2011 Toyota 4RUNNER Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seats of the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER, 2% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,650 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408282, filed 2021-04, 88,000 miles“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, filed 2020-03, 86,000 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 contact owns a 2011 Toyota 4runner sr5. The contact stated while driving various speeds and when the vehicle was not moving, he noticed that the lumbar support on the drivers seat would crackle and make noise whenever he moved. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 400 and the current mileage was approximately 1,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10409258, filed 2011-06, 400 milesRelated recalls
- 16V396000Jun 2, 2016Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry…Covers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2005–2011, Camry 1988–1990, 2005–2010, Highlander 2005–2011 +11 more
- 14V743000Nov 19, 2014Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser…Covers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2007–2011, Sienna 2005–2011, Sequoia 2005–2011 +10 more
- 13V014000Jan 16, 2013Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012…Covers: Toyota 4RUNNER 2009–2012, Highlander 2009–2013, Venza 2009–2013 +13 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208995Feb 1, 2022TSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually…
- 10190448Mar 5, 2021TSB: Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually…
- 10129968Feb 2, 2018TSB: The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to elevate awareness and provide best practices for leather and synthetic leather care in Toyota vehicles. As an additional resource…
- 10111286Jun 3, 2015TSB: Some 2010 - 2015 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise coming from the second row seats when driving over uneven terrain. The bracket for the inside hinge…
- 10111136Jun 3, 2015TSB: Some 2010 - 2015 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise coming from the second row seats when driving over uneven terrain. The bracket for the inside hinge…
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 2% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER
112 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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