The frame rusted and at least two parts of the frame rusted through. Informed by the mechanic upon state inspection. On or around October 18, 2021

- Butler, PA, USA

My steering became very loose with a lot of movement in the steering wheel. The universal joint in the steering column shaft was bad. Upon further investigation, both lower control arms on the front wheels were rusted through, (from the inside out), with one of them bent because of the lack of metal support that rusted away, which caused my wheels to be misaligned and hard to control. Upon additional inspection, the frame has rusted out in multiple places which could allow it to break in half. (pictures of one portion of the frame are attached.) I have had the steering column and lower control arms replaced but multiple body and frame shops state the frame is rusted too much to repair. I know Toyota recalled several models for frame rust issues but have not included the 4Runner, which I cannot understand. This rust has been noticed for several years on my vehicle with attempts to keep it clean and rust free. However, the rusting process is occurring from the inside of the frame toward the outside, so you can't tell how bad it really is until you see the holes protruding through the frame. This model should be included in a class action suit requiring Toyota to compensate the owners for this defect and removing these models from service to avoid potential accidents and casualties caused by inferior iron products that were used in their manufacture.

- Lost Creek, KY, USA

Extensive rust on frame and suspension parts. Areas completely rusted through, presenting safety hazard.

- Hillsborough, NJ, USA

I took my car in for repair. Check engine light and VSC track lights on with horrible sound beneath the car. The auto repair shop called me and said the frame and underbody of the car is so rusted it will break apart if I drive over a pothole. So rusted that there is nothing to be able to attach to under the car. I am original owner and had rust proofing applied to the car there when I bought it. They charged me nothing because there is nothing they can do, they can-??t even weld it it-??s nothing but rust.

- Annandale, VA, USA

The control arms rusted completely off the frame. The whole frame has rust holes!

- Fayetteville, WV, USA

Frame started excessive rusting before 2011 when the vehicle had very low miles on it. I reported it to Toyota National headquarters in 2016. They knew about it but since they didn't have to replace the frames they didn't care. They offered me $1000 towards a new car. I could not afford a new car. I have been battling the rust ever since. I spent $4000 in the past 2 years. I was driving with a broken front axle!! Recently the rust corroded my brake fluid lines causing the lines to fail all at once. Luckily I was leaving my driveway. I had no brakes and was headed for the road. I hit the emergency brake and stopped at the road. Brake fluid fell out all over my driveway. I had to spend $400 getting my driveway resealed and $300 for the new brake lines which was really cheap. I took the truck to Toyota to trade it in and they would only give me $1500 for the beautifully, well cared for truck with only 135000 miles on it because the frame was rusted. They replaced the frames on the Tundra and Tacoma, which were the same frames. They need to replace the frames on the 4Runners or compensate the owners like me. I am the original owner. I bought the dealers demo in 2005. I want the $10,000 they owe me. I am moving and I have to sell this truck, instead of waiting for Toyota to replace the frame, because it is unsafe to drive from NY to NC. I am very sad. Other than the rust this truck is fantastic. I feel like a good friend died! It hurts to let it go. I will have to sell it privately. I think $1500 from the dealer is criminal.

- East Patchogue, NY, USA

Our 2004 Toyota forerunner with V6 engine was purchased as a used vehicle in 2019 with 106,000 miles on it. Since then, it has developed more and more areas of rust on the frame despite our efforts to mitigate this issue. We have had to repair the frame, suspension, brakes, and wheel bearings. We continuously inspect the undercarriage and continue to discover more and more areas of significant rust/deterioration despite efforts to clean, treat (with paint, rust inhibitors, welding repairs). We are concerned that this deterioration will soon result in a catastrophic failure and possible accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death.

- Owings, MD, USA

Many signs of premature rust on the frame with several holes. The truck only has 124K miles and should not be in this state. Toyota has to recall these frames just like they do from other trucks manufactured during the very same years.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Vehicle frame has rusted completely through in certain areas - structure and safety is compromised.... normal driving & care environment but appears frame has accelerated deterioration, while all other areas (body panels, all other components) are in excellent condition - seeing this is a known Toyota issue on same models and similar models of same production years

- Libertyville, IL, USA

Premature and excessive frame corrosion. Similar models were covered by earlier frame recall, why not the 4runner?

- Monroe, CT, USA

Excessive frame rust. Our 4runner has just passed the 200K mile mark, but the frame has been rusting at an alarming rate for years now. Living in an area with salted winter roads, I have been somewhat mindful of this (not perfect), but the amount of corrosion seems excessive, even in this environment. There has been no moving incident or crash, but parts of the frame have been affected enough that I am currently having to assess the drivability in light of safety.

- Fleetwood, NC, USA

Today I failed vehicle inspection because of rust and deterioration of my chassis frame. The vehicle was bought new, seldom driven in any areas of salted or sanded roads. It was also mostly garaged either at work and/or at home. The vehicle only has 175000 which is low considering the age of the vehicle. I know that many Toyota have had this problem and some models have had recalls. In spite of the many problems that forerunners have had, it is yet to be recalled....and all recalls start at 2005. Mine is a 2004 and the frame is falling apart. I am extremely disappointed and wish vehicles in my demographics would be considered in a new recal......

- Winchester, VA, USA

I was informed that when I went to get my oil changed this morning that I had major rush on my frame it was cracked and had big holes in it and they were afraid to put it up on the lift. Advised me to check with my dealer to see if there was a recall. According to kbb there is not with my corresponding VIN number which is a dang shame because this is a safety issue and I should T be afraid to drive my grand children around in fear that my frame won't support us. We purchased this vehicle because Toyota is known for their safety, reliability.integrity and longevity. So because of the excellent feedback I have received about Toyota's ' lasting forever' I made my first Toyota purchase. The body deceived me. Other than a little golf ball dent on the front fender. The body is very good condition not a speck of visible rust.

- Hedgeville, WV, USA

The contact's son owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while his son was driving 15 mph, his son heard a loud popping sound as the rear axle trailing arm fell off the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic placed the vehicle on a hoist, and deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to severe corrosion to the undercarriage. The contact then had the vehicle towed back to his residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Arvada, CO, USA

The frame has completely rusted

- Tyngsboro, MA, USA

Severe frame rust on 2004 4runner SR5 sport. Suspension rust, steering components rust. Holes in vehicle frame due to rust. I went to two mechanics that told me that this rust was beyond reasonable for normal rust on frame, they both stated it may become dangerous and to contact Toyota directly. The vehicle is becoming dangerous to drive due to possibly of failing components and or frame.

- Edgewater, CO, USA

Frame rust to an unsafe level at low miles and far before any other oxidation formed. By 120,000 miles, frame had severe rust, corroded completely through front and rear tow hook sections, lower radiator support, and large sections of main frame rails (worse towards rear near suspension mounting). Body doesn't even have the beginning of any rust/oxidation on underside or exterior, but all frame and suspension components are corroding severely at an accelerated rate. Attached images are after removing loose rust with wire wheel to see true structural damage.

- Milford, IA, USA

Toyota 4 runner has developed severe corrosion of the frame and has been deemed unsafe to operate. Vehicle has been regularly washed and maintained by single owner. Vehicle has not been used for off-road driving. Vehicle has not been in a collision. State safety inspector advised owner that there have been a large number of complaints about frame corrosion of 2004 Toyota and that this vehicle may be subject to a recall notice. Safety inspector stated that frame corrosion of this nature is highly unusual and should be reported to the NHTSA. Vehicle is not used along coast nor been subjected to immersion in salt water.

- Fairfax Station, VA, USA

Vehicle frame is severely corroded and is unsafe to drive.

- Elgin, IL, USA

This well maintained vehicle had been functioning flawlessly up to this point. Our son was on his way home and vehicle felt unstable and started to veer in both directions. He maintained control of the vehicle and was able to get home. I personally drove the vehicle upon his description and sure enough it seemed very unstable. After close examination, it was determined that the frame had separated at a location which left a drivers side rear stabilizer bar detached from the frame. The frame of the vehicle is completely deteriorating and flaking apart. The vehicle is unsafe to drive. We purchased this one owner vehicle for our son. We owned a Toyota sequoia that gave us safe reliable transportation for our family for many years and thought this 4runner would be a safe and reliable vehicle for our son to go off to college. The body and mechanics of the vehicle were very sound. Now, to find out, because of the inferior frame, the vehicle is worthless. We are out the money we paid for the vehicle and disheartened by Toyota's response that our vehicle was not part of the frame recall that was a known problem and safety issue for so many owners. This could have turned out to be a life threatening situation if he had not been able to bring the vehicle under control. We understand rust & corrosion, but this is extreme. I have owned many different brands of vehicles and have never seen anything like this. This frame is literally crumbling away leaving a beautiful vehicle to waste.

- Palisade, MN, USA