TOYOTA 4RUNNER · model year

2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

181 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011TOYOTA4RUNNER carries 181 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 4RUNNER is air bags with 112 filings, followed by unknown or other (9) and structure:body (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2011 4RUNNER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

181
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

181 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS112
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
STRUCTURE:BODY7
POWER TRAIN6
SERVICE BRAKES6
ENGINE6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
STEERING5
SEATS4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
WHEELS3
SUSPENSION3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VISIBILITY1

Recalls (10)

16V34000023/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 20

14V74300019/11/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affec

19V74100017/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX4

13V01400016/01/2013

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model y

15V51500013/08/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them w

13V12300009/04/2013

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-20

19V00500009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louis

16V57700003/08/2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn

17V42500003/07/2017

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

16V39600002/06/2016

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Priu

Recent Complaints

20251107STRUCTURE:BODY

Received a letter about recall letter about peeling paint. Paint was ok at time of letter. A year later the paint is now peeling from every panel. Toyota says the campaign has ended and there is nothing they can do. But customer relations also said there are many people calling in after the fact with the same peeling problem. I would like Toyota to repaint the vehicle because they are aware that they have a problem. I will be trading my vehicle in for a new one in a year and my vehicle will not be worth anything in its current shape. Thank you

20251028UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The paint on the outside of my 2011 Toyota 4Runner has recently been peeling significantly in various areas of the car, including the roof, the door below the window, and the front driver side panel. These areas are prone to rust, and many inhibit the safety of the car due to rust. Due to living near the ocean (within a mile), the salty air may increase the rust due to the paint peeling in various and significant areas of the car.

20250608STRUCTURE:BODY

The Blizzard Pearl paint on my Toyota 4Runner is peeling in large patches, exposing the undercoat and compromising the vehicle’s integrity. Toyota issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) acknowledging this as a known defect affecting Blizzard Pearl paint, but I never received the notification. As a result, I missed the deadline to have the issue corrected, and Toyota has refused to assist. This widespread issue impacts resale value and could potentially lead to rust or corrosion. There should not be a time limit on addressing a manufacturing defect of this nature. Toyota should be held accountable for providing a lasting remedy, especially when customers like me were unaware of the CSP timeline.

20240622SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes ABS system failure affect the rear traction not feeding the brakes rear lines could be related to the proportioning sensing valve or other devices and the dealer says that the part it’s discontinued and service center says that the part cost around $2,000 plus labor. It’s very dangerous that someone have this issue on the road.

20240610FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The conectors wire of the fuel pump was burn, inside the fuel pump the wire is melted. I thing is danger because the gas can involved.

20230428SERVICE BRAKES

Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting

20230428SUSPENSION

Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting

20230428UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting

20230117ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving my truck and needed to use the horn to warn another driver of a potential collision. My horn did not work. I later noticed that the horn only stopped working when the steering wheel was in the forward position. I researched this online, and it was stated that this was a known issue with many Toyotas including the 4runner. It is the clock spring in the steering wheel which needs replacement. Another issue is the price Toyota is charging for the clock spring at $800 which may deter customers from fixing it. I am fixing mine and ask for nothing except consideration in forcing a recall. This is dangerous. I can send you the defective clock spring if you would like it. I bought the vehicle but live in Canada.

20220104STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated as he arrived at his residence after driving 40 MPH, his father noticed that something was hanging underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that he noticed that the gas tank strap had detached, and the main guard was rusted. The contact replaced the gas tank strap himself. The contact stated that the hatch release was corroded. The contact also stated that the bottom of the liftgate of the vehicle was severely corroded and had holes. The contact stated that the inside of the front passenger’s side door of the vehicle was corroded. The contact also stated that the skid plate was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who took photos of the failure and sent a report to the district manager. Then, the vehicle was taken to South Hills Toyota Service (2403 Washington Rd, Canonsburg, PA 15317) who advised the contact to report the failure to the manufacturer and the manufacturer would follow up with him. The manufa

Mileage: 68,000

20210705STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame is rusting out. The vehicle and steering shake excessively. It increases with speed and feels as if the suspension is braking or the wheels are coming off. Feels unsafe to drive. Has been this way since I purchased the car. Has gotten progressively worse.

20210705SUSPENSION

The frame is rusting out. The vehicle and steering shake excessively. It increases with speed and feels as if the suspension is braking or the wheels are coming off. Feels unsafe to drive. Has been this way since I purchased the car. Has gotten progressively worse.

20210705STEERING

The frame is rusting out. The vehicle and steering shake excessively. It increases with speed and feels as if the suspension is braking or the wheels are coming off. Feels unsafe to drive. Has been this way since I purchased the car. Has gotten progressively worse.

20210415SEATS

I TURNED IN THE IGNITION AND WASN'T EVEN AROUND THE BLOCK FROM MY HOME, WHEN I NOTICED MY SEAT OVERHEATING ALONG WITH A STRONG BURNING ELECTRICAL/WIRE SMELL. THE HEAT WAS HOTTER THAN THE HIGHEST SETTING BECAUSE IT WAS UNCOMFORTABLE TO REMAIN SEATED. I CHECKED THE POWER SWITCH, WHICH WAS OFF, THEN TOGGLED IT ANYWAY TO SEE IF IT WOULD TURN OFF. I HAD TO PULL OVER AS THE SEAT WAS TOO HOT AND FEARED IT INJURE ME AND/OR WOULD IGNITE. AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, THE HEATING STOPPED. HOWEVER, I GOT BACK IN AND STARTED TO DRIVE, IT HEATED UP AGAIN. I RETURNED HOME TO LOOK UNDER THE SEAT BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL, EXCEPT FOR THE STRONG BURNING WIRES SMELL. ALSO, MY SKIN WAS RED WITH A LINGERING STING IN TWO AREAS WHERE THE HEAT WAS MORE INTENSE. I CONDUCTED ON ONLINE SEARCH ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED OTHERS EXPERIENCED THE ABRUPT OVERHEATING SEATS.

Mileage: 88,000

20201228ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT SHORTS OUT REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING.. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2015. BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, TAIL LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO SHORT OUT.

Mileage: 50,000

20201025AIR BAGS

AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE

20201025ENGINE

AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE

20201025UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE

20201016VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AS I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE. I HEARD A LOUD POP AND HEARD GLASS HITTING THE TOP OF THE SUN SHADE. I INSPECTED THE TOP OF THE SUNROOF AND NOTICED THAT THE GLASS WAS PUSHED OUTWARD, AS IF IT EXPLODED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO HAIL AND NO OBJECTS ABOVE THE VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN AN OPEN DRIVEWAY WITH NO TREES.

Mileage: 107,000

20200316SEATS

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND THE SEAT STARTED GETTING HOT. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE SWITCH WAS OFF. IT WAS, BUT I TURNED IT ON THEN OFF, JUST TO MAKE SURE. THE SEAT HEATER STAYED ON AND GOT HOTTER, AND I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I STOPPED, GOT OUT, AND CHECKED UNDER THE SEAT BUT COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING UNDER THERE. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, BUT HAD TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN THE SMELL WAS SO BAD...AND THE SEAT WAS UNPLEASANTLY HOT! MY HUSBAND DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE. HE PULLED THE FUSE THIS MORNING...I'LL SEE IF THAT FIXED THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY.

Mileage: 86,000

Compare 2011TOYOTA4RUNNER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER have?
The 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 181 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
Yes, the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The most-complained component for the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER is AIR BAGS with 112 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.