2011 Toyota 4Runner

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
2.7L I4
Oil Type & Capacity
0W-20 Full Synthetic (5.5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Wheel Torque
81
ft-lbs

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Toyota 4Runner.

For oil changes, the 2011 Toyota 4Runner takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Pink Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF WS. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Toyota 4Runner, torque the lug nuts to 81 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2011 Toyota 4Runner have reported 5 common issues including "Front Differential Growl/Groan Noise", "Toyota Safety Sense False Brake Activation" and "Accessory Fog Light High Beam Interference". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 10 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 81 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2011 Toyota 4Runner Specifications
Motor Oil0W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Lug Nut Torque81 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantPink Long Life Coolant (OAT)
Transmission FluidATF WS
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF WS
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Pink Long Life Coolant (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
10,000 mi / 12 mo
0W-20 synthetic, 6.6 qt (4.0L V6)
Tire Rotation
5,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every 5,000 mi; check alignment if off-road
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
40,000 mi / 48 mo
Replace more often if off-road
Brake Fluid
30,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
5-speed automatic; inspect at 30,000 mi
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
4WD models; 75W gear oil
Coolant
100,000 mi
Toyota SLLC; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
120,000 mi
Iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
75,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner.

Common problems reported by 2011 Toyota 4Runner owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Front Differential Growl/Groan Noise

Some 2021-2024 4Runner vehicles exhibit a cyclic growl or groan noise from the front of the vehicle while driving in 2WD at 30-50 mph. The noise subsides when the vehicle is put into 4WD. It is caused by the front differential gears spinning without load in 2WD mode.

Solution

Toyota issued a TSB recommending replacement of the front differential assembly with an updated unit that has revised gear tolerances. The repair is covered under the drivetrain warranty for affected vehicles.

Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $1,500 - $3,000 if out of warranty
2

Toyota Safety Sense False Brake Activation

The adaptive cruise control and pre-collision system may falsely detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and automatically apply the brakes. This phantom braking is particularly common on curves and when approaching vehicles that are not directly in the 4Runner's path.

Solution

Have the dealer update the Pre-Collision System and adaptive cruise control ECU software per Toyota's latest calibration. Ensure the front radar sensor and windshield camera are clean and unobstructed.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update under warranty
3

Accessory Fog Light High Beam Interference

Certain 2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessory fog lights may have the driver's side high beam become inoperative after installation. The fog light wiring harness can interfere with the high beam circuit.

Solution

Southeast Toyota Distributors issued a recall for affected vehicles. Dealers inspect the wiring harness and correct the fog light installation to restore high beam functionality. The repair is free of charge.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
4

Interior Squeaks and Rattles

The body-on-frame construction combined with aging interior trim clips results in various squeaks and rattles from the dashboard, door panels, and cargo area. Rattling is particularly pronounced on rough roads and off-road surfaces.

Solution

Have the dealer identify and address individual rattle sources with felt tape, foam padding, or replacement trim clips. Common fix points include the dashboard-to-windshield junction, center console, and rear cargo area panels.

Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $100 - $300 if out of warranty
5

Outdated Infotainment System

The 2022 4Runner retains the older Entune infotainment system, which lacks wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, has a resistive touchscreen with sluggish response, and a dated interface. Bluetooth connections can drop and the system takes a long time to boot.

Solution

Software updates from Toyota can improve stability but do not significantly modernize the interface. Many owners install aftermarket head units with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto support. An OEM-compatible CarPlay module can also be added.

Est. Cost: $200 - $500 for aftermarket CarPlay adapter; $500 - $1,500 for head unit replacement

10 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign: 19V741000 Date: 17/10/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

2

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign: 19V005000 Date: 09/01/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

3

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign: 17V425000 Date: 03/07/2017

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

4

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Campaign: 16V577000 Date: 03/08/2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Consequence

Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.

5

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign: 16V396000 Date: 02/06/2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

6

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign: 16V340000 Date: 23/05/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

7

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Campaign: 15V515000 Date: 13/08/2015

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Consequence

Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.

8

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign: 14V743000 Date: 19/11/2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence

Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

9

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign: 13V123000 Date: 09/04/2013

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

10

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign: 13V014000 Date: 16/01/2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Have the VIN?

Decode your VIN for even more detailed specs including trim-level data.

Decode a VIN
4Runner — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220142013201220102009
See Also
2011 Toyota 4Runner Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2011 Toyota 4RunnerAll Vehicles Using 0W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2011 Toyota 4RunnerWiper Replacement: 2011 Toyota 4Runner