2011 Toyota 4RUNNER

163 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.

1. Filed Jun 12, 2026Failure Jun 11, 2026Wilmington, NCBody

   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 Distraction: Because the paint has completely peeled away in sections on the hood, the bare, highly reflective eco-coat/metal underneath is completely exposed and getting worse day by day. During peak daylight hours, the sun reflects off these large exposed areas directly into my line of sight, causing sudden, blinding glare that severely impairs my vision while operating the vehicle. Toyota has refused to remedy this manufacturing defect case number : 260612000716, citing that the vehicle is outside of their arbitrary calendar-based extension program (ZKG), despite the fact that the underlying chemical failure and resulting safety hazards remain active and dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint 11743711
2. Filed Nov 7, 2025Failure Mar 1, 2022Vero Beach, FLBody

   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
3. Filed Oct 28, 2025Failure Aug 22, 2025Redondo Beach, CAUnknown 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11696117
4. Filed Jun 8, 2025Failure Aug 1, 2022Nashville, TNBody

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11665572
5. Filed Jun 22, 2024Failure Jun 3, 2024Humacao, PRService 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11595877
6. Filed Jun 10, 2024Failure Jun 10, 2024El Paso, TXFuel/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.

   NHTSA complaint 11593572
7. Filed Apr 28, 2023Failure Apr 28, 2023East Falmouth, MAService brakes, Suspension, Unknown or other

   Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting

   NHTSA complaint 11519393
8. Filed Jan 17, 2023Failure Dec 28, 2022Winnipeg, NDElectrical 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11502219
9. Filed Jan 4, 2022Failure Jun 15, 201568,000 milesAvella, PABody

   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 manufacturer followed up with the dealer and informed the contact that the dealer advised that the failure was due to the climate. The vehicle was then taken by Rohrich Toyota (2020 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15226) who referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. Consumer stated rust has eaten through the interior metal of the door and has made its way to the back side of the exterior metal of the door.

   NHTSA complaint 11446190
10. Filed Jul 5, 2021Failure Jun 29, 2015Roanoke, VASteering, Body, Suspension

    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
11. Filed Apr 15, 2021Failure Apr 15, 202188,000 milesPlano, TXSeats1 injured

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11408282
12. Filed Dec 28, 2020Failure Jul 15, 201550,000 milesHampton, VAElectrical 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11385285
13. Filed Oct 25, 2020Failure Oct 25, 2020Durham, NCAir bags, Engine, Unknown or other

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

    NHTSA complaint 11366325
14. Filed Oct 16, 2020Failure Oct 16, 2020107,000 milesRichmond, VAVisibility/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.

    NHTSA complaint 11364654
15. Filed Mar 16, 2020Failure Mar 14, 202086,000 milesKenai, AKSeats

    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
16. Filed Feb 26, 2020Failure Feb 24, 202088,000 milesBeavercreek, OHUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11311600
17. Filed Nov 29, 2019Failure Nov 29, 2019Miami, FLAir bags

    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?

    NHTSA complaint 11282874
18. Filed May 20, 2019Failure May 17, 201910,100 milesMiddletown, OHSeat belts

    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
19. Filed May 10, 2019Failure Aug 10, 2018Menifee, CAElectronic stability control (esc), Engine, Suspension

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11206849
20. Filed Jan 2, 2019Failure Dec 22, 201527,503 milesIsland Park, NYPower train

    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