Toyota4Runner2021Overview/toyota/4runner/2021/base/

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 4Runner.

Transmission Automatic (S5)

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner operates with a five-speed automatic transmission and a powertrain requiring 6.6 quarts of 0W-20 oil, returning an EPA-estimated 16 city, 19 highway, and 17 combined mpg. It currently holds just 34 total owner complaints primarily focused on steering alongside a single recall, reflecting a strong standard of quality. When contextualized within the model's complaint history spanning 1990 to 2026, this year sits far closer to the record low of 5 complaints in 2026 than the peak of 707 in 2003, meaning the 2021 4Runner represents a notably reliable era for the nameplate.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torqueAluminum: 76.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 83.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/19/17 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 585 CCA battery, OE oil filter 9672335028. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 585 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLCTYOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245/60R20 107HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter9672335028 alt 9030179006
Engine air filter1780138051
Spark plug9091901233
Battery2880054020
Front wiper blades8521253081 alt 8522252180
Serpentine belt90916A2015
Thermostat1632631050 alt 160310P010
Cabin air filter8713907020 alt 8713950100

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189.8 in
Overall width76 in
Overall height71.7 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Curb weight4806 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 19 / 17 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the 4Runner of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5–8.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2017 TRD Off-Road
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2022TRD Pro 4.0L V67.70 sec16.00 sec270 hp4x4
2022TRD Pro 4.0L V68.00 sec16.10 sec270 hp4x4
2019TRD Off-Road Premium 4.0L V67.70 sec16.00 sec270 hp4x4
202340th Anniversary Special Edition 4.0L V67.90 sec16.00 sec270 hp4x4
2024TRD Pro 4.0L V67.70 sec15.90 sec270 hp4x4
2017TRD Off-Road 4.0L V67.50 sec15.90 sec270 hp4x4
2017TRD Pro 4.0L V68.00 sec16.10 sec270 hp4x4
2015Limited 4.0L V67.90 sec16.00 sec270 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.6 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, SAE 75W · API · GL-5 in the differential, SAE J1703 · Dot 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to Aluminum: 76.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 83.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity1.8 qt
Brake FluidSAE J1703 · Dot 3
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · API · GL-5
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity11.1 qt
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity11.1 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs10MM Bolts: 7 ft-lbs, 12MM Bolts: 18 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts192.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)14.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)32.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)15.0 ft-lbs
Flex or Driveplate BoltsDrive Plate to Crankshaft: 61.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts61 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFront: 29.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 36.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 48.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 36.0 ft-lbs
Lug NutsAluminum: 76.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 83.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug15.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Curb Idle Speed (No Load)Transmission Neutral and AC Off: 740 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)Checking Speed: 740 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerDenso
Spark Plug TypeSK20HR11 or SK16HR11
Spark Plug GapNew: 0.0394-0.0433; Used: 0.0512 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.143 - 1.281 lbs
Oil TypeND-12 or equivalent
Standard BCI Group Number24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance585 cca
Standard BCI Group Number24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance585 cca

Service checks

RPM46.5-47.4 @ Idle rpm
Residual Pressure21.0
RPM46.5-47.4 rpm
Residual Pressure21.0
Engine Compression1160
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-85 psi @ 3000 rpm psi
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi minimum @ Idle psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM43-85 psi @ 3,000 rpm

Brakes

Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.0394; Rear: 0.0394 in
Minimum Pad Thickness0.039" in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9018 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°18 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Lower15 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sits in the later, well-refined phase of the fifth generation, where complaint and recall counts have been consistently low. With only 34 complaints and 1 recall, it aligns closely with the 2020 and 2023 model years (31 and 30 complaints, respectively) and continues the downward trend from the generation’s peak complaint years of 2010–2011. The 127 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for 2021 are moderate—lower than 2020’s 157 but higher than 2022’s 92—suggesting ongoing but manageable service guidance. No investigations were opened for 2021, and the top complaint areas (steering, brakes, suspension) each involve only 4–5 reports, indicating no dominant or widespread issue. The data does not specify root causes for these complaints, so no systemic problem can be inferred. Overall, the 2021 4Runner represents a stable, low-risk choice within a generation that has matured well, making it a good year to buy.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
127
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
34
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 34 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering5
Service Brakes4
Steering,Suspension4
Exterior Lighting2
Back Over Prevention2
Suspension2
Steering,Suspension,Wheels2
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V480000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 06/07/2022

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles… Remedy: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 127 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0106-22 Rev22026-01-30Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-262026-01-28Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic…
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev12025-06-13Electrical SystemThe air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…
T-TT-0780-252025-04-02Electrical SystemTo assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 4Runner. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 4Runner take?

6.6 qt of 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 4Runner have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 4Runner get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined mpg.