealer and you pay nothing.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | |
| Suspension | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Wheels | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Electrical System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
There are 6 steering-related complaints on file with NHTSA, including the steering wheel:
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All of the 4 reported suspension problems go hand-in-hand with steering problems, with the shaking and shuddering affecting suspension.
Wheel balancing and wheel pressure are the issues reported in the 3 wheel-related problems. One of the wheel pressure problems was that the tires, which should never exceed 40 PSI, were 56 PSI after being measured on different gauges.
Complaints relating to wheel problems were all with very new cars.
We know that some 2021 Toyota 4Runners are lemons. But nobody can predict whether you will buy a lemon. All we can do is provide some insight into what potential problems there might be.
If you suspect you have bought a lemon, please contact Lemberg Law immediately. We have a good success rate for helping our clients get cash settlements, buy-back agreements from manufacturers, and replacement vehicles.
Call our Helpline so that we can evaluate your case. It’ll cost you nothing because the law makes the manufacturer pay the legal fees.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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My 2021 4 runner has severe condensation on the inside when parked overnight. First toyota replaced the sunroof..problem not solved. Again, severe condensation on the inside of the vehicle..thus, causing wetness throughout the inside of the vehicle, which is leading to the smell of mold and potentially electrical issues. here is only 13k miles on this vehicle..I purchased brand new. The warranty expires in month. thus, if problem not corrected the charge for repair will fall on me. Nope! I will make Toyota repurchase this lemon and give me every penny back. I’m not playing with them. If they want to sell crap they can have it back.
I also have a 2021 Toyota 4runner with a steering wheel shake between 55 and 60. The dealer doesn’t want to do anything about it. They are trying to make me believe that’s just the way it rides. I have been driving it like that for 2 years.
I have a 2021 4runner that also has steering wheel shake between 60 and 67. Had tires road forced balanced three times. Still does it.