# Toyota 4Runner power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 4 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (1) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 4 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Toyota 4Runner (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (1). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Toyota 4Runner power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 86 | 1% | | 2017 | 1 | 36 | 3% | | 2020 | 1 | 33 | 3% | | 2023 | 1 | 33 | 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 power steering warning light **[19V670000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V670000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2019-09-20): Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. 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 - "...doesn't show any failure I went right away to dealership close by they inspected the vehicle they states there is a power steering failure but the car never showed any failure on dashboard or safety system" -- owner of a 2023 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front timing cover and..." -- owner of a 2020 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2024 - "It acted as it if was just trying to reconnect to my phone when it was actually turning off and rebooting as if I was just starting the car .the third time it happened, I was making a left hand turn on to a very busy four lane road when in mid turn, it felt like I had lost power steering. I checked the dashboard for..." -- owner of a 2017 Toyota 4Runner, complaint filed 2020 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota 4Runner power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (19V670000) covering 2018-2019 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 power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 4Runner model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 1 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 power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### 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 - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-4runner): 14 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-4runner): 12 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Toyota 4Runner - [Toyota 4Runner specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-4runner) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-4runner Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.