TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota 4Runner airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 4Runner | 91 |
| 2011 4Runner | 112 |
| 2012 4Runner | 70 |
| 2013 4Runner (this page) | 9 |
| 2014 4Runner | 8 |
| 2015 4Runner | 16 |
| 2016 4Runner | 10 |
| 2017 4Runner | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 9 airbags complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Airbags accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Toyota?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Toyota stands behind the reliability of our vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
2013 Toyota rav4. Consumer writes in regards to brake failure *ld the consumer stated the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing a crash into an unoccupied parked vehicle and a light pole. The airbags did not deploy. *js
The component that failed is the air back clock spring. It’s preventing the horn form functioning properly. In turn can result in an accident from lack of warning other drivers and/or air bag might not go off. It seems to be a known problem on the 13 model year of the 4Runners. It has not been inspected as I’m not knowledgeable on what to do in that situation and the dealer says that I’d have to…
2013 Toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regards to recall for defective airbag replacement, and if towing services will be available. *as *tr
During an accident, both side airbags deployed (front airbags did not deploy). Front right passenger injured by side airbag -- bleeding puncture wounds (approx 3) on upper right wrist, severe raised gouges (below the skin) from that point up the entire length of the arm (more severe on forearm). Passenger recalls something shooting out from "a" post. Passenger went via ambulance to er. Later,…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owned a 2013 Toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v024000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact did not call the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact had not experienced…
Takata recall all of the side air bags deployed while driving on a flat surface around 20 MPH. According to computer report it stated the 4runnder was in a rollover when it was not. Please see attached report. There is no damage to the outside of the vehicle and was not at any inclines. Toyota stated the 2013 4runner is not under the air bag recall. It should be!!! I have had the 4runner…
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2013 Toyota 4Runner?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 9 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 111,267 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.