Recall 17V291 affects 1,019 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER vehicles with TFORCE roof rack fasteners tightened incorrectly. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 1,019 2016-2017 4RUNNER vehicles with the TFORCE accessory package because improperly tightened aftermarket roof rack fasteners can loosen. If those fasteners loosen, the roof rack can detach from the vehicle and increase crash risk; Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The roof rack on affected 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER SUVs is an aftermarket rack installed with the TFORCE accessory package. Its fasteners clamp the rack to the roof mounting points so the rack stays fixed while the vehicle is moving, turning, and braking. Those fasteners need the correct tightening torque, which is the specified clamping force for the hardware.
On these 4RUNNER SUVs, some roof rack fasteners were not tightened to the specified value during installation. A Toyota product quality audit found the torque problem, and a review of the installation instructions and process showed the rack was not secured as designed. If the fasteners loosen further, the rack can shift against the roof mounting points instead of staying firmly attached.
Owners can hear an abnormal rattling noise from the roof area when the fasteners loosen. That roof-area rattle is the warning sign to take seriously.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Toyota 4RUNNER | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota 4RUNNER | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,019 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose roof rack can detach from the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Listen for abnormal rattling from the roof area, and schedule the inspection soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER with the TFORCE accessory package is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free roof rack fastener inspection and tightening that secures the aftermarket roof rack.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V291 when you call.
- Avoid carrying cargo on the roof rack until the dealer confirms the fasteners are tight.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-444-1074 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the aftermarket roof rack fasteners installed with the TFORCE accessory package and tightens any fasteners that were not tightened correctly. The inspection and fastening work are free under the recall. The reimbursement plan says Toyota does not expect prior owner claims, but appropriate reimbursement is available if a related claim exists. If you already paid for roof rack fastening work tied to this recall, ask the service desk how to submit your repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 4, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 4, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 1, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 1, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 15, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V291?
Recall 17V291 covers 1,019 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The aftermarket roof rack fasteners were not tightened correctly, and the roof rack can detach if the fasteners loosen. Toyota dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 4RUNNER is included in recall 17V291. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the roof rack fastener inspection under recall 17V291000 or Gulf States recall 17R1. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 17V291, Toyota dealers will inspect the aftermarket roof rack fasteners and tighten them if needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that loose roof rack fasteners can let the roof rack detach from the 4RUNNER while driving. A detached roof rack can create a road hazard and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection.
What if I bought my Toyota 4RUNNER used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2016-2017 Toyota 4RUNNER still gets the covered roof rack inspection if its VIN is included. Reference recall 17V291000 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V291000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-444-1074 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V291 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V291000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →