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 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact noticed that the main frame was rusting on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 209,000.
"takata recall" frame rusted out from the inside out. Looking at on frame it was at least 1.5 inches of dirt and small rock from Maine roads and than when rained it was just mud the bad spot is on the passenger side D by torsion bar no way to drain. Also rear end differential gear cover rusted out on other vehicles you replaced just the cover on the 4runner I was told to replace the rear end price just for the rear end was $2500 than labor.
The frame on my 4runner is completely rusting. Had to get it spot welded to pass inspection. This is a common problem on 3rd generation 4runners. Please help.
I have owned my 2002 4runner since I bought it new in 2002. Around 8,500 miles a year, and somehow my frame is completely rusted out. This is not normal, and now it won't pass inspection and is unsafe to drive. Toyota bought the frames from a third party in Japan which did not coat these frames properly. We undercoated the car for 5 years after buying it, and yet rust started showing up around 2009. We have taken care of the car, everything except the frame is perfect and clean. Toyota is knowingly letting 3rd generation 4runners drivers drive their cars even when they're unsafe. They need to institute a buyback or frame replacement program. We don't know what to do now, because we can't drive or sell the vehicle, yet everything runs perfectly.
- Richmond, VT, USA
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Takata recall. I have a rusty frame that needs to be addressed for safety reasons I was driving on the highway at 55 mph frame cracked and I almost died because of it Toyota have poor frame that should be recalled
When taken to the local automotive shop they found the frame has rotted out in many parts of the frame. Cab frame mounts are also rotted. It will not pass inspection. The frame is ready to snap offf. Thank the lord the shop found this being three of my four kids ride in it everyday to school.
Frame rust. The dealership determined the "frame is rotted-safety issue-will not pass inspection". this 4runner has only been exposed to areas of mild South East Pennsylvania winters and the undercarriage was washed regularly after every snow and road-salting event. 4runner is trash after only 12 winters. 4runner was in storage for 04/05 winter and there was no snow in 15/16.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician found severe corrosion on the passenger side. The contact stated that the frame would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Hello. I purchased a 2002 Toyota 4runner limited edition last fall in Pennsylvania. The car had passed the Pennsylvania state inspection with passed validated inspection tags in the front window. I took the car to my mechanic, welder and beechmont Toyota (cincinnati oh) and the consensus is the car needs the car frame replaced. The car frame has rust holes and is rusted along with a rusted undercarriage. The integrity of the car is compromised, because the car frame has rusted holes in it, criteria that should not have passed pa state inspection. It does not have a safe car frame. I was sold a vehicle that passed pa state inspection and the car had holes in the rusted car frame.the sales guy who sold me the car, said that the car had passed state inspection in which the sticker in the windshield shows. I researched the state inspection criteria and I think it is 5A and 5iii that reference checking the car frame. Pendot did not take any responsibility for their failure of approving the state inspection. I asked for my money back ($6,200) from the car salesman plus I had to pay about $500 Ohio tax and was told that it had passed Pennsylvania state inspection and they would not refund my money. This car has a rusted damaged frame with holes and needs to be off the road as it's dangerous. I am asking for my money back, and I'll return the vehicle as it should not have passed Pennsylvania state inspection. Thank you.
My 2002 4runner's frame is rusted through in many places. This is very unsafe and Toyota should fix this problem. They have yet to recall the 4runners but, have recalled the Tacoma and sequoia. I do not have the money to do this repair. I am buried in debt from a heart transplant and this is just unacceptable. I think people will die from this problem. Please respond so I have some information please. Thanks, [xxx] columbus, Ohio information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
My 2002 Toyota 4runner has a couple quarter sized rust hole on the rear right side of the frame. Located on the inside next to the exhaust muffler. The entire rest of the frame is in very good condition, it's weird to me that just this particular spot is completely rusted through, this is a huge safety hazard and I know Toyota should step up and do something about this. I read online most people have this same problem in the same exact spot. Seems like a defect in the frame. I'm hoping to have Toyota cover this incident. Thanks for reading. Brandon
Fame deteriorating prematurely, skid plate that protects fuel tank showed signs of rust. After inspecting found rotting from inside out.when replacing in may of 2014, found that strap that holds fuel tank rusted completely away, two bolts from the rusted skid plate only thing holding fuel tank in place.same conditions exist over entire frame, rust falls off in sheets when frame is tapped on with hammer.brought my concerns to dealership in Jan.of 2015 of rust issue, they informed me nothing would be done.
The frame of the vehicle is rotting out with rust. The 4runner has never been in snow and has been taken well care of and the frame is still eroding away with rust at an unnatural rate. This issue must be addressed for the sake of so many unaware owners!
I visited a Toyota dealership for routine maintenance (oil change) and inspection of 4 wheel drive system. After the vehicle was raised on the lift, the service advisor asked me to join him and the shop mechanic in the service bay where I was shown that the frame / chassis of the vehicle has rusted the point where in their opinion it was no longer safe to operate. After close inspection, I had agreed with their assessment. An online search for a recall notice was performed, but none was found. Otherwise, this vehicle is in meticulous condition with no body damage or rust or any mechanical problems.
Frame is rusted through on right side from middle of the frame to just over the rear axel. There are large holes and rusted slots that are over 10 inches long damage starts before the rear suspenshion support and continues to the other side and the side where the rust has caused holes and long slots the whole frame can be squeezed easily with your hand.
Vehicle was stationary. While replacing exhaust system components. Found what appeared to be minor rust on the passenger (right) side rear suspension mount. Further investigation uncovered a larger area of rust along the 3 welds on the inner frame rail. Cut / ground the metal back to good metal and am in the process of patching for my yearly Maine vehicle inspection. Either Toyota has built an inferior frame or the newer chemicals being used to keep the roads clear in the winter to be the cause of this rust which could cause the rear suspension to fail at this point in the frame and cause a accident.
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- Mount Kisco, NY, USA