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.
I took my 2005 Toyota in for state inspection today.
I never imagined it would fail inspection because the frame and brakes are rusted.
The guy behind the counter said they could fix it. I said how much?
Someone in the background says no we don't fix that.
That to me was not a good sign.
He said I'd have to take it to a dealer to have it repaired.
Again that doesn't sound any better.
At this time I haven't a clue what I'm going to do
Over the years I have put major money into this 4runner.
If I trade it or try to sell it, I won't get my money back
I really like the suv. Other than the rusted frame it runs like a top.
It has tons of power and goes through snow like no bodies business. That's without it being in 4wd
Any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them
Brought my 4Runner in for inspection. Mechanic said he has never seen a frame rust so badly. Won't pass inspection. Frame is separated from Radiator Support where it was welded. Mechanic says it is dangerous to drive. Toyota has admitted to similar problems. Guess not enough people have gotten hurt or killed. What IS the magic number of fatalities before they take action?
Before this incident, I was a huge fan of the Toyota product. Can't support a manufacturer that don't stand behind it's product. Also, their Service teams are ill equipped to answer any questions. Guess they also fear lawsuits.
So Rusty, nothing to make a serious patch to. Toyota won't help, Dealers won't help. "So what, it has a couple holes..."
"There is no recall on this vehicle, what are you doing here?" Lee Toyota gave me such a bogus estimate to repair. PLUS added things not needed, scare tactics, and so full of"sh*t. $20,000 .00 please....
Mine does NOT pass Maine inspection. My frame is not as bad as some, just not better than any of the others.
I sit outside in the evening. I listen to it rusting away. The sound is so loud it drowns out the sound of the grass growing!!!!!
Update from Oct 13, 2018: I HAVE, MYSELF, purchased a NEW frame and appurtenances for the repair.
I found a restoration mechanic/body man that has accepted the work.
The cost of the work, frame painted, rust proofed in and out, under body cleaned up, and rust proofed, will be $13,000 plus, including frame and parts.
At the moment, Toyota has stopped making this frame. two dealers have told me it is obsolete, and no longer available.
Through obsolescence, apparently absolves Toyota's liability on the faulty frames.
- Paul A.,
Portland, ME, US
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Took the vehicle in to have work done on the struts and learned that the entire frame has rusted through and it is unsafe to drive. This is apparently a very common problem with the 4Runner, but Toyota still refuses to replace the frames or address the issue in any way, despite issuing a recall for other vehicles with the same problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I took my 2005 Toyota in for state inspection today. I never imagined it would fail inspection because the frame and brakes are rusted. The guy behind the counter said they could fix it. I said how much? Someone in the background says no we don't fix that. That to me was not a good sign. He said I'd have to take it to a dealer to have it repaired. Again that doesn't sound any better. At this time I haven't a clue what I'm going to do Over the years I have put major money into this 4runner. If I trade it or try to sell it, I won't get my money back I really like the suv. Other than the rusted frame it runs like a top. It has tons of power and goes through snow like no bodies business. That's without it being in 4wd Any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them
- tteci90, Chesapeake, US