Body problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner - part 2

I purchased this vehicle in 2015 with 111k miles on it. Just found out today March 2 that the frame is shot and the control arms for the rear axle have let go on both sides do to frame rot, there are also other questionable parts of the frame. So very disappointed in this Toyota vehicle. This car couldn't even last 20 years, not the reputation of what I thought Toyotas were know for.

Excessive rust/rot on the frame, which is leading to expensive repairs and fears of unsafe operation.

Premature and excessive frame corrosion. Similar models were covered by earlier frame recall, why not the 4runner?.

My 2004 4runner limited v6 has significant rust build up on the frame, control arms, driveshaft, etc. I am the second owner with just over 21k miles driven in the past three year and right at 160k total. I've made sure to get regular washes to protect the undercarriage after inclement weather since I've owned the vehicle. After returning from a 10-month deployment, two shops have told me the condition is dangerous and requires significant replacement parts and anti-corrosion treatment to remedy the problem. I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a truck that should last me at 250k miles. I will not let my wife and girls ride in this vehicle, but we need two cars. Imagine my shock to find out many other Toyota owners have dealt with the same thing. This is clearly not a coincidence. Hoping for Toyota to rectify this serious safety/quality issue.

I was informed that when I went to get my oil changed this morning that I had major rush on my frame it was cracked and had big holes in it and they were afraid to put it up on the lift. Advised me to check with my dealer to see if there was a recall. According to kbb there is not with my corresponding VIN number which is a dang shame because this is a safety issue and I should t be afraid to drive my grand children around in fear that my frame won't support us. We purchased this vehicle because Toyota is known for their safety, reliability. Integrity and longevity. So because of the excellent feedback I have received about Toyota's � lasting forever� I made my first Toyota purchase. The body deceived me . Other than a little golf ball dent on the front fender. The body is very good condition not a speck of visible rust.

Frame is rotted 115k miles on the car, it seems to be rotting at the welds only.

Corrosion was found on passenger side of frame during 2020 state safety inspection causing failure of said state inspection. Corrosion was previously found on driver side frame during 2018 state safety inspection and was rectified by body shop welder. Vehicle is garaged when not in use.

Toyota 4 runner has developed severe corrosion of the frame and has been deemed unsafe to operate. Vehicle has been regularly washed and maintained by single owner. Vehicle has not been used for off-road driving. Vehicle has not been in a collision. State safety inspector advised owner that there have been a large number of complaints about frame corrosion of 2004 Toyotas and that this vehicle may be subject to a recall notice. Safety inspector stated that frame corrosion of this nature is highly unusual and should be reported to the NHTSA. Vehicle is not used along coast nor been subjected to immersion in salt water.

Last year the frame showed rust and holes and was rejected by the inspector. We were able to get the worst hole patched and it passed inspection. I am afraid the car might be unsafe.

This well maintained vehicle had been functioning flawlessly up to this point. Our son was on his way home and vehicle felt unstable and started to veer in both directions. He maintained control of the vehicle and was able to get home. I personally drove the vehicle upon his description and sure enough it seemed very unstable. After close examination, it was determined that the frame had separated at a location which left a drivers side rear stabilizer bar detached from the frame. The frame of the vehicle is completely deteriorating and flaking apart. The vehicle is unsafe to drive. We purchased this one owner vehicle for our son. We owned a Toyota sequoia that gave us safe reliable transportation for our family for many years and thought this 4runner would be a safe and reliable vehicle for our son to go off to college. The body and mechanics of the vehicle were very sound. Now, to find out, because of the inferior frame, the vehicle is worthless. We are out the money we paid for the vehicle and disheartened by Toyota's response that our vehicle was not part of the frame recall that was a known problem and safety issue for so many owners. This could have turned out to be a life threatening situation if he had not been able to bring the vehicle under control. We understand rust & corrosion, but this is extreme. I have owned many different brands of vehicles and have never seen anything like this. This frame is literally crumbling away leaving a beautiful vehicle to waste.

Transmission would not shift in motion leaving from a stop sign. I later found out my transmission lines had corroded away leaking a large amount of transmission fluid. After replacing brakes and adding brake fluid I noticed the brake fluid had leaked from bottom. I had to replace all brake lines and fittings due to corrosion.

My 4runner's frame broke while driving due to rust. There's a recall for tacoma's but not 4 runners. I thankfully was not injured but now I'm without a vehicle. When I bought my 4 runner I was under the impression Toyota was #1 when it came to safety for their customers. Please help me.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4 runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a routine service and an independent mechanic, the technician noticed the muffler and chassis were fractured around the seal. The technician informed the contact to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealer. The vehicle was later taken to bill page Toyota dealer, 2923 annandale rd, falls church, va 22042, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000. Aw.

Had vehicle almost two years. Had the frame and under carriage rust proofed by krown in late 2018. Recently while having the frame and under carriage rust proofed by rust check they pointed out that there was a big hole in the frame. We were going to have it repaired but when they dropped the gas tank we were told that even more of the frame was compromised to the point that they said it couldn't be repaired. We feel we have no choice but to scrap it.

The frame of my family's 2004 Toyota 4runner is badly corroded, with only 120k miles on it. It did not pass a recent inspection and is unsafe to drive. Two different mechanics told me that if we hit a hard bump, the frame could split. There is an investigation, but Toyota needs to recall these cars and fix them, or replace them. I can't afford to junk the car and buy a new one, but I can't drive my young children in it either. Thank you.

We have a 2004 4runner with extreme body rust a corrosion which has caused the failure of numerous components, brakes, gas tank, transmission lines, wheels and other suspension and exhaust items. We originally noticed this failure and began taking steps to correct areas of concern, but the excessive rust has prevented many repairs on suspension, brakes and other components. We recently had an incident that almost caused a roll-over when the brakes seized and the transmission lines failed. I can describe this in more detail at request. When we try to remove bolts, brackets and associated hardware, they are seized, rounded off and/or broken. With no way to repair damaged parts or remove the rust, we may be forced to scrap a vehicle that is otherwise running perfectly. We have taking extreme measure to attempt to mitigate the continuing damage, but seem to have no option for existing damage. I do know there is 1 open investigation on this issue from 2018, NHTSA action number: dp18002. Original complaint number voq 11098055.

The frame of the 2004 4runner is rusting out and there are visible holes in the frame that support the vehicle. This appears to be a very common problem according to the dealership with several of the 4runner and tacoma models being affected.

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop for scheduled maintenance. The mechanic found that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notiified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that they took the vehicle to the dealership (temecula valley Toyota located at 26631 ynez rd, temecula, CA 92591 phone number: 951-319-7911) for inspection when they were informed the contact that the undercarriage was completely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there were no recalls regarding and no case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 166. 000. Gl.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having a routine check for her oil change. The dealer stephen wade Toyota 150 hilton dr, st. George, ut 84770 (435) 634-6500 noticed corrosion around the frame and informed the contact that the frame has to much corrosion to repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned NHTSA action number dp18002(structure)as a possible solution of the failure to her vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was taken. The failure mileage was 132,000. Ck.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having a routine check up for alignment by a independent mechanic who noticed the frame was corrisoned through. The dealer was not contacted. The failure on the vehicle frame has gotten worse. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The contact mentioned that NHTSA action number: (structure) as a possible solution to the failure. The failure mileage was approixmently 137,000. Ck.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to sway back and forth. The contact was concerned that there was an issue with the tires, alignment or maybe the balance of the tires. The vehicle was taken to a tire and wheel company where the tires were balanced, rotated, and a wheel alignment was performed however, failed to remedy the issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the sub frame showed excessive rust. The contact was informed that the sub frame of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198000. Ah.

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the front passenger side to the rear subframe showed extensive corrosion. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be unsafe to drive for much longer. Brown's Toyota of glen burnie (7167 ritchie hwy, glen burnie, MD 21061, (410) 761-9000) was contacted the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,800.

I bought this vehicle at dealership may 2018, frame components completely rotted through I will include photos vechicle unsafe to drive transmission lines rotted when I looked closely I saw frame rotted.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for state inspection, she was informed that the sub frame was severely corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,711. Ah.

Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The entire undercarriage had been rusted out. The contact discovered part of the frame that held up the gas tank was dragging on the ground while the vehicle was in motion. The manufacturer was contacted and they told the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 120,000. Tf.

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe of the vehicle had severe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Toyota of merrillville (4450 e. Lincoln hwy, merrillville, in) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 213,000.

There is an unreasonable amount of rust on 4th generation 4 runner. Seems to be a common problem and makes the car unsafe.

Local Toyota dealer inspected frame found multiple holes in the frame , estimate given of $17,793. 54 for new frame all parts needed with the frame parts and labor. Contacted Toyota and they will do nothing to correct the faulty frame issue.

The body/frame of the car is suffering from severe corrosion/rust. The rust has started eating through the frame. This appears to be a common problem in Toyota 4runners from 2003-2007 model year. In my case my vehicle is a 2004 model year. This is a serious risk and hazard.

The frame on my 4runner is rotting. It has a few holes in it and the rust is everywhere. I do not understand how it could be so rotten so quickly, especially where I live. There are a lot of other 4runners close in age that are experiencing the same issue. Toyota needs to replace the frames on the 4runners like they did on the tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's. I drive my 4runner everyday on the highway and am starting to feel unsafe using it anymore.

Excessive rust has appeared in a number of structural areas in the frame of my 4runner. Complete rust through has occurred in many areas of the frame and in key stress points. The rust appears to be coming from the inside out so it is tough to identify additional areas that rust is affecting and further degrading the safety and strength of the frame. The rust was identified during a normal visual inspection of the underside of my vehicle based on recommendations from other owners with similar issues.

Tl the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. During a state inspection, the inspector diagnosed that the frame on the front driver's side, just before the rear wheel, was rusted and had holes. The contact was informed that the failure needed to be remedied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 333,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a squeaking noise was present coming from the rear passenger side brake mechanism. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the sub frame had experienced severe rusting and corrosion and the rear passenger side brake caliper and brake line had rusted. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer atlantic Toyota(193 sunrise hwy, west islip, NY) were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000. Jft.

Upon bringing my car to Toyota for service, they have been noticing more and more rust perforation on my chassis, last year trying to fix a flat the jack went right thru the chassie rail due to being all rusted out and flaky. Today I went for an oil change and multi point inspection found rear shock broken on pass side and more rust at all seams of welding as well as holes and weak thin spots of metal. Mechanics advised me of numerous other models from Toyota with same issue, upon calling their headquarters they deny any issue with 4 runners when I told them the are all same period and obviously same manufacturer making your chassie parts which are defective.