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2011 Toyota 4Runner Problems & Owner Complaints

163 NHTSA owner complaints
4 crash 1 fire 3 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~10.2 complaints per year on the road — ranking 1 of 15 Toyota 4Runner years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Toyota 4Runner, cited in 112 of 163 filed complaints (69%).

Structure is next (9 complaints, 6%), followed by Service Brakes (8), Electrical System (6), Engine (6).

Across all complaints, 4 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 3 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 2 crash, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 163.

Air Bags 112 2 crash 1 injury

“WE WERE HIT HEAD ON IN A COLLISION ON 5/5/2017 AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT AND SIDE BAGS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WE WERE IN DID NOT. IT WAS UNPROVABLE BUT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. WE WERE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11112901, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL AT TOYOTA OF NORTH MIAMI (16600 NW 2ND AVE, MIAMI, FL 33169, (305) 974-1103). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEA…”
NHTSA complaint #11110616, 2018 · crash

“AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE”
NHTSA complaint #11366325, 2020

Structure 9

“I am writing to report a serious safety hazard regarding the factory paint and primer on my 2011 Toyota 4Runner (Paint Code: [ 070 for Blizzard Pearl]). The vehicle is experiencing severe, widespread paint delamination where areas of factory paint are peeling cleanly away from the metal body panels while driving. This is a known manufacturing defect involving a chemical failure of the factory primer, which Toyota previously acknowledged under Customer Support Program ZKG. This manufacturing failure has created distinct, immediate safety hazards on public roadways. Blinding Glare / Driver D…”
NHTSA complaint #11743711, 2026

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11698172, 2022

“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 accoun…”
NHTSA complaint #11665572, 2022

Unknown Or Other 9

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11696117, 2025

“Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting”
NHTSA complaint #11519393, 2023

“AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE”
NHTSA complaint #11366325, 2020

Service Brakes 8 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10542700, 2011 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11595877, 2024

“Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting”
NHTSA complaint #11519393, 2023

Electrical System 6

“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 reca…”
NHTSA complaint #11502219, 2022

“DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT WHILE DRIVING”
NHTSA complaint #11111934, 2018

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11385285, 2015

Engine 6 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FRONT THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND DID NOT DETECT ANY SMOKE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE CENTER CONSOLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE DEALER (REINHARDT TOYOTA, 911 EASTERN BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36117, (334)-272-7147) WAS CONTACTED TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11140407, 2018 · fire

“AIR CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM.. HORN NOT WORKING .. WHEN I GAS UP AND FEEL LIKE LOUD VIBRATE”
NHTSA complaint #11366325, 2020

“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 SAF…”
NHTSA complaint #11206849, 2018

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Power Train 6

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ESPECIALLY WHILE REVERSING OR MOVING FORWARD, THE VEHICLE JERKED ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10947765, 2017

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11164548, 2015

“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 W…”
NHTSA complaint #10491781, 2013

Steering 5 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TIE ROD AND WHEELS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING AND CONTUSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10512504, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11423488, 2015

“STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES LIGHTLY AT 60 MPH OR MORE, ONCE THE SPEED LOWERS TO 59 MPH OR LESS IT STEADY. I ASK THE DEALER FOR THE SITUATION AND THEY SAID THAT THE STEERING ALIGNMENT IS PERFECT. TIRES WERE ROTATED BUT DIDN'T WORKED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10498443, 2013

Seats 4 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11408282, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11318291, 2020

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10505703, 2013

Suspension 3

“Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting”
NHTSA complaint #11519393, 2023

“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 SAF…”
NHTSA complaint #11206849, 2018

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11423488, 2015

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“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 TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10483806, 2012

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10424066, 2011

“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 OPERATI…”
NHTSA complaint #10413927, 2011

Wheels 3

“PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT FRONT WHEEL HUB A BEARING FROM A SELLER ON EBAY. THE COMPONENT IS ADVERTISED AND LABELED AS KOYO, THE NAME ON THE ORIGINAL BEARING. AFTER A MONTH THE PART FAILED. LEARNED THEN THAT THE PART IS A COUNTERFEIT. THE SAME COUNTERFEIT ITEM IS FOR SALE BY SEVERAL SELLERS ON EBAY. THIS IS A CRITICAL PART AND FAILURE COULD CAUSE SEVERE VEHICLE DAMAGE AND AN ACCIDENT ENDANGERING LIVES OF PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE AND OTHER HIGHWAY USERS. REPORTED TO EBAY BUT THE ITEMS ARE STILL BEING SOLD.”
NHTSA complaint #10820763, 2015

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10470064, 2012

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10448688, 2010

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11593572, 2024

“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 TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10483806, 2012

Visibility 2

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10525106, 2013

“EASY TO CHIP WINDSHIELD GLASS. WEAK WINDSHIELD GLASS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10440420, 2011

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“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 SAF…”
NHTSA complaint #11206849, 2018

Exterior Lighting 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10639122, 2014

Seat Belts 1

“SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. STOPPED RETRACTING AND LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. WOULD NOT RETRACT AT ALL. COST FOR PART $278”
NHTSA complaint #11208674, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11364654, 2020

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner draws about 10.2 complaints per year on the road, ranking 1 of 15 among the Toyota 4Runner model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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