The Toyota 4runner is a face that is all too reminiscent for most of us now and one that brings in the thought of robustness and reliability. For the most part, it stays true even to this day. At first glance, 8 recalls might seem a bit too overboard for what essentially is a 6-year-old SUV or even older based on how you look at it. But we assure you that this SUV mechanically is reliable as hell and most of the recalls it has are either due to ongoing widespread vendor issue which is not specific to this vehicle or faulty post-factory add-ons. If that doesn’t make you feel comfortable just know that the 4Runner sells over 120,000 units a year consistently and the official number of complaints hasn’t hit the triple-digit mark in recent times, which is outstanding for this class of SUVs nonetheless. Talking about competitors, at a base starting price of $34,010, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner would go against the like of SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Durango, and even the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited if you think of it. So are the complaints it has anything to worry about? Well, let’s find out.
2016 Toyota 4Runner User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Laggy throttle response is an issue that has been bugging some 2016 Toyota 4Runner owners. It is mostly noticed on high mileage SUVs. When this happens, the engine is said to take a couple of seconds to register throttle input and the issue recurs intermittently. The causes vary from clogged MAF sensor or throttle body to faulty calibration or working of throttle control motor. The fixed are usually quick and cheap which should help get the truck get back fully functional in no time.
Electric System complaints
- Radio/ Backup camera- The media head unit is prone to a few software glitches. Firstly, the wireless phone connectivity feature fails to detect phone or drops connection while in use. Secondly, the backup camera software has errors in causing it to go blank or flash intermittently when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Though a software update has been given from the dealer end, owners complain about the issues reappearing.
Structural complaints
- Steering issue- steering wheel shake is probably the most common problem on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner. It is mostly noticed when going over 60mph or during moderate to heavy braking. The issue is mostly traced to either an issue with the tire or with the brakes. Since the issue is not specific is mostly dealt with on a customer basis.
- Suspension problems- Suspension noise is pretty common on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner. It mostly is a result of worn-out bushing or faulty dampers. Rashly used vehicles are prone to premature spring issues, especially at the front. As reported by owners, the replacement is mostly not covered under warranty.
- Door lock issues- The driver-side door locks on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner are prone to failure. The issue is pretty common and the dealers are aware of this issue. Actuator replacements are required in most cases.
Safety Complaints
- Airbags- Airbag issues are something to watch out for on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner. If the vehicle is not repaired under the recalls 19V741000 and 19V005000, it could pose a great hazard during a collision. Multiple instances of airbag module fragments injuring the occupant upon deployment have been reported by the NHTSA.
2016 Toyota 4Runner Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
17th October 2019 |
19V741000 |
Frontal airbag inflators may explode |
Previously replaced airbag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, which may cause the sharp metal fragment to stile the occupants resulting in serious injury. |
Toyota will notify the 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 on November 20, 2019. |
|
2 |
9th January 2019 |
19V005000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflators may explode |
Original or previously replaced airbag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, which may cause the sharp metal fragment to stile the occupants resulting in serious injury. |
Toyota will notify the owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the airbag assembly. The recall on began February 15, 2019. |
|
3 |
29th November 2017 |
17V763000 |
The billet overlay grille may detach from the vehicle |
The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle, becomes a road hazard, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall began on January 26, 2018. |
|
4 |
3rd July 2017 |
17V425000 |
Accessory hood scoop may detach |
The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle, which becomes a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash. |
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. |
|
5 |
1st May 2017 |
17V291000 |
The roof rack may loosen and detach. |
The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened, causing it to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. |
The dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2017. |
|
6 |
28th December 2016 |
16V937000 |
The frontal passenger airbag may not fully inflate. |
The affected vehicles are equipped with Takata PSPI-LD front passenger airbag inflators that may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets, which may prevent it from fully inflating in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
Toyota dealers have replaced the passenger-side airbag modules, free of charge. Toyota notified the affected dealers on December 15, 2016. |
|
7 |
22nd April 2016 |
16V236000 |
Incorrect load carrying the capacity label. |
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories, resulting in vehicle overloading and increasing the risk of a crash. |
SET 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. |
|
8 |
20th April 2016 |
16V228000 |
Incorrect load carrying capacity label. |
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories, resulting in vehicle overloading and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2016. |
Should you buy a used 2016 Toyota 4Runner?
Even though we have the Land Cruiser gracing the higher end of Toyota’s line-up, it always has been the 4Runner that has seen the most takers, mostly due to its lower price tag and equally good capabilities and dependability. The recall number for this SUV does fall on the higher side, but we assure you that it is nothing that compromises the usability of the vehicle mechanically and is an inadvertent result of vendor faults and human errors. Yes, the single-minded ethos and utilitarian packaging of this SUV have cost it on the overall ranking, but that is not the point of discussion here. If there were to be an apocalypse, the 4Runner would still be the vehicle we recommend everyone buy. Firstly, the 4Runner is a tried and tested SUV and secondly, you got the biggest names backing you up.
