Frame Rust problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner - part 1

Rusty frame.

Significant frame rust that has created from rot with rotted out holes. Vehicle is now failing safety inspections. This is identical to the tacoma/tundra/sequoia recall but the 4runners were not included in that recall. The 4runners should be included in that recall or a new recall established since this same frame rust issue is significantly compromising the 2005 4runner (4th generation 4runner) vehicle safety putting owners and other drivers at risk.

Brought to mechanic because steering suddenly became a major problem. Frame has deteriorated to the point that truck is un driveable per mechanic. Suspension components are coming detached, main frame has holes and front frame is completely missing. Mechanic says he has never seen a frame rusted out this bad in his 30 years on the job. He said it certainly shouldn't happen to a vehicle 15 years old. After research it is found this is a major problem with these vehicles.

Upon recently driving a family member's 2005 Toyota 4runner limited v8, I heard a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle over bumps. Upon inspecting the vehicle, I discovered extensive rust on nearly every single part of the structural frame, suspension components and even exhaust system. Some parts are so badly rusted that they can be punctured by simply pushing your finger through them (including the rear frame cross member crash structure behind the rear bumper). These vehicles are rusting so terribly that I'm shocked NHTSA hasn't forced Toyota to recall them. Yes, they're older, but the level of rust and decay is unprecedented for nearly any modern car. Toyota already had to recall all of their other body-on-frame vehicles (tacoma, tundra, sequoia, and land cruiser) to replace the frames due to rust. Why have they neglected the 4runner when it's arguably the vehicle that will likely see use off road more than all the others? the NHTSA should force Toyota to recall these cars before someone is killed. Look at any online forum as I did last night and you'll see Toyota is actually being sued in a class action lawsuit for this very issue. Tons of people are sharing photos and stories of their own incidents. Someone is going to be killed when their car disintegrates as they drive down the road and they lose control of their steering, braking or if they're hit in a collision and the structural members of the car crumble like a cracker.

Swipe Toyota found significant rust of my frame. Car has 142,000 miles, located in kentucky.

More than once a mechanic working on my truck said there is extensive rusting of my frame. I treated the frame two years ago with rust inhibitor and 3m undercoating. That was the second time I undercoated my truck. I know Toyota had a recall for the for rusted frames, the settlement covered tacoma trucks from the model years 2005 through 2010, sequoias from 2005 through 2008, and tundras from the 2007 and 2008 model years but they excluded 4runners. There seems to really be an issue with the materials used. I am worried the frame will break beyond repair since there is no good metal to weld to.

Frame is rusted thru on both front sides where the control arms attach.

2005 4runner in really good shape except for frame rust. This car would easily have gone another 100k with a strong drivetrain and interior in great shape. Was brought in to dealer for maintenance and when the tech put it on the lift he saw the rust damage. Called and explained the issue and suggested this was not safe for the road. This could have been a catastrophic accident if by chance it was not at the dealer. Rust is serious enough to have frame break and loss of control of vehicle. So I go from a reliable great vehicle to a piece of junk that can't be driven. This issue should definitely be covered and repair by Toyota, as Toyota is famous for rust issues!!! there's no question the frame was not coated properly. Rust this severe for a 2005 year car is not acceptable. Toyota should stand behind their product and fix this car.

Excessive frame rust and underbody rust. Most weld points and frame assembly is degrading from rust. Transmission coolant lines have cracked and leaked.

The amount of rust on the frame is getting quite worrisome. This is a known issue and recall with the tacoma, sequoia and tundra, so why not the 4-runner? there are holes starting to form and metal flakes off all the time. It has gotten to the point where it is a legitimate safety concern.

We just had our 2005 toyoya 4runner in for the yearly inspection and were told that it will not pass inspection next year as the frame is rusted and corroded out. We bought the vehicle used in 2017 from a local Toyota dealer and when complained about it at a routine inspection was told it is normal wear and tear. We also have a 2000 Lexus 300 no rust issues what so for a vehicle 5 years older. I have seen numerous complaints and even a class action lawsuit against Toyota regarding rusting frame issues with the Toyota 4runners 2005-2011. Our mechanic even called Toyota about the frame rust and issue and was told that there is nothing they can do. Now I completely understand that a vehicle of the age and miles(141,809) will have issues that need to be fixed and replaced, but to have the frame rust out and it is not going to pass inspection the following year! that is ridiculous! we still owe on the personal loan for this vehicle! please look into this issue!.

Frame rusting and I have rust holes in frame.

Excess frame rust. Mechanic states frame has severe rust all over the entire frame and is in eminent danger of completely rusting through. Major frame repair or replacement is needed.

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. When the contact took the vehicle to ourisman chantilly Toyota (4135 auto park cir, chantilly, va 20151, 703-832-4827) to be serviced, the mechanic stated that the frame had extensive rust damage. Due to the extensive rust, a hole formed in the frame. The contact was informed that the vehicle was dangerous to operate. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise detected. The vehicle was taken to dowling Toyota of litchfield 451 bantam rd, litchfield, CT 06759 (860) 567-0815 and the contact was informed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000. Dr.

Frame rust and failure. I have had to have patches put in.

Extensive body frame rust. Large rusted out holes in frame. Unable to get MA. Vehicle yearly inspection sticker. Emissions test failed (MA. Inspection station #pb004755). Vehicle bought new 6/2005 recommended not to drive vehicle due to extensive holes in frame.

Rusted frame of vehicle including cross bar under radiator and on struts attached to wheels. Found during routine maintenance by auto mechanic.

Hi, I own a 2005 4runner and I am concerned about the heavy amount of rusting on the frame. The frame is rusty which is causing heavy flaking of the affected material. The body of the vehicle is pristine but I fear that the premature rusting of the frame will affect the ability to safely drive my 4runner in the future. I am a special education teacher with two young daughters and don't have the income to go out and replace the frame or buy a new vehicle. This 4runner is the only vehicle I own and is my daily driver. My students and their guardians depend on me to arrive safely to school everyday so there is consistency in my students' lives. I have seen many 4runners in this age range suffer from this same corrosion. I am concerned that my family will be injured in a minor accident or the vehicle's safety mechanisms failing because of frame damage. I am also concerned that I will lose my only means of transporting myself to work. I am a huge fan of Toyota, especially 4runners, and want to keep mine around for a long time. Keeping Toyota vehicles around for a long time is what the company was built upon.

Frame rust: the amount of rust is substantial. I have older Toyota vehicles with the frames is much better condition. I am meticulous when it comes to maintaining and detailing my vehicles. I thoroughly hose down the underside of my 4runner after long drives to drive to preserve the frame, though I feel as if it is too late. I also have a 2010 tacoma that the frame was serviced at no cost to me. I am a loyal Toyota customer and would love to maintain my 4runner and keep it on road for many more years.

Excessive frame rust. Has had excessive decomposition and rotting in the very front for several years. Now noticing rot with large holes near critical structural support near rear axle, spring and shock attachment points. Took to local welding shop to see about patching the area near the rear axle and was advised to stop driving the vehicle soon as the frame's integrity is at risk. I am the original owner. Well taken care of vehicle, always garaged and routinely washed.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated the frame was rusted and pieces were falling off. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact called local dealer route 22 Toyota located at 109 us-22, hillside, NJ 07205, (855) 691-0898, were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer has not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Dp.

Hi, I own a 2005 4runner and I am concerned about the heavy amount of rusting on the frame. The frame is rusty which is causing heavy flaking of the affected material. The body of the vehicle is pristine but I fear that the premature rusting of the frame will affect the ability to safely drive my 4runner in the future. I am a special education teacher with two young daughters and don't have the income to go out and replace the frame or buy a new vehicle. This 4runner is the only vehicle I own and is my daily driver. My students and their guardians depend on me to arrive safely to school everyday so there is consistency in my students' lives. I have seen many 4runners in this age range suffer from this same corrosion. I am concerned that my family will be injured in a minor accident or the vehicle's safety mechanisms failing because of frame damage. I am also concerned that I will lose my only means of transporting myself to work. I am a huge fan of Toyota, especially 4runners, and want to keep mine around for a long time. Keeping Toyota vehicles around for a long time is what the company was built upon.

Premature frame rust.

While the truck was in for inspection and maintenance. Upon removing the front skid plate to access the oil filter, we found major frame rust / rot / holes in frame on passenger side under front skid plate. The cross memeber which holds the front axel and suspension is completely rusted out. The vehicle is undrivable at the moment and will need costly repairs to even come off the lift.

Looked under truck to check for rust, found multiple spots with under-body frame rot (rust, could potentially rust through). The rust could potentially cause a major accident. Unsure if previous owner used "fluid film" or similar product to protect the under-body - I recently found out about pervasive rust rot in the under-body of the 4th gen 4runners. This is most likely caused by the salt solution placed on roads to help prevent ice and snow formation. It seems that Toyota used a less-than-up-to-the-task frame for these vehicles - frames that allow rust to form rather easily and rot it from the inside out. As far as I am aware, there are recalls for similar Toyota vehicles such as the tacoma and sequoia with respect to frame rot. The frame seems to be solid, but since heavy rusting has already occurred, it is not economical or worthwhile to replace the frame. Eventually the frame will rust through and cause a major issue.

Toyota dealer failed safety inspection due to rear suspension arm rusted off and a hole rusted through frame. Only has 124,000 miles. Toyota said that vehicle is unsafe to drive and rear end may lift during a hard stop. Rear brake lines are also rusted out.

Please add the below frame corrosion NHTSA action number: dp18002 components structure tonight I was surprised to have my Toyota dealer tell me that my 2005 4runner frame was rusted out. He recommended that I not have them do the routine maintenance I had scheduled and he zeroed out the invoice. He questioned whether it was safe to drive, and said it would no longer pass the next inspection. The rest of the vehicle is in great shape. Despite doing oil undercoating ever since Toyota warranty expired, the frame was no match to the salty winter roads of nh.

Excessive frame rust. Rust perforation on frame adjacent to front suspension attachments. Air conditioner condensation dripping onto frame, as well as poor coating quality have led to premature rusting and rust through.

Frame rust, drivers side to the front by the exhaust as the frame starts to turn up. Will need to be repaired before next vehicle inspection . . . Just passed this years inspection. This is not covered under the Toyota recall for other truck frame vehicles.

Frame rust. The frame has significant amount rust in specific areas of the frame. -the radiator support needs to be completely repaired. As this is part of the frame, I am considered about future failure while driving. At the rear end of the vehicle there is also a large amount of rust, causing holes.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The contact called the ira Toyota of manchester dealer (603-624-1800, located at 33 auto center rd, manchester, nh 03103) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was not recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Fe.

Rust on frame is excessive. Just over 100,000. Getting unsafe.

I have a 2005 Toyota 4runner and the frame is rusting away. The front tow hook already fell off the front frame.

The frame is rusting excessively.