2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 162 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Structural Problems
Considering a 2011 Toyota 4runner?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 112 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 162 most recent complaints
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 i…
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 ru…
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…
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 …
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.
Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting
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 w…
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 ru…
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.
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, WH…
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.
AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE
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 T…
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 UN…
PASSENGER SIDE LOWER DOOR SEAM IS RUSTING. NOTICED RECENTLY. VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT & FREQUENTLY WASHED. PREMATURE RUSTING. ONLY HAS 88,000 MILES ON IT. RUST IS ALSO PRESENT ON REAR LIFTGATE HATCH. VEHICLE STATIONARY.
TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I KEEP GETTING LETTERS FROM YOU BY THE WEEK AND MY AVIN SHOWS ON YOUR RECALL DATABASE. WHEN I GO TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DATABASE, IT DOESN'T. SO, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. STOPPED RETRACTING AND LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. WOULD NOT RETRACT AT ALL. COST FOR PART $278
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 STEER…
WATER ENTERS TRANSMISSION THROUGH DEFECT IN SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH CAUSING TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT TO MALFUNCTION CAUSES DELAY IN TRANSMISSION ENGAGING THEN JUMPS INTO GEAR. VEHICLE STATIONARY
REAR UNDER CARRIAGE / FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION THAT SHOULDN'T BE CONSIDER NORMAL WEAR. TRUCK WAS EARLIER RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT OF LEAF SPRINGS DUE TO POTENTIAL FAILURE FROM CORROSION. LIKEWISE, DO BELIEVE FRAME, LIKE SOME EARLIER MODELS OF TACOMA'S, SHOULD ALSO BE CONSID…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2011 Toyota 4runner
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Toyota 4runner. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2011 Toyota 4runner has 162 NHTSA owner complaints, 4 crash-related, and 10 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (112 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (112 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (9 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2011 Toyota 4runner has 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 162 total NHTSA complaints. 3 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2011 Toyota 4runner has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota 4runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2011 Toyota 4runner
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.