TSB: Some 2019 ? 2021 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Toyota 4Runner brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 4Runner | 9 |
| 2018 4Runner | 4 |
| 2019 4Runner | 3 |
| 2020 4Runner | 4 |
| 2021 4Runner (this page) | 4 |
| 2022 4Runner | 4 |
| 2025 4Runner | 20 |
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 brakes 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 2020 ? 2021 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2020 ? 2021 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2020 ? 2021 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
On May 27, 2021 The brakes failed on my brand new 2021 Toyota TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner. I attempted to brake at a stop light, the brake pedal went to the floor and the car did not stop. Luckily no accident occurred and I was able to drive it home (4 miles). No warning lights or messages appeared at all before, during or after the incident. This occurred between 3-4 pm in Custer, SD on…
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Toyota/4Runner.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.