Underbody Shield problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner

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.

Submission from constituent re 2000 Toyota 4-runner safety & environmental issues concerns [Toyota motor sales]. The consumer stated the frame on his vehicle is rusted, to the point where the vehicle is not safe to drive. The frame rail is exhibiting corrosion to the point where sections of the frame have completely disintegrated leaving him with major holes and welded suspension mounting components completely separated from the actual frame rail.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a loud noise was heard underneath the vehicle. The contact noticed that the main frame underneath the vehicle was rusted and had holes. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Frame is rusting through causing instability concerns.

2000 Toyota 4runner frame rusted threw at area that holds rear axel in place rear drivers frame rail had rusted through where it mounts the lower control arm. When frame failed vehicle was hard to control and swaying to the point of immediate danger to passengers and other vehicles on highway this vehicle is well maintained and is in excellent condition. Frame failure on this age vehicle should be unacceptable and should be addressed.

Replacing the muffler and was informed by the mechanic that the frame is rusted through. Should not have happened. Needs recalled.

My mechanic informed me that my well maintained 4runner has holes in the frame from rot and is junk. The rest of this vehicle is in beautiful shape. I am really upset.

I had an issue with the 4wd so I brought the car in the my local shop. While investigating the issue, the auto shop discovered some major frame rot towards the back right wheel that extended into the arm that holds up the back wheels. I was told that the car is unsafe to drive and there is no telling what would happen in an accident or if I simply went over a bad pot hole. I was also told by a separate auto person that the 4wd issues I had been experiencing may also be the result of the frame rust which most likely warped the frame and messed with the gears involved in 4wd. I brought my car to the local Toyota dealer for a second opinion on the safety of the vehicle. The dealer refused to take a look and instructed me to call customer service. I called customer service and they offered no assistance. This issue is very similar to the Toyota tacoma recall and should be addressed in a similar fashion. I was told by customer service that they do not consider them similar because the tacoma frames were made in America while the 4runner frames were made in japan. I don't know why that takes away their liability for a poorly made vehicle with clear manufacturing issues. I have read about this problem with other 4runner owners and know that it's not just my problem, this is an owner-wide issue and clearly something that can be traced back to Toyota's manufacturing process of this vehicle. Now I am stuck with an unsafe vehicle that I cannot drive with a clean conscience nor sell with a clean conscience. Toyota's poor manufacturing has left me liability issue that I think should be addressed. I would at least like to trade in the vehicle for a new one with a sound frame!.

Frame rust-through - vehicle's frame has prematurely rusted through from the inside-out along passenger side in area of muffler assembly.

I have a 2000 4runner sr5 sport that has lived its life in new england. The car is in good shape and the frame of the car appears to have some surface rust. I had the exhaust replaced last week and they found that the inside of the frame had totally rotted out from the inside, so that the there are only three sides to the four of the tube frame left. I heard that Toyota has had issues with frames rusting. I have two children I drive around in this car and I feel this is a serious safety issue Toyota should address before someone gets killed.

I own a 2000 Toyota 4runner. I took my car for state inspection. My mechanic told me that the frame is rusted out an is a major safety problem. The 2000 $runner has the same frame as the 2000 Toyota tacoma in which Toyota bought back the tacomas from the owners for 150% of the kelly blue book value. If Toyota knows that there is a problem with one model (tacoma) and fixes then they should also fix the 4runner.

Frame rails between front and rear wheels rusted through. Not little holes but sections 1 to 2 feet long and big enough to put your hand into. Updated 05/09/12 the consumer stated the passenger side frame rail, inside, outside, and bottom, had rusted. From the front wheel back to the rear tire. Updated 05/12/2012.

We took our Toyota 4runner 2000 SUV to a local Toyota dealer for an estimate on a repair. My husband was told that frame perforation on the right side frame rail was found. The vehicle was looked at by a fts and deemed unsafe to drive. The problem can not be fixed by the dealer and we were told to call Toyota hq and they referred us back to the dealer. We escalated the issue to the division sales manager and we told that there nothing that can be done as the vehicle is out of warranty and Toyota no longer makes the frame used in our vehicle. I have read several similar complaints for the same make and model and we find it disturbing that a recall has not been issued for this vehicle like the tacoma & tundras of the same year.

Right hand rear of frame where lower trailing arm bracket is welded was rusted through.

Went to change my oil at my local Toyota dealership and was alerted to come and see the frame. It was rusted and had holes in the frame. This should not happen to a car this old. Shame on Toyota to not recall the vehicle! this is an embraceable to a company built by safety, quality and loyalty. Called Toyota customer service and was informed that they could not do anything about it and that a recall was not issued so they would not fix the problem.

Severe frame rot on otherwise very well cared for vehicle. Will certainly result in catastrophic failure.