2011 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

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 ID

11743711

Incident

Jun 11, 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 ID

11698172

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

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 ID

11696117

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

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 ID

11665572

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

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 ID

11595877

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

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 ID

11593572

Incident

Jun 10, 2024

Frame rotting, brake line connections rotting

NHTSA ID

11519393

Incident

Apr 28, 2023

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 ID

11502219

Incident

Dec 28, 2022

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 ID

11446190

Incident

Jun 15, 2015

Mileage

68,000 mi

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 ID

11423488

Incident

Jun 29, 2015

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 ID

11408282

Incident

Apr 15, 2021

Mileage

88,000 mi

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 ID

11385285

Incident

Jul 15, 2015

Mileage

50,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11366325

Incident

Oct 25, 2020

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 ID

11364654

Incident

Oct 16, 2020

Mileage

107,000 mi

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 ID

11318291

Incident

Mar 14, 2020

Mileage

86,000 mi

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 ID

11311600

Incident

Feb 24, 2020

Mileage

88,000 mi

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 ID

11282874

Incident

Nov 29, 2019

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

NHTSA ID

11208674

Incident

May 17, 2019

Mileage

10,100 mi

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 ID

11206849

Incident

Aug 10, 2018

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 ID

11164548

Incident

Dec 22, 2015

Mileage

27,503 mi

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 CONSIDERED FOR RECALL. FIRST SIGNS OF CORROSION/RUST BEGAN @ 2014 AND HAS BEEN PROGRESSING STEADILY.

NHTSA ID

11155353

Incident

Jan 1, 2014

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 HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

NHTSA ID

11140407

Incident

Oct 15, 2018

Mileage

137,000 mi

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 ID

11112901

Incident

May 5, 2017

Mileage

130,000 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID

11111934

Incident

May 15, 2018

Mileage

121,000 mi

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 MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11110616

Incident

Jul 10, 2018

Mileage

70,000 mi