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 rusted through from the inside out. There isnt even any surface rust where the hole started. Its just a hole in the middle of clean metal. The rest of the frame rail is solid. Rear suspension arm mount is also rusted out and starting to come off. The entire structural integrity of the frame is in question, even though externally, theres only slight surface rust. The frame should not be rusting this way.
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.
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.
- Cedar Falls , IA, USA
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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.
Frame has rusted through to the point of being a danger to drive my vehicle. Frame did not easily appear rusted when I purchased my vehicle 4 years ago. It appears that the frame rusted from the inside out and the coating concealed the damage until it was too late to repair. My vehicle drives perfectly but is not safe due to the frame damage.
When I had my state inspection in January of 2020, the machanic told me the frame of the vehicle will not pass inspection again. It is severely rusted through and in his opinion is unsafe to drive. A few weeks later, I was travelling to my father's residence and the brakes gave out. The technician that repaired my brake line also told me and documented on the bill that the truck is really not safe to drive. I have owned this vehicle for 18 years, and only driven it five winters. I wash the truck numerous times during the winter to remove salt. It is my only vehicle, and I cannot afford a new one. Why wasn't this included in the frame recall from Toyota"!" now I'm nervous about my safety and those on the roadways.
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!
Frame rust. Only has 63,000 miles on it and my mechanic recently noticed heavy scaling and rust, also a few holes/rotted sections. Toyota needs a service campaign, or recall these frames, as they did with the Tacoma. I called Toyota and they said it's our problem when this is a clear common issue. The other common issue on these frames, is at the back shackle, that attaches the control arm to the rear end, rots right off. I fear for my safety that something will fail and cause an accident. It is very disconcerting that with only 63,000 miles my frame is disintegrating quickly.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Marion, OH, USA