2022 Toyota 4Runner Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Toyota 4Runner, 2012 to 2024 model years
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
How the 2022 compares

Too new to judge fully

It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older 4Runner year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the driver assist systems.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The most reported problem area is the driver assist systems (8, 21% of complaints), followed by the suspension and the air bags. That ranks 7th of 13 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 3 recalls.

Complaints39filed with NHTSA
Recalls3for this model year
Crashes57 injuries reported
Fires1reported in complaints
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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2022 Toyota 4Runner before you buy.

Driver assist systems

8 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am not sure this qualifies but I will submit the problem. All of a sudden, the center console display disappeared. Besides showing the radio tuner, it provides access to the GPS, cell phone connection and other devices. It also provides access to the backup camera which does light up when put in reverse. The cell phone connection…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the Back Over Prevention camera display was blurry. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that it was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact to utilize the mirrors primarily as the cameras were used…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 20 miles

Suspension

6 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 miles and Toyota is refusing to assist since this is out of…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The right CV joint traverses up and down. Once warmed up it loses concentricity and the steering wheel begins to shake. It does not stop until I pull off the highway The shake is completely gone when the vehicle is in 4 wheel drive. There are numerous complaints regarding this. I have taken it back to the dealer and participated in "road…Owner complaint, filed 2024

Air bags

6 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

Neither the curtain airbags or steering wheel Air bags deployed after a very bad car accident. Super upset because this is the reason parents spend so much money to keep their kid safe. She banged her head on steering wheel and on window which should have been prevent by air bags on 2022 4Runner bought brand newOwner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. 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. The contact's service dog accompanied the…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 50,000 miles

Brakes and stability control

5 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 complaint, filed 2023
Suddenly had difficult time stopping the vehicle without "pumping" the brakes. Brake pedal went to the floor, and car would not hold stopped. There were no warning lamps during the 400 miles of driving from western NY to Michigan for a Holiday with family. Had this happened as I was waiting in line on the downhill side of the Blue Water…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Steering

4 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

Around 50-55mph, shake can be felt in the steering wheel. Possible needle bearing? Common complaint yet Toyota states it is operating "normal". Steering wheel shake is not normal. This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2023
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. Without a visual warning sign from the vehicle, this could cause catastrophic…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Cruise control and acceleration

3 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

This had happened a year ago. 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 stopped working. I took it in for a…Owner complaint, filed 2026
On numerous occasions, 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. This sudden speed reduction has almost caused…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Seats and seat belts

3 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 around her waist. She was stuck in the seatbelt, it would not…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4-Runner. 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 the retractor would…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 100 miles

Engine and cooling

2 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am writing to formally report a concerning issue with my 2022 Toyota 4Runner, which currently has approximately 22,000 miles. The vehicle is regularly serviced at a certified oil change facility, and during routine use, I noticed a puddle of oil forming in my driveway. Upon contacting the service center, I was advised to bring the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle lost motive power. The 4WD error and various other unknown warning lights and messages were illuminated. The contact managed to pull over and stated that smoke was seen coming from underneath the hood and that…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 47,000 miles

Electrical system

2 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

when turning the steering wheel several things happen. channels change, phone hangs up, GPS stops, air bag light comes on. Dealership inspected and said need to change spiral cable. $1200 dollarsOwner complaint, filed 2025
I purchased a 2022 Toyota 4RUNNER and 9 days later the wiring harness was destroyed by rodents most like squirrels. Toyota switched to soy based wire insulation without taking precautions in the design to protect the wiring from rodents attracted to the insulation material. The resulting damage cost $8000 to repair and it will take…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Wheels and tires

2 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

Static tire failure of the left rear tire. OEM Nitto ridge grappler dot# [XXX] ; 265/70r17. Parked car and was inside a church for an hour. No issues with tire, all 4 tpms pressures read 37 psi. When returning to the vehicle noticed the flat, changed on the spot with the full size spare. It appears as though the sidewall structure/belt…Owner complaint, filed 2024
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 complaint, filed 2025

Transmission and drivetrain

1 complaintHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

Toyota 4Runner complaints by year

Compare the 2022 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2022 midsize SUVs

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2022 Toyota 4RunnerToo new to judge3Driver assist systems
2022 Toyota HighlanderToo new to judge5Transmission and drivetrain
2022 Honda PilotToo new to judge5Driver assist systems
2022 Kia TellurideToo new to judge7Lights, wipers and visibility
Compare side by side

2022 Toyota 4Runner recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Equipment Labels

Jul 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V480000
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.
Full recall summary

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."

Equipment Labels

May 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V310000
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.
Full recall summary

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."

Lights Headlights

Dec 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V963000
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.
Full recall summary

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."

2022 Toyota 4Runner questions

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?

The most reported problem areas on the 2022 Toyota 4Runner are the driver assist systems (8 complaints), the suspension (6 complaints) and the air bags (6 complaints).

Is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner a good year to buy?

Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older 4Runner year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the driver assist systems. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 4Runner years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota 4Runner have?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The most recent, from Jul 2022, covers the labels. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should I avoid?

The 4Runner years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2013, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.