CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,440 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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 4runner was well cared for and the frame has rotted to nothing in under 15 years. It is extremely unsafe and is the same issue present in the Tacoma's and other Toyota full frame vehicles. The rust develops early and in the same spots on all models. It spreads rapidly and compromises the entire frame making he vehicle unsafe to drive. I believe Toyota has shown a pattern of neglect reguarding the manufacture of their vehicle frames and the 4runner is no exception.
I am the original owner of 04 V8 4runner sport and it just passed the 200,000 mile mark. The SUV runs great still, but the frame is rusting out so bad that it is becoming dangerous to drive. We had to weld a patch for the radiator support and the front tow/tie down hook broke off, the entire frame is rotting out from the inside out. There are holes in the frame.this is an known issue for Toyota and don't know why they didn't recall the 4runner when they recalled the other Toyota of the same year. I would like to be part of a class action lawsuit. I have 2 other trucks 1988 F250 and 2004 F550 that have no rusted out holes in the frames only surface rust. So it isn't just because I live in NY.
The frame has rusted on the passenger side where the frame is welded together. The Chicago northside Toyota dealer found it while doing work on my vehicle. It is about a 3 inch hole on the outside of the frame and there is also a rusted hole on the opposite side near the brackets. Please see pictures attached. They told me it is unsafe to drive. They tried to get Toyota to fix it because the sequoia and Tundra have similar problems and were recalled. However Toyota declined.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was parked, cracks were seen in the dashboard. The dealer (zt motors of fort walton beach, 1000 N beal pkwy nw, fort walton beach, fl 32547, (850) 863-2167) was contacted, but the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 9/26/18
2004 V8 4 runner with only 62,000 mi.,frame fracture right rear @ lower control arm attachment point. Left rear of frame missing two sides @ wheel well and large hole at lower control arm attachment. Advised by mechanic not to drive the truck. This is the same issue Toyota had with the Tacoma and Tundra trucks of the same years. The frame is rusted to the point that the suspension that attaches to it will fall off. The rest of the vehicle has no rust and runs perfectly.. it was never in any accident and the paint and body are like new, but the frame members are completely rusted out. I would have never known about this dangerous condition if wasn't for my mechanic finding this during a routine maintenance.visit.
- Worcester, MA, USA
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Toyota dashboard cracking / melting after Toyota extended warranty ZE6 closed out. This needs to be a recall I have seen dashboards that have melted and cause window glare. Which affects drives ability to see.
My 2004 well-maintained Toyota 4runner's, with 170,000 miles, frame rusted so badly that it wouldn't pass the nys inspection. The frame on this SUV is the same frame as the recalled 2004 Toyota Tacoma's, which were able to have there frames replaced due to rusting issues.
I have a 2004 Toyota 4runner that I believe is too dangerous to drive due to the severely rusted frame. I have attached some photos to see for yourself. I contacted Toyota twice to see if there's anything they could do and there was nothing. They told me to file a complaint with NHTSA. Also I have had cars longer than this truck that have no frame rust and I live in the same area. Therefore it can't be caused by the area I live in.
Upon visual inspection frame found rusted through on right side just forward of rear axle and appears to have rusted from inside. Suspect low quality steel was used. Excessive rust on entire frame. Body and mechanical systems are in excellent shape with 120,000 miles. Toyota should be responsible for repairs as frame should last for 20 years.
2004 4runner. Frame is extremely rusted and truck will become dangerous to operate in the very near future. Truck is garage kept and well maintained. No body rust or other issues. 100,500 miles.
The frame of the 4runner is rusting through and has cracks, and holes. It is becoming unsafe. This is not surface rust, but the frames are literally rusting away. Toyota needs to replace these frames as they did the Tacoma's from the same year that were a similar, if not identical frame.
Frame and rear axle housing rust - caused the upper control arms, which prevent rotation of the rear axel, to disconnect from the housing/frame. Also, steering has become stiff and bumpy as you turn the wheel. This may be due to front crossmember rust or rust on the steering universal joint.
Frame recall needed. I have bad rust in my frame despite regular washings and care taken. Is it a widespread problem and it is unsafe to drive. Please help!
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While viewing the undercarriage of the vehicle, the contact observed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle's warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- West Babylon, NY, USA