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.
I was doing an oil change and noticed that the frame was rusted very badly. I think that there should be a recall on this model 3rd gen 4runner (1999-2002)this is the same frame as the truck that was recalled, so this should be included.if this frame breaks it will hurt or kill some one.
First, the motor blew for no reason at 152,000 miles. I rebuilt the car and had a new motor put in. I was not aware of the rusting frame issue, however, after driving the vehicle with a lovely new rebuilt motor for about one year, the frame rotted beyond repair causing the power steering to go out. I don't drive much, so there was no excessive exposure to salt. The car was parked in my driveway. It was an exceptionally cold day. I started the vehicle and found the power steering fluid had frozen and lost all the fluid as a result of the steering rack being rusted and weakened. The repair shop told me that the frame and rocker panels are severely compromised too badly to bother fixing the steering rack. The car is not safe to drive.
I have seen classi. Cars from the 60S with frames in better shape than my 4runner. The rear control arms brackets are close to detaching from the frame. Rust is eating the back half of my frame. The frame rails are completely rusted through and will soon need replacing. There are numerous bolts and hardware that can no longer be used due to rust. The fill plug on the rear differential has rusted away as well. The quality of this steel is absolutely horrible. Toyota should be ashamed of a vehicle that has problems like this. I have never seen rust this bad on a frame before.
Excessive rust on frame since 2008. Toyota refused to address after filing formal complaint. I believe like trucks of same year that had frames replaced, 4 runners should be included
At a stop light, went to drive heard load pop clank. Vehicle started shaking and driving funny. Looked under car and my control arm ( that stabilizes my axel ) mount rusted off. My entire under carriage is rusted out. The control arm shifted
- Winsted, CT, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Excessive rust on frame. Rusting from the inside out, on passenger side near muffler, by rear suspension mounts. Rusted all the way through on the inside of the frame. Likely rusted in other parts that are not visible.
My 2002 Toyota 4runner has excessive rust on the frame to the point that it has been deemed by my local Toyota dealership as "unsafe to drive." It only has 180,000 miles on it, the rust should not be this extensive.
My 2002 Toyota 4 runner failed mass state inspection due to emergency brake not engaging. I immediately brought the vehicle to a local auto shop for repair. I was then notified by the shop that the entire frame was completely rotted & unsafe to drive. They refused to do any repair to the E-brake until the frame was repaired. I'm devastated that my well cared for vehicle, with only 130,000 miles is now unsafe to drive due to frame rot.
This is yet another costumer of the 4runner 3rd generation complaining about the frame rusting out. There needs to be responsability for the bad frames on this year 4runner. My frame has holes in the rear control arm attachment area and more rust all throughout entire frame. I'm doing all I can to keep my frame from getting any more rust on it and keeping it safe to be on the road. I strongly believe Toyota should also have a frame recall for the 4runner like it did for the Tundra Tacoma and sequoia frames.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine service at an independent mechanic shop, the technician noticed that the frame was corroded through and caused the tailpipe to detach. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000...
I have a 2002 4 runner and put almost $2,800 in it last year for a new rear end, new tires, because I felt it still had a tremendous amount of life left in it, only to find out that the frame has 2 holes in it from excessive rust. The dealership I took it to informed me that they were currently in the process of replacing frames for 2003 - 2009 models. When I asked about the 2002 models, they stated that Toyota does not assume responsibility for the 4 runners. My question is "how do I find out if the 2002 frames were manufactured with the same materials that the 2003 models were made of?" I really wanted to hand this car down to my daughter. She needs a car and with the current situation of the frame, there is no way I can let her drive this in its current condition. Please help!!!
Check engine light comes on so I take my 2002 4 runner to get it checked. I noticed it sounds like it might be a exhaust problem. Then I get the bad news. The frame experience excessive corrosion. My understanding is that there was some kind of recall on this matter a few years ago but I never received a notice.I purchased it used in 2003 so maybe the notice went to the first owner. I have been living at the same address since I owned it.
Leaving work Friday of labor day weekend 2018 I noticed the smell of gas. My co-worker also looked, and observed a puddle of gasoline under the car. Since the dealer was close, I took the risk to drive it the dealer. The dealer is heritage Toyota in baltimore Maryland. The car has only 91000 miles on it. The entire bottom of the car is rusted out. This is what caused the fuel leak. The frame is also rusted out to the point of not being safe anymore. My complaints are these: 1. the underside of the car completely rusted out. 2. other Toyota trucks of the same year are having their frames replaced by Toyota. 3. my Toyota was serviced with me letting the dealer do "anything it needs". I estimate spending about $15,000 at this dealer. Never once was I told there was a rust problem. With mounting repaired costs, I took it to another mechanic who immediately recommended that I take the car to the dealer for assessment. Never did the Toyota dealer warn me about the rust. 4. Toyota was completely uninterested in helping. I did file a complaint #1808271490
My frame is suffering from premature and excessive rusting, as is commonly reported among other early to mid 2000's 4runner owners. The most severe area is the radiator supports. I am filing this complaint so it is registered among the many complaints received about this issue. I'd be happy to provide documentation if needed, but I'm pretty sure there have already been a lot of reports of this since there's now an investigation into the issue.
Frame rust on the inside portion for the frame. 33" hole rusted through completely on passenger side. Rust continues about 80% of the way through the rear lower control arm mount. Driver's side has a similar amount of severe rust that has weakened the structural integrity of the frame to the point where it is no longer safe to drive. Should the co troll arm mount finish rusting through, the axle will no longer be attached to the frame on that side. There is noticble flex and sound associated with the frame rot. It is only a matter of time before the control arm mount disconnects completely, or the frame buckles.
Rusted through frame on the rear passenger side where axle support connects to frame. Measures approx 2.5 feet. Rear end feels loose when navigating turns.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Natrona Heights, PA, USA