Three problems related to carrier/rack have been reported for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2002 4Runner.
Had the 4runner wv state inspected. Needed to replace the muffler. Noticed the frame cracked on frame rail near muffler location.
Frame has excessive rust and has holes in parts of it. The rest of the body and interior are in great condition. Engine runs well and there are otherwise no major mechanical issues. Upon having a minor repair done, inspection showed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the frame in that condition as it is about to crack in half. This seems to be prematurely failing compared to the rest of the vehicle.
(there was no category offered for frame). During a recent automotive service for brakes on 9-26-13 for my 2002 Toyota 4runner, I was notified of a rust perforation in the frame body near a rear support mount for the axle making it unsafe for operation. This is a situation where rust forms in the interior of the frame and works its way out destroying the structural integrity of the vehicle. It seems the service technician used to work at a Toyota dealership and knew exactly where to look from his prior experience with other 4runner failures. The Toyota dealer informed that this would not be covered. My ’02 4runner is from the same generation (3rd) and of similar design to the tacoma that was recalled for this the dealer instructed me to contact the torrance, CA Toyota customer service as his dealership would be unable to assist in anyway. It was clear they had encountered this before. Through discussion with Toyota CA they have no intention of providing any means of relief for a known and well documented safety problem. One rep did comment that the tundra and sequoia had been recently added to the recall but the 4runner was “not yet” on the recall list. It seems Toyota views the products to be different due to the body style differences or us vs japanese built products. They also clearly have no intention to escalate internally. I was instructed to file a complaint with NHTSA and ntsb. Research on line shows that there is a very widespread issue that Toyota is clearly choosing to ignore. Web information suggests that cold climate and the axle bracket in close proximity to the exhaust, are primary factors. How can you recall one model for a rusted frame due to safety but not another? personal photos available. Huge numbers of photos and reports available online - search " rusted frame 4runner" or similar.