Frame Rust problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner - part 1

I have been in contact with Toyota several times over the past 4 years about rust issues with this frame, but the refuse to fix it. They recalled the tacoma, tundra and sequoia of the same year for this reason. The frame rusts and falls apart. While driving up my road I felt the rear of the car shift to the side, I turned around and went straight home to find the frame at the rear passenger tire broken. I have attached a picture of the broken area, but can send more pictures of the entire frame if needed.

The frame is rusted beyond repair and the vehicle has spent the majority of its life in a n underground garage protected from the elements, as well as in florida. It has very low mileage, and no other serious problems.

Our 2003 4runner frame is rusted throughout. Not even safe to drive with 127,000 miles. The control arm is ready to fall off. Thankfully, a busted brake line got us into the shop before a bad accident happened. Now we're looking at spending $4000 on framework to make it safe to drive. So sad that this issue has been know for years and no one is making Toyota make it right. Please do something before people get hurt. We were ready to take a 1000 mile trip from alabama to texas when we found out about the rust. My mechanic stuck a pencil through the frame! it's sooooo bad! please do something!.

Rear of the frame is rusted out there is a big hole in the side of the frame. I just bought this vehicle an I looked at it before I bought it an looked at the frame just figured maybe the rest of the frame would be fine but it was not.

Frame is rusted out, excessive rust throughout the entire frame and suspension components. Sway bar mounts for rear axle have rusted out vehicle is unsafe to drive.

Severe rusting on the frame. Has gone completely through the frame.

Vehicle frame is severely rusted and rotted to the point where there are holes in the frame itself making it extremely unsafe to drive. Other Toyota trucks around the same year have been recalled with similar frame issues, does not make any sense why Toyota has not recalled the 2003 4runner frames yet. Vehicle is over 205,000 miles and would probably run another 200k if not for the frame which makes this car almost undrive-able. Frame to be replaced ASAP.

I took my 2003 Toyota 4runner into my local mechanic to do my annual state safety inspection and the mechanic informed me the frame was too rusted to pass inspection. Furthermore, he said that the rust was so severe it had separated the suspension from the frame. He told me it was the worst frame rust he had ever seen and that the cars frame looked like it was 20 years older then it was. It was totally rusted through in several spots. I called Toyota to see if they would work with me to fix this issue and they offered no help. All the other cars built on this frame have been recalled, I'm not sure why this one hasn't been.

I have a 2003 Toyota 4runner, that the frame is severely rusting. It has been garage kept and/or carport kept the entire duration of owning the vehicle. It was bought new and only one owner. When you turn right it makes a scratching sound. . From other complaints, I can see this is a common issue associated with the rusted frame.

The rust on the frame of this vehicle is unlike anything I've seen in comparison to it's age. I work on vehicles frequently and have not seen anything like this in a modern age vehicle, and vehicles that are over 40 years old that I own or work on don't have rust that is remotely this bad. Upon further investigation, I found the entire weld line of the frame rails to be corroded through in an approximately 28" section. With further investigation, the entire bottom section of that rail was rusted out to be extremely thin and separated at the seam, entirely compromising the integrity of the frame rail. 2 of the body mounts are also rusted out as well as some of the suspension mount components. The vehicle is at risk for having the spring and strut assembly or the control arm assembly detaching from the frame under normal operation conditions. This is an incredible safety risk as it could result in the vehicle losing all steering control. Luckily it was found before an accident occurred.

My 2003 Toyota 4runner started making a thump and scratching sound when driving as the road dips, turns, and when hitting any type or size of speed bumps and pot holes. After a closer inspection, the entire passenger side of the frame is rusted through. Tire discounter staff identified the rust issue. The body of the car is laying on the frame and the shock is hitting the body of the vehicle. Tire discounter staff state, �you are one pot hole away from this frame breaking in half. � �the car is not safe to drive. � the vehicle is rusted so bad that it looks to be 100 years old. The car is not drivable due to the rusted through frame.

I have a 2003 4runner with severe frame rust through making the vehicle a hazard to drive and to others on the road. This is clearly consistent with Toyota's other recalls.

There is extensive rust damage on the frame towards where the transmission connects to the engine. In 1-2 years, my 4runner will need frame repairs, if not sooner.

Took vehicle for new muffler. Advised not only muffler rusted through but the frame has extensive rust and deemed unsafe.

Excessive frame and undercarriage rust. I have owned several other cars over 30-40+ years and this 03 4runner has the worst rust. Instead of simple surface rust, this rust has affected frame welds, suspension mounting points, tow and lift points. Rusting pace is extremely fast moving. There appears to be only a simple layer of thin paint, with no undercoating anywhere. This 4runner was serviced regularly, motor is running great, body and interior are in great condition. This was a gift from grandpa to grandson, but I am concerned of safety and at this point recommending only local, under 35mph travel only. Probably scrap the car soon as not much to do but replace frame. Very disappointed with misled condition, outside/inside/motor perfect, but frame rotting away. My family and friends have purchased Toyotas with little incident, but I won't buy or recommended knowing they have a life of ~10yrs.

The frame is rusted away but the body is perfect. Purchased as is. Was not informed in writing about the bad frame.

During a visit to a body shop to have my fuel door fixed, I found out that the frame of my vehicle has significantly deteriorated due to rust. There are holes in the frame, welds that have rusted completely through, and one of the transmission mounts is gone. I was told by the body shop who reviewed the frame, a second body shop that I consulted for a second opinion, and my local Toyota dealership that my vehicle is not safe to drive and should no longer be driven. One body shop said that they normally sees this type of rust on vehicles that are 30-40 years old! they also said that the entire frame and all rusted parts will need to be replaced and would cost between $12,000 and $15,000 depending on the parts that need to be replaced. My truck only has about 122,000 miles on it, and the body, paint, and interior are immaculate! fortunately, having my 4runner looked at prevented a potential accident. I know that there are several class action lawsuits concerning frames that have rusted out on the tundra, tacoma, and the sequoia vehicles for which Toyota is performing repairs and replacements. The 4runner should also be included because there are numerous complaints for this same problem.

We bought a used Toyota 4 runner in September 2017 from a used car dealer. The vehicle looked great and drove amazing but after having it serviced we were informed that the vehicle was rusty on the frame and to keep an eye on it. Over time the vehicle got worse and we had it looked at and were told it would need to have a frame or be repaired. Essimate around $5000 since the vehicle was financed we dont feel safe driving it as we were told it is unsafe. We dont have the money to buy another vehicle is this covered uder the lemon law. Toyota wil not do anything regarding this. But it is clearly a defecitive prouduct. They were recalls done on Toyota trucks with the same issue but not the 4 runner. Please add me to any pending lawsuits regarding this issue. Tyler wright tylervwright@yahoo. Com.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4 runner. While having routine maintenance the independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame was rusted on the passenger side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not assist. The failure mileage was 171,000. Ap.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was rust on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to sunrise Toyota (3984 sunrise hwy, oakdale, NY 11769, (631) 589-9000) where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and the frame hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was invalid.

I have a 2003 Toyota 4runner sport 4. 7 with severe frame rust issues. I am concerned that the frame will fail soon. Toyota should be responsible for recalling these vehicles like the tacoma's and tundras that used the same frames! what gives Toyota?.

Went to inspect my 4 runner, was told I have major rot and rust on the frame they are unable to inspect, vehical is unsafe to have on the road. My SUV is mint with low miles how can this be. I always take care of my vehicals.

My frame is seriously rusted and needs replacement making my vehicle unsafe. There is rust in numerous locations. I just visited a repair shop and they told me that I would need to reinforce or replace the frame. The cost for reinforcing the frame is over 5000 dollars. The vehicle is in great shape other than the frame and I was hoping to drive it for at least a few more years. Your department has found similar issues with other Toyotas that have exactly the same issue and are built upon similar frames made exactly the same way. These models include the tacoma, sequoia, and tundra. It is my opinion that Toyota failed to treat their frames properly and the dealer failed to take the necessary steps to inform me of the issue when the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance.

Our 4runner's frame is rusting away and Toyota refuses to fix their mistake. The frame is similar to the tacoma that was recalled and repaired, so I contacted them and was informed that they weren't going to fix our 4runner that has the same issues. I was less than pleased with their response. This could've quite easily caused a severe accident. Luckily my mechanic caught it in time before that happened.

Excessive frame rust causing vehicle to fail safety inspection.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that it was noticed during a wheel alignment, that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the white river Toyota dealer (802-299-2800, located at (802) 299-2800) where it was stated that the frame was rusted and would not pass the state inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140, 000. Fe.

The entire frame is rusted. The front section has rotted thru and the right section has rot thru more than half way pass the muffler area. Above the spare tire carrage is rotted and the tire carrage is siezed. I found this while jacking up the truck for an oil change and hear the frame crumble.

I own a 2003 Toyota 4runner that I purchased new. The vehicle has ~129k miles and was garaged kept to 11/2015. It recently failed PA state inspection due to a rust hole in a frame rail. Since 11/2015, the vehicle is driven less than 5k miles a year. Prior to this event, I have never owned a vehicle that experienced a rust hole in the frame. I did some research and found that frame rust in 4th generation 4runners is an issue. After looking at the hole and the amount of rust on the frame it is obvious to me that more rust holes will occur. Toyota created this problem and has a moral and ethical obligation to their customers to make it right! Toyota needs to own the problem, not their customer! I truly believe that the NHTSA needs to issue a recall because it is a safety related issue affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle.

The frame is rusting from the inside out. My 4runner was bought brand new and has been babied and used for short commute I have read about numerous other 4runner owners with the same problem. The rusted car frame is unsafe for driving . I'm told the frame is rusting from the inside out. My vehicle has been babied and is in exceptional condition except for the frame. The is no rust on the body or other places. . . Just the frame that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car should have a lot of life left in it as the engine and other components are in excellent shape. I should not have to sell it for parts. I'm told that Toyota has replaced some frames and they do this on a case by case basis. Apparently the 4runner is on the same frame as a couple of their trcks (tundra, etc. ) the truck frames are also rusting and going bad. Toyota should replace the bad frames. I live in the southern part of virginia. I do not live in the rust belt. We get very little snow and ice. The frames have a factory defect. Any frame, when used in the capacity as we have used our 4runner should never go bad as this one has. The frame is a serious car safety issue. From reading the internet, this is a major problem for Toyotas as there are many many other Toyota owners who have complained about the same problem as mine (bad rusted frames that make their vehicles undriveable). Please have Toyota replace the frames. If they are unwilling to do this, then at least give a general trade-in allowance to purchase another Toyota vehicle. . I never would have bought my 4$unner if I new this was a problem with them.

Significant frame rust has compromised the safety of the vehicle. Several holes have perforated through the frame and it has been deemed unsafe to drive due to frame rust. Toyota needs to replace these 4runner frames.

"takata recall" my 2003 Toyota 4runner failed state inspection today for the first time ever due to extreme frame rust. The vehicle is totally unsafe to drive because of rusted out holes in the metal frame . Yes, if I drove over large pothole or involve in a collision, this vehicle would separate in pieces and not to mention what level of bodily harm you would sustain . Even though my odometer reads 255,000+ miles, the engine seems to be able to run another 200,000 plus miles with no electrical or mechanical issues and body looks fantastic for the year. On-the-hand vehicle frame below is in horrible condition, with holes rusted through the metal and no signs of any under coat paint protection (hate to lose such a wonderful vehicle). Please add my vehicle and safety concerns to the list of other 4th generation Toyota 4runners owners facing the same frame rust issue.

Excessive rusting on frame.

I was warned by my Toyota dealer that my 4runner may be unsafe to drive due to the amount of rust on the frame. The entire frame has rust spread out and it has a few really bad areas. I bought the vehicle used and I was told that there was a spot that was rusted through and needed a bracket to be welded over it. In the image attached you can what the general state the frame is in but it does not show the worst areas. I don't have a car jack available so its difficult for me to take pictures of the whole frame.

The back of the truck frame has rusted through. Stationary. Front axle pics included as well. Rust, wear and tear. Not sure when it happened bc the dealership sold the vehicle to me like this. Rusted metal proves it happened awhile ago. Plus someone tried to weld it to cover up the problem. I've also put in a radiator and new muffler was completely rusted through.

Severe frame rust.