Frame Rust problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner - part 2

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for maintenance to dayton Toyota located at 2291 us-130, dayton, NJ 08810, (732) 329-9191, and the contact was informed that there was severe rust to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was several perforation to the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 217,000. Ah.

Excessive frame rusting and rotting. Toyota has done decal on other vehicles such as the tacoma and others but frequently neglects the 4runner models. For example the recall for the secondary air pump for the v8's included the tundra and sequoia but neglected the 4runner which all three vehicles share the same identical motor. I believe Toyota neglect the 4runner line due to the high volume of sales compared to other models.

This vehicle has a very rusty frame. It does not pass state of maine inspection. Like many other 4runners it suffers from Toyota's faulty frames. This truck has not fallen apart and crashed like many similar units. This one has a perforated frame, and doesn't pass inspection. With 80,000 miles the truck is like new except for the faulty frame. The rust multiplies sitting still or traveling. The frame is so thin in so many places, there isn't place to make satisfactory repairs.

Severe frame rust to the point of holes. The frame integrity will soon be compromised; if not already. Two rear body mounts are rusting away, the bottom of both mounts is non existent. One mid mount, the sheet metal side is nearly rusted through. One front mount area is rusted away on the sheet metal side. The gas tank is currently only held in place by what is left of the protection shield under the tank .

Frame rust.

Frame on 4runner rusted in numerous locations and the a arm rusted off while my wife and 2 year old daughter were driving in it. Luckily they were uninjured.

I purchased this beautiful used black 2005 4runner in October of 2016 and the body still looks beautiful - no visible rust anywhere on doors etc - but I took it in to auto craftsmen in montpelier, vt to check my brakes and replace a couple of bulbs to get the vehicle ready for vermont state inspection as the car is due for inspection in Feb 2018 and I wanted to head up any maintenance needed. Was shocked when I went back and craftsmen told me not to put any money into the vehicle - that the frame was broken, had major hole in it and that the frame was too rusty to patch the hole - holy unexpected batman. Partial notes from craftsmen auto on 12/28/2017 are as follows: "underbody is very rusty & the frame is broken . . . Muffler is broken off and every flange is rusted and leaking . . . Brakes are shaking when applied. . . Rotors have a significant rust ridge. . . The brake lines are very rusty. . . Because of the broken frame and the amount of rust on the underbody, it won't pass vt state inspection the end of Feb. " I bought this vehicle in a private sale in October of 2016 for $7,200 but had to pay sales tax to the vermont dmv for a vehicle purchased for $8,000 because it was in great shape, looked terrific and was supposedly worth that extra money. I had spent that money expecting to get a three or four years out of the vehicle and have maintained it well with synthetic oil changes and using expensive gas when it's cold out and spent $850 on new tires just this fall. I love Toyota. My disabled husband and my two daughters all drive (used) Toyotas (two priuses and a corolla). Am wondering if Toyota can do anything to stand behind their product here? the engine feels strong (it's a Toyota!) and the 4runner power and all-wheel drive has been great here in rural vermont. Thank you for your consideration. Best, sam colt - 1/22/2018.

I bought the truck a little less than a year ago, in November of 2017, from a friend. I am the third owner of the truck and know that the vehicle has always been well maintained and serviced. Weeks after purchasing the truck, exiting the highway, the brake system failed. Pedal to the floor, no pressure. I was able to coast the car to a nearby parking lot and had it towed to my mechanic. Upon inspection, my mechanic noted that the frame was severely rusted. The brake lines had failed as a result of the corrosion and rust on the undercarriage. I replaced the entire brake system at a cost of $3500. 00. A month later, the truck failed inspection due to a hole in the subframe caused by the rust. It was then that I began research and learned of the Toyota recall for every other truck except the 4runner in similar years/generation. I took the truck to burdick Toyota in cicero, new york this September to have the frame inspected. The tech report (which I can furnish on request) stated that the frame was extremely rusted, scaled and deteriorated for the age of the vehicle, but that it posed no imminent threat. I disagree with this assessment, as it has already caused one catastrophic failure. I've learned of a potential investigation and must say, I believe it to be the responsibility of the NHTSA to recall the affected 4runners of the same generation. Had the scenario been different, I or my family could have been injured or killed. I'm a teacher, and haven't the means to simply replace a vehicle I've already had to put thousands of dollars into. I bought it for the safety of my brand new baby girl. I feel it morally imperative that the NHTSA do the right thing and recall the 4runners as they have the other vehicles. Human life should always be more important than a companies bottom line. Toyota is responsible and should be held accountable. Lives are at stake.

My 2005 is severely rusted to the point that it is probably unsafe to drive. It has only 106k miles. I've taken it to two frame repair/swap shops. Both confirmed that the rust has eaten holes through the frame and that the structural integrity of the vehicle is likely very compromised. They'd said the extent of the rust was the worst they'd ever seen,and that a collision could crumple the weakened frame, putting the passengers and greater risk of injury/death. I even had one of those shops start a frame swap, but they said that every bolt and part would snap and break when they tried to remove it and told me that the labor could exceed the value of the vehicle, if they were even able to finish the job. Even without collision I'm worried an axle or tie rod or something will break at high speed and cause a terrible accident. I've submitted a claim to Toyota customer service to ask if there was anything they would do (fix, or buy back the vehicle). They said they could not do anything because there is no recall for Toyota 4runner frames, but there is an active recall for frame rust on the tacoma, which I believe is the same frame. After looking around online at 4runner forums, I've seen the rust complaint again and again, and in the wake of the kobe metals scandal, I thought it was important to raise my concern with the NHTSA. I'm attaching pictures of the rust and a carfax report showing there has never been an accident on the vehicle.

Frame has rusted similar to tacoma and seqouiya recalls and do not see why they have not been recalled.

Excessive underbody rust, rusting frame joints, and rotting frame members from the inside out.

The frame is rusting to the point where there are holes in many places also the tow hook rusted off, I am concerned the steering will be affected soon.

Frame rust issue identical to the frame rust recall issues of tacoma, tundra an sequoia. Learned of it when the vehicle was brought in for trade-in, significantly reducing the value of what the trade-in should have been. The vehicle had been to the same Toyota service center for 12 years -- they never mentioned it. Toyota headquarters said they had no responsibility towards the issue and suggesting bringing the vehicle to another dealer for trade-in to see if they would value the vehicle higher if they didn't notice. A private sale would have been impossible knowing the rust issue now exists.

Received a letter regarding tacoma and tundra was issued a recall. I wonder why 4runner was not included with the recall? upon visual inspection of body frame and comparing to other 4runner, it does have excessive rust on body frame. We tried to bring it up with the dealer, but no avail. Trade in was the only alternative. Our trust and respect to the agency and hopefully, its not too late before they issue a recall. More power to the agency and god bless America.

Frame is rusted on the front of my Toyota that is failed to pass inspection. If required I can send my failed inspection report and pictures of the rusted frame.

Severe frame rust has made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car has only 54,000 miles on it.

I just bought this vehicle in November 2016 from Toyota of kingsport. I had a muffler replaced on 3/29/2017 due to a hole. The technician called me back to ask if I was aware of structure damage to the frame. I was not aware of any issues. He pointed out where on both sides of the frame was rusted completely out. The technician stated that the frame was rusting from the inside out. Now I am concerned because I drive my children around in this vehicle. I looked to see if Toyota had recalled the frame and was unable to find anything but the same model trucks and sequoias have been recalled. I would think that all the 2005 vehicles were made from the same metal.

The vehicle was in for suspension service. The mechanic inspecting the shock system, identified two areas of rust on the frame that a screwdriver easily went through. One on the crossover bar and the other on the rear frame arch.

There is significant frame rust and I am concerned it will result in frame failure and a serious accident. The rest of the vehicle is in great shape as it has been well maintained and garage kept. It only has 135,000 miles on it. I have viewed the significant concerns about this issue on the web along with the NHTSA investigation into this issue. Unfortunately at this time Toyota is still refusing to fix the issue. What liability does Toyota have if the frame fails and it results in a serious injury? I first noticed the issue in 2017 but do not know how long it has been a problem since you have to be under the car or see it on a lift to understand the significance of the issue.

Purchsed the vehicle used and the underside/frame is completely rusted.

The rear axle rusted so badly that it started flaking apart. The frame is rusted severely in the areas where the rear suspension components attach. The gas tank skid plate rusted until it began to fall off while driving down the road and all of the areas where it was bolted to the frame completely rusted out. The exhaust also rusted through behind the muffler causing it to fall off while driving down the road. There are holes in multiple areas of the frame. I had to grind,chip, and wire brush the frame with the vehicle on jack stands in order to repaint everything and keep my vehicle going. This took over 100 hours of labor just to compete. I also had to replace the exhaust and the gas tank skid plate. All of the bolts for the skid plates on the bottom of the vehicle were completely rusted through and could not be removed without falling apart and leaving half the bolt in the frame. The xreas suspension system which runs hydraulic lines around the frame also rusted apart and leaked fluid all over everything. The bolts were all heavily rusted and could not be removed to get the lines off the frame. The frame on this vehicle was not adequately coated to prevent it from rusting. This needed to be done with approximately 100,000 miles on the vehicle.

Frame is so badly rusted it is undriveable. You can push a screwdriver through the frame in most places. Toyota recalled the frames of their other vehicles in the same year, but left out the 4runner. These 4runners are dangerous.

The frame is completely rusted through in several spots to include several brackets on the underside of the vehicle.

Was backing out of a parking space while turning and front-passenger wheel swing arm completely detached from the frame due to severe rust. When attempting to pull onto flatbed tow truck, both front tow-hooks completely pulled out of frame also due to rust. Seems that the frame os completely rusted and unsafe on 11 year old vehicle.

Severe frame rust: 2005 4runner sr5 v8 in stratosphere mica blue. Vehicle has been driven in michigan and ohio for its entire life of 104,850 miles as of today. Vehicle received complete rustproofing of underbody, underhood and body panels when new. Despite undercoating and constant washing in the winter, the frame has experienced significant rust. Front cross member is rusted almost completely through and is expected to break through soon. Trailing arm brackets are becoming thin and I have been warned that when they break I will lose control of the vehicle. Holes are starting to rust through on frame. Mechanic has informed me that underbody coating can not protect from rust that begins inside poorly made frames and that it will become a serious safety concern in the near future. This vehicle has been washed religiously in winter and all inspection/maintenance records are available. Body, interior and driveline are in above average condition, and vehicle has been driven below average miles (9500 per year). How can a car manufacturer make a vehicle frame which rusts out this quickly? the vehicle still looks and drives like new on the outside but will literally fall apart at the seams. This vehicle clearly has the same issue that other Toyota's have had with frame corrosion but I see no campaign to assist owners with this issue. I have always loved my Toyota's but this problem is so severe that not only will I avoid the brand forever but it will also cause me significant financial distress as I cannot afford a frame replacement nor should I have to replace this vehicle at such a low mileage/age. Please help. I don't understand how corrosion this severe is possible on a vehicle which has been cared for this well. I have hundreds of records for this vehicle going back to when it was new.

The frame has rusted and cracked at the front of the vehicle the crack extending to the wheel. None of this would have been visible to a mechanic accept that the skid plate had been removed when a new transmission was installed.

I was driving the vehicle, hit a pot hole. Little bit after that, when I came to a stop and started to accelerate, the vehicle started to swirve all over the road and become uncontrollable. I was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the rear component broke off from the frame due to rust. The dealer stated that the SUV will need frame replaced due to rust. The vehicle 180k miles tune up was performed at the dealer in winter 2015 and no rust was mentioned upon "complete" inspection. The vehicle is now non operation and is a total lost due to rust. Every 30k miles the vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance. Oil changes were performed every 5k miles with synthetic oil. The car has been garaged for since purchasing it new in 2005. It has never been on the beach. Salt is not used on our road.

The vehicle is just 11 years old with about 150k miles. Frame is rusted to the point the dealership is refusing to do repairs for fear of breaking the frame and has indicated I need a new vehicle. The vehicle has been stored in a garage since the day it was purchased. This includes work and home. Several times a year it was taken to the car wash including undercarriage washes during winter months when possible. It has had every Toyota and dealership recommended maintenance performed at the dealership.

Major frame rust could lead to safety issue. Please look into this issue.

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4 runner. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle then started drifting from the left to right. The contact discovered the stabilitizer bar had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame is rusting and that the total frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000. Ng.

Right front subframe has rust that has steadily gotten worse despite a 2nd attempt to grind rust off repaint and undercoat. This should not be happening on vehicle that has been meticulously maintained top to bottom including salt and grime removal consistently since purchased brand new . This us soon going to break resulting in vehicle not passing inspection. This should be rectified like the tacoma one picture us the side with holes and undercoating I have been fixing the other sife has no issue.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there had been extensive rust on the frame which had completely rotted due to the failure. The frame was coated but the failure continued. Both dealers (sansone Toyota, 90-100 us-1, avenel, NJ 07001, (732) 815-0500), (bay ridge Toyota, 6401 6th Ave, brooklyn, NY 11220, (888) 995-2299) provided no solution and the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall so they provided no remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy repair solution indicating that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall as well. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Dyd.

Corroded and rusty frames on most of these year Toyota 4runners, including mine.

My 2005 4runner has considerable amount of rust on the frame that has been noticed both by myself and my mechanic my car sits on the same frame as a tacoma which has been recalled for defective frames however the 4runner has not been recalled and has numerous frame problems and complaints on file.

I own a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The frame is rusting so severely that it may not pass inspection next year at this time. I live in PA. I have heard that Toyota has acknowledged that they have had frame issues with the tacoma (same chasis), the early tundras (I own a recalled 2000 with same issue), sequoias (same chasis as tundra. . . . . . Please tell me that the will recall my 4runner. I love the vehicle but the rust on the frame will kill it.