Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

- Marshfield , MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. The technician advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 256,518.

- Woolwich, NJ, USA

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.

- Philidelphia, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when he was advised that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection where they confirmed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 92,000. Updated 7/16/14

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, he was advised that the frame completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 89,300.

- Willamsport , PA, USA

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 occurrence 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 responsibility 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.

- East Greenbush, NY, USA

When on a long highway trip on the weekend of June 7, 2008, my husband noticed black spots on the rear window of our 2001 Toyota 4runner (121,000 miles). He cleaned it off to see if it returned as we resumed our journey. When we next stopped several hundred miles later, the black spots were on the entire rear of the vehicle. My husband checked beneath the rear of the vehicle and saw transmission fluid dripping out of the differential. We then took the vehicle to a mechanic who reported that the rear axle housing was completely corroded to the point of failure, and that it was beyond repair, and that he hadn't ever seen this on a car of this age and mileage. He informed us that Toyota has recently recalled Tacoma vehicles from the same year for similar corrosion problems. We contacted Toyota and they said there was nothing they could do for us. We are left with a vehicle that is beyond repair that we are unable to sell, and we have maintained it in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. Please help. The consumer was informed the entire rear axle including the axle, differential, brakes, and exhaust system were corroded beyond repair. Updated 08/27/08.

- South Kent, CT, USA