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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,993 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 entire frame is rusted. It's been welded back together on 2 different occasions. The last time it happened I was pulling out of driveway and the vehicle cannot be steered at all. I live in east TN and should not have a rusted frame. This is not an isolated problem. This is a problem with the 4runners and should be recalled. There are literally 1,000's of 4runners with Rusty frames. I don't understand why this isn't being recalled. You can reach me at [XXX] or [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
My 4 runner only has 147,000 miles and is a great running vehicle but my frame is rotted badly. I have large holes throughout, the front crossmember under radiator with tow hooks has completely rusted off, and now I found where my rear lower drag link bolts to frame is about to come off. I have had to repair rusty brake lines multiple times. My rear axle carrier just sheds large flakes of rust. I love this truck but now it is almost too dangerous to drive and with all the inflation lately I cannot afford another vehicle.
2004 Toyota 4Runner, original owner with roughly 210K miles. We took the vehicle to the mechanic concerning a sway bar issue. He informed us that the frame of the vehicle was nearly rusted into and that it's serious safety issue to continue to drive it. It is my understanding the Toyota recalled several other models with this same issue but did not include the 4Runner in this recall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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......
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.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mascot, TN, USA