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.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted on the rear passenger and driver sides. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear swing arm fractured and the front crossmember was about to fracture. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While driving 70 mph, the rear driver's side trailing arm, which was connected to the frame of the vehicle, fractured. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home safely at a reduced speed. A representative from la crosse Toyota (800 3rd St S, la crosse, wi 54601, (608) 793-7000) inspected the vehicle and took several pictures. The contact was informed that someone would be in touch with him. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 211,000.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for service, the technician diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the passenger side frame was rusted on both sides and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,600. Updated 6/24/15
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the passenger side frame was rusting and holes were developing on the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Green Bay, WI, USA
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The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the frame was entirely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 113,231. Djr updated 10/24/2014 updated 4/20/2015
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. Updated 10/22/2014 the consumer stated the manufacturer and the dealer were contacted. The dealer advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive due to extensive rust on the frame. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance. Updated 04/2/2015
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.
My 2000 4runner went in for Pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. As this is my only means of transportation I was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. The whole underneath of my 4runner is rusty and I believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. My rear differential is also almost rusted through. I believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. I realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 Nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. I have tried calling Toyota corporate to no avail. I feel like logging a complaint is all I can do. Toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in Japan but when I see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does I'm inclined to say that Toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. I would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure.
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.
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"!
2000 Toyota 4runner with the frame rotted by the muffler. The rot goes about 3 feet in length 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 fluid 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.
I have a 2000 Toyota 4runner; the right side frame area approximately 4 feet of the frame near the muffler area is rusted out. I understand the Toyota Tacoma has a frame recall up to year 2000. Isn't the Tacoma frame and the 4runner frame the same. This should be address as a safety issue. There are numerous stories about rusted frame on the 2000 4runner rusted frame.
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.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The vehicle was parked when the contact noticed the entire frame under the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to a dealer for inspection, she was informed that the frame was rusted and advised her that it was too dangerous to drive. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the extreme corrosion on the frame. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Amelia, OH, USA