Frame And Members Problems of Toyota 4Runner - part 1

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a driveway, the contact observed a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel violently yanked to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle pulled to the left inadvertently. The vehicle was stopped and inspected. The contact observed that the front passenger’s side tire was dangling by the rocker arm and the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side sub frame and the rocker arms needed to be replaced due to extreme corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that after a state inspection, the vehicle was declared unsafe to drive on the state roadways due to severe corrosion. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced due extensive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. The tpms warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the tpms, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,948.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered rust on the front driver's side subframe. Additionally, the subframe had developed holes due to rust. The cause of the failures was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was significantly corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the subframe and that the subframe and sway bar were corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact's mother owns a 2004 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, his mother was made aware that the subframe had excessive corrosion, and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact's mother that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,330.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that the subframe had sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The contacted indicate that there was a hole going through the subframe while the vehicle was being lifted at the service center. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer covered under the manufacturer’s extended warranty coverage for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for tire replacement, the technician informed him that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the passenger's side front and rear subframes were severely corroded, as well as the cross member. The mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw several holes throughout the subframe of the vehicle due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the subframe needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 30 mph over a bump in the road, she heard an abnormally loud sound and the windshield shattered without impact and the sunroof panel loosened. The contact also stated that the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame holding the radiator of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator frame was corroded; however, the dealer applied paint to the structure instead of replacing the part under warranty. The contact later noticed that the radiator frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the radiator frame needed to be replaced and the repair would be completed at her own expense as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,290.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. While driving 75 mph, the rear of the vehicle started to wobble. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the frame brackets on the rear axle were rusted and loose, causing the rear of the vehicle to wobble. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to south hills Toyota (2403 washington road, canonsburg, PA 15317, (724) 743-1144) April of 2018 for state inspection and the contact was informed that the vehicle's subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Li.

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance. The technician observed that the frame of the vehicle was rusted out and could not be repaired. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame support member was corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,540.

Tl the contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear frame was cracked and rotted. The stability of the frame was tarnishing and weakened the support for the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a welding shop to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 281,000. The VIN was unknown.

See all problems of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed on the vehicle, the technician found that there was a hole on the subframe near the rear passenger side wheel. The technician added that the frame had corroded from the inside out and stated that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. As a result, the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist with the replacement of the frame. The approximate failure mileage was 110,380.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was completely corroded. The contact was concerned that the frame would possibly fracture. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 127,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 1999 Toyota four runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered that the sub frame of the vehicle had rusted in two separate locations near the passenger side rear wheel area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 128,000. . . . . Updated 08/05/14 updated 08/19/2014.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that during an inspection she was notified that the right side of the frame completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician confirmed the failure and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 161,213.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 1996 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was damaged to the point of deterioration. The affected area was near the rear passenger side in front of the rear wheel. The contact took the vehicle for a routine inspection by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who offered an interim fix to coat the extensive rusting and the deterioration of the frame. The authorized dealer did not provide the remedy to replace the frame. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times to no avail. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Brought my 2000 Toyota 4runner sr5 to Toyota dealership to repair my rear differential assembly that was leaking. Once the truck was put on the lift it was quickly discovered by the mechanic I had much greater problems than a leaking rear differential, he informed me that my frame was "junk". He told me there was substantial rot on the passenger side frame rail starting from where the rear suspension ties in all the way to the front of the vehicle. He saw no point in removing gas tank on the other side to investigate how bad it may be there, that the passenger side was enough to render the car unsafe to drive. I quickly asked if there were recalls on the frame to which he said no, Toyota isn't doing anything to remedy this issue at this time. He told me a frame for this vehicle would cost me between $10-12 thousand dollars! I've taken it to two different highly qualified body shops and both have given me outrageous quotes to get this frame patched, yet both also said it would only be a temporary fix, that the frame would in fact need to be replaced, and both encouraged me to stop driving the vehicle. I have two small children and am now left trying to figure out what to do with transportation as I no longer have a safe vehicle. My truck has been well kept and dealer serviced its entire life it only has 128,000 miles on it. Toyota. . . . Stand behind your products and replace these frames before someone gets killed. Im sure there are thousands of motorists driving this same year vehicle that look to be in great shape and have no idea their vehicles could literally fall apart at a moments notice!.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4 runner. The contact stated after inspecting his vehicle there was rust and corrosion on the frame. The dealer was notified and stated there were no recalls or related warranties; however, they agreed to repair the vehicle for $1200. The manufacturer was notified and stated there were no recalls or warranties. The failure mileage was 120,000.

The frame on my 4runner shows excessive rust especially at the welded joints and where the suspension attaches. There must be some kind of recall for this considering the body looks great and the frame isn't.

My 2000 Toyota 4runner has rust perforation in the frame and im scared to drive it.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear differential was rusted and caused an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and confirmed the rust and corrosion that caused the oil leak. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 178,000. Updated 09/27/11.

My 2000 Toyota 4runner (163k miles) failed nh state vehicle inspection today due to excessive frame corrosion. I was shown a rust hole the size of a silver dollar in the rear portion of the vehicle's structural frame. I immediately took the vehicle to a local body shop for a repair estimate. I was told that the frame could not be fixed via welding, due to the extent of the rust on the inside of the boxed frame. Instead, the frame would need to be completely replaced to address issue properly, safely and cost-effectively. I was informed that Toyota motor corp. Acknowledges and remediates similar rust issues with its tundra and tacoma models of similar model years, but does not support rust issues with its 4runner model.

The rear axel housing on our 2001 sr5 Toyota 4-runner is rusted out pretty bad. The entire first layer of thin metal has completely flaked off. It has not began to leak yet, but it is a matter of time until it does. Toyota indicated that there has not been a recall issued on this part, which I think there should be since it is such a common occurance with 1999 - 2002 Toyota 4 runners. The entire vehicle is in great shape, and runs great - we couldn't be happier with its performance. But the rotting rear axel not only is surprising, but has me quite concerned that we will end up with a pretty expensive repair without Toyota taking resposibility for an obviously defective rear axel housing. If anyone simply does and internet search regarding this problem - you will see that are literally thousands of Toyota trucks that are experiencing this problem with the rear axel housing.

2000 Toyota 4runner failed new hampshire state safety inspection due to excessive frame rot/rust, most evident at right rear trailing arm mount. Contacted Toyota customer service and was advised there was nothing they could do because there was no warranty or a recall for this issue. This is a major safety issue. This frame rot is the same issue Toyota faced with the tacoma model that utilizes the same frame as the 4runner. Per the Toyota news release of 3/7/08 Toyota provided tacoma owners an " extended frame corrosion warranty"up to 15 years to provide "goodwill assistance to owners who have experienced, or may encounter, frame problems as a direct result of rust perforation". I was told by Toyota customer service that the 4runner frame is only covered by the comprehensive warranty of 3years/36,000 miles. Toyota will not recognize that the same issue is occurring to 4runner owners with the same frame. Toyota has recognized there is an issue with these frames, established a precident regarding replacement, yet will not include the 4runner in their offer of an "extended frame corrosion warranty". The body of my particular vehicle is in mint condition with no rust, including the underbody, but the frame has failed under it! Toyota must include 4runners in their "extended frame corrosion warranty"!.

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a-1 Toyota (50 amity rd, new haven, CT 06515) significant rust was discovered on the subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic found a hole in the radiator support and another hole on the driver side frame rail. The contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive however, the prolonged rust build up could lead to a severe mechanical failure. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

March 6, 2011: 99 Toyota 4runner: I noticed my 4runner pictching on highway even at low speeds for several weeks. After I brought into Toyota they informed that the vehicle was extremely unsafe - rear end differential housing had become detached from frame on rear passanger side - right rear axle close to complete failure - Toyota stated it was too dangersous to drive. Severe rust on the structural and suspension components is excessive. Also large holes in differential housing causing fluid leakage. Toyota stated they could find used parts, including suspension bracket & entire replacement of differential housing & sway bar components - would cost up to $3000 to repair at my cost. Another option is to find a mechanic to weld & repair suspension brackets. The rear transfer case is so thin that oil is leaking through rust holes. Frame rails & entire undercarriage also severely rusted & deteriorated, including entire disintegration of the rear bumper with the front bumper having massive rust holes.

2000 Toyota 4runner with the frame rotted by the muffler . The rot goes about 3 feet in lenth by 1 1/2 inch. Right where the lower rear axle hooks up to the frame. The rear axle has rotted out and all the fliud leaked out causing the gears to get chewed up. Imagine that happening at 65 mph and the rear wheels locked up. Disaster. If you would like pictures on how bad it looks I have them. This is a clean truck with no dents anywhere.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the right frame near the muffler was corroded more than three feet long and approximately one and a half inches wide. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians advised him to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle and refused to assume the repair cost. The approximate failure was mileage 140,000.