What 163 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Toyota 4RUNNER Hybrid

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 ODI 11743711

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 ODI 11698172

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 ODI 11665572

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 ODI 11446190

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 ODI 11423488

REAR FRAME CROSS MEMEBER THAT ALSO SUPPORTS A BOLT ON HITCH RECEIVER AND ATTACHES TO EACH OF THE VEHICLES SIDE RAILS, THAT RUN THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL 1/4 INCH RUST CREATED SEPARATIONS (HOLES) IN THE STEEL WITH SURFACE RUST CRATING FUTURE FAILUES.

NHTSA ODI 11016094

2011 TOYOTA HIGH LANDER. THE POWER LIFTGATE ARM ON THE REAR TRUNK BECAME DETACHED FROM THE LIFTGATE. IT LOOKED TO ME AS IF THE SCREW BECAME STRIPPED AND CAME OUT OF THE HOLE.

NHTSA ODI 10794918

TOYOTA HIGH LANDER, 2011. THE POWER LIFTGATE ARM ON THE REAL TRUNK IS DETACHED FROM THE LIFTGATE. IT LOOKED TO ME AS IF THE SCREW BECAME STRIPPED AND CAME OUT OF THE HOLE. AND THEY SAID IT ISN'T COVERED AND THEY WILL CHARGE TO THE OWNER AND IT COSTS AROUND $3500.00, PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS CASE AND HOW IT DETACHED FROM THE BODY.

NHTSA ODI 10794934

UPON ATTEMPTING TO LIFT THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY IN OPEN POSITION. THE DAY BEFORE 03/08/2013, IT WORKED FINE. IT APPEARS THE REAR LIFTGATE STRUTS FAILED. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF THESE STRUTS FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10502297