Failed state inspection 1/25/16 due to rusted and perforated frame. It passed the inspection 1/26/15 just before selling vehicle to us. We have put less than 7000 miles on it since purchase on 1/28/15.

- Lynchburg, VA, USA

While driving on the highway the passenger rear side of my Toyota 4runner began to move up and down and wobble making the car wander all over the road. We immediately went to the local Toyota dealer, carver Toyota of columbus in taylorsville, in. Inspecting the car on the passenger rear side we found that the rear suspension had pulled away from the frame where the frame had completely rusted leaving a big hunk out of the frame. There was extensive rusting of the frame in multiple places. The car was inspected and photographed by matt Warren, service manager at carver Toyota and was determined to be undriveable. This is a well maintained vehicle which is in tip-top condition in every other respect than the rusted frame. We are very upset to lose a good car which still had a lot of value still left in it to us. We also feel that this is a very important safety issue. We were incredibly lucky that neither we nor anybody else on the highway that day were injured by this dangerous situation. And we are very concerned that this has been reported in other 4runners as well and there hasn't been a recall and these dangerous vehicles are still on the road. We are holding on to the vehicle hoping that there will be some remedy for this situation. Thank you so much for your attention.

- Nashville, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4unner. While driving over a pothole at approximately 25 mph, a loud bang emitted outside of the vehicle. The vehicle wandered out of the lane independently and became difficult to steer. The failure occurred when encountering uneven road surfaces and potholes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the entire frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was beyond repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 04/14/16

- Highland Lakes, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While backing out of the driveway, the lower control arm failed and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and an inspector sent by the manufacturer examined the damage. The inspector determined that the subframe bracket, which holds the lower control, had rusted and caused the lower control arm to fail. The inspector recommended that the entire frame of the vehicle be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

- Lancaster, NY, USA

My 2003 4runner has serious frame rust issues with less than 150,000 miles. The piece of the frame that supports the radiator and A/C condenser has rusted completely through and the radiator is unsupported on the driver's side. I have not experienced this problem with my old 1996 4runner which had 100,000 more miles on it.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

Heavily rusted areas on the frame on my 2003 Toyota 4runner. Vehicle is garage kept and routinely maintained.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

Scheduled vehicle for regular inspection. Toyota rep advised substantial rot on frame, rear passenger side. Did not pass inspection. Rep advised that no current remedies/recalls in place. Rep suggested to trade it in. 153000 miles, engine/transmission excellent condition. Frame washed and treated w/ rust prevention 2X a year. Unacceptable structural problem, given the circumstances with no remedy from Toyota.

- Milton, VT, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle had excessive rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000

- Irvine, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced, but it was discovered that there was extensive corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000......updated 12/08/15

- Bartlett, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. In addition, there were three large holes in the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

My vehicle has severe frame rust and rot. Part of frame at the front of the car has holes in it and is not safe to drive. This vehicle has been well maintained. It was driven primarily in Maryland and Virginia.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

Brought the vehicle in for a suspension check and the mechanic found the passanger rear frame completely rotted.

- Burlington, CT, USA

My mechanic showed me that my 4runner has severe frame rust. The mechanic stated that it cannot be repaired. The mechanic is warning that the vehicle will not pass it's next safety inspection. The 4runner was purchased and kept in Virginia.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

The front cross member has developed a hole, and another is starting on rear of the frame. No rust anywhere on car except frame. Car was garaged or parked on pavement always, never on grass or dirt.

- Exeter, NH, USA

We purchased the vehicle in 2008 for $14,000 from a local Toyota dealer, with 84,000 miles on it. The transmission lines rusted out shortly after that, the steering rack has been replaced twice, and now the gas tank has fallen down, and there is nothing left to attach a new support to. An automobile that should have a value of $6,000 + is now worthless, and we cannot even drive it safely. This was a chronic problem that was addressed by Toyota early on, but they managed to avoid repairing this vehicle. Is there anything that I can do, other than warn others against buying a Toyota. "ask someone who drives one".

- Kingston, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the dash board was severely cracked and the problem had worsened over the passenger side where the air bag was located. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

Heavy frame rust....I have heard of other Toyota SUVS and pu's with frame rust that were recalled due to the frame rusting through. This vehicle's life started out in wny, and has been in Virginia the last 3- 4 years. If Toyota is recalling the Tacoma and sequoias then the 4runner should be included. I know I am not the only one with this issue. Thank you

- Fairfax, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection when they detected that the rear differential, rear lower control arm and frame were severely corroded. One of the two rear lower control arms had become slightly detached from the vehicle. In addition, the emergency brake also exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Waymart, PA, USA

My 4runner got rear ended on the freeway and during the repair process I found out that the hitch receiver that was original installed (51909-35010) was superseded to an 'improved' one (51909-35011). However, when I installed my bicycle carrier, I realized that the universal foot was standing one inch out of the hitch receiver causing it to virulently shake and bounce around. When inspecting the new hitch receiver more closely, I realized that the hole for the hitch receiver pin is now only 1.5 inches from the end of the hitch away while before it was 2.5 inches. I compared this to other manufacturers hitches (e.g. GMC, Chevrolet, Jeep, etc) and they all have a 2.5 inch distance from the end of the receiver to the hole for the pin. I contacted Toyota to find out whether this is the correct part and why they changed the design in that way, but they were unable or unwilling to provide further information. In my opinion, the new hitch receiver is unsafe as it allows more play of the ball mount and appears less stable as less material is around the hitch receiver pin. Since I am unable to obtain more information from Toyota and Toyota is not willing to look further into this, it would be great if you could have a detailed look in this issue. Best regards.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The steering wheel became hard to turn and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the steering wheel system, which failed due to severe corrosion that expanded to the transmission lines and the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.

- Coventry , RI, USA