Steering Shimmy/Vibration

A persistent shimmy or shake at highway speeds (55-70 mph) is the most reported issue. This can be caused by tire imbalance, alignment issues, or worn suspension components. Estimated repair cost: $100 - $1,500.

Related to steering shimmy, suspension complaints often point to worn bushings, ball joints, or shocks/struts, leading to instability and noise. Estimated repair cost: $400 - $1,200.

Service Brakes Failure/Fade

Complaints include instances of the brake pedal going to the floor and complete brake failure, posing a critical safety risk. Estimated repair cost: $300 - $800.

While less frequent, wheel-related complaints can include issues with balance or integrity, sometimes linked to aftermarket modifications. Estimated repair cost: $100 - $500.

CARFOCALvehicle research

2021 Toyota 4Runner Maintenance guide

Name: Maintenance dataset for 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Creator: Carfocal

v1.0Updated May 30, 2026Daniel Wilson4 Sources Analyzed

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's most frequent owner complaints center on its steering and suspension, often manifesting as a highway speed shimmy. Vigilance with the braking system is also crucial due to reports of reduced performance and failure.

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Reliability Score

Est. Annual Maintenance Cost

$700 - $1,200

TSBs & Recalls

10 TSBs | 1 Recalls

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Key Takeaways

The most frequent owner-reported issues for the 2021 4Runner involve the steering and suspension, often presenting as a highway speed shimmy.
Brake system integrity is critical, with reports of reduced performance and failure requiring regular inspection.

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Critical service intervals

Common failure analysis

Symptoms and prevention guidance