This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
About 1 month ago, the frame of my 4runner without warning had a catastrophic failure while on a highway and my rear control arms disconnected/pulled out of the frame. Fortunately I did not have a serious accident, but it easily could have been. The lack of any warning signs was the scary part in all of this. After a bit of basic searching on the web, including NHTSA, it appears my case is not a unique one. It is quite obvious that this these vehicles are susceptible to premature frame rust issues. I find it extremely irresponsible that Toyota has turned a blind eye to something so serious. Hypothetically, I can see a car frame failing but not a robust truck frame of this era. In my particular case, my vehicle was regularly maintained at a Toyota dealership, washed regularly, garaged and the rest of the body is rust free and mechanically everything else is working flawlessly.
Took my vehicle in to get a rear seal leak fixed and the Toyota dealership called me and told me that my frame was unsafe to drive because of rust and erosion and that I would have to sign a paper when I pick the vehicle that I acknowledge that I the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
After dropping my kids off to school and exiting off the interstate at 45 miles per hour, I heard a loud pop and the truck started to fish tail until I was able to get it stopped without wrecking or ending up in the ditch. After speaking to a mechanic, he said this was a common problem with 2000 4runners and to contact Toyota. The back frame on the passengers side has completely rusted thru leaving the rear axel with no support. After reading all the complaints about this same exact issue, at the same exact location, means that this is obviously a Toyota defect. I bought my 4runner understanding that this vehicle would get me at least 200,000 miles. I'm currently at 118,000 and it already needs to go to the junk yard. I'm shocked and appalled that Toyota would allow these vehicles to be out on the streets knowing that they are endangering hundreds and thousands of lives everyday. This clearly should have been a subject of recall and no doubt lives will be lost before something is done. A very serious issue and Toyota needs to recall this vehicle asap. As it stands I will never buy another Toyota and will go to the ends of the earth to tell my story and how Toyota turns their back on customers and the safety of those you drive this 2000 4runner. With the web and all the social media forums at my finger tips, I will make it my mission in life to see that Toyota is held responsible for their irresponsibility and lack of loyalty to Toyota buyers. Do the right Toyota and recall the 2000 4runner for the piece of junk that it is before lives are lost! the frame on the back axel completely rusts thru leaves no options for repair but to simply scrap your vehicle with low mileage. Such a dishonest company with no remorse and no respect for lives on the road driving everyday.
Traveling straight down the highway at 65 mph. I hear a loud pop and my SUV veers hard to the right crossing the low speed lane and breakdown lane. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles next to me. SUV missed the guard rail, but climbed an embankment and came to rest on the drivers side of the vehicle. Resulting in me forcefully twisting the steering wheel, hitting my head on the windshield and braking the side glass with my head. Afterwards, looking at the vehicle, it was apparent what had caused the accident. Severe rust on the frame, caused the shock mount, and rear control arm to totally separate from the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, a noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the contact had to maneuver the steering wheel in excess in order to turn the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician stated that the rear trailing arm had corroded and fractured. The technician also stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000. Updated 7/9/15
- Ridge, NY, USA
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It is a known problem that Toyota wishes to not address that the frames are not properly treated for rust prevention and are prone to rusting out and falling apart at a rate that is beyond reasonable. Pictures from hundreds if not thousands of 4runner owners are all over the web and Toyota forums showing the same issue. The most problem spot is on the right side of the frame on the inside near the muffler, near the rear axle. I can physically push my hand right through the rusted out frame. The similarly designed Tacoma was recalled due to the frame rusting through so bad it would break apart. Unfortunately Toyota does not wish to cover all the bases and have left the 4runners out to rust (pun intended)
Upon inspection of my vehicle while on lift, I found an area of rust perforation above the right rear control arm bracket on the frame. The area is approx.5"X 3" in length.
Extreme rust and damage due the aforementioned rust. The rear control arms completely rusted off the frame. I know the vehicle is 15 years old but this much rust is not normal and will cause injury to many people if they do not now it is failing.
While vehicle was on lift being serviced my mechanic advised me to respond to his shop, observed large sections of vehicle's frame completely rotted and missing, mechanic advised frame needs to be replaced.
Suspension system rusted apart causing the rear shocks to become disconnected from the frame. The vehicle also has severe rust on the frame that is characteristic of the problems other are experiencing with frame rot. There are nearly 200 complaints on here for this issue...it should be recalled and repaired. I cary my 2 year old around in this car on a daily basis. Surprised to find such a poor quality car from Toyota and that they aren't doing anything about it when they did something about it on other vehicles with the same frame and same problem.
My mechanic told me that my perch springs/shock mounts had rotted off. Brought the vehicle to a welder and told me that the frame was so rotted out that I should contact Toyota to see if there is anything they could do. Said he had a 2000 Tundra with the same issue that was recalled and replaced. Why hasn't the 4runner been recalled yet?
We purchased a 2000 Toyota 4runner with the knowledge that the vehicle was 14 years old however, the body, engine and interior of the vehicle were in great condition. We became aware of the frame rust when taking it for inspection and had some repairs made in order for the vehicle to pass state inspection. We take good care of our vehicles and we were checking the brakes and we were going to undercoat the frame when we discovered the large amount of rust and damage. I contacted Toyota, they gave me a case number and transferred my call to "corporate headquarters". spoke to a phone representative who basically told me there was nothing they could do and the weather conditions cause a lot of the problems. My response to that was our 1998 Blazer never had the amount of frame rust that this 4runner has, both driven in the same conditions. Certain Toyota models that are also having frame rust have been covered up to as long as 15 years on frame damage why wasn't the 4runner. I'm sure all models during this time were built with below standard frame material so why wasn't this addressed with all models?
While driving on a family vacation, the 4 runner had a near catastrophic frame failure. The speed of the vehicle at the time of the failure was approximately 30 mph. This failure caused total loss of vehicle control and the inability to safely operate the vehicle. The vehicle was rendered unsafe for operation and it had to be towed. An independent inspection revealed multiple failure points along the frame rail related to corrosion.
I own a 2000 Toyota 4runner. Went to the dealership to inspect a leak from the rear differential. Found out that not only was the rear differential so rusted that the fluid was now leaking from the porous rusted housing. But the frame was rusted and cracked so bad that dealership said it was unsafe to drive. My now otherwise immaculate condition 4runner is now useless and rendered inoperable. This is a ramp if problem with Tacoma/Tundra for the same issue and same model years. How is this not a recall.
Right side of vehicle has rusted through approx 48 to 60 inches. Rear stabilizer bar is detached from frame. Entire right side of frame "is compromised" per mechanic/body shop.
Hi, I have a 2000 Toyota 4 runner. It has a little over 200K miles and I took it in for service to have the timing belt and water pump replaced. I drive the vehicle daily. The mechanic did not perform the work because he noticed the frame had rusted through and recommended to not drive the vehicle for safety reasons. He stated that if the frame did bend or separate the vehicle would buckle and there would not be any control, especially on the expressway. The mechanic recommend that I check to see if there has been any recalls. I did check to see if there were any recalls and there was not. I was informed that the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma had similar issues with the frame's rusting through and Toyota did a recall/buy back for those vehicles. I was on the Toyota forum and it sounds like there are a lot of Toyota 4 runners in this same circumstance. I feel if there are other similar vehicles from Toyota having the same issue, then they should be included in the recall/buyback process. Thank you.
2000 Toyota 4runner SR5 with 145,000 miles. At a regular maintenance, I was shown a picture of a hole in my frame. Right hand rear of frame where lower trailing arm bracket is welded was rusted through with substantial instability concerns and potential loss of use due to inability to pass state inspection.. otherwise frame fine and no rust/rot on left hand side front or rear. My 4runner has been an excellent and reliable vehicle with regular maintenance. It had only a rust spots on the front bumper, and that's all! this is our family vehicle, and is not abused. I only have 145,000 miles and feel strongly that a frame on a vehicle should last much longer, as in past vehicles I've owned. I have had no problems with my 4runner, I don't want to junk yard it over a bad quality frame from Toyota, but it may come to this if I can't have it welded. Toyota need to own up to this issue with a recall on the 4runners like they did with their trucks. Safety should be first. This is a pressing issue and need to addressed.
I took my 4runner to my mechanic for an oil change today. When on the lift he noticed that the passenger side frame is rusted out. He felt it was unsafe and needed fixed or scrapped asap. This vehicle runs great and I have had no other issues. This is my daily driver and I always have my five year old with me. This is a major safety concern. I am not in the position to buy a new vehicle right now. It is crazy that Toyota recalled the frames for Tacoma and Tundra but have done nothing for 4runner owners.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle shook. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the under carriage was severely corroded and fractured. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current was 128,000. Updated 9/2/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was sold to a service that buys junk cars for a total of $600. Updated 12/17/2014
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Madison, WI, USA