FaultScore

2021 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems

12 of the 54 complaints about the 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER are about the steering — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 350 miles.

C

12

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 12 100.0%

Steering across every Toyota 4RUNNER year

1997 10 5.2%
1999 14 7.3%
2000 18 9.4%
2002 10 5.2%
2003 32 16.7%
2004 26 13.5%
2005 27 14.1%
2006 22 11.5%
2018 11 5.7%
2019 10 5.2%
2021 12 6.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Laurel, MT

STEERING

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 to not be considered for a recall when it is this widespread.

NHTSA complaint #11741081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mcallen, TX

STEERING

I have a Toyota 4runner 2021. I'm actually presenting steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds more than 60 MPH. I when to the dealership and they align and balance the tires. But problem still happens. They said that not problem has been found when they verified the vehicle but they noticed the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11531153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita, KS

STEERING

I purchased the vehicle from a Dealer. During a test drive I noticed a shake in the steering wheel that represented a wheel balance issue. The dealership acknowledged that, according to their techs that it was a wheel issue. A new set of tires was ordered mounted and balanced. I have been dealing with the issue of sometimes excessive steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds of 60-70 MPH. In researching this model of Toyota it appears this is a well documented problem that has not been addressed by Toyota.

NHTSA complaint #11521332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sachse, TX

STEERING

At speeds above 45 miles and hour, the steering wheel begins to nibble / shake which creates an unsafe driving situation. Vehicle has had alignment performed, and new tires balanced which still has not resolved issue.

NHTSA complaint #11497027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

STEERING

Bought the vehicle brand new and have been dealing with a steering wheel/vehicle shake ever since. The vehicle feels out of control around 55-65mph(like death wobble) and the ride is rough at any speed over 50mph. This has been a serious issue on the highway with instances of crossing lanes because of lack of control over steering. No warning lights have ever come on. Been to the dealership many times complaining about the issue just to be told that the "problem can't be replicated". I have taken it to several tire shops as well to have the wheels/tires balanced but nothing seems to help. I even bought new wheels and tires just to see if this was the cause and still no solution. This is a serious problem that thousands of 4Runner owners are experiencing and Toyota needs to get to the bottom of this. This absolutely should not be happening on brand new/modern day vehicles. I believe this is a multivariate issue causing the shake - a mix between wheel/tire balance, steering column, and possibly the drive shaft/differential/CV components. The problem must be big if Toyota continues to deny the problem year after year after year.

NHTSA complaint #11481939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, TX

STEERING

Driving up to 60mph the steering wheel vibrates excessively. I have taken it to the dealer and got repairs to fix it but 2 days later it returned. I had wheels balanced and rotated with an alignment. I fear I will loose control of the suv soon.

NHTSA complaint #11453013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

STEERING

Steering wheel shakes around 58-64 mph. Brought 4Runner in twice already with tires being road-forced balanced but nothing seems to work. I will be bringing it in again for the third time. This has happened with less than 100 miles, now with 2,700 mi.

NHTSA complaint #11434710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brownsville, TX

STEERING

I purchased a 2021 sr5 premium and on the 2nd day I noticed that after driving at 60-63 the car shakes and pulls to the right, I've took it back to the dealership, and the problem still there. They said that is normal but after reading on forums alot of people are experiencing the same problem. Will take it back to have check out again.

NHTSA complaint #11431705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charleston, WV

STEERING

*Steering shudder occurs when driving 55-70mph. *The shudder makes it feel as you have no control over vehicle, especially in wet/snow driving conditions. *dealer technicians have inspected multiple times with no fix. *issue began with in first 500 miles (brand new purchase).

NHTSA complaint #11425077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

STEERING

Between 58-65mpg steering whee shakes. Vehicle has been back to dealer for rebalancing the tires twice and a front end alignment. The issue persists.

NHTSA complaint #11420755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Evansville, WI

STEERING

The steering wheel will shimmy between 50-61mph. Just under 60mph is when it's most apparent. Worse on a cold morning when beginning commute. Can vary from slight vibration felt in the hand to visibly shaking. Can also be felt on the vehicle floor and seats when at its worst.

NHTSA complaint #11418003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350 miles Freeport, FL

STEERING

I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE READ REPORTS WHERE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE WITH A LOT OF 4 RUNNERS. I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL THERE. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY LOVE THE VEHICLE BUT AT 60-65MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND THE 4RUNNER WANTS TO PULL TO THE RIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11415750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

← Full 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER report