2015 Toyota 4runner Safety Report
2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SAFETY ANALYSIS
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Toyota 4runner. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (85) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Toyota 4runner with 30 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Toyota 4runner before buying across this generation. |
Toyota 4runner Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Toyota 4runner years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota 4runner | 75 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Toyota 4runner | 35 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Toyota 4runner | 56 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Toyota 4runner | 61 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Toyota 4runner | 30 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Toyota 4runner | 32 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Toyota 4runner Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Toyota 4runner, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Toyota onlyUnknown Or Other
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Toyota onlyElectrical System
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Toyota onlySuspension
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Toyota onlyStructure
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Toyota onlyFuel/Propulsion System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Toyota onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
Reliability Score
The 2015 Toyota 4runner receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Toyota 4runner:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger-Side Air Bag Inflator Module Recalled for potential failure of the inflator module, which could lead to air bags not deploying properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump Recalled for issues with the fuel pump, causing starting problems and stalling. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Hood Hinge And Attachment Recalled for problems with the hood hinge and attachment, potentially leading to hood separation. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering System Reported issues with steering, including shuddering and vibration at higher speeds. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Toyota 4runner:
Issues with passenger-side air bag inflator modules and deployment problems.
Problems with the fuel pump leading to starting issues and stalling.
Cracking of front coil springs and suspension system failures.
Problems with hood hinge and attachment, and frame rusting.
Recall Details for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Toyota 4runner by NHTSA:
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna...
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. 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 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Summary: 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...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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...
Summary: 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...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Consequence: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Consequence: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.
Summary: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Toyota 4runner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
Drove the car on empty tank and I had issues the following day after I refilled $60 gas.Car stalling/ hard to turn on, doesn’t stay on.
Front Coil Spring Cracking (TRD Pro Models) I observed cracking of the front coil spring, a design defect in the spring's termination and how it sits on the top hat and bottom perch. This can lead to a sudden loss of control and a crash. Furthermore, pieces of the broken spring coil can fly out underneath the vehicle and cause serious injury to person and/or damage property, when vehicle is dri...
My transmission went off with no warnings and my vehicle has been serviced at the Toyota dealer since I bought it and they never mentioned to me there was an issue with my transmission which is very odd. So I was wondering is this is normal or if there others owners with the same problem. Now I don’t have a vehicle because the transmission is in back order and I can’t even get a rental car because...
I was just in my second front end collision and for the second time, my front airbags did not deploy. The first instance, I hit a deer head on going 75 mph on the interstate. Last week, I T-bone F150 at 35mph - hard enough to make that truck spin around - and had injuries to my head, knee, and hand, and yet the airbag did not deploy once again. In both cases, my car sustained over $10,000 and dama...
All of a sudden it was so difficult to steer I ended up off my driveway and almost took out my chain link fence. Two hands on left side of the steering wheel and yanked with all my strength. Then across my drive to the left. If this had happened turning onto a highway someone could have been killed.
The door lock actuators have failed on both the driver side and passenger side front doors. Unfortunately this is a know issue across this model along with others and can be found in several forums. The problem is that the actuator gets stuck and at one point I was locked inside my car and once I was locked outside my car. If there was an emergency it could put mine and others safety at risk if th...
Rusted Frame and radiator support cross member!
My 4 runner was hit on the passenger side while crossing a intersection. The truck that hit my 4 runner was going at least 40 miles per hr and was a heavy duty pickup truck. On impact the airbags did NOT deploy but the 4 runner went haywire.
Steering shudder at 58-70 MPH has become almost unbearable. No warning lights whatsoever - ever! Vehicle has had this issue since 30K miles (110K currently) and Toyota always is "unable to replicate the issue" or tells people this is common on the 4 Runners and Tacoma's. I won't go to dealers anymore since Toyota knows it's a problem and they direct the dealers not to report to keep the issue cl...
Three of the four locks do not work on a consistent basis. The fourth lock works on occasion. Neither the key fob or the actual key will open the doors on the vehicle. The front driver door lock was replaced while under warranty, but broke again in under a month. The front passenger door lock was replaced at an out of pocket cost, but it also in a stopped working in a matter of weeks. There ...
Noticed the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle is rusting and I’m concerned about a safety issue. I know there was a rust-related class action on earlier model Toyota’s. The rust is most prevalent on the solder joints, which has me concerned about driving safety.
'The "KDSS" (kinetic dynamic suspension system) valve located on the frame under the driver's door had corroded to the point where the oil in the system had begun to leak out. The warning light did come on the dashboard days prior to the leak. Vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership, where they assessed there was low pressure in the system. The service advisor advised that if the system loses ...
Steering wheel shake and vibration at approximately 55-65mph. Alignment and multiple wheel balancing appointments have not fixed this problem.
This is our third Toyota 4Runner with the "X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System". There has been some type of failure of this system on all 3 of the 4Runners we have owned. The latest problem with this suspension system on our 2015 4Runner was discovered during a Toyota dealership service appointment at 42,091 miles. It was recommended the full X-REAS system, front and rear shocks with li...
Toyota 4 runner had a recall for the fuel pump. I have been having starting issues with it ever since. The power is good and the starter tries to turn the vehicle over. But the vehicle won't start. I have taken it to multiple locations for service through out the chicago land area. Also once the vehicle finally does start. The R.P.M.s will suddenly increase and decrease to the point that the veh...
THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO OUR REQUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED.
THE FUEL PUMP FAILED DURING DRIVING WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN A RECALL BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX OR REIMBURSE THE REPAIR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED KERRY TOYOTA SERVICE FLORENCE (6050 HOPEFUL CHURCH RD, FLORENCE, KY 41042; (859) 371-1518) AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOCK ACTUATOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC...
MY CHILDREN AND I ALMOST DIED TWICE! 4 RUNNER ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 9/24/20, 6:15 PMISH, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR APPROXIMATELY OVER AN HOUR, 70MPH CRUISE CONTROL SET, BEGINNING TO CLIMB UP A LARGE MOUNTAIN WESTBOUND INTERSTATE 8. ENGINE HESITATES/STALLS BRIEFLY, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, CAR SHUDDERED, WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ONLY LASTED SECONDS. AT A SLOWER ...
I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF TIRES ON MY 4RUNNER AND EACH SET HAS WORN DOWN PREMATURLY DESPITE PURCHASING GOOD QUALITY TIRES WITH A 60K MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED AT THE REQUIRED SERVICE INTERVALS AND AS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STAY ALIGNED VERY LONG. I EVEN WENT TO MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS TO GET DIFFERENT OPINIONS. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS THAT THE 4RUNNE...
Showing 20 of 85 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Toyota 4runner
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
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 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Toyota 4runner
Has the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER have?
The 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 85 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 9 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER involve air bags (12 complaints), unknown or other (8 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints). Other affected components include suspension, structure, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
9 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER is acceptable with caveats. It has 85 complaints, 9 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER are: 1. AIR BAGS (12 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), 4. SUSPENSION (7 complaints), 5. STRUCTURE (7 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 12 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
Be aware of potential air bag and electrical system issues, as well as fuel system and steering problems. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 85 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 85 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Passenger-side air bag inflator module and Fuel pump.
What are the known issues with the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
Known issues with the 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER include: Passenger-side air bag inflator module, Fuel pump, Hood hinge and attachment, Steering system. These are based on patterns found across 85 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Toyota 4Runner?
Yes, there are recalls for issues with the fuel pump and passenger-side air bag inflator modules.
What are the most common issues with the 2015 Toyota 4Runner?
Common issues include air bag and electrical system problems, fuel system issues, and steering and suspension problems.
Is the 2015 Toyota 4Runner prone to any specific safety concerns?
Yes, there are concerns with hood hinge and attachment problems, as well as frame rusting and steering shuddering.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential air bag and electrical system issues, as well as fuel system and steering problems. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Toyota 4runner
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Toyota 4runner. The data includes 85 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Toyota 4runner an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16