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:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
93,197 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.
Severe corrosion of frame at the rear body mount location. The body of the vehicle is no longer secured to the frame at this location due to the severe rust. Significant rust also on the front cross frame member which has the tow mounts rendering them useless and unsafe. Cracked exhaust manifold causing excessive engine noise and exhaust fumes. This is a time consuming and costly repair.
Extensive body frame rust.large rusted out holes in frame. Unable to get MA. Vehicle yearly inspection sticker. Emissions test failed (MA. Inspection station #PB004755). Vehicle bought new 6/2005 recommended not to drive vehicle due to extensive holes in frame.
Excessive rust and corrosion on frame. Frame has sever rust and holes. Front lower frame support have rusted out and no longer structurally stable. Excessive corrosion alone entire frame rail front to back. Gas tank retaining belts/straps rusted out complacently, no longer securing gas tank to vehicle.
There is significant frame rust and I am concerned it will result in frame failure and a serious accident. The rest of the vehicle is in great shape as it has been well maintained and garage kept. It only has 135,000 miles on it. I have viewed the significant concerns about this issue on the web along with the NHTSA investigation into this issue. Unfortunately at this time Toyota is still refusing to fix the issue. What liability does Toyota have if the frame fails and it results in a serious injury? I first noticed the issue in 2017 but do not know how long it has been a problem since you have to be under the car or see it on a lift to understand the significance of the issue.
- Liberty Township, OH, USA
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Excessive frame rust. Has had excessive decomposition and rotting in the very front for several years. Now noticing rot with large holes near critical structural support near rear axle, spring and shock attachment points. Took to local welding shop to see about patching the area near the rear axle and was advised to stop driving the vehicle soon as the frame's integrity is at risk. I am the original owner. Well taken care of vehicle, always garaged and routinely washed.
Hi, I own a 2005 4runner and I am concerned about the heavy amount of rusting on the frame. The frame is rusty which is causing heavy flaking of the affected material. The body of the vehicle is pristine but I fear that the premature rusting of the frame will affect the ability to safely drive my 4runner in the future. I am a special education teacher with two young daughters and don't have the income to go out and replace the frame or buy a new vehicle. This 4runner is the only vehicle I own and is my daily driver. My students and their guardians depend on me to arrive safely to school everyday so there is consistency in my students' lives. I have seen many 4runners in this age range suffer from this same corrosion. I am concerned that my family will be injured in a minor accident or the vehicle's safety mechanisms failing because of frame damage. I am also concerned that I will lose my only means of transporting myself to work. I am a huge fan of Toyota, especially 4runners, and want to keep mine around for a long time. Keeping Toyota vehicles around for a long time is what the company was built upon.
I took my 4-runner to my mechanic on April 1, 2019 to have the brakes checked and a cv boot repaired. My mechanic called me the next day and informed me that the main support beam of the frame on the passenger side was rusted out and virtually missing on 3 of the 4 sides of the beam. He told me the vehicle could break in half if I hit a bump on the road.
Frame rust: The amount of rust is substantial. I have older Toyota vehicles with the frames is much better condition. I am meticulous when it comes to maintaining and detailing my vehicles. I thoroughly hose down the underside of my 4runner after long drives to drive to preserve the frame, though I feel as if it is too late. I also have a 2010 Tacoma that the frame was serviced at no cost to me. I am a loyal Toyota customer and would love to maintain my 4runner and keep it on road for many more years.
The frame on my 4runner is severely rusted and pieces of it is falling off. The frame right behind the front wheels has several holes which are about 3" by 5" on the bottom and smaller on the sides. There are tow hooks on the front part of the frame and one has rusted off and the other one is about ready to fall off. Nothing was ever hooked to them. The radiator core support is rusting away and will not last much longer. I feel that the frame is dangerously close to collapsing and putting my family at risk of severe injury or death.
There's excessive rusting of the chassis, axle, differential and other components under the vehicle. I'm the original owner and observed rust formation within the first year of ownership. The SUV has only 84K miles and is garaged most of the time. I have been using rust inhibitors to slow the process.
While the truck was in for inspection and maintenance. Upon removing the front skid plate to access the oil filter, we found major frame rust / rot / holes in frame on passenger side under front skid plate. The cross memeber which holds the front axel and suspension is completely rusted out. The vehicle is undrivable at the moment and will need costly repairs to even come off the lift.
Lost end of muffler ("exhaust tip") while driving due to under body rust. The inspector also noted to me the high level of rust building up on the under body at the last safety inspection. You can see the muffler breakage on img_1722. There also appears to be rust on all welding joints and frame surfaces.
Extensive rust has destroyed both the front and rear suspension crossmembers. Mechanic shop has advised that it will no longer pass Virginia state safety inspection and must be condemned. After researching this condition further, I am finding this to be a common failure found in 3rd generation 4runners utilized in climates where road salt/chemicals are used.
Looked under truck to check for rust, found multiple spots with under-body frame rot (rust, could potentially rust through). The rust could potentially cause a major accident. Unsure if previous owner used "fluid film" or similar product to protect the under-body - I recently found out about pervasive rust rot in the under-body of the 4th gen 4runners. This is most likely caused by the salt solution placed on roads to help prevent ice and snow formation. It seems that Toyota used a less-than-up-to-the-task frame for these vehicles - frames that allow rust to form rather easily and rot it from the inside out. As far as I am aware, there are recalls for similar Toyota vehicles such as the Tacoma and sequoia with respect to frame rot. The frame seems to be solid, but since heavy rusting has already occurred, it is not economical or worthwhile to replace the frame. Eventually the frame will rust through and cause a major issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Marietta, OH, USA