5th Gen 4Runner years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Every Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen model year: which ones owners and specialists recommend, which have documented problems, which carry recalls, and what they sell for now.
There's no bad engine year, so buy on condition. Autotrader says the fifth generation has no major issues of concern and recommends a late truck, preferably 2020–2024, which get TSS-P safety tech and CarPlay; it's 'OK' with 2013–2015 and notes owner reports of brake, electrical, rust and paint gripes on 2010–2012. SlashGear singles out 2013–2016 for higher complaint and recall counts. Whatever the year, confirm the Takata airbag (2010–2016) and fuel pump (2014–2015 and 2018–2019) recalls are closed.
At a glance
5th Gen 4Runner year by year
| YEAR | VERDICT | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | — | J150 Prado-platform launch: 4.0 1GR-FE V6 (270 hp), Trail Edition with KDSS, rear locker and Crawl Control; 2.7 four on 2WD only, 2010 only |
| 2014 | — | Facelift: projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, Optitron cluster, upgraded brake lines, Trailer Sway Control |
| 2015 | — | TRD Pro added: TRD-tuned Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks (Fox on later trucks), TRD front springs, front skid plate |
| 2017 | — | Trail and Trail Premium renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium; same hardware |
| 2019 | — | Nightshade package on the Limited |
| 2020 | Sweet spot | Toyota Safety Sense-P standard; Entune 3.0 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Autotrader says buy a late fifth gen, preferably 2020–2024 |
| 2022 | — | Push-button start and LED lighting standard; TRD Sport trim with X-REAS; TRD Pro gets Multi-Terrain Monitor |
| 2023 | — | 40th Anniversary Special Edition (4,040 units); heated wheel on upper trims |
| 2024 | — | Final year; TRD Pro in exclusive Terra paint |
“Sweet spot” means owners and specialists recommend those years; “Beware” means documented problems; “Recall” means check the recall was done rather than walk away.
What a 5th Gen 4Runner costs (October 2026)
Prices are firm. Late low-mile TRD Pros still change hands near or above their original sticker, while early high-mile SR5s are the entry point.
| High-mile / early | $15k–25k |
|---|---|
| Driver | $25k–46k |
| Excellent / low-mile TRD Pro | $50k–58.5k |
Based on 22 Bring a Trailer sales from October 2025 to October 2026 (median about $38,000). The top sales were low-mile 2022–24 TRD Pros at $53,500–58,500.
Recalls by year
- Takata passenger airbag inflator ↗ 2010–2011
- Takata passenger airbag inflator ↗ 2012
- Takata passenger airbag inflator ↗ 2010, 2013
- Takata passenger airbag inflator ↗ 2011–2016
- Takata replacement inflators (re-recall) ↗ 2010–2016
- Denso low-pressure fuel pump ↗ 2014–2015
- Denso low-pressure fuel pump (expansion) ↗ 2018–2019
Best years are buyer consensus from owners, specialists and forums, not spec sheets. See all 4Runner years to avoid across every generation.