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Electrical systemPart report

2011 Toyota 4RUNNER Electrical system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
4%of 163 total for the year
Median mileage
49,300miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER, 4% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,300 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle just cut off and all lights at instrument panel came on. Tried to start vehicle and engine turned over but wouldn't start. I had vehicle towed to nearest dealer:bobby murray Toyota of rocky mount, nc and they couldn't find a problem, vehicle started for them the next morning. They said it had a crankability code but didn't set a hard code. My concern is this happening again, who knows when or where with me by myself or with my grandchildren in the vehicle, and having to pay a tow again!!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10566064, filed 2014-02, 38,000 miles

“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, filed 2020-12, 50,000 miles

“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. 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.”

NHTSA complaint #10505703, filed 2013-04, 49,300 miles

“The wiring in this car is eaten up by rodents and have heard the coatings are made of edible food for them. 4 injectors and numerous others ..unbelievable.”

NHTSA complaint #10671520, filed 2015-01, 27,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11502219, filed 2023-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026114%
2025813%
2024220%
202225%
202138%
202013%
2019812%
201847%
2017514%
20161823%
20151315%
20142431%
2013411%
201266%
201164%
201043%
2009418%
200855%
2007138%
2006185%
200592%
2004223%
2003122%
200231%
200163%
200041%
1999175%
1998114%
199762%
199632%
199563%
1993510%
1992611%
199011%

Other parts of the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER

Air bags
112 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology