general problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner - part 1

54 problems related to suspension have been reported for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2006 4Runner.

1 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2024

My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.

2 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2024

Unknown, found excessive rust on undercarriage.

3 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2023

My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.

4 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2022

I have a 2006 Toyota 4runner. I also have a 2005 GMC sierra, but this 4runner's frame is absolutely toast, while the GMC is completely fine. Toyota issued recalls on the tacoma, tundra, and the sequoia, so why not the 4runner? my car started swaying and violently shaking on the highway. I pulled over and looked underneath, only to see the rear section of the frame had completely disconnected. This could have caused a major accident or even death if I did not catch it soon enough. This is a massive safety issue, and if people do not know what to look for with these, Toyota will be seeing a lot of wrongful death lawsuits.

5 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2022

My car is a 2006 Toyota 4runner. This past summer I had a tire leaking and took it to the garage for repair. The mechanic stated that the frame is rusting out in the front right, tire rod area, and saw a pinhole. Last week I took the vehicle to get a transmission oil change. That mechanic saw that there's more rust that is spreading throughout the entire frame, worse than the area found from just a few months ago. I learned online that Toyota had purposely used cheap steel for the frame and had replaced the same frame used on other trucks such as the tacoma and highlander but is refusing to replace the 4runner. These rusted out frames are affecting many 4runners. I have a 1964 Cadillac and that frame is in better condition than the 4runner. I'm forced to pay $15,000 to replace the frame or salvage my car. It shouldn't have come to this, especially when the same frame that was replace on other trucks isn't being replaced for mine.

6 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2022

Vehicle failed inspection due to rust on the frame. Bought vehicle because it is supposedly ruggedly built and for the frame to rust out when the vehicle has 103k miles and not driven off-road for more than a few times since we owned it is ridiculous. Dealer quoted $11k for the frame alone, not including labor. The fact this vehicle shares the platform with the tacoma which was recalled for frame does not make sense. Vehicle was inspected last year (virginia requires annual safety inspections), so given the amount of rust discovered makes me doubt whether or not the Toyota dealership did a thorough job inspecting the vehicle last year. We don't drive the vehicle that much so it doesn't make sense that it would rust som significantly.

7 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2022

Since an inspection oct 2021 the rust/corrosive on the frame has become. Dangerously close to rotting thru the entire frame! it’s not driven in the winter months when snow or ice melt (salt) is on the roads to prevent situations like this. With only 75,000 miles always garage kept and maintained like it’s brand new this vehicle might be able to be saved for a model in a shop class to practice welding. Something needs to be done because this ifvvjj.

8 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2021

My 2006 Toyota 4 runner, I've found a large amount of rust through out the frame of the vehicle. I feel the vehicle is not safe to drive. Toyota has frame replacement recalls to the tundras, and sequias but not the 4runner. I feel this is an issue that Toyota is aware of. I also feel that something should be done for manufacturing a vehicle with defective chassis.

9 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2021

Machanic noticed rust when took in for service frame is thru and thru with rust damage especially at rear torsion bars not safe to drive.

10 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2021

Frame is rusting apart rear lower trailing arm section has already been patched by previous owner upper trailing arm connection point to frame crossmember has perished due to rust if the other side breaks the rear axle can flex excessively causing control problems Toyota’s service campaign for other trucks should not have omitted the 4runner which shares many identical design characteristics.

11 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2021

Corrosion related issues not found on other makes based on personal experience with other boxed ladder frame vehicles extreme corrosion involving disintegration of the rear trailing arm already haphazardly repaired with steel doubler ladder frame is disintegrating from interior of frame penetrating towards the exterior facade compromises structural integrity and safety of vehicle that is seen beyond on many 4runners beside this particular example brake calipers sticking due to corrosion requiring replacement on multiple occasions binding of brake components cause severe pull under highway speed braking.

12 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2021

When I went to have a tail pipe replaced, it was discovered that the frame of my car was badly rusted. Upon bringing to a mechanic, an auto body shop and a Toyota dealer, they all said the car is not safe to drive. The rest of the body is in mint condition as is the interior and mechanics. I called Toyota corporation asking for assistance, provided them with the VIN and was told they would do nothing and suggested I "junk' the car. Toyota replaced the same frames on their tacoma models under a recall and it turns out there is no recall for this model. The same frames are used on the 4runner as well as the tacoma. Saftcap. Com in cranston ri holds a united states patent for replacing parts of these frames and the owner feels there should have been a recall on the 4runners just like the tacomas.

13 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2021

My Toyota 4 runner entire frame and connecting components is completely rusted out and crumbling. The car isn?t safe to drive at all. Toyota is aware of this as its common and no recall is in place. When driving, one tire is completely barely hanging on as the frame is failing all over. The car wobbles and swerves and feels as if it will come apart at any time. This frame was never treated properly when installed. If you went over 50 the car could fall apart and would be extremely dangerous.

14 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2021

~tl-the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while change his brake the contact noticed the rear ubove brake lines. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. No dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. While conduction a recall search there was NHTSA action number: dp18002 (structure) which could possible be the solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The contact feels unsafe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 208,140. Ck.

15 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2021

I just had my 2006 Toyota 4runner (85k miles) serviced at a-1 Toyota in new haven CT. My car is immaculate and serviced on a regular basis. As a result of the vehicle inspection, the mechanic identified frame rust issues on both sides of the front frame.

16 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2021

Just bought a 2006 4runner and did not think to check underneath for anything. I noticed on the passenger side of the frame huge rust spots, it's rusting from inside the frame out to the surface. It's bad. I googled what I should do to fix it because now I'm out 7k for what I thought was a reliable SUV. They sell patch kits online requiring me to purchase the kits and have them welded to the frame by a professional after they clean the rust completely. That's expensive. Toyota should definitely take this seriously and not fight this claim. No truck that year should rust this bad. In fact I've bought a 77 chevy c10 that was a farm truck most it's life and it did not have any frame rust what so ever. There's multiple claims on facebook and other 4runner specific groups online that have this same issue. A recall needs to happen. What if I didn't notice and I let my wife and kids ride in the SUV and the frame snaps in half down the highway? you recalled other models do to frame rust, but not the same year 4runner. Please help us 4runner owners fix this because all in all it's a great SUV Toyota makes some of the best product out there, we just want to keep them on the road.

17 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2020

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 mph, the control arm detached. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the control arm was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact stated that while a routine inspection was being performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the frame was corroded, and the vehicle was not drivable. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

18 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2020

Frame rust has made 4 runner beyond economical repair. Many parts have been replaced due to rust. Only 124000 miles on vehicle. Rusted brake lines, steering column, transmission lines rusted. Fortunately brake lines leaked while vehicle was m not being driven at this time, parked in driveway.

19 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2020

In pennsylvania, there is a requirement for yearly safety inspections on all vehicles. We bought this vehicle from a used car dealership in July 2019 and have had little to no issues with the car. We replaced the exhaust (which is typical in pennsylvania) and a few suspension parts in may/June 2020, only to be told that our mechanic observed rust to the frame that he believed posed a real danger to our safety. We took the car back in in late July 2020 to further investigate the frame issue, as the yearly inspection is up at the end of August. Our mechanic stated we could do a repair job of $1,500, but essentially the frame will not pass inspection next year. He said the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition, but the frame is a safety hazard. We gave our local Toyota dealer a call to see if we could fully replace the frame and were willing to pay for needed repairs. The technician/representative in their service department let us know that the frame for this car has been totally discontinued. He stated our only option would be to have it custom made, shipped in from japan, and would cost $7,000 just for that part. Labor was not discussed, as the car is currently only worth that much according to kelly blue book. Essentially, the car is totaled due to rusting on the frame that is a known issue in similar Toyota models in the same year (according to my research on this issue). I have tried to reach out to Toyota's customer service regarding this issue, but they say there is no services available at this time to repair the frame on this car. We had bought this car under the assumption that because it was not included in the recent frame recall, it would not be an issue.

20 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2020

The entire frame is rotted and full of holes . Suspension is in danger of detaching spontaneously. The odometer has been rolled back over one hundred thousand.

21 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2020

I was driving my 2006 Toyota 4 runner on highway when frame broke by rear tire causing me to crash into the median. I had towed too repair shop and was notified that the whole frame was rotted from rust and the vehicle is no longer drive able. What? it ran like a champ and and I never had any problems with it. Did normal maintenance life was good. The engine out lasted the frame. That is just crazy apparently the 2006 tacoma, highlander, and tundra that used same frame were covered but Toyota skipped the 4 runner. The frame completely split and was close in other area. There must be some recourse.

22 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2020

While driving my 2006 4 runner on the hwy. The frame collapsed by the rear wheel and I lost control as the rear end was "wagging". Took to dealership they were not open or up front that this is a common problematic defect that Toyota has turned its back on. The tacoma, highlander, and tundra models of same year were notified and recalled. The 4 runner owners not even notified, very lucky there were no injuries. Toyota needs to step up and take ownership.

23 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2020

I bought my 4runner new and have taken meticulous care of it via the dealership I bought it from, doing an oil change every 5000 miles. Now they tell me the truck should not be driven since the frame has rusted through in the rear. The trucks maintenance was done at prestige Toyota mahesh NJ 201-669-4525 service manager is robert j teunisen.

24 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2019

Corrosion and rotting of the frame. Significant areas rotting in right front frame towards front bumper mounting areas and right rear frame on front side of right rear tire. Right front considered a safety issue in a front end collision. Front end vibrations.

25 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2019

The frame is so rusted everywhere that it is unsafe to drive. One huge hole is completely broken through both sides of the frame and the bottom plate has cracked through. I have a highly reputable welding shop set to repair and patch this but I feel Toyota needs to take care of this before it costs me everything.

26 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2019

Did an oil change yesterday, and as usual I do an inspection on my undercarriage to make sure everything is fine, (I. E. Leaks, making sure the suspension is tight, etc) and I am noticing excessive frame corrosion, which is worrisome as I know there have been recalls on the tacomas, tundras, and sequoias, but nothing for the 4runners. Its starting to get pretty bad and I really wouldnt want my frame to fail as the rest of the truck is in excellent condition. I just want Toyota to make it right like they did for the others. I love this truck and would not want something catastrophic to happen.

27 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2019

My vehicle has extensive frame rust on the right rear lower trailing arm mount and the frame above the the mount is completely rusted away. The only thing holding the frame together in this area is the lower trailing arm mount weldment. The frame behind and above the lower trailing arm mount weldment, on the inside of the frame, is rusted out leaving only about half of the frame in that area intact. The frame also has rusted out areas in the front at the body mounts and forward of the front suspension. Also, the rear fuel tank strap is completely rusted apart and the front fuel tank strap is rusted. Frame/suspension failure and fuel tank movement are very serious safety issues that shouldn't exist on this vehicle.

28 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that upon an inspection at an independent mechanic shop, the mechanic informed him that there was a hole in the vehicle frame. The contact also took the vehicle to two other mechanics to get referrals and a second opinions on the extent of the damage to the frame. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not under recall. The contact was offered no further assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. Joj.

29 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2019

Toyota 4runner frame rust. I just got back from the state inspection and they said the 4runner would not pass state inspection in one year. The frame is rusted through in some areas. The frame needs to be fixed or replaced. I am having Toyota inspect the frame on 5/15/2019 at autonation Toyota in leesburg va under the vehicles VIN of jtebt17r860062292.

30 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2019

I was driving home on a suburban road going about 25 mph and took a corner which felt like I had hit snow or ice, however conditions were optimal. The fishtailing continued and I parked my car as it did not feel safe to drive. When the mechanic looked at it he said I could have been in a serious accident and possibly a roll had I taken it on the highway. The frame was cracked. We also had already replaced the suspension on this vehicle, and the exhaust fell off on the highway the year prior due to rust. The underbody of the car is excessively rusted.

31 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2019

The frame is rusted bad in front of left rear wheel while the rest of vehicle looks new.

32 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/14/2019

Severe frame rust where the suspension and body connect to the frame. Very similar to the Toyota tacoma frames I see at the dealership that have been replaced and are being sent to scrap. Very scary!.

33 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2019

Despite having previously treated my undercarriage with rust-proof sprays numerous times, my mechanic has told me that my Toyota is not safe to drive and it did not receive an inspection sticker due to excessive rust. In addition to the complete rusting the my xreas shock/suspension system (a $3,000 fix), rust damage has spread throughout the undercarriage, rendering many thin spots beneath crumbling flakes. While driving I have noticed a rumbling feeling beneath the front end and the driving wheel shakes furiously at times. My mechanic has said the suspension system has been compromised and will need to be replaced, and rust is compromising other structural components.

34 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2018

Vehicle body is completely rusted out. Would not pass PA inspection without frame welding. Other suspension bars and frame issues also as a result of rust. Over $4000 to fix the issue.

35 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2018

Excessive rust damage to frame, got fixed for last year inspection and more problems occured this year. Vehicle other wise in good shape, disappointing to get rid of it. Could case hazard due to weld of cross member developing hole.


Other Suspension related problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner


Safety Ratings of 4Runner Cars
Fuel Economy of 4Runner Vehicles
4Runner Service Bulletins
4Runner Safety Recalls
4Runner Defect Investigations