2022 Toyota 4runner Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Toyota 4runner carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering headlights and labels. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel shake and shimmy at highway speed.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #21V963000 · Dec 13, 2021

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET21A.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #22V310000 · Jun 5, 2022

Issue: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #22V480000 · Jun 7, 2022

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Toyota 4runner.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel shake and shimmy at highway speed

SUSPENSION, STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2026-05

Aggressive steering wheel vibration from 55-70 mph from the day I drove the vehicle off the lot. Ignoring the vibration, Toyota claims this 4runner is operating as it is manufactured to do so. This is causing unnecessary wear on the steering and/or suspension
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539318
Steering wheel/steering column/wheels tires/suspension/differential/drive shaft/: steering wheel shimmies, shakes, vibrates, wobbles and usually occurs at 55-68 MPH typically closer to the 62-64 MPH range and "pulls"/steers very hard to the right during this time
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519823

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment during collisions

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2024-11

The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603756
I was hit in drivers side by a vehicle that ran a red light, going approx 40 mph. The force of the collision pushed me into another vehicle. My car was new in March, had 7100 miles on it, and none of the airbags deployed, sidecurtain or steering wheel. I suffered a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482373

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Seat belt retractor jam and failure to release

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2026-05

My daughter was seated on the passenger side rear of my vehicle. Her seatbelt was on correctly and we were slowing down to pull into the driveway. My daughter said her seatbelt was stuck and wouldn't loosen. She unbuckled the seatbelt and tried to loosen it and remove it from…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11542625
The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the contact pulled into a parking lot and parked the vehicle. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle but was stuck in the front driver’s seat. The contact stated that the seat belt would not release from the buckle and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450819

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Brake pedal fade and inability to hold vehicle stopped

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2024-08

Vehicle brakes normally initially at stop lights but then the brakes are unable to hold the vehicle stationary. Brake pedal slowly goes to the floor and vehicle creeps forward into traffic. No warning lights. No brake fluid leaks at wheels. Full brake fluid reservoir
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561189
I felt that the brake was not performing properly. When I would stop at stop signs, slow down for traffic, or stop at red lights, the brake pedal felt spongey and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. As I would step on the brake pedal, the vehicle would slow down, but…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519178

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XREAS suspension early failure and premature tire wear

WHEELS, SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-03

I felt an unnatural vibration and roll to one side of the vehicle when slowing around a curve on the highway which affected my ability to control the vehicle as expected, so I took it to a mechanic specializing in Toyota. The XREAS suspension system has already failed at 36,000…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725268
70k mile tires only lasted 45k miles. Tires were worn on the insides after rotations every 5k miles. After changing tires, an alignment and inspection demonstrated the front struts were sagging. 4Runner equipped with XREAS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682702

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Spontaneous sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2023-10

While doing approximately 65 on clear, sunny, and dry conditions heading north bound on I-65 with no traffic my sunroof spontaneously exploded outwards with enough force to shake the whole cabin. Luckily my sunshade was closed so no shards entered the vehicle at that time
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549984
We were driving down the interstate, no other cars, trucks, etc anywhere near us, and the sunroof of our 2022 Toyota 4Runner spontaneously shattered. We were lucky that we had the shade closed on the sunroof when we experienced the gunshot like blast
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536974

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control malfunction

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-01

while driving in a straight line with our adaptive cruise control on, our 2022 Toyota 4Runner will automatically actuate the vehicle's brakes when approaching a slower or stationary vehicle that is either to the left or right, but not directly in front of our vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479578
I was driving and my anti collision brake just started to make a beeping noise and was telling me to call a toyota dealer. And before that the anti collision brake would go off when there was nothing in front of me. A few months later my cruise control and lane assist also…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710592

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

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)

17 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2022 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.