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2011 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20267 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2011 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner has 180 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 180 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

111 61.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 5%

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 3.9%

POWER TRAIN

6 3.3%

SERVICE BRAKES

6 3.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 61.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 21 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Toyota 4Runner

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner has 180 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 62% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner are AIR BAGS (111), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9), STRUCTURE:BODY (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 141 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Toyota 4Runner?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 4Runner complaints2013 4Runner complaints2014 4Runner complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 21 of 21 systems

AIR BAGS

111 Reports62% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TO FINISH THE COMPLAINT OF ODI 10436894, YOU ARE GOING TO NEED: A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS-HAZ MSDS BEEN FILED AT OHSA? - IMMEDIATE SHUTDOWN WITH CHEMICAL SAFETY A PART ANALYSIS DEFENSE HAS EXTERNAL TO THE BUSINESS IN THE FORM OF FIRST ARTICLE TEST-USUALLY THE BASE THAT JUST ORDERED THE NEWEST VEHICLE FLEET IN THE MOTOR POOL. THIS IS A SUBPENOABLE FILE EXTERNAL TO THE BUSINESS. NEED THE ORDER UP NUMBER FROM ALL RECEIPTS AT AUTOLIV TO GET MSDS THAT THE SUPPLIERS FILE WITH OSHA. THAT'S THE MIX. SAMPLE PRODUCT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO DATE AS THEY MARK SERIAL #'S WITH NO MANUFACTURE DATE. THIS USUALLY PROMPTS TESTING WITH EACH ORDER UP NUMBER CHANGE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS. EVERYTHING RETURNED TO THE PLANT GOES OUT WITH A NEW SERIAL NUMBER. LAST YEAR WE CAUGHT THIS ADVERTISED ON E-BAY TO START YOUR HOME BASE BUSINESS. WITH THE CLOSURE OF DELCO, PLANT RETURNS ARE GOING TO THE SECOND HAND PART STORE IN PEOPLE'S HOME. NO MENTION IN THIS NEW SCHEME FROM AUTOLIV THAT AN EXPLOSIVES LICENSE AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE IS NECESSARY EXTERNAL TO THE VEHICLE ONLY. MEANWHILE WE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A CHEMICAL AND NUCLEAR LOAD IN THE FRONT SEAT. WE NEED DISPOSAL SITES IN 50 TO KEEP THE RETURNS FROM GOING BACK OUT TO THE PUBLIC. THERE WAS A FIRE SUPPRESSANT SYSTEM THAT WAS IN DEVELOPMENT THAT SPRAYS FUEL NEUTRALIZER "IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL AND OVER THE GAS TANK". WE NEED THE CURRENT DRAWING BOARD THROUGH BANKRUPTCY NEVER TO PRODUCE AGAIN AND THE NEW PRODUCT START UP. WE NEED PRODUCTION OF NEW DOOR, DASH, AND STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT THE PRODUCT IN IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

11/23/2011

TAKATA AIR BAG-- SINCE I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR THE RECALL, TOYOTA HAS INSTRUCTED US NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THEY HAVE NOT FURNISHED A TIME LINE FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ME. ALSO, I AM UNABLE TO TRADE THE VEHICLE IN DUE TO THE RECALL. TOYOTA IS BLAMING NHTSA FOR THE EXTENDED RECALL. NOW THE PUBLIC IS AGAIN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTIONS.

7/19/2016

109 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS A VIBRATION KIND OF AN ENGINE VIBRATION. IT HAPPENS WHEN WE ACCELERATE THE SUV. IT'S NOT THE TIRES.

5/15/2015

I HAD MY GREAT GRANDSON IN REAR BACKSIDE ON RIGHT HAND SIDE, PLACE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON WHILE HE WAS WITH ME UNTIL I RETURNED HIM TO HIS MOTHER. TRIED TO REMOVE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS UNABLE. TOOK IT TO TOYOTA OF MCDONOUGH THEY STATED THAT SOMETHING WAS BROKE. I PURCHASE THIS TRUCK FROM OVER $38,000.00 IN 2011 NEVER USED THE CHILD LOCK UNTIL MY GREAT GRANDSON. TOYOTA OF MCDONOUGH SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS TELLING ME THAT I WILL BE PAY AROUND ABOUT FIGURE OF $300.00 TO 600.00 TO HAVE THE PART REPLACE. I FEEL THAT SINCE I HAVE NEVER USE THIS UNTIL I HAD MY GREAT GRANDSON WHY SHOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. I HAVE CONTINUE TO HAVE MY SERVICE DONE AND NOT JUST THAT I HAVE ALSO PURCHASE A 2014 CORILLA OVER $27,000.00 BOTH VEHICLE BRAND NEW. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME FEED BACK ON HOW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH THIS REAR CHILD SAFETY LOCK.

7/18/2016

7 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2011 TOYOTA HIGH LANDER. THE POWER LIFTGATE ARM ON THE REAR TRUNK BECAME DETACHED FROM THE LIFTGATE. IT LOOKED TO ME AS IF THE SCREW BECAME STRIPPED AND CAME OUT OF THE HOLE.

11/19/2015

TOYOTA HIGH LANDER, 2011. THE POWER LIFTGATE ARM ON THE REAL TRUNK IS DETACHED FROM THE LIFTGATE. IT LOOKED TO ME AS IF THE SCREW BECAME STRIPPED AND CAME OUT OF THE HOLE. AND THEY SAID IT ISN'T COVERED AND THEY WILL CHARGE TO THE OWNER AND IT COSTS AROUND $3500.00, PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS CASE AND HOW IT DETACHED FROM THE BODY.

11/19/2015

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SUDDEN RAPID ACCELERATION, ENTERING A PARKING SPOT, BOTH FEET ON BRAKES, STILL ACCELERATION, PUT IN NEUTRAL THEN PARK, STILL ACCELERATION, HAD TO BACK UP, WAS IN A BAD POSITION, NEVER TOUCHED THE GAS THRU THIS WHOLE INCIDENT. RELINED VEHICLE, STILL ACCELERATION, PUT IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. TOYOTA HAS HAD IT SINCE, 9-2-2011, TODAY IS 9-7-2011. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS. I PICK UP MY GRAND KIDS ALL THE TIME LET ALONE ON THE ROAD SHOPPING, ERRANDS, ETC. THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR

9/7/2011

PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW AND THE 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATED SMOOTHLY. AROUND 9,300 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING GEARS HARSHLY. THE HARSHNESS IS INTERMITTENT BUT HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. ALSO, WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING DOWNHILL, THE RPMS BOUNCE EVERYWHERE FROM 1500 RPMS TO 3000 RPMS. ITS ALMOST AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS CONFUSED AND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO CHOOSE ANYMORE. I ALSO FEEL AS IF THE BRAKES AREN'T RELEASING. WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GOING DOWN HILL, ONCE I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND BEFORE I ACCELERATE, WHILE COASTING, I FEEL A "THUD" IN THE REAR END AFTER ABOUT TWO ROTATIONS OF THE WHEELS. I DRIVE IN BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC DAILY IN PITTSBURGH AND THIS SHIFTING IS AWFUL - BY FAR THE WORST TRANSMISSION IN A VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I MENTIONED THIS ISSUE DURING MY LAST SERVICE VISIT AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED YET. THIS NEEDS ADDRESSED ASAP. THIS CAN'T BE THE WAY TOYOTA INTENDED FOR THIS VEHICLE TO OPERATE - ESPECIALLY SINCE IT DIDN'T ALWAYS OPERATE THIS WAY. *TR

12/3/2011

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BRAKES APPLIED AT 45 MPH,VSC ACTIVATED,REAR BRAKES LOCKED ON AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFE LOCATION OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO OWNERS HOME VIA FLATBED. THE REAR BRAKES WERE VERY HOT AND GRABBING AS I EXITED THE HIGHWAY. THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT IN THE CONSOLE LIT. AND THE AUDIO BEEPER SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEY DID NOT REQUEST TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *TR

1/4/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING FROM 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES WITH FORCE UNTIL THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT AND MOVED AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,047 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,203.

6/19/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

JUST AS I PUT MY NEW TOYOTA 4-RUNNER IN REVERSE IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT, THE ENGINE RACES WILDLY. FORTUNATELY MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT BACK INTO "PARK" - WHEREUPON THE ENGINE RACED EVEN MORE WILDLY, UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING WAS AGAINST THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL - AND THERE WASN'T... I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS IN ITS CORRECT POSITION AND WORKING FREELY - AND IT WAS. SO I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT SEEMED FINE, AND DROVE HOME - AND A LITTLE BIT YESTERDAY (MONDAY) MORNING - THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT. ALL WAS FINE... BUT, BUT, THIS WAS A VERY CROWDED PARKING LOT WHERE THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE - LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE - INCLUDING CHILDREN - WALKING AROUND, AND MANY HUNDREDS OF OTHER CARS AND TRUCKS NEARBY... I AM A LIFE-LONG TOYOTA OWNER - AND THIS WILL NOT CHANGE THIS. BUT, CLEARLY THIS "UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION" PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA'S OF LATE, STILL EXISTS AND MUST BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY!!! *TR

1/8/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V577000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 16V340000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

9/20/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON 8 APRIL 2013, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE HEATING SWITCH TO THE HEATED SEATS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ITS SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WAS REAL HOT LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE. *TR THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD AND THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. AS TO THE QUESTION WAS THERE A FIRE.......THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL FIRE BUT, SOMETHING WAS BURNING.. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. *TR

4/9/2013

VEHICLE JUST CUT OFF AND ALL LIGHTS AT INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON. TRIED TO START VEHICLE AND ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER:BOBBY MURRAY TOYOTA OF ROCKY MOUNT, NC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, VEHICLE STARTED FOR THEM THE NEXT MORNING. THEY SAID IT HAD A CRANKABILITY CODE BUT DIDN'T SET A HARD CODE. MY CONCERN IS THIS HAPPENING AGAIN, WHO KNOWS WHEN OR WHERE WITH ME BY MYSELF OR WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, AND HAVING TO PAY A TOW AGAIN!!!! *TR

2/26/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING ABNORMALLY IN THE AM OR AFTER IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. NOW IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME BUT NOT ALL THE TIME AND IT OCCURS BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES. THEY REPLACED THE TIRES BUT IT DIDN'T CORRECT THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TOYOTA IS AWARE BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ADVISED ME OF THAT. TOYOTA IS TAKING CARE OF THE LEXUS AND THE GX MODELS FIRST.

2/15/2012

STEERING WHEEL WILL START VIBRATING/SHAKING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-68. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SAID TOYOTA WAS AWARE BUT DIDN'T HAVE ANY SOLUTION. ISSUE WILL OCCUR ABOUT 98% OF THE TIME AND WILL LAST UNTIL YOU DRIVE BELOW 59 MPH. *TR

11/10/2012

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING, HE NOTICED THAT THE LUMBAR SUPPORT ON THE DRIVERS SEAT WOULD CRACKLE AND MAKE NOISE WHENEVER HE MOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,500.

6/28/2011

ON 8 APRIL 2013, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE HEATING SWITCH TO THE HEATED SEATS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ITS SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WAS REAL HOT LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE. *TR THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD AND THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. AS TO THE QUESTION WAS THERE A FIRE.......THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL FIRE BUT, SOMETHING WAS BURNING.. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. *TR

4/9/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 70 MPH, AND WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TRAVEL DOWNHILL, IT ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 80 TO 85 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED AND THE VEHICLES SPEED WOULD EXCEED WHATEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED TO WHEN TRAVELING DOWNHILL. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE SPEED WAS SUPPOSED TO VARY BY 3 TO 8 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 5,600.

7/21/2011

SUDDEN RAPID ACCELERATION, ENTERING A PARKING SPOT, BOTH FEET ON BRAKES, STILL ACCELERATION, PUT IN NEUTRAL THEN PARK, STILL ACCELERATION, HAD TO BACK UP, WAS IN A BAD POSITION, NEVER TOUCHED THE GAS THRU THIS WHOLE INCIDENT. RELINED VEHICLE, STILL ACCELERATION, PUT IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. TOYOTA HAS HAD IT SINCE, 9-2-2011, TODAY IS 9-7-2011. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS. I PICK UP MY GRAND KIDS ALL THE TIME LET ALONE ON THE ROAD SHOPPING, ERRANDS, ETC. THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT THE PROBLEM. *TR

9/7/2011

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING ABNORMALLY IN THE AM OR AFTER IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. NOW IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME BUT NOT ALL THE TIME AND IT OCCURS BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES. THEY REPLACED THE TIRES BUT IT DIDN'T CORRECT THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TOYOTA IS AWARE BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ADVISED ME OF THAT. TOYOTA IS TAKING CARE OF THE LEXUS AND THE GX MODELS FIRST.

2/15/2012

ON THIS VEHICLE'S VERY FIRST TIRE ROTATION, AT A REPUTABLE TIRE SHOP, THREE LUG STUDS BROKE OFF. IF YOU RUN A NET SEARCH, YOU WILL SEE A NUMBER OF SIMILAR REPORTS WHERE TOYOTA 2010 AND NEWER (5TH GENERATION) 4RUNNERS HAVE LUG STUD PROBLEMS--INCLUDING AT EARLY MILEAGE. *TR

8/9/2012

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CARLOS AND GEORGE OF KINGS OF CARS WORK (323) 213-3845 MOBILE +1 323-503-3983 HOME 5911 E. OLYMPIC BLVD LOS ANGELES , CA 90022 THEY SOLD ME THIS CAR WITH ODOMETER READING 84,000 MILES AROUND MARCH 2018...AFTER 2 WEEKS CAR WAS SHAKING AND NOT TURNING PROPERLY, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS BOUNCING WHEN DRIVING...TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, THEY HAD ME REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES, REALIGNED, BALANCE AND BACK BRAKES. 2 MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REAPPEARED AND WORST. TOOK IT BACK TO GEORGE, HE GOT HIS MECHANIC DO SAME THING AGAIN, PLUS REPLACES FRONT BAKES, 2 MONTHS LATER TOOK IT TO TOYOTA FOR A AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL, WHILE THERE I ASKED TOYOTA TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, TOYOTA FOUND OUT FROM RUNNING THEIR CARFAX REPORT THAT THIS SAME VEHICLE WAS RECORDED SEVERAL TIMES AT MECHANICS WITH LAST RECORDED MILEAGE IN 2017 OF 194,000 MILES, TOYOTA URGED ME TO RETURN CAR TO GEORGE KING CAR BECAUSE MORE SAFETY ISSUES MIGHT BE PRESENT SINCE CAR HAVING BALANCING ISSUES AND VIRRING OFF THE ROAD. CAR WAS RETURNED ONN8/18/2018, UNFORTUNATELY [XXX] CLAIMED NO KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUE AND CAR WILL BE DEALT WITH. IN JANUARY 2019 TO MAY 2019 I RECEIVED SEVERAL PARKING TICKETS IN PLACES I HAVE NEVER BEEN PLUS DMV SENT ME NOTICE THEY WERE SUSPENDING LICENSE 6RRU625 FOR NOT HAVING INSURANCE, CAR STILL IN MY NAME. GEORGE CLAIMED TO FIX IT BUT NOW I NEED YOU TO GO AFTER HIM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

5/10/2019

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.

7/5/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW AND THE 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATED SMOOTHLY. AROUND 9,300 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING GEARS HARSHLY. THE HARSHNESS IS INTERMITTENT BUT HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. ALSO, WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING DOWNHILL, THE RPMS BOUNCE EVERYWHERE FROM 1500 RPMS TO 3000 RPMS. ITS ALMOST AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS CONFUSED AND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO CHOOSE ANYMORE. I ALSO FEEL AS IF THE BRAKES AREN'T RELEASING. WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GOING DOWN HILL, ONCE I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND BEFORE I ACCELERATE, WHILE COASTING, I FEEL A "THUD" IN THE REAR END AFTER ABOUT TWO ROTATIONS OF THE WHEELS. I DRIVE IN BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC DAILY IN PITTSBURGH AND THIS SHIFTING IS AWFUL - BY FAR THE WORST TRANSMISSION IN A VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I MENTIONED THIS ISSUE DURING MY LAST SERVICE VISIT AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED YET. THIS NEEDS ADDRESSED ASAP. THIS CAN'T BE THE WAY TOYOTA INTENDED FOR THIS VEHICLE TO OPERATE - ESPECIALLY SINCE IT DIDN'T ALWAYS OPERATE THIS WAY. *TR

12/3/2011

CERTIFIED LETTER (7013 1090 0001 3828 4870)- LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING ISSUES WITH HIS TOYOTA RUNNER. *SMD 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2010. THREE MONTHS LATER HE HAD AN ACCIDENT, DUE TO THE BRAKES NOT RESPONDING. ONE MONTH AFTER THE ACCIDENT, HE WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT, DUE TO THE BRAKES NOT RESPONDING AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, TO HAVE THEM INSPECT THE BRAKES, BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.

9/11/2013

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AND IDLING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH VSE LIGHT AND EXPERIENCED ROUGH IDLING AND ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN MY WIFE TRIED TO PUT IN REVERSE AND BACK OUT NO THROTTLE WAS PRODUCED TO MOVE VEHICLE. SHE TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON ALONG WITH VSE LIGHT. SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME WITH ROUGH IDLING AND EXTREMELY ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE. THIS HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME WITHIN A FIVE DAY WINDOW UNTIL WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE APPOINTMENT. DEALERSHIP CONTENDS THROTTLE BODY IS BAD AT 39,000 MILES DUE TO THE THREE PROBLEMS CODES PULLED FROM VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH SCHEDULED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED @ 30,000 MILES WITH THROTTLE BODY CLEANING THIS PART STILL FAILED. THE ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE FROM THIS PART IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE THAT EXPERIENCES THIS WHILE DRIVING. *TR

11/9/2012

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.

6/10/2024

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

EASY TO CHIP WINDSHIELD GLASS. WEAK WINDSHIELD GLASS. *TR

12/19/2011

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

UPON ATTEMPTING TO LIFT THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY IN OPEN POSITION. THE DAY BEFORE 03/08/2013, IT WORKED FINE. IT APPEARS THE REAR LIFTGATE STRUTS FAILED. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF THESE STRUTS FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. *TR

3/11/2013

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE GLASS IN THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED UPWARD AND OUT AWAY FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR. THE SUN ROOF WAS NOT BEING OPERATED. IT WAS ONLY AROUND 80 TO 85 DEGREES. THE FORCE OF THE GLASS BEING BLOWN OUT REMINDED ME OF MOTORS EXPLODING IN IRAQ. WIFE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOT GUN BEING FIRED. I HAVE PICTURES SHOWING HOW THE GLASS EXPLODED OUTWARD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE THREW A BRICK THROUGH A WINDOW. *TR

7/16/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HEADLAMPS ON THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAVE A DEFECT IN THE UV COATING (SEE TSB-0081-12). THE ACCELERATED DETERIORATION OF THE HEADLAMP CLARITY CAUSES A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN THE LIGHT OUTPUT OF THE HEADLAMPS. THE DETERIORATION OF THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

9/25/2014

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CARLOS AND GEORGE OF KINGS OF CARS WORK (323) 213-3845 MOBILE +1 323-503-3983 HOME 5911 E. OLYMPIC BLVD LOS ANGELES , CA 90022 THEY SOLD ME THIS CAR WITH ODOMETER READING 84,000 MILES AROUND MARCH 2018...AFTER 2 WEEKS CAR WAS SHAKING AND NOT TURNING PROPERLY, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS BOUNCING WHEN DRIVING...TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, THEY HAD ME REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES, REALIGNED, BALANCE AND BACK BRAKES. 2 MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REAPPEARED AND WORST. TOOK IT BACK TO GEORGE, HE GOT HIS MECHANIC DO SAME THING AGAIN, PLUS REPLACES FRONT BAKES, 2 MONTHS LATER TOOK IT TO TOYOTA FOR A AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL, WHILE THERE I ASKED TOYOTA TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, TOYOTA FOUND OUT FROM RUNNING THEIR CARFAX REPORT THAT THIS SAME VEHICLE WAS RECORDED SEVERAL TIMES AT MECHANICS WITH LAST RECORDED MILEAGE IN 2017 OF 194,000 MILES, TOYOTA URGED ME TO RETURN CAR TO GEORGE KING CAR BECAUSE MORE SAFETY ISSUES MIGHT BE PRESENT SINCE CAR HAVING BALANCING ISSUES AND VIRRING OFF THE ROAD. CAR WAS RETURNED ONN8/18/2018, UNFORTUNATELY [XXX] CLAIMED NO KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUE AND CAR WILL BE DEALT WITH. IN JANUARY 2019 TO MAY 2019 I RECEIVED SEVERAL PARKING TICKETS IN PLACES I HAVE NEVER BEEN PLUS DMV SENT ME NOTICE THEY WERE SUSPENDING LICENSE 6RRU625 FOR NOT HAVING INSURANCE, CAR STILL IN MY NAME. GEORGE CLAIMED TO FIX IT BUT NOW I NEED YOU TO GO AFTER HIM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

5/10/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. STOPPED RETRACTING AND LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. WOULD NOT RETRACT AT ALL. COST FOR PART $278

5/20/2019

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/16/2020

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner is AIR BAGS, with 111 owner reports. That is about 62% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY.

Are complaints about the 2011 Toyota 4Runner a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 141 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Toyota 4Runner severe?

141 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota 4Runner: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
180
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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