474 of the
6,482 complaints filed about the Toyota 4RUNNER
are about the airbag system —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The contact owned a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed a large piece of debris in the roadway. The contact stated that traffic ahead was maneuvering erratically to avoid the debris, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, struck several trees, and then collided with a brick wall. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the leg, arm, and back and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. The contact stated that surgery might be required due to the nerve injuries sustained in the crash. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and was deemed a total loss. The contact believed that the failure may have been related to an improper repair for a battery replacement previously performed by the dealer. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,500.
NHTSA complaint #11742696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were traveling down the mountain of Mt. Nebo in Dardanelle, AR, around 1:08pm on Friday, May 22, 2026. It had been misty rain for a few hours. As we were traveling down the switchbacks of the mountain, we pressed on the brake to slow the vehicle; however, the vehicle did not slow down any. Since we were coming to the next curve in the switchback, the decision was made to drive the car into a tree vs. risking flipping the car over the side of the mountain. When the vehicle collided with the tree, none of the air bags deployed. The point of impact was the front driver corner of the car. The car was traveling around 20 MPH at the time of impact (to the best of our knowledge). Problem #1-brake system failure Problem #2-Air bags failed to deploy -What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake system & air bags. Both are available for inspection. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk of death associated with the crash. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unavailable at this time due to the extensive damage caused from the crash. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not to my knowledge since this happened a few hours before a holiday weekend. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None that we seen.
NHTSA complaint #11740147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me.
NHTSA complaint #11727554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road. I do not know what it was but it impacted the front skid plate and seems to be no other damage from the impact. There was no contact with the bumper, wheels or otherwise. There was no sudden change in speed or loss of control at all. The most dangerous result of this was the deployment of all the airbags (except passenger front airbag, there were no passengers). A police report was filed with Culpeper County Sheriff (case# 2603-0033) and my insurance agency (USAA claim # 016632631-800). The shop where the vehicle was towed (Ace Collision in Madison, VA) expressed surprise at the total deployment of the air bags given the scenario. There were no warning lamps on, the vehicle was in perfect operating condition and all recalls have been addressed according to CarFax
NHTSA complaint #11726606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact was a police officer calling on behalf of the owner of a 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the owner was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking spot, the vehicle began to independently accelerate up a hill. The owner then placed the vehicle into reverse(R) as the vehicle continued to accelerate while in reverse. The contact stated that the owner had their foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal as the vehicle continued to accelerate. The owner then struck two parked vehicles and another moving vehicle that was entering the parking lot. The vehicle continued to accelerate in reverse(R), crossed a side street, and entered a grassy area before the vehicle abruptly shut off. The contact was unaware if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. The air bags did not deploy at any time during the failure. The officer stated that no injuries were reported and no medical attention was given. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an unknown location. The contact was unaware whether the matter was reported to the dealer or the manufacturer. The whereabouts of the vehicle were unknown. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11711250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Frame, Suspension, Airbags / Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: Safety was put at risk due to frame & suspension failure due to severe rust. Also due to failure of deployment of AirBags. Rusted Frame Failure subsequently caused safety of Injured Party and other motorists to be at risk due to the Injured Party’s 4Runner to dart across oncoming lane of traffic with no warning other than a swaying motion felt immediately before losing control. Once the Injured Party lost control of the 4Runner it crossed into oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.
NHTSA complaint #11707650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the rear driver’s side tire blew out, and due to the weight shift the passenger’s side trailer tire blew out as well, causing the trailer to be tilted before crashing into a cement barrier. There was no warning prior to the blowouts or the crash. The trailer was towed from the scene and the vehicle was towed off the highway. The contact stated that the front of the driver’s side of the vehicle was damaged, and driver’s side rear of the vehicle was damaged by the trailer. The contact stated that a Police report was filed but was not available. The contact stated that her husband sustained a gash on the forehead from striking his head on the dashboard, and her daughter had burns from the seat belt. Medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was towed to Auto Collision Center - Corpus Christi where it was deemed totaled. The contact stated that the manufacturer then sent a representative to inspect the vehicle who informed the contact that the vehicle had operated as designed. The representative informed the contact that due to the angle of the impact, the air bags sensors operated as designed and did not deploy the air bags. The contact disagreed and contacted the FTC. However, a recorded message stated that due to the Government shutdown calls would not be answered, and the contact called the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11698181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The airbag sensor in my 2019 Toyota 4Runner has failed, causing the airbag warning light to remain illuminated. This indicates the airbag system may not deploy properly in a collision, which is a serious safety concern. The vehicle has approximately 95,600 miles, has been well maintained, and has not been in any accident that would affect the airbag system. The dealership confirmed the failure but said I must pay approximately $6,224.43 for the repair because the vehicle is out of warranty. This is a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use, and the repair cost places an unreasonable burden on the consumer. I am requesting this be reviewed as a potential safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11697862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 4Runner was involved in a collision where the airbags did not deploy, and I was knocked unconscious from hitting the steering wheel. The vehicle now shows an SRS fault code and is subject to an open Takata airbag recall. Toyota corporate initially stated they would cover towing for the recall repair, then reversed that decision, claiming an airbag fault does not prevent the vehicle from starting. Because of the failed airbag deployment and recall defect, the vehicle is unsafe to drive until the recall is completed. Toyota’s refusal to provide towing prevents me from safely completing a federally mandated safety recall. I am requesting NHTSA assistance in ensuring Toyota fulfills its obligations under federal recall law.
NHTSA complaint #11694956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger air bag light indicates air bag off intermediately although my wife is sitting in the seat. Vehicle was examined by Toyota dealer and could not duplicate problem, it is however available for inspection upon request. We feel very uneasy with the air bag not on all the time with passenger in the seat in case of an accident. Dealer could not duplicate problem. There has not been any warning lights and the Technician also indicated that there were no diagnostic codes!
NHTSA complaint #11692312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented “SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION”. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were unable to detect the issue that day. We planned to return the vehicle Thursday July 17. I dropped it off at 10am and never heard from the dealership again that day. Friday, July 18th I contacted the service advisor around 10 am to get an update in which he said they were looking into it. Friday afternoon, I received a call from the service advisor letting me know that the front passenger Occupant ECU had malfunctioned, costing approximately $1000. After researching this, I learned that Toyota has issued many recalls on this issue with other models. I called Toyota headquarters to see how they would rectify this but ended the conversation with no solution other than it is the consumer’s liability. This is a safety issue that should fall back on the manufacturer, especially given the history of recalls issued on this specific defect.
NHTSA complaint #11674658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] I was driving on [XXX] and was approaching my exit ramp and applied my brakes to slow down for the exit. My car began shaking and the brakes were vibrating very badly and not slowing down. I was either going to slam into the truck in front of me, or swerve and hit the highway retaining wall, which I ended up avoiding the truck and hitting the wall at 24 mph and my airbag didn't deploy. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and I submitted a case against Toyota that is still under review. No warning lamps, lights or sensors went off and the road was dry and no hazards on the road involved. Simply put, I applied my brakes and they failed which put me in severe risk of a big car crash and if I hadn't swerved and hit the wall it would of caused a larger accident. Toyota Case # [XXX] Toyota Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-331-4331 Date of Incident: [XXX] Date of Toyota Inspection: 4/10/2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11667073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Neither the curtain airbags or steering wheel Air bags deployed after a very bad car accident. Super upset because this is the reason parents spend so much money to keep their kid safe. She banged her head on steering wheel and on window which should have been prevent by air bags on 2022 4Runner bought brand new
NHTSA complaint #11627454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We had made collision accident with a brand new 4runner as it appears in the uploaded pictures, the airbags didn’t deploy and never show any notification on the dashboard that there is a problem in the airbag system,after the accident a notification came to the screen that the airbag system malfunctioned and i have to visit dealer And now the insurance company wants to fix that car and give it bag to me however i don’t feel safe anymore to drive that car again.
NHTSA complaint #11626731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that her son was driving at an unknown speed when another vehicle pulled in front of them to change lanes without warning causing her son to t-bone the vehicle and sending the other driver's vehicle to spin crashing into other vehicles nearby. The air bags deployed however their son received 2nd-degree burns on their right and 1st-degree burns on their lower region, and a concussion. The contact was unable to confirm if any other persons received injuries but was able to confirm other vehicles were damaged from the crash. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to their insurance company's facilities who had stated the vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11624146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11611270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was in an accident where the vehicle ran into the guard rail while on the interstate. The vehicle had significant damage and has now been declared a Total Loss by the insurance company. With the amount of damage to the front side of the vehicle, the airbag did not deploy and leaves us wondering with such damage, why it didn't deploy!
NHTSA complaint #11611186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's service dog accompanied the contact in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger's seat. The contact sustained injuries and was transported to the local hospital. The contact received treatment for headaches, whiplash, and back pain. A Police report was filed, however, the information was unavailable. The contact stated that the service dog sustained injuries and was later treated for muscle tightness. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for the physical damage to be repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer regarding the air bag failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with sensory failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not due to a manufacturer defect. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.