Is clear coat and paint peeling on exterior panels a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about clear coat and paint peeling on exterior panels on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2024-08 → 2026-06). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11741642): "The paint is failing on this vehicle. The color is 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic. The paint is peeling on the roof, hood, and two doors. The failure has been confirmed by a body shop" Source: NHTSA.

Is backup camera display blanking during reverse a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about backup camera display blanking during reverse on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2021-07 → 2026-01). Reported component: BACK OVER PREVENTION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11714728): "Rear view camera / backup camera randomly displays blanks screen. Screen has no other issues noted. Has been occurring over the past couple years" Source: NHTSA.

Is door lock actuator failure a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door lock actuator failure on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2020-05 → 2021-08). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11386603): "DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK ACTUATORS ARE GOING OUT. DRIVER'S SIDE AND NOW FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT ISSUE ON LINE, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. REPLACING ONE COSTS $550" Source: NHTSA.

Is rodent-chewed wiring harness a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rodent-chewed wiring harness on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2016-06 → 2023-03). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10993402): "TOYOTA KNOWINGLY USES A SOY BASED WIRE COATING THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS. SOMETHING CHEWED THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS MAKING MY VEHICLE SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND ACT VERY STRANGE" Source: NHTSA.

Is sunroof glass shattering while driving a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about sunroof glass shattering while driving on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2017-02 → 2020-10). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10954904): "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED" Source: NHTSA.

Is suspension coil spring and strut failure a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about suspension coil spring and strut failure on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2016-08 → 2025-04). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11657438): "This vehicle has experienced the front coil spring cracking on the right front, the left front cracked at 114K miles" Source: NHTSA.

Is airbag non-deployment or unexpected deployment a known issue with the 2016 Toyota 4runner?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about airbag non-deployment or unexpected deployment on the 2016 Toyota 4runner (2018-12 → 2026-05). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11726606): "On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road" Source: NHTSA.

2016 Toyota 4runner Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Toyota 4runner carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Clear coat and paint peeling on exterior panels.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V005000 · Sep 1, 2019

Issue: Toyota 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 ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019

Issue: Toyota 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 temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign #17V425000 · Mar 7, 2017

Issue: Southeast 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.

Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Campaign #17V763000 · Nov 29, 2017

Issue: Southeast 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.

Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET 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.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V291000 · Jan 5, 2017

Issue: Gulf 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.

Risk: If the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Gulf 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V937000 · Dec 21, 2016

Issue: Toyota 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."

Risk: The improper inflation of the passenger air bag may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Toyota 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.

TIRES

Campaign #16V236000 · Apr 22, 2016

Issue: Southeast 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."

Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #16V228000 · Apr 20, 2016

Issue: Gulf 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."

Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Gulf 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Toyota 4runner.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
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 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Clear coat and paint peeling on exterior panels

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-06

“The paint is failing on this vehicle. The color is 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic. The paint is peeling on the roof, hood, and two doors. The failure has been confirmed by a body shop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741642

“I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718254

“The entire exterior body clear coat is peeling off. This started about 1.5 years ago on the tailgate. It has now spread to the hood and the top of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607303

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera display blanking during reverse

BACK OVER PREVENTION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-01

“Rear view camera / backup camera randomly displays blanks screen. Screen has no other issues noted. Has been occurring over the past couple years”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714728

“I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698672

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691933

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock actuator failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2021-08

“DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK ACTUATORS ARE GOING OUT. DRIVER'S SIDE AND NOW FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREVALENT ISSUE ON LINE, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. REPLACING ONE COSTS $550”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11386603

“DRIVER DOOR ACTUATOR NOT WORKING TO LOCK DOOR. STILL WORKS TO UNLOCK. LIGHT AND AUDIO DOESNT WORK EITHER WHEN LOCKING. HAVE TO USE KEY. THIS OCCURES WHEN TRYING TO LOCK THE DOOR WITH KEYLESS ENTRY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372284

“THE SUV DOES NOT LOCK WHEN I USE THE REMOTE OR WHEN I TRY TO LOCK IT MANUALLY. I REPLACED THE ACTUATOR IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHICH WAS THE DOOR THAT STAYS UNLOCKED HOWEVER TO NO AVAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rodent-chewed wiring harness

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2023-03

“TOYOTA KNOWINGLY USES A SOY BASED WIRE COATING THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS. SOMETHING CHEWED THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS MAKING MY VEHICLE SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND ACT VERY STRANGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993402

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514753

“RODENT CHEWED MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11179959

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2020-10

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954904

“SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. NOT AROUND ANY CARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11364611

“SUNROOF "EXPLODED" WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A DESOLATE ROAD. CAR WAS PARKED AT A BEACH RENTAL FOR 3 DAYS IN THE HOT SUN AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP, HEARD A POPPING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121247

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension coil spring and strut failure

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2025-04

“This vehicle has experienced the front coil spring cracking on the right front, the left front cracked at 114K miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657438

“THE 2016 4RUNNER TRD PRO IS A LIMITED PRODUCTION MODEL. TOYOTA SOURCE THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FROM AN OUTSIDE VENDOR. MY RIGHT FRONT SPRING FAILED, BREAKING I FOUR PLACES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365182

“X-REAS sport enhancement system is failing in a vehicle (2016 Toyota 4 Runner) with 58,000 miles that has always been driven on city streets. Front struts and rear shock absorbers are both leaking and require replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557202

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment or unexpected deployment

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-05

“On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726606

“I had a one car head on collision with a tree. Airbags deployed..drivers side knee airbags deployed causing multiple lacerations and large hematoma to both calves”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455028

“I HIT A CAR THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS GOING NORTH BOUND AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO TAKE A LEFT FROM A SIDE STREET TO GO SOUTH BOUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156961

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Toyota 4runner reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →