Frame Rust problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner - part 2

Vehicle frame is rusted so bad that my rear sway arm broke away from the frame on the passenger rear side. Car is unsafe to drive due to the car bouncing all over the road due to the rusted frame.

Extensive frame rust at rear control arm mounting location and forward of it.

I have owned this vehicle since 2005. I have taken it to a certified Toyota dealership for every major checkup or repair. Not one service tech or mechanic has mentioned or noted anything about frame rust on this vehicle until a state inspection in June 2016. The mechanic tells me that my vehicle has a huge hole in the frame and is rusting out and is unsafe to drive. His fix for this problem was to direct me to his sale manager to purchase a new vehicle ( haley Toyota midlothian, va) . Not one word about this prior to this event. My vehicle has only 140,000 miles. This is unsatisfactory.

My mechanic was repairing the rear shocks and noticed frame rust. He said frame rust has been a problem with some Toyota trucks and 4runners. He knows this because he worked for Toyota at one time. He suggested calling Toyota and filing a compliant and request for repair with them which I did. The case number is 1605101239. In the course of my conversation the Toyota agent advised me that Toyota tucomas and tundras were having similar issues and that Toyota was offering "customer support" on those vehicles but even though the frame rusting issue was the same on 4runners Toyota was not offering any " customer support " or recalls for 4runner frames even though they are aware of the issue. Further internet research indicated that rusting frames on 4runners is a common problem but Toyota refuses to do anything about a potential safety issue for it's customers. Please help. Appreciate anything you can do.

Purchased the vehicle on 4/15/16. Extremely clean both inside and exterior of vehicle. Had around 104k miles. I was under the vehicle changing the oil and noticed extensive frame rust including one area where the frame had been repaired from a hole right where the lower control arm attaches for the rear axle. There is another hole starting in the same location and since it is a box frame and seems to be rusting from the inside out, it's almost impossible to stop. I was really excited about getting this vehicle and paid cash for it with money we had saved. Now I cannot let my family drive the car since I think it is unsafe.

Like so many others I've heard of, the frame has rusted through. The back left wheel assembly is now wedged up onto the floorboards. The exhaust system has broken apart before the muffler. I just bought this car two years ago and loved it, but now am horribly disappointed in the frame and Toyota's lack of desire to do a recall.

Frame rusted through and snapped apart while making a left turn into traffic. . Rear passenger side.

The frame is severely rusted.

While driving 2000 Toyota 4runner I noticed it was not handling normal. The vehicle would wander and would not go in the direction I was turning. After getting back home, I inspected underneath the vehicle checking the front end suspension. While under the vehicle I noticed the right rear stabilizer mount had rusted off the frame. The vehicle is now undrivable due to this hazardous condition.

The frame is rusted to the point that it may break apart while driving. Tacomas of similar years with the same frame have a similar problem and a recall for this problem.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame had excessive rust. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a new frame was required. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.

With only 129,000 miles and with normal driving conditions my frame has rusted through leaving my vehicle too dangerous to drive. The vehicle is in great condition in every other aspect, and was not driven off road or misused in any way. I noticed the rear end swaying when going over bumps in the road and took it in to the local mechanic. He said I should not drive the vehicle again and it was only good for parts at best since the frame is unrepairable. In addition to the obvious place it is cracked it is rusting away in multiple other locations. I am stuck with a car that runs great, but is a safety hazard. Had I not noticed the swaying I may have been killed or killed other motorists due to this manufacturing defect.

Frame rotted out on passenger side of car, track bar for rear mount rusted off frame.

The frame is rotting out all along the passenger side due to rust. Its starting to rust around key frame brackets. After a mechanic looked at he said this is a problem with this series 4runner.

Frame rusted out date is when I was informed of the issue.

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated the frame is rusted on the sides of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed that the frame needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer has been notified of the issue. Tw.

I was driving my 4runner and notice the back brakes were making noise. I also noticed a knocking noise that sounded like something was broke. While driving my car to the shop I felt like the backend was swaying. I drop my car off expecting to have some brake work done, possibly even a sway bar or something replaced. The mechanic called me the next day and informed me that they cannot even look at my car because if they put it on the rack, it will break in half. My frame was completely cracked in half. Now this is the type of thing that does not happen overnight. There was obviously an issue with the frame for a while. The mechanic suggests I call Toyota to see if there is a recall. I call Toyota and there is no recall associated with the 2000 4runner. I did however find out that there was a recall on a 2000 Toyota tacoma frame for the issue of rust and frames cracking. The Toyota 4runner and Toyota tacoma both have the exact same frame. If there is a recall on one, why wouldn't there be a recall on the other? I believe the reason is because Toyota sold more 4runners in 2000 than they did tacomas. They didn't want to recall the 4runner for fear of losing so much money. They are putting lives at risk by not owing up to this error.

The frame on my 2000 Toyota 4runner is rusted out on one side of it, it was just the side, but now there is rust holes in the bottom of it as well. This is a very big issue and could end up totaling my truck if I'm not willing to spend thousands on a new frame/repair. These 4runners are known for being reliable, but also for terribly made frames, and I have run into that unfortunate case. Please actually look into recalling and replacing these frames, I know many other people with this same issue, and it doesn't make sense why other trucks except for the 4runner were recalled. Everyone with one of these models would greatly appreciate a recall on these frames. Thank you, liam (do not have a specific photo of the rust on frame, but I do have one of the rust on the body, just to give you an understanding, the frame is way more severe though).

Vehicle began to sway violently while driving on the interstate. The weld joint which joins the rear drivers side lower control arm attachment point to the frame had separated allowing to control arm to move forward an back. This in turn allowed the rear axle to turn from side to side. On inspection the frame is heavily rusted in this area and the weld has given way and is tearing apart from front to back. The joint on the passenger side is also rusted, but the joint has not yet separated.

There is a rust issue on the frame.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for service, the technician diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the passenger side frame was rusted on both sides and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,600. Updated 6/24/cn.

The frame has rusted through in several spots.

About 1 month ago, the frame of my 4runner without warning had a catastrophic failure while on a highway and my rear control arms disconnected/pulled out of the frame. Fortunately I did not have a serious accident, but it easily could have been. The lack of any warning signs was the scary part in all of this. After a bit of basic searching on the web, including NHTSA, it appears my case is not a unique one. It is quite obvious that this these vehicles are susceptible to premature frame rust issues. I find it extremely irresponsible that Toyota has turned a blind eye to something so serious. Hypothetically, I can see a car frame failing but not a robust truck frame of this era. In my particular case, my vehicle was regularly maintained at a Toyota dealership, washed regularly, garaged and the rest of the body is rust free and mechanically everything else is working flawlessly.

Travelling straight down the highway at 65 mph. I hear a loud pop and my SUV veers hard to the right crossing the low speed lane and breakdown lane. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles next to me. SUV missed the guard rail, but climbed an embankment and came to rest on the drivers side of the vehicle. Resulting in me forcefully twisting the steering wheel, hitting my head on the windshield and braking the side glass with my head. Afterwards, looking at the vehicle, it was apparent what had caused the accident. Severe rust on the frame, caused the shock mount, and rear control arm to totally separate from the vehicle.

It is a known problem that Toyota wishes to not address that the frames are not properly treated for rust prevention and are prone to rusting out and falling apart at a rate that is beyond reasonable. Pictures from hundreds if not thousands of 4runner owners are all over the web and Toyota forums showing the same issue. The most problem spot is on the right side of the frame on the inside near the muffler, near the rear axle. I can physically push my hand right through the rusted out frame. The similarly designed tacoma was recalled due to the frame rusting through so bad it would break apart. Unfortunately Toyota does not wish to cover all the bases and have left the 4runners out to rust (pun intended).

Frame is rusting prematurely.

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he observed the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the mechanic stated he could not repair the vehicle because of the excessive rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Sh.

Tl- the contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the passenger side frame was rusting and holes were forming on the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed the frame needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Sr.

We purchased a 2000 Toyota 4runner with the knowledge that the vehicle was 14 years old however, the body, engine and interior of the vehicle were in great condition. We became aware of the frame rust when taking it for inspection and had some repairs made in order for the vehicle to pass state inspection. We take good care of our vehicles and we were checking the brakes and we were going to undercoat the frame when we discovered the large amount of rust and damage. I contacted Toyota, they gave me a case number and transfered my call to "corporate headquarters". Spoke to a phone representative who basically told me there was nothing they could do and the weather conditions cause a lot of the problems. My response to that was our 1998 blazer never had the amount of frame rust that this 4runner has, both driven in the same conditions. Certain Toyota models that are also having frame rust have been covered up to as long as 15 years on frame damage why wasn't the 4runner. I'm sure all models during this time were built with below standard frame material so why wasn't this addressed with all models?.

I own a 2000 Toyota 4runner. Went to the dealership to inspect a leak from the rear differential. Found out that not only was the rear differential so rusted that the fluid was now leaking from the porous rusted housing. But the frame was rusted and cracked so bad that that dealership said it was unsafe to drive. My now otherwise immaculate condition 4runner is now useless and rendered inoperable. This is a ramp if problem with tacoma/tundra for the same issue and same model years. How is this not a recall.

Hi, I have a 2000 Toyota 4 runner. It has a little over 200k miles and I took it in for service to have the timing belt and water pump replaced. I drive the vehicle daily. The mechanic did not perform the work because he noticed the frame had rusted through and recommended to not drive the vehicle for safety reasons. He stated that if the frame did bend or separate the vehicle would buckle and there would not be any control, especially on the expressway. The mechanic recommend that I check to see if there has been any recalls. I did check to see if there were any recalls and there was not. I was informed that the Toyota tundra and Toyota tacoma had similar issues with the frame's rusting through and Toyota did a recall/buy back for those vehicles. I was on the Toyota forum and it sounds like there are a lot of Toyota 4 runners in this same circumstance. I feel if there are other similiar vehicles from Toyota having the same issue, then they should be included in the recall/buyback process. Thank you.

I took my 4runner to my mechanic for an oil change today. When on the lift he noticed that the passenger side frame is rusted out. He felt it was unsafe and needed fixed or scrapped ASAP. This vehicle runs great and I have had no other issues. This is my daily driver and I always have my five year old with me. This is a major safety concern. I am not in the position to buy a new vehicle right now. It is crazy that Toyota recalled the frames for tacoma and tundra but have done nothing for 4runner owners.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the frame was entirely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 113,231. Djr.

2000 Toyota 4runner sr5 with 145,000 miles. At a regular maintenance, I was shown a picture of a hole in my frame. Right hand rear of frame where lower trailing arm bracket is welded was rusted through with substantial instability concerns and potential loss of use due to inability to pass state inspection. . Otherwise frame fine and no rust/rot on left hand side front or rear. My 4runner has been an excellent and reliable vehicle with regular maintenance. It had only a rust spots on the front bumper, and that's all! this is our family vehicle, and is not abused. I only have 145,000 miles and feel strongly that a frame on a vehicle should last much longer, as in past vehicles I've owned. I have had no problems with my 4runner, I don't want to junk yard it over a bad quality frame from Toyota, but it may come to this if I can't have it welded. Toyota need to own up to this issue with a recall on the 4runners like they did with their trucks. Safety should be first. This is a pressing issue and need to addressed .