2021 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER — 36% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While vehicle was parked and not in use, upon entering the vehicle, the steering wheel/column dropped out of its locked position on its own. Disassembly of the steering column revealed that the tilt-lock mechanism's steering lock fracture bolt has broken in half on the right side. This cause the…”
filed Sep 3, 2026
“I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable…”
filed May 30, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other 4RUNNER years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 4RUNNER | 4 | 7% |
| 2023 4RUNNER | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 4RUNNER | 4 | 10% |
| 2020 4RUNNER | 4 | 12% |
| 2019 4RUNNER | 10 | 15% |
| 2018 4RUNNER | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 4RUNNER | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 4RUNNER | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 4RUNNER | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 4RUNNER | 7 | 9% |
| 2013 4RUNNER | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 4RUNNER | 5 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.