Power Train Problems of Toyota 4Runner - part 2

Found water in the add actuator. 4runner was 2k miles out of warranty when the issue came up. 4wd indicator light would blink endlessly. Could not make it up the muddy road to my house because the 4wd would not engage. I was unable to use any of the 4wd functions. Some days it would turn off traction control and the abs light would come on. I took it to 2 Toyota dealerships both wanted 360$ just to look at it and there was no guarantee they could give it back to me. I refused being that they wanted to remove the main computer and master brake cylinder. In the end I dug into it myself and replaced the actuator. When I disassembled the old actuator I found that a 32ra finish was not held on the housing in my line of work that's basic standards for oring seats. I took the part back to the dealer and was told the part is not made by Toyota so they couldn't warranty it. See photo for how the actuator looked when opened.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Vehicles undercarriage including frame, rear axle and manifolds are so severely rusted that mechanics can not maintain it properly putting me at risk.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I just purchased my 2006 4runner and decided to take it to the shop where I work to have them do an oil change and fluid check, the mechanics brought me back and told me that my frame is rusting from the inside out and they think that in a matter of 2 yrs tops the frame will be rotted and collapse . I was terrified and in a panic my husband had taken my 4runner it to his friends garage and had the whole underneath undercoated. I called a Toyota dealer and asked if there was anything that Toyota can do and he told me that a lot of 4runner owners have been calling about their rotted frames and he told me that it's omly a matter of time when the 4runners will be recalled because they share the same frame as the tacoma's I am so sick with fear and I just can't understand why they would delay this recall when it is a risk of human lives I drive my kids in this 4runner and every time I go over a bump I am scared please help us make Toyota do the right thing before people lose their lives I am not rich I saved up all my paychecks to buy this vehicle and now I'm stuck.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I purchased my 2007 4runner and found a-lot of rust on the under carriage of my favorite vehicle. It spreads everywhere; including the engine bay. Not only does it compromise the safety of the vehicle but it shortens the life also. I wanted to buy a new 4runner this year but after learning of the rust issues I thought twice.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Takata recall frame is completely rusted. Causing all the undercarriage to rust out and make the vehicle very dangerous to drive. Even the body is starting to rust away. Only has 116,000 miles on it which is crazy.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Rusty frame, rusted brake, transmission lines.

Driving in mild winter condition (light wet slush) on a maintained highway my 4runner began to fish tale. When an attempt was made to correct the fish tale no control input from the drive would correct the sliding motion. This caused the vehicle to slide toward the shoulder of the road. On the shoulder of the road the vehicle began to slow to almost a stop, however, the rear end was far enough off the shoulder that it began to be pulled by gravity down hill. While it slid down hill the rear wheel hit a rock causing the axle to snap near the contact point of the wheel. This caused the vehicle to roll one and a half times endangering four lives. The air bags failed to deploy however none were injured. The car was destroyed and not able to be driven.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Vehicle was parked in my driveway which has a moderate slope. Engine was not running. Despite being in park, the vehicle rolled down the driveway and only stopped when it hit my mailbox at the curb. I complained about the matter to Toyota. They inspected the vehicle and concluded "we did not find evidence of a defect with the transmission or shift selector [sic] caused this incident. " the vehicle had been sitting there for at least 10 minutes. The parking brake was not set. I did not bump the shift lever or do anything else that could have caused the vehicle to come out of park. I spoke with the Toyota engineer who inspected the vehicle and he told me he could not explain what happened. I am concerned there is a safety defect with this vehicle. Obviously, I will always use the parking brake in the future. Attached is Toyota's letter to me saying they did not find a defect and my letter in response. Thank you for your assistance.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota 4runner. While driving in the left lane at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle lost power. The contact stated that the vehicle seized and was unable to be moved. The engine was still running, but the vehicle would not accelerate. All the indicators on the instrument panel illuminated at the time of the failure. Modern Toyota (3178 peters creek pkwy, winston-salem, nc 27127) diagnosed the vehicle, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

Above 55 mph uncontrollable shaking of entire vehicle. The wheels have been balanced and rotated with no help.

Engiene/powertrain computer/module checked. Has been rescheduled four times by the dealer and continues to give the same fault in the car. The fault is the following as it runs and brakes the second beautifulness of the trasmission is left. And when he releases the brake a little, the throat is thrown to the front giving a blow. He does it many times in the day. By untoyota 4runner 08 engine control module (ecm) defective.

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

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Excessive rusts on frame with concentrations around mountings of critical components like suspension, gas lines, brake lines etc.

Excessive rust on frame with jeopardized integrity at joins connecting brakes, fuel lines and suspensions system.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The rust and corrosion underneath the vehicle continually gets worse year after year. The main components of vehicle relating to the engine, powertrain and suspension underneath vehicle are corroded; holes exist in the frame of the truck through out. The frame of truck is rotted due to not being sealed properly during the manufacturing process. Due to the rust and corrosion on the frame of truck, it is impossible to get work done on exhaust and muffler areas. I will send pictures for your reference. This makes driving a safety concern for myself and my son. At this time, I am unable to purchase a new car and do not have money to replace/fix the frame of truck. Inevitably, this problem will get worse and may cause a safety concern for myself and others on the road. I called Toyota on 4/12/22 and was told that there is not a recall for this issue and that any repairs would have to be paid by me. I then proceeded to call the number given to me by the representative to call 800-331-4331 for the Toyota corporate office. I spoke to blake who gave me the same answer, there was not a recall on this vehicle for rust/corrosion on the frame of vehicle. At this time, Toyota charges $150 just to check car and unfortunately, I don't have those funds to pay such a fee. I asked blake if there was a way, Toyota can check without charging a fee and his answer was no. Currently, there is not any warning lights on, but with increased time and pressure of exhaust pipe and muffler will create more problems. I cannot have the exhaust system fixed until the frame of truck is replaced. My car was checked by an independent shop.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The frame has rusted out and the swaybar has broke loose from the frame.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Vehicle is rusting away. From the inside. Very evident when the Toyota specialist who works on the 4runner has to service it and work on it. They have taken pictures and are supplying us with them. They are a north carolina safety inspector and concerned about the vehicle in a crash. The vehicle's steering is affected and overall ability to control the vehicle along with the frame holding the vehicle parts in place. We have a 2003 Toyota 4runner that doesn't have issues like this one. It has some rust but nothing like this. Started noticing it in 2016 after it had repairs done where you could see the inside of the bottom and frame parts. *this 4runner was built on the tacoma chassis that was recalled. This 4 runner needs to be fixed for it to be safe. My son drives this vehicle. Well, he did. I can't let him now. He has no vehicle. The pictures are disturbing! all of our cars are older and never have we had an issue like this. The 2003 4runners are affected.

Ststionary rear axel housing rusted -leaking oil-inferior steal just like the frame that was replaced.

There is excessive rust on the underbody of my 2003 4runner. It has just 165,000 miles and the frame is extremely rusted. Being only 15 years old I find this to be very sad and unreasonable. The car should be able to last 20-30 years and 300,000 miles. The car has been regularly washed and driven in pennsylvania, illinois, ohio, new york. If there was additional treatment required for the frame it should have been coated, or at the very least notify the customers to make sure they do it. These car should last much much longer and as expensive as the 4runners are they should last.

I have a 2006 Toyota 4 runner that has been developing excessive rust flaking on the rear axle housing,brake components, frame and rear suspension componets. We have had warranty work performed approx. 1 year ago and the mechanics at Toyota stated they needed to replace or repair various transmission lines before they would return the vehicle to my wife. I asked them what am I suppose to do about all the rust problems and they really didnt have a answer and said I need to talk to the service manager that was not there at the time. I have made every attempt to radicate this issue that has been getting worse over time. Vehicle is garage kept and was purchased new as we are the only owner of this vehicle. Myself and everyone else know Toyota knows about this problem and refused to do anything about it. My fear is that we are on a trip and have catastrophic failure of one or more components and getting in a accident. There was no accident yet.

Takata inflators,abs. Purchased vehicle used 08/12/2016 the following mil codes were cleared by selling dealership. C1223, p0456, b1150, cr123, c1241, b1152. Needed repair immediately, passed state inspection even needing the following repairs, both front axles, serp belt, sway bar link and rear brakes. 08/24/2016 vehicle repaired by selling dealer and returned with flat tire, I had it towed to tire garage because spare was too old and incorrect size. After I picked up from tire repair I made an appointment for an unrepaired safety recall from 2012 on the abs at a local dealership. Prior to service appointment I was driving over a speed bump and the vehicle would not drive over bump, abs lights came on and vehicle rolled backwards. Had towed to Toyota dealer for service(I have receipt for tow) a couple days later dealer said recall was completed but would not provide any documentation for repairs. That dealership broke a lug stud on the front tire in but did not repair it. They said its ok to drive on 5 lugs its a 6 lug rim. I then brought the vehicle to another Toyota dealer for repairs because the vehicle started rolling backwards on inclines and not accelerating. Very scary because I almost rolled back into cars, also tire pressure light was on but all tires were inflated. They had it from 09/12/2016-09/26/2016. Unfortunately could not duplicate concern but did repair the lug stud, tire pressure sensor and recalibrated the abs and airbag light(I was not informed until picked up about the airbag). I also had an oil change. Vehicle having issues as of today right turns I hear a loud clunking sound and wobble when hitting bumps on highway speeds. . The ball joints might be bad. I can see them covered in grease and have play. I am concerned that the vehicle is unsafe and was in an undisclosed major accident prior to purchase. Next app is not until 10/24.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine and vsc warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto store where a technician pulled up diagnostic trouble codes. The contact spoke with a local dealer who stated that, based on the codes provided, the vehicle would be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05v123000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Rust eat my frame into.

I have an ongoing problem with our 2004 Toyota 4runner. It started about 4 years ago when the maryland state emmission test facility plugged into my odbi2 port. All the dash lights were on and I went in to the office and complained. I filed a form with emissions. I work out of town, my wife is a teacher and we have two small kids. Going to the dealer was not an option until school was our. In the mean time the truck drove fine other than no four wheel drive and the tires spinning if you hit the peddle to hard (no traction control or stability control. Took the truck to the dealer over the summer and they had to reset the values for $110. 00 the four wheel drive would no longer engage. Toyota dealer said all the values being erased was a common problem with that year and mva cheep scanners. Maryland said they called Toyota and no one had ever had that problem. Have had this happen again last emission test. Biggest problem is that the 4 wheel drive no longer functions. The actuator doesn't engage the 4 wheel drive. This was apparent when my wife lost control and nearly flipped the trick over after picking up the kids in a snow storm. I climbed under the truck in the snow and pulled the cover off the actuator, pulled out the plastic gears and manually shifted it into 4 wheel drive to get it home. The four wheel drive system was always used at least every month until the emission test problems just to keep it lubericated. The 4 wheel drive or lack there of, could have caused death or serious injury to my wife and kids. This actuator is a serious problem, if they can't design a actuator that operates when you need four wheel drive, especially in an emergency than go back to the old stick and linkage. 55 people died in the blizzard of 2016 and there could have been 3 more just because of a design flaw! p. S. My wife and I bought it new, never off road!.

There is excessive rust/corrosion on the frame of the truck. The skid plates completely rusted off the truck in 2010. The transmission lines have corroded to the point they have to be replaced. The engine oil cooler and radiator supports have rusted through. The exhaust rusted off the truck in 2010 as well. Currently there is extensive corrosion on the frame of the truck and the suspension components. These issues appeared in 2010 and I have been fighting them ever since. Mechanically the truck runs great, never a problem, however the vehicle's frame is disintegrating due to corrosion.

I find the engine (rpm's) tend to accelerate at times when traveling in either going up or down inclines or declines that are minimal. It corrects itself within a few seconds after tapping the brakes. It has happened numerous times, the last one I've noted below.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Water enters transmission through defect in safety neutral switch causing transmission input shaft to malfunction causes delay in transmission engaging then jumps into gear. Vehicle stationary.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Since I got the car, the ignition key does not get in properly and sometimes does not start the car. The movement of the wheel helps sometimes. There have also been leaking engine covers that needed to be replaced. The structure gets rusty and there is problem with transmission.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Periodically seemed stiff when shifting into drive, then the "4 lo" light starts flashing. I tried putting the range selector in 4 lo which resolved the flashing light a few times. Took the vehicle to Toyota and they could find nothing wrong because there were no codes. The last time I it happened, it stuck in 4 lo and the check engine light came on. Not a good situation to be far from home with a vehicle stuck in 4 lo. I took it to a transmission specialist. They could find nothing wrong and said the code indicated a "range problem" with the transmission and they reset the codes. Now the 4 lo light is flashing again, trac off and check engine lights are on. Going back to Toyota. Hope they can figure out what the problem is.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The day after we purchased this 4runner in October 2015 the 4 wheel drive stopped working and when we took it back to the dealer they said that rodents had chewed through the wire housing connected to the drive train. Initially they were not going to warranty the issue but after further aggressive discussion by me it was covered. Apparently Toyota uses a soy based spray or coating on the wiring that attracts rodents. The vehicle was operable but the 4wd warning light was flashing and 4wd did not engage. We have also heard from a neighbor with a 2015 4runner that a similar situation happened to them but it affected their whole electrical system and that the vehicle was not operable and had to be towed to the dealer.

My frame is rotting out. I just had to replace my rear axle because it had almost rotted through. It was actually weaping gear oil out of small holes through the rot. Some of the frame had to be welded to pass inspection.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Vehicle began to sway violently while driving on the interstate. The weld joint which joins the rear drivers side lower control arm attachment point to the frame had separated allowing to control arm to move forward an back. This in turn allowed the rear axle to turn from side to side. On inspection the frame is heavily rusted in this area and the weld has given way and is tearing apart from front to back. The joint on the passenger side is also rusted, but the joint has not yet separated.

I was going 5 mph and hit my brakes. The control arm was ripped from the frame due to rot/rust. Toyota is aware of this problem for 4runners, but has only offered assistance on the tacoma and tundras. The body of my vehicle has no rust anywhere, and the mileage is extremely low. I cannot even find a mechanic to fix it, because the frame is so bad. I was told, if it gets fixed, another part of the frame may fail when I'm cruising on the highway and people could get hurt or killed. No mechanic wants this liability in doing a repair.

My friend was driving down the road in the same model car as mine 1997 4runner and his frame snapped from rust. He said he could barely keep it on the road but managed to slowly creep forward until he got home. This story scared me because I have the same exact car, so I go to check my frame and sure enough, it is also quite rusted. I'm afraid that if I keep driving on it that it will snap and could cause injury to myself and others.

See all problems of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The frame is rusting almost in two. Looks like it could break any time. Rear axel is also very rusted with pieces falling off.