Frame Rust problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner - part 2

Excessive frame rust has resulted in the frame almost completely disappearing, making the vehicle unsafe to drive and forced to be taken off the road. There is less than an inch of frame holding the rear right axle in place.

I was driving the vehicle and normal highway speed on the interstate. When I let off the accelerator, the vehicle lurched to one side, causing the vehicle to cross into the other lane. When I applied the accelerator again, the vehicle lurched in the other direction, requiring me to apply corrective action to maintain control. Upon inspection, the passenger side rear suspension link support had mostly separated from the frame due to rust. I can bend it back and forth with my hand. I have not driven the vehicle since due to safety concerns. It is difficult to control the vehicle, especially a highway speed.

I purchased my 2003 4runner brand new. The vehicle has 70,000 original miles. Never in an accident. The truck is garaged. Always maintained by Toyota. Not a scratch on the truck. Interior looks brand new. However the frame has excessive rust. Found a few spots that will eventually needs to be addressed. Toyota needs to step up and fix the rust problems.

Currently the frame rust is very severe and is getting to the point that I am becoming hesisitant to have it out on the road. There are areas around suspension components and axles that are very rusted which could potentially lead to casualties if the mounts were to fail.

I have had this vehicle for many years and I "know" it. I noticed that he steering wheel had a vibration albeit slight, this was something new as well as a noise I could hear under the car. I brought it home complained to my husband - he looked under the car & was appalled - the frame is so rusted he was able to stick his finger through the failing frame! I am afraid this vehicle will kill me! what if it decides to completely break at an axle or part of the undercarriage. Do I drive it and take the chance of getting hurt or killed before someone will order a recall. We can send photos if necessary as this will most certainly add validity to the concern.

We were hearing a noise in the rear suspension (lh) when braking or accelerating. The car was not stable to drive. We lift the vehicle and found that the frame is rusted due to the manufactuer did not protect it at the factory. The rear left suspension bracket was almost dissapeared. The vehicle was dangerous to be driven. We had to reinforce the affected part to keep the vehicle in service, but the frame is rotten. The engine, body and interior are in perfect condition but the frame.

Frame rusting out.

I found out in late 2018 or early 2019 that the frame was rusted through. After looking closer the rusted out area is 2 foot long by 3 inch wide. There was no incident but concerned for the safety while drive g it.

The frame is completely rusted out making the vehicle unsafe, undriveable and unfixable with only 60,000 miles. We cannot find a frame or anyone to fix it.

Frame has significant rusting issues. Failing connectors, heavy rust scaling of frame with one area at 3/4 failure of box frame.

This vehicle failed state safety inspection at an independent auto repair center due to excessive frame rust. Then had vehicle inspected by a local Toyota dealer who indicated "needs new frame - all rotted - there's no where to weld. " the body of this vehicle is in great shape but has become a safety hazard due to frame rust. This rusting issue seems very similar to that of the tacoma. Toyota acknowledges the frame issue on the tacoma but has not done the same for the identical problem with 4runners.

My 2003 4runner has a ton of rust and the frame is rusting badly. I do not feel this vehicle is safe to drive.

The frame of my 2003 Toyota 4runner v8 demonstrates excessive and concerning rust damage. The body is in extremely good condition and has almost zero rust, a stark contrast against the frame. The frame has rust damage heavily on the lower radiator support, a 8" long spot on the bottom of the frame directly behind the transmission crossmember on the passenger side, and by the driver's side rear lower trailing arm mount. These areas of rust damage cause me to be concerned for the safety of the vehicle in the long term. The vehicle has only 180k miles, which should leave many years of enjoyable Toyota ownership for me, if only the frame was still in half as good of shape as the body. I understand that Toyota has recently done frame replacements for other similar vehicles, and I do not understand why they would not do at least something for the 4runner. Living in michigan I always expect some rust on a 15 year old vehicle, but this is certainly excessive. I have started to use por15 rust coating to hopefully slow the rot so that the vehicle may remain safe to drive for a few more years, but I am highly disappointing none the less. I had expected this on my previous vehicle, a Nissan with open recalls for excessive rusting, but I had faith that this Toyota 4runner would not have these issues since Toyota has historically been good about making things right where rusty frames are concerned. Clearly not in this case. This does genuinely have an impact on my likelihood to purchase a new Toyota in the future, as rust is a nightmare to deal with and I don't intend to risk having to again, unless I see some signs that Toyota will help where there was clearly some kind of mistake.

03 4runner has excessive frame rust near rear wheel area and front radiator mount.

Frame rust thru. Documented by the dealer. Nourse in chillicothe,ohio.

Tl-the cotnact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner, the contact stated while having routine maintenace was informed there was execessive rust on the frame and several holes. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additioanlly, the calipers were sticking and the oil pan was rusted however the contact completed the repairs. The vehicle was taken to ramey Toyota 135 frazier dr, princeton, wv 24740( 877) 825-2186 where diagnosed the frame needed to be replaced. The vehcile was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 55,000. Ap.

2003 4runner with excessive rust of the frame and undercarriage. Potential failure of frame and frame components due to rust could cause serious injury. Dealer submitted photos to Toyota.

My 4 runner failed va safety inspection due to "frame rusted through" see attached photo.

The passenger side frame rail has rusted so badly that it has split and cracked. Absolutely crazy that the 4runners weren't included in the pervious frame recall with the tacoma�s.

The frame on the 2003 Toyota 4runner has an excessive amount of frame rust. Others have reported this issue and it is believed to be a design flaw by Toyota. Due to the excessive amount of rust, there is a major safety concern.

Vehicle frame has excessive rust, broke apart at frame joint. Vehicle unsafe to drive 156k.

We had just bought the vehicle when the rear end began swaying from side to side and we took it to the mechanic at Toyota and was told that the whole frame was rusted out and was to dangerous to drive but they could not help us. The same frame was on the other 3 makes and was recalled and that ours needs to be recalled. They all know it needs to be recalled and I wish they would just do it because it just sits out there and is in great condition all but the frame rust.

Excessive frame rust in multiple spots on frame on both sides and on crossmember. This is a well documented problem for this generation of 4runner and needs to be addressed. My vehicle has been garage kept since new I am the original owner of the vehicle.

I took my car for an oil change on 5/29/18 and they came back and told me my frame was unsafe to drive on. We took it to another shop and put it up on the lift and the frame is about to crack in half from the amount of rust. My car is garaged and barely driven during the snow. I realize it is 15 years old, but the two individuals that looked at it stated that the holes and rust found on the frame should not be that bad. Toyota has stated that they will not do anything about this. I am extremely mad, as I feel that the dealership should have notified me sooner that the frame was rusting. It is beyond patch repair work and probably could have been patched earlier, had I been notified of the issue. My car is taken in for all routine maintenance and other than the frame is in great condition. It only has $126k miles and shouldn't be falling apart like this.

Excessive rusting of frame while rest of vehicle remains intact.

I took my vehile to ispection the frame has rust perforetion the vehicle is unsafe. That the dealers makers infection also differential housing is rusted badly/scaling.

My 4runner has been a very reliable vehicle, yet has extensive frame rust. The vehicle did not pass new hampshire state vehicle safety inspection in March of 2018 as a result of the frame deterioration. I have been unable to use the vehicle since then, and feel that Toyota should address the issue with a recall as they have already done on the tacoma, tundra and sequoia. I have heard many similar reports on the 4runner frames and Toyota has yet to address the problem.

My 2003 Toyota 4runner sport has experienced extreme, and dangerous, levels of rust on the frame cross bars, despite being washed regularly. The rust appears to be originating from inside the supports, and I was advised by a Toyota dealer mechanic that the rust could potentially lead to complete frame failure in the very near future. At this point, sizable areas have rusted through entirely. I have brought this to the attention of Toyota, and they have regularly refused to acknowledge that there is any problem with the frame.

My vehicle although in perfect visual condition has excessive rust on the frame. I have been told it should not be driven as it could be hazardous. The car is in great shape with no rust on any other part of the car aside from the frame flaking away.

Frame is rusting and deforming uniformly on both sides of the vehicle just behind the front wheels and engine, in front of the transfer case.

The vehicle feels like it's bottoming out going over the slightest little bump when in motion and the rotors were making a horrible sound going down the highway even after the brakes had been checked. Spent $400+ on new brakes & rotors only to find out that the frame is completely rusted out and the mechanic advised us not to drive it at all. It was too dangerous and would cause a bad wreck when it finally did drop out.

Rusted frame , looking very dangerous and not safe.

Frame is badly rusted. After a minor accident, the body shop stated they were unable to weld in a replacement crossmember due to excessive rust. I understand Toyota has recalled frames of similar vehicles but not 4runners.

Frame rust, severe extensive rust to frame, vehicle is unsafe to drive, Toyota has recalls for tundra and tacoma, need to add 4runner to recall list. Vehicle has not been involved in accident, frame rot was pointed out while having vehicle serviced. The frame needs to be replaced.

Vehicle has 100 000 miles. Heavy rust is observed since 2018 on the main frame near the front end. Holes and openings on the frame are rusted out and large amount of metal is falling. Same problems as reported on tacoma. I am concerned about safety and structural strentgh of the vehicle in case of impact.