general problems of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph through a slight right curve, the vehicle independently shifted from side to side without warning nearly causing the vehicle to flip. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle and the mechanic discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic informed him that the entire subframe needed to be replaced to ensure safe driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Had vehicle inspected on oct. 1 ,2021 for road trip to north carolina from washington, DC. Was informed that my vehicle is unsafe by the automotive shop (name withheld) due to [rusting] frame front suspension components' threads rusted off on bolts that hold suspension, control arms, and shocks on both front and rear areas + body of vehicle located where shocks bolt to the body. I also had two other shops (names withheld) assess the state of the frame and suspension + and was told that the vehicle has maybe 1 year or so until the frame falls apart. Given I am the original owner, have gargage-kept my vehicle, have very low-mileage - 74,000 miles, and have maintained the vehicle immaculately and am aware of rusting problems with other Toyota [truck] frames, etc. This seems to be a defect in the manufacturing process. I know there have been recalls on Toyota's other trucks due to Toyota's failure to add [enough?] rust inhibitor/preventative to the molten steel when forming the frame for many models of their trucks.

After having my 4 runner in for routine maintenance, my mechanic informed me that my frame was in bad condition and rusting through. Doubtful it has a year left and he advised me to junk it as fast as I can. 180;000 miles - so much for Toyota’s lasting a long time.

Frame and rear passenger control arm bracket, rotted out . Only there, 2 nd time this has happened, same spot but on my previous 2001 4runner.

Frame is rusted. Deemed unsafe to drive.

The vehicle is in impeccable condition. The frame is rusted through in the area of the passenger side above the trailing arms and the middle section of the rail. I bought the vehicle in 2006 and have babied the vehicle.

I found frame rust with perforation on my 02 Toyota 4runner.

When I had my state inspection in January of 2020, the machanic told me the frame of the vehicle will not pass inspection again. It is severely rusted through and in his opinion is unsafe to drive. A few weeks later, I was travelling to my father's residence and the brakes gave out. The technician that repaired my brake line also told me and documented on the bill that the truck is really not safe to drive. I have owned this vehicle for 18 years, and only driven it five winters. I wash the truck numerous times during the winter to remove salt. It is my only vehicle, and I cannot afford a new one. Why wasn't this included in the frame recall from Toyota?!? now I'm nervous about my safety and those on the roadways.

Right frame rail is very rusted to the point of non repair. Unable to repair suspension due to unable to remove bolts that hold suspension to frame.

I have a 2002 Toyota 4runner with a severely rusted frame. My vehicle has less than 70k original miles on it, no body rust, but an extremely rusted undercarriage and frame. I feel it is unsafe to continually drive with this problem, as it will only get worse and could affect other components such as steering, suspension, brakes, etc. Seeing as how Toyota has already had a class action lawsuit against their trucks of the same year for unsafe rusted frames, I feel my 4runner should be included in the frame replacement recall.

I was doing an oil change and noticed that the frame was rusted very badly . I think that there should be a recall on this model 3rd gen 4runner (1999-2002)this is the same frame as the truck that was recalled ,so this should be included . If this frame breaks it will hurt or kill some one .

On my 2002 Toyota 4 runner the bracket welded to the frame for rear trailing arm on drivers side rusted off causing the vehicle to sway and act very strange. Lots of other places rusted bad on frame also!.

Rear swaybar rusted from frame causing 4runner to wobble excessivly almost causing me to wreck. That side of frame is completely rusted away.

Rear axel is rusted off the frame, and rotting, mechanic says it's unsafe to drive.

The rear body mount bushings are completely rusted away and do not hold the frame to the body due to excessive frame body rust thru out the vehicle's frame. Makes noise when turning or going over bumps.

Traction control system malfunctions intermittently while driving around curves. Several times while driving approximately 30-40 miles per hour on a mountain road, the anti skid light illuminates without warning on a dry paved road with a subsequent sudden pull to the right and "grinding" noise. This has happened multiple times without warning. The Toyota dealer can not help, since he can not replicate the problem. The latest occurrence pulled the vehicle across the center line into the oncoming traffic lane. (had there been oncoming traffic this would have been a serious accident).

I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change recently and the technician said that I have some major rust issues on my rear axle and drivetrain. He should me when it was on the lift. He explained to me that the bolt and clip than holds the brake line down on the rear differential had rusted and broken off of the differential cover. The rear differential is now leaking gear oil. The technician advised me that it is too risky to attempt to repair as it may cause the entire differential to be damaged and the whole rear axle would need to be replaced. The technician also said that it is a risk to drive the vehicle and is possibly unsafe to keep driving. He stated that it is unknown how much longer I would be able to drive it until the rear axle ceases.

I have a 2002 Toyota 4 runner that was taken in for yearly state inspection and the technician informed that the frame is rotted through. He stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and a rejection sticker has been placed on the vehicle. Not sure what to do now. The vehicle still looks and runs very well, but unable to drive.

Vehicle was stationary. While replacing exhaust system components. Found what appeared to be minor rust on the passenger (right) side rear suspension mount. Further investigation uncovered a larger area of rust along the 3 welds on the inner frame rail. Cut / ground the metal back to good metal and am in the process of patching for my yearly maine vehicle inspection. Either Toyota has built an inferior frame or the newer chemicals being used to keep the roads clear in the winter to be the cause of this rust which could cause the rear suspension to fail at this point in the frame and cause a accident.

Frame and some suspension parts are very rusted, frame has holes and is becoming unsafe to drive. Vehicle is only 13 years old, only 100100 miles. Passenger side front suspension pop's when stressed in cornering. When at idle, you can hear the vibration from rust chunks in the frame. All heat shields rusted. Skid plates on front and fuel tank so rusted must remove. Now nothing is protecting the fuel tank.

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the trailing arm on the truck prematurely deteriorated and fractured with no warning in the rear. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and then the vehicle was towed to a repair shop who diagnosed that the rear end housing and axle differential needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Dyd.

After buying this vehicle I was underneath vehicle to repair a axle seal leaking and found extensive frame rust on passenger rear of frame. By extensive I mean the frame was rusted completely through! I have lived in ohio all of my life and have never seen a vehicle with this mileage and of this year have such severe frame rust! after further inspection I noticed rear end housing was also severely rusted. The rust on the frame is severely perforated at point where trailing arm for the rear end attaches to the frame! I was not aware of this issue before buying vehicle but after some research have found that this is definitely a manufacturer defect of some sort! these vehicles are not safe to drive with these frames in this condition and Toyota is aware of this!.

The frame is rusting almost in two. Looks like it could break any time. Rear axel is also very rusted with pieces falling off.

Frame is rusting out.

The frame on the 2002 4-runner has completely corroded and caused the Toyota dealership to deem the vehicle unsafe for driving. Even though this a recognized design failure, Toyota refuses to cover the cost of replacement. Toyota has recalled tundra models for this defect, but refuses to acknowledge the 4-runner design flaw since it was manufactured completely at their hino japan plant.

Extensive rust thru on drivers side of frame, rear suspension link rusted to the point where complete failure in coming soon. Last two feet of frame completely gone. Doubt it will pass another safety inspection without significant repair. Rear differential rusted to the point gear oil leaks. This is common on all 4 runners and should be recalled just like the tacomas.

Rust perforation in right side rear frame rail across from fuel tank inboard side. I understand Toyota has already recalled the tacoma (same year) for the same issues however has not recalled the 4runner. Car will not pass inspection nor can dealer repair.

Frame rusted out, similar to tacoma pick up trucks recall. Additionally climate control heating, cooling, fan defective, power antenna in-operable.

Recently purchased this vehicle and started cleaning it, after I drove it home and pressure washed undercarriage, pieces of the rear differential started flying off and gear oil started running out of holes. I have a 1971 Dodge challenger with original rear end that has never been in garage and have never seen a rearend rust like this. I'm really worried about how strong the axle housing structure is and if it could possible break in half while driving vehicle.

Takata recall. I have a rusty frame that needs to be addressed for safety reasons I was driving on the highway at 55 mph frame cracked and I almost died because of it Toyotas have shitty frame that should be recalled.

April 28, 2005, no injuries. Contact states he was wearing a seat belt. It was rainy. And while driving 45 mph vehicle lost control and veered to the right. Tried to steer left, but steering wheel would not go left. Applied brakes, and they failed. Then, hit semi trailer truck on left side. Contact has regular maintenance has service records.

Shortly after purchasing my 4 runner, I noticed a distinct shaking and shuddering of the frnt end and especially in the steering wheel. It really became impossible t take he vehicle over 65 mph. I have taken the car in for service and was always told the same thing. There is no problem . I have had new tires put on the car, new brakes and yet the car continues to vibrate to the point that I am now afraid to drive the vehicle. The stering is absolutely maddening and I fear a fatal crash. Toyota folsom lake refuses to admit there is a problem and will do nothing. The 2002 Toyota wa recalled for the seals failing on the windows. I took it in and they supposedly fixed the seals. They now hang down for all the world to see. Great impression for Toyota manufacturing company. When you apply the brakes the whole car goes into spasms like it is going to fall apart. The Toyota 4 runner is a piece of trash and definitely a lemon from day one. I for one, will never purchase another japanese made car because they do not stand behind their warranties. I have heard every excuse made to man, and in this case, woman. What they fail to realize is word of mouth is the best form of advertizing and sales in the world. Would you buy another Toyota? not on your life, because I am afraid it is going to cose me and my children great bodily harm. This car needs to be taken off the highways of the USA. Fortunately we survived a tire blowout and put all new tires on the car.