While having my 2000 4runner serviced recently, my mechanic advised me that my carriage frame was cracked and rotting. I took it to Toyota dealer in bristol ct, who put vehicle on hoist and confirmed the problem. I was advised there was no recall or tsb on my SUV, and probably nothing they could do. They said they would send info & pictures to district office for review and advise when they heard back. I asked them about fixing it in the meantime, but they said they couldn't accept the liability? I can email pictures if you want to review these as well. I am having it welded in the meantime, as the crack was rather severe. My mechanic and Toyota both advised that if the crack broke thru while driving, the rear axle would come loose from the frame. The estimate to fix my SUV is apx. $1,500, which includes replacing the gas tank under-shield, which looks like a chunk of swiss cheese as well. Please advise of any recourse I may have.

- Unionville, CT, USA

My 17 year old daughter was driving car and pulled severely to left. She was able to control car and slow down, drive car home. I had mechanic look at it and said frame had rooted and stabilization bar broke loose car can not be fixed and is to dangerous to drive. This seems to be a common problem with this year 4 runner Toyota is aware of it and refuses to take any responsibility. Very dangerous. If my daughter was traveling any faster vehicle could have flipped over.

- Weymouth, MA, USA

Frame has severe rust that has caused the frame to become weak and unsafe. Multiple holes in frame have developed. Vehicle has been washed regularly and stored indoors for years but has severe frame rot. Toyota will not repair because they say there was never any problem with the 4runner frames just the Tacoma and Tundra had issues. The frame on the 96-02 4runners are the same as the Tacoma, only difference is the rear suspension setup. They appear to have the same rust issues.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA

Severe frame rot on otherwise very well cared for vehicle. Will certainly result in catastrophic failure.

- Waltham, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 50 mph, a loud clunking noise sounded outside of the vehicle and suddenly the rear wheels locked which caused the rear end of the vehicle to skid across the road approximately twenty feet. In addition, fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the rear differential would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Arundel , ME, USA

I own a 2000 Toyota 4runner. I took my car for state inspection. My mechanic told me that the frame is rusted out an is a major safety problem. The 2000 $runner has the same frame as the 2000 Toyota Tacoma in which Toyota bought back the Tacoma from the owners for 150% of the kelly blue book value. If Toyota knows that there is a problem with one model (Tacoma) and fixes then they should also fix the 4runner.

- Shillington, PA, USA

Passenger side frame rail is rusted through on the inside of the rail.

- Mclean, VA, USA

Frame is rusting. Perforation. I was having rear shocks replaced and when mechanic pulled himself under the vehicle on his roller cart his fingers went thru the frame.

- West Branch, IA, USA

I own a 2000 Toyota 4runner. I have noticed my frame near the rear suspension is so severely rotted that the frame will need to be cut and re-welded or replaced all together.there are multiple holes in the box frame of the vehicle due to the construction of the frame. Water seeps in through the frame, causing it to rust from the inside out. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance recently and they informed me as well of the extensive rusting. I was told that this is and will be a major safety issue. The vehicle was later taken to two repair shops and they both confirmed that the failure was due to the design of frame. The rest of the 4runner is in perfect condition with no surface rust, rot or other blemishes. However, below the vehicle the frame is rusted extensively.

- Fall River, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota 4 runner. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a loud grinding noise and the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer where they both informed the contact that the rear differential fractured due to rust. The vehicle was repaired by the authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified and they provided financial assistance towards the repair. A few months after the repair, the vehicle failed to pass state inspection due to excessive rust throughout the frame and rear differential. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

- Phippsburg, ME, USA

The rear axle housing has rusted through, while the vehicles body has no rust. Toyota fails to recognize this as a defect because of the vehicles year and mileage. We contacted Toyota and they provided the following reference number 1109161548. Research on the internet supports this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle and will occur on the 4 runner with much less mileage. This represents a safety issue since all of the rear axle fluid could leak out, allowing the rear differential to freeze, creating a possible accident. Toyota has a rust problem with the Tacoma pickup, where they repurchased vehicles as a result of frame rust out. We are of the opinion Toyota has used inferior metals in the manufacturing of their vehicles and should be held accountable. When I called their corporate office in torrance ca. They refused to allow me to speak with someone in management since I didn't agree with the decision of the person I discussed the matter with.

- Averill Park, NY, USA

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

- Ringoes, NJ, USA

Today, observed significant rust on the passenger side longitudinal frame member. The frame rail was perforated for ~24 inches on the bottom, inside of the rail, next to the muffler and up to and including the mounting point for the rear wheel lower control arm. The rail was perforated to a width of up to ~1 inch. I am concerned about the structural integrity of the frame and am reporting it as it could be safety issue. I have reviewed descriptions and pictures of this issue on www.Toyota-4runner.org forum and found that there are multiple occurrences of frame perforation in this exact location on 3rd generation 4runners (search "frame rust" or I can provide links). I called the Toyota customer experience center and informed them of the issue (case#110-621-0707) and they indicated that Toyota does not have an ongoing program to address this issue.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

My 2000 Toyota 4runner shakes at speeds above 60mph. It also does this while braking. It is visibly noticeable in the steering wheel, but all passengers in the car can feel the shaking and vibration. It becomes almost violent and alarming around 70mph. I have taken it to several repair shops and no one can find a solution. I have read hundreds of posts about this problem that ranges from 96-08 models.

- Wakefield, RI, USA