Toyota 4RUNNER vs Toyota Highlander
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota 4RUNNER has 11.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 14.6 for the Toyota Highlander. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Toyota 4RUNNER
11.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
21% fewer than the Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 1,891
- Sold
- 1,631,139
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2005–2006 and 2010–2011. Fewest: 2017 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body and panel corrosion
Typically around 147,000 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 150,500 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 68,471 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 61,500 mi
-
Rear differential and axle
Typically around 138,000 mi · repair $1,350–$2,550
Toyota Highlander
14.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Toyota 4RUNNER’s rate
- Complaints
- 4,263
- Sold
- 2,920,212
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Toyota 4RUNNER or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota 4RUNNER has 11.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Toyota Highlander has 14.6, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota 4RUNNER is body and panel corrosion, typically around 147,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Toyota 4RUNNER and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota 4RUNNER: 2005–2006 and 2010–2011; Toyota Highlander: 2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.