# Toyota 4Runner check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 14 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (3) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 14 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota 4Runner (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (3). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota 4Runner check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 86 | 3% | | 2016 | 3 | 81 | 4% | | 2017 | 3 | 36 | 8% | | 2018 | 2 | 60 | 3% | | 2019 | 2 | 65 | 3% | | 2021 | 1 | 36 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota 4Runner recalls related to the check engine light **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-11-04): 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 assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be... **[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2015 models, reported 2020-01-13): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota 4Runner owners report - "Three days later, a series of warning lights and check engine lights turned on, which has occurred 6 other times, and has been brought to local Toyota dealer multiple times (over six times) and no fix has been conducted to repair the vehicle other than resetting the vehicles ECU. When all of the warning lights turn..." -- owner of a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2024 - "The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he noticed that the vehicle was shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the check engine warning light..." -- owner of a 2019 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2022 - "Truck started to stall dashboard lights started to appear 4wd indicator flashes rapidly charging system warning low engine oil pressure check engine multi-terrain flashes continuesly trac off light eco light took it to the dealer they told me they will check the problem. Call them to see if they happen to know what..." -- owner of a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2021 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota 4Runner check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (20V682000, 20V012000) covering 2015-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota 4Runner years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 4Runner model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 3 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota 4Runner with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Toyota 4Runner has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota 4Runner warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-4runner): 6 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-4runner): 4 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-4runner): 12 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota 4Runner - [Toyota 4Runner specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-4runner) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-4runner Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.