Frame Rust problems of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner

The vehicle frame has rusted through. My mechanic says this is unable to be inspected and should not be driven.

I just purchased a 2001 Toyota 4runner. All seemed fine . But when I went to get it inspected they would not pass starting it had frame rust through. I called Toyota customer service who said and I also read online that thousands of Toyota trucks have a frame recall but mine does not. And they are not willing to do anything. Others had the frame replaced, repaired or bought back. Hopefully you can help me.

Dealer decline to do a transfer case repair because the vehicle frame is severely rusted to the point that the trailing arm mount is almost gone. Dealer advised me that the vehicle is unsafe and the frame will break through. I will need to buy a new vehicle.

I noticed a pretty distinct wobble when driving my 2001 $runner on the highway recently. I took it to a mechanic who informaed my the frame has a 1 inch wide 18 inch long hole from rust. The mechanic says they can weld it to possibly give it some more time to live but that it is a ticking time bomb. There very well could be rust on the frame hidden behind the gas tank, but I am unable to look behind it. Toyota needs to take responsibility for their mistake when not properly coating these frames. They recalled other models for this same issue but failed to address the issue with the 4runner.

Frame rust on multiple locations. Suspension shot right through rotted frame. Frame has structural damage as a result of rust. Car is not safe to drive! I almost killed myself driving the car when the suspension penetrated right through the rotted rusted frame.

Extreme frame rust. Husband says vehicle is unsafe to drive. Even though the body looks great, the frame, where we can see it, is in terrible condition, with holes rusted through the metal. No accidents yet, but it's ominous to know in a collision this vehicle would crumple like paper. There are many other complaints of serious frame rust for other years of Toyota 4runners. Please add my vehicle and safety concern to the growing list of other Toyota owners facing the same frame disintegration.

Went for inspection for 2001 Toyota 4 runner. Frame is rusted and too bad. Mechanic said unsafe to be on the road. What a shame everything runs good. Now I am without a vehicle. The Toyota 4 runners should have been recalled just like the tacoma's and sequoias.

"takata recall" my 2001 Toyota 4runner frame is rusted out and won't pass state inspection.

I was at the Toyota dealership having my brakeline on the front leftside repaired, after hitting a pothole; and I was told by phone, my frame is badly rusted through in multiple spots.

Frame rusted through in several places. Unsafe to drive.

My frame has rusted out. I have kept it very clean and protected but still is rusting.

Frame rusting out. Exterior of truck has no rust 170k miles on 4runner.

The issue with my Toyota is a rusted frame. . . Rusted to the point that I was advised to park it and never drive it again without a new frame. Although it is a 2001 with 193,000 miles, it mechanically is in great condition. Exterior and interior in good condition, as well. I first noticed the vehicle had a floating sensation on the highway, at times feeling like I had no control with the steering wheel. After another 1-2 hrs of driving, I noticed that when driving over bumps or dips in the road, the truck would rock slightly side to side. It was significant enough that items in my back seat rocked, as well. After several more days and hours of drive-time thereafter, the rock advanced to the point where my entire vehicle was rocking so violently when crossing a bridge @40mph, I had no control over the vehicle. Even braking did not immediately stop the rocking. After that incident, I stopped driving the vehicle until I had it scheduled to take in to the mechanic. The problem with the rusted frame was identified almost immediately. I was told that the holes and rust were so extensive, that it was only a matter of a short amount of time before the frame would not only break apart, but break into several pieces. I was told that it was unsafe to drive and that the only solution was a frame replacement. I understand that Toyota had a recall on their taucoma frames for that same year, but will not correct the identical problem with the 4runner frame. I have an otherwise wonderful vehicle sitting in my driveway that is too dangerous to drive because of Toyota's known, faulty, unsafe frame.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. While replacing the shocks on the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame and a hole approximately 3 and 1/2 inches wide under the driver side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

These vehicles are notorious for frame rust/rot. The tacoma of the same time period used the same frame as the 4runner and the tacoma has had a recall.

Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended.

Frame has rusted through the frame rails in multiple areas. Issue was not disclosed when the vehicle was purchased 01/13/2015, yet I found a repair order from 09/24/2014 that stated there were rust holes in the frame. Dealer is currently inspecting the extent of the frame damage and will recommend a resolution. I have several photos, but currently do not have them handy.

The 4runner has developed surface rust on the frame underneath the car. The rust is also apparent on suspension components and brakes.

Took vehicle to local Toyota dealership for safety and mechanical inspection after purchasing used; mechanic notes that frame is rusted through on passenger side, near lower trailing arm bracket and on drivers side near fuel tank skid plate. Damage appears to have originated on the inside of the frame and has eaten its way to the outside. Mechanic advised that vehicle may not be safe to drive, no recall by Toyota on 4runners despite similar issues with same year tacoma.

Vehicle failed state inspection due to rusted frame. With the exception of rust on the bumpers (which is also a common problem for this generation 4runner) the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape and mechanically very reliable. Inspection station suggested that I contact Toyota since they were aware of recalls for rusted frames on other Toyota trucks (tacoma, sequoia for example. ) Toyota stated that there are no recalls for 4runners but offered a $500 customer loyalty rebate if I were to purchase a new or certified used Toyota vehicle. I believe this is a potential safety issue since the rusted frame problem would only be identified by a very thorough inspection of the underbody of the truck. It is possible that there are many other 4runners of this generation that are on the road with an undiagnosed rusted frame problem.

Brought vehicle to Toyota dealer for removal of seized hardware. Technician pointed out rust spot on frame, rot has spread to wheel well on both sides of frame and has continued down to transmission crossmember. Technician pointed out rot has eaten through frame on both sides at rear control arm bracket. Spoke with other early 2000's 4runner owners who all have rot in same places. Preventative maintenance practices have been used on this vehicle since I purchased it. Frame has no drainage holes forward of rust holes in wheel wells. Concerned for other 4runner owners who are unaware of rust spots by control arm brackets. Further rust on frame in same spot on other vehicles could result in separation of bracket, control arm and rear axle from frame.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, he was advised that the frame completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 89,300.

Frame rusted through at rear near muffler. Bottom of frame section approximately 4" missing , inside of frame perforated through approximately 18". Rear support rod structural integrity compromised. Vehicle was purchased new from local deal (lynch Toyota, manchester CT) and is one owner garaged and maintained. Contacted Toyota and local dealer. Both unwilling to take any action. No recall on this vehicle.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while getting the vehicle muffler replaced the independent mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could not get repaired because of the rusted frame. The contact also mentioned that the rusted frame caused a leak from the rear of the vehicle. The mcgee Toyota of hanover 860 washington st, hanover, MA 02339 (866) 942-1756 was contacted and informed the contact that the frame and defferential housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle differntial housing was repaired but the frame was not. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000. Dr.

3rd generation 2001 Toyota 4runner with excessive frame and body rust. The gas tank stem is rusted, the rear differential is literally porous and leaking oil due to excessive rust. Rear bumper is rusted, spare tire mount is rusted. Other areas of rust are too numerous to list. Repair shop said car is not worth fixing. Dana corp that made frames for Toyota tacomas/tundras that were recalled also is best know for rear differentials. Why weren't the 4runners included in the recall/buyback by Toyota?.