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.
Frame is excessively rusted. The recall that already exists for this issue only covers certain frames from Japan made with this steel. However, the same frames were imported to America and a large percentage of 4Runners were made with the same steel and didn-??t receive a recall. Mine is one of them.
Premature rusted frame throughout, vehicle is garaged and well maintained 117,000 miles on my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. Auto body specialist estimates $3k-$4k to restore, at least.
Had vehicle inspected on Oct. 1,2021 for road trip to North Carolina from Washington, DC. Was informed that my vehicle is unsafe by the automotive shop (name withheld) due to [rusting] frame front suspension components' threads rusted off on bolts that hold suspension, control arms, and shocks on both front and rear areas + body of vehicle located where shocks bolt to the body. I also had two other shops (names withheld) assess the state of the frame and suspension + and was told that the vehicle has maybe 1 year or so until the frame falls apart. Given I am the original owner, have gargage-kept my vehicle, have very low-mileage - 74,000 miles, and have maintained the vehicle immaculately and am aware of rusting problems with other Toyota [truck] frames, etc. this seems to be a defect in the manufacturing process. I know there have been recalls on Toyota's other trucks due to Toyota's failure to add [enough?] rust inhibitor/preventative to the molten steel when forming the frame for many models of their trucks.
- Silver Spring, MD, USA
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After having my 4 runner in for routine maintenance, my mechanic informed me that my frame was in bad condition and rusting through. Doubtful it has a year left and he advised me to junk it as fast as I can. 180;000 miles - so much for Toyota-??s lasting a long time.
Frame is showing excessive rust all over, a known problems with 4runners and Toyota trucks. Auto repair shop says vehicle probably has only 1 year of life left before unsafe and undrivable. Car has only 100000 miles on it, 1998 4runner we had made it to 250000 miles- unacceptable.
I recently had my vehicle in for service and to get new tires. While on the lift, the mechanic pointed out to me that the frame on the passenger's side is beginning to rust through. This is an obvious potential safety issue and as I have researched possible repairs, it appears that this is a very common problem for this year and model. This should be recalled.
The frame is rusted out and is making the vehicle unsafe to be on the road. This is a known problem with this frame, it's already been recalled on the Toyota Tacoma and it's the same identical frame. It should have been recalled years ago. Just making a normal turn on a bend in the road makes it difficult to keep the vehicle under control.
Excessive rust on the frame. Have heard of other Toyota from the same time that were recalled but not the 4runner even though it suffers the same issues.
2002 Toyota 4runner, original owner with only 110,900 original miles on it! vehicle has severe rust/rot damage to passenger and driver side frame. Extends from middle cross member to rear cross member. The rest of the car is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety issue for my family. Repair will be necessary soon, as I'm starting to not feel safe driving long distances or at highway speeds (70+ mph). Thank you!
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. The contact became aware that the subframe underneath the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The repair was still pending. Toyota of Lincoln park (1561 N fremont St, Chicago, il 60642) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Rust/rot damage to passenger side frame. Extends from middle cross member to rear cross member. Also significant rust damage to rear shock mounts. Failed inspection as a result. The rest of the car is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety issue for my family.
Vehicle has 188,400 miles, runs flawlessly. Bought 2005, 45K miles, Toyota dealer certified used SUV. Rotted thru rear transfer case 3 yrs ago, replaced from a wreck. Severe progressive entire frame rust/rot noted in yearly pa inspections, now cant pass inspection & pillars almost rotted thru..unsafe to drive. Extremely disappointed cant pull trailer sailboat & M'cycles, now sits in driveway useless.
I purchased the 2002 4runner in 2014. At that time, the 4runner only had 79,000 miles and had been cared for meticulously. I have taken the car in for routine service over the past 5 years. Upon taking the 4runner in due to a vibration and check of the differential, the mechanic called me in to look at the frame while it was up on the lift. Below in the attached photos, there is extensive rusting of the rear differential, axle and frame. The vehicle was stationary and the issue was found during routine maintenance. The rusted frame and differential have rendered this vehicle practically valueless and unsafe.
Very excessive rusting and corrosion on the frame near where the leading arm attaches on the passenger side. Hole has developed very quickly, only in the span of a couple years. When going around left corner >15mph, a clunking noise can be heard from the problem area. Very occasionally a similar noise can be heard when going through right turns. Vehicle has spent most of its life in southern Minnesota, although some time has been spent in South Florida. Repair will be necessary soon, as I'm starting to not feel safe driving long distances or at highway speeds (70+ mph). Thank you, have a nice day.
We purchased a 4runner for our 18 year old daughter to drive thinking it would be safe, esp in mn. She was driving home from college (130 miles) and noticed it had a bad vibration, especially over 40 mph. It was very difficult to drive. We were out of town and when we got back, brought it to the shop, only to be told the frame was responded beyond repair (see photos). Not only does that scare me for my daughter, but she has been driving it a few years and had friends and other family members in the vehicle. The vehicle has relatively low miles for it's age and based on Toyota reputation of longevity, we never expected this sort of issue. We're thankful she wasn't hurt, but are concerned about others driving a vehicle and not knowing it could literally break in half while driving down the road!
The frame of this 4runner has been experiencing excessive rust since the time I got it used from a dealer. Once their undercoating wore off, my mechanic replaced rusted up brake lines back about 9 years ago. He said it was because the frame was very rusty and they did a new rust treatment. For the past few years I have been battling issues related to the frame. A plate was put in to strengthen an area. It only has 164K on it, I rebuilt the transmission at 125K, and the body is in good shape. Just that the rust is spreading everywhere underneath. We tried to get it addressed in the previous Toyota frame recall but it was not for this age for whatever reason. Every repair has been more difficult due to rusting bolts, mufflers rusting early, brake lines busting due to rust, the tow hitch rusted through. Now there is a gaping hole in the rear side of the frame supporting the cab. After being under the car trying to scrape rust off, and to put some rust restore/protection, I saw the new hole and got fed up. So I see you are now investigating this year 4runner to add to their recall. Please...do! something serious could happen while driving it and it will just stay mostly parked until this is resolved. Brake failure when my son was driving was already scary enough. Thank you.
Vehicle frame has corroded, fractured especially on passenger rear of vehicle. Many holes along frame. Was hearing loud thunking in rear of vehicle took it in for a visual inspection and found the issue.
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- Marion, OH, USA