CarBrief

NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner, and the air bags group is named in 112 of them[1][2]. Several air bag inflator recalls apply, so check each recall against the exact vehicle before you buy[3][4][5].

163owner complaints[1]
10recalls[6]
19MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner[1]. Four mention a crash, one a fire and three an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

The air bags group dominates. It is named in 112 complaints, with 2 crashes, 1 injury and a median mileage of 62,500 at the time of the problem[2]. The next groups are far smaller:

Air bags. In the sample of air bag complaints we read, 11 of 12 describe waiting for a recall repair that could not be done because parts were not available, and some mention no timeline from the dealer[2]. In 7 of the 12, the owner says the air bag had not failed[2]. In 3, owners say they were told not to let anyone sit in the front passenger seat[2]. The recalls behind this are listed below.

Brakes. The brake sample is only 6 texts[10]. Owners describe brakes that lock, do not release or do not respond. In 3 of the 6, the dealer did not find or diagnose a fault[10]. With 8 complaints in total[10], this is a small group, but brake reports that involve a crash deserve a close look during a test drive and inspection.

Structure. In the 9 structure complaints we read, 3 describe peeling paint and 3 describe rust or corrosion on the frame or underbody parts[8].

The engine sample is mixed. It includes a fire report, a report of the engine racing and owners waiting for recall parts, so we see no single theme there[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[6], newest first. Several are shared with other Toyota models[3][4][5], and the accessory recalls apply only to vehicles that have those accessories[15][16][17].

Confirm which recalls apply to the exact car you are considering, because they can depend on where it was registered and which accessories it has[4][5][15][16].

Fuel economy

EPA rates all the listed versions at 19 MPG combined[7][22][23][24]. City and highway numbers differ a little:

Version City Highway Combined
2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[7] 18 21 19
2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[22] 17 23 19
4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[23] 17 22 19
Part-time 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[24] 17 22 19

EPA puts the estimated annual fuel cost at $3,550 for each version[7][22][23][24]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. All versions use regular fuel[7].

Safety ratings

The NHTSA ratings in our data cover rollover only. Both the AWD and the RWD versions of the SUV get 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 24.6%[25][26].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for the 2011 4Runner[27][28]. The 2.7L 4-cylinder is rated at 157 hp[27]. The 4.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 270 hp[28].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4WD Limited V6[29] 190 in 76 in 72 in 110 in 4,806 lb
4WD SR5 V6[30] 190 in 76 in 72 in 110 in 4,676 lb
4WD Trail Edition V6[31] 190 in 76 in 74 in 110 in 4,751 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

1995: 172 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 161 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 261 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 250 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 330 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 483 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 185 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 225 complaints, 1 recalls2003: 696 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 678 complaints, 2 recalls2005: 425 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 381 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 154 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 96 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 22 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 147 complaints, 12 recalls2011: 163 complaints, 10 recalls16320112012: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2013: 36 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 77 complaints, 7 recalls2015: 87 complaints, 9 recalls20152016: 80 complaints, 8 recalls2017: 36 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 59 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 65 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 33 complaints, 1 recalls2021: 36 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 39 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 33 complaints, 1 recalls20232024: 9 complaints, 1 recalls2025: 62 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 7 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 4Runner model year. The 2011 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951721
19961612
19972611
19982501
19993300
20004830
20011851
20022251
20036963
20046782
20054255
20063815
20071545
2008965
2009226
201014712
201116310
2012968
2013366
2014777
2015879
2016808
2017365
2018595
2019654
2020331
2021361
2022393
2023331
202491
2025621
202672

NHTSA's counts for the 4Runner run from 1995 to 2026[6]. The 2011 model year has 163 complaints and 10 recalls[6].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2011 4Runner?

The record is mixed. Much of the complaint volume sits in the air bags group (112 of the 163 complaints), and the sample we read mentions the inflator recalls[1][2][3][4][5]. Before you buy, confirm that those recalls have been completed on the exact vehicle, and ask whether it has dealer-installed accessories that trigger the hood scoop, exhaust tip or seat heater recalls[15][16][17][18][19]. Look closely at the paint, frame and underbody for the corrosion and peeling owners describe, and test the brakes carefully[8][10]. Fuel economy is 19 MPG combined on every listed version[7][22][23][24].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Toyota 4Runner?
In NHTSA data, the air bags group is named in 112 of 163 complaints, and the sample we read describes waiting for recall parts[1][2]. Structure, with paint peeling and rust, and brakes are much smaller groups[8][10].
Does the 2011 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year, including three passenger air bag inflator recalls (19V741, 19V005 and 16V340)[3][4][5][6].
What gas mileage does the 2011 Toyota 4Runner get?
EPA rates every listed version at 19 MPG combined[7][22][23][24]. The 4.0L 6-cylinder gets 17 city and 22 or 23 highway, depending on drive, and the 2.7L 4-cylinder 2WD gets 18 city and 21 highway[7][22][23].
Is the 2011 4Runner worse than other years?
By complaints, 11 model years have more than 2011's 163[6]. Among 2007 and later years, 2011 has the most[6]. It has 10 recalls, second to 2010 with 12[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner (4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 112 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 19V741, filed October 17, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 19V005, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V340, filed May 23, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota 4Runner model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 21 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 9 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,998). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 8 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,611). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,150). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 5 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 17V425, filed July 3, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V577, filed August 3, 2016: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold / Header / Muffler / Tail Pipe. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 15V515, filed August 13, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold / Header / Muffler / Tail Pipe. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 13V123, filed April 9, 2013: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 13V014, filed January 16, 2013: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  22. EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 24.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 24.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Toyota 4Runner with 2.7L 4-cylinder: rated 157 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Toyota 4Runner with 4.0L 6-cylinder: rated 270 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 4RUNNER 4DR SUV 4WD LIMITED V6: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,806 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 4RUNNER 4DR SUV 4WD SR5 V6: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,676 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 4RUNNER 4DR SUV 4WD TRAIL EDITION V6: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,751 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.