10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,925 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #4

Apr 152021

4Runner

  • 88,000 miles
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. I returned home to look under the seat but didn't see anything unusual, except for the strong burning wires smell. Also, my skin was red with a lingering sting in two areas where the heat was more intense. I conducted on online search about the problem and discovered others experienced the abrupt overheating seats.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #3

Mar 142020

4Runner

  • 86,000 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.

- Kenai, AK, USA

problem #2

Apr 082013

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 49,300 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.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #1

May 152011

4Runner

  • 400 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.

- Dallas, TX, USA