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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:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,112 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.

2006 Toyota 4Runner suspension problems

suspension problem

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2006 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Nov 202018

4Runner

  • 153,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle body is completely rusted out. Would not pass pa inspection without frame welding. Other suspension bars and frame issues also as a result of rust. Over $4000 to fix the issue.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #21

Aug 012017

4Runner

  • 70,000 miles
My 2006 Toyota 4runner limited has excessive rust corrosion throughout the undercarriage of the vehicle including but not limited to the frame, suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust system and bolts/bracing. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had to replace both front axles due to excessive rust at the recommendation of both the dealership and a third party mechanic. While driving, the skid plate detached from underneath the vehicle and was dragging beneath the car after the metal on the plate rusted out around the bolts. Similarly, the heat shield detached while driving on the highway after the bolts rusted out. When I replaced the front brakes (pads & discs), I was forced to purchase brand new calipers because the current calipers were so rusted and seized and the mechanic could not reattach them. I have continued to use Toyota dealerships for scheduled maintenance and the consensus has been as follows: Sell the 4runner because it is excessively rusted would be a money pit to repair. Currently, the dealership has recommended I replace the steering rack and pinion due to leaks caused by rust. Moreover, the vehicle has duel exhaust leaks in both exhaust manifolds due to excessive rust. On multiple occasions the dealership told me they could not perform the work because of excessive rust. It has cost me thousands to repair and maintain, all of which is a result of extensive rust. The suspension and frame, including the shocks, struts, and bolts are excessively rusted and I have been urged to repair or sell the vehicle by multiple mechanics and dealerships, though the cost to do so would far exceed the cost of the vehicle. All of the aforementioned is detailed in paperwork from the dealership and supplemented by paperwork from third party mechanics here in san diego. The vehicle has 90K miles on it and has followed scheduled maintenance meticulously.

- Solana Beach, CA, USA

problem #20

Oct 042018

4Runner

  • 132,000 miles
I just purchased my 2006 4runner and decided to take it to the shop where I work to have them do an oil change and fluid check, the mechanics brought me back and told me that my frame is rusting from the inside out and they think that in a matter of 2 yrs tops the frame will be rotted and collapse. I was terrified and in a panic my husband had taken my 4runner it to his friends garage and had the whole underneath undercoated. I called a Toyota dealer and asked if there was anything that Toyota can do and he told me that a lot of 4runner owners have been calling about their rotted frames and he told me that it's omly a matter of time when the 4runners will be recalled because they share the same frame as the Tacoma's I am so sick with fear and I just can't understand why they would delay this recall when it is a risk of human lives I drive my kids in this 4runner and every time I go over a bump I am scared please help us make Toyota do the right thing before people lose their lives I am not rich I saved up all my paychecks to buy this vehicle and now I'm stuck

- Chesterfield, MI, USA

problem #19

Oct 112018

4Runner

  • 150,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Excessive rust damage to frame, got fixed for last year inspection and more problems occured this year. Vehicle other wise in good shape, disappointing to get rid of it. Could case hazard due to weld of cross member developing hole.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #18

Nov 282017

4Runner

  • 156,044 miles
Vehicle frame is rusting faster than normal. Have had to replace many suspension parts, welded front alignment tabs to keep vehicle in line, replaced vehicle suspension but unsure how long this will last due to frame still flaking. Toyota dealer states that the rust is severe and when I had my rear upper control arms replaced, stated that the mount bracket was very thin and causing movement in the rear of my vehicle.

- Apex, NC, USA

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problem #17

Oct 062018

4Runner

  • 164,000 miles
Rusted frame - while driving, the left front control arm broke free from the severely rusted frame. Thank god the driver was not injured. The repair will require welding to the frame to support a new control arm. This is unacceptable. Had this happened a highway speeds, this could have resulted in severe injury or death. Unacceptable! I have had it towed to a Toyota dealer but will not be conducting any repairs until Toyota's service manager responds to my questions regarding recalls on frames. The ntsb has a responsibility to review and if necessary, based on my analysis, extend the recall to these vehicles as well. Same frame as Tacoma which is already recalled.

- Exton, PA, USA

problem #16

Sep 052018

4Runner

  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car started driving funny at speeds. Took it to a shop the frame was so rusty that it cracked causing the suspension to no function as engineered.

- La Grange, IL, USA

problem #15

Aug 012018

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
The frame and suspension components are extremely rusty to the point of being unsafe. The car is extremely clean and well taken care of, yet the frame continues to rust like crazy. I've experienced broken bolts, lose suspension components, etc. The car handles extremely poor now, and I've been told it isn't worth it to replace any suspension components since the mounting points are so rusty.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #14

Jul 292018

4Runner

  • 160,000 miles
While traveling at about 45mph, the left rear control arm mount broke off the frame and almost caused myself, my wife, my 2 year old, and my 11 month old son to crash. I managed to get the vehicle stopped without any injuries. After inspection, the entire frame is rusted to the point im not comfortable with my wife and kids riding in this vehicle. Im now paying a car payment on a vehicle that is useless. I like Toyota's but will not likely purchase another one unless something is done to fix this problem. I have read multiple complaints online of this type of and yet nothing has been done to correct the problem. Please Toyota, do the right thing and fix this problem. We will be stuck with a car payment and a vehicle that is virtually unusable.

- Williamsburg, IN, USA

problem #13

May 232018

4Runner

  • 81,200 miles
After only a couple of years started rusting pretty badly on frame, crossmembers and front and rear differentials. Also stabilizers skid plates and basically anything under the truck. Thought it was only surface rust until parts were cracking and stabilizers fell off truck. Rear end was ready to drop off truck! truck only has 81,000 miles and looks brand new. Wanted to keep another 10 years! my wife and kid used this and could have crashed them both! frame rusted from inside out and dealer deemed undriveable this week! truck valued at $13-15,000! dealer wont warranty and not under Tacoma and sequoia recalls! same frame issues Toyota! recall the 4 runner Toyota! major danger of frame looking ok from outside but crumbling and falling apart while driving. Have been a mechanic and body person all my life and never seen rusting and crumbling of a frame in chunks falling off! wake up Toyota, recall the 4runner or fix my frame! cannot drive truck!

- Newfoundland, NJ, USA

problem #12

Mar 222017

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 65,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

"purchased car in boulder 3/22/2017 ?2006 Toyota 4 runner VIN # [xxx] ?rust damage / dealer stated rust was because car was from NY, but would not get worse and was just superficial rust. ?purchased car and set an appt. With pueblo Toyota 3/24/2017 to mount spare tire and do an inspection ?Toyota could not mount spare tire and stated vehicle was in good condition except for severe rust damage, could not install spare tire, and informed me that it may cost double to do repairs in the future because of rust damage. ?took car to pro-masters auto body shop on 3/24/2017 and they informed my son that the rust was severe and they would not attempt to repair, but estimated costs to repair the rear end to be $6,000 to $7,000 ?reviewed on internet and there were several complaints about rust damage on 2006 Toyota 4-runners, Tundra?S, and Tacoma?S from N.E. states. Comments were also made that the vehicle with severe rust damage could be unsafe to drive. ?took car to individual who restores cars and he said the rust was so severe and car was not worth repairing and unsafe and he would not let his wife or family drive it. ?took car to custom care repair shop to review rust and install spare tire and they concurred that the rust was severe and unsafe and could not install spare tire. "I called pro-masters auto body shop to confirm what they had inspected and if I could give his name and phone number if asked. Ohe informed me that rust was so severe that if he attempted to secure spare tire, that the frame holding it was so thin he could not guarantee it would not fall off. Ohe also informed me that as the vehicle gets wet the frame becomes weaker and could start to crumble. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Pueblo West, CO, USA

problem #11

Aug 222016

4Runner

  • 129,000 miles
Takata inflators, ABS. Purchased vehicle used 08/12/2016 the following mil codes were cleared by selling dealership. C1223, P0456, B1150, CR123, C1241, B1152. Needed repair immediately, passed state inspection even needing the following repairs, both front axles, serp belt, sway bar link and rear brakes.08/24/2016 vehicle repaired by selling dealer and returned with flat tire, I had it towed to tire garage because spare was too old and incorrect size. After I picked up from tire repair I made an appointment for an unrepaired safety recall from 2012 on the ABS at a local dealership. Prior to service appointment I was driving over a speed bump and the vehicle would not drive over bump, ABS lights came on and vehicle rolled backwards. Had towed to Toyota dealer for service(I have receipt for tow) a couple days later dealer said recall was completed but would not provide any documentation for repairs. That dealership broke a lug stud on the front tire in but did not repair it. They said its ok to drive on 5 lugs its a 6 lug rim. I then brought the vehicle to another Toyota dealer for repairs because the vehicle started rolling backwards on inclines and not accelerating. Very scary because I almost rolled back into cars, also tire pressure light was on but all tires were inflated. They had it from 09/12/2016-09/26/2016. Unfortunately could not duplicate concern but did repair the lug stud, tire pressure sensor and recalibrated the ABS and airbag light(I was not informed until picked up about the airbag). I also had an oil change. Vehicle having issues as of today right turns I hear a loud clunking sound and wobble when hitting bumps on highway speeds.. the ball joints might be bad. I can see them covered in grease and have play. I am concerned that the vehicle is unsafe and was in an undisclosed major accident prior to purchase. Next app is not until 10/24.

- Bradford, RI, USA

problem #10

Sep 072016

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
I have a 2006 Toyota 4 runner that has been developing excessive rust flaking on the rear axle housing, brake components, frame and rear suspension componets.we have had warranty work performed approx. 1 year ago and the mechanics at Toyota stated they needed to replace or repair various transmission lines before they would return the vehicle to my wife. I asked them what am I suppose to do about all the rust problems and they really didnt have a answer and said I need to talk to the service manager that was not there at the time. I have made every attempt to radicate this issue that has been getting worse over time. Vehicle is garage kept and was purchased new as we are the only owner of this vehicle. Myself and everyone else know Toyota knows about this problem and refused to do anything about it. My fear is that we are on a trip and have catastrophic failure of one or more components and getting in a accident. There was no accident yet.

- Robertsdale, PA, USA

problem #9

Aug 202016

4Runner

  • 125,000 miles
1.) while driving the vehicle is very difficult to steer. The lastest incident occurred while traveling on the highway. The was constantly swaying and pulling to direction forcing me to grip the steering wheel ; pulling it in opposite direction so tightly that my wrist were throbbing. Once I exited the highway and came to a stop, the steering wheel turned almost 180 degrees by itself. I took it to a sears service center and the mechanic could not find anything wrong. Prior to my road trip, I had my vehicle checked out and nothing was found out of sorts. This as occurred on several other occasions. 2.) my vehicle will lose power if the key is left in the ignition for a brief period of time without the vehicle being started. It will also loose power if the vehicle doors are open, even if the keys are not in the ignition. I have to get a "jump start" often. I've had my battery replaced and the problem checked out at the my local Toyota dealer but the cause of the problem could not be detected. The latest incident occurred while I was waiting for a service representative to assist me at the Toyota dealership. I pulled into the service area, waiting for the service representative with the key in the ignition, but the car was not running. It could've been more than 5 minutes before the the representative got in my truck and tried to start it; but it was dead. It had to be jumped started. The battery was checked, as it usually is when this occurs; and it had full power.

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #8

Nov 022015

4Runner

  • 122,696 miles
Purchased a tcuv in 2012 and live in eastern nc. Took vehicle in for diagnostic and was told that frame was severely rusted. Was not made aware when purchased. Called Toyota and awaiting a call but rep says that its out of warranty and will not assist. Vehicle can't go from fine to severe in 3 years and was certified by Toyota to be fine or "like new". something has to be done and a recall has to be issued. This is an ongoing issues that many individuals are experiencing and a severe safety hazard should something go wrong on the freeway. No one should have to die before something gets done and it would be in poor taste for this to happen before this complaint moves from its current status to investigation by our government to protect us from companies like this.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #7

May 152014

4Runner

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was an extensive leak of an unknown fluid under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the hydraulic system needed to be replaced. Also, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion who diagnosed that the suspension system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

- Claysburg, PA, USA

problem #6

Aug 012007

4Runner

  • 20,000 miles
Extreme wheel shimmy at highway speeds. 3 dealerships can't find a problem thought they all feel the vibration and shake. Tires are wearing prematurely. Front end components are wearing prematurely.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #5

Jan 012007

4Runner

  • 16,000 miles
Yes! I've been having a steering problem. "unintended veering" that I began to notice a month after I bought the vehicle (then at 13,000 miles). Something is causing the car to wander at high speeds. I also began to notice that after crossing a bridge (a lot of bridges on the way to work) the steering wheel will jerk back and forth really fast, which can be frightening. At other times it can seem to pulse. If you let go of the wheel the vehicle will veer to the left towards on-coming traffic (had it aligned twice -- still happens!) the dealership does not notice it when they drive it! so I eventually bought 4 brand-new tires and had it aligned again (all at the dealership at my expense) and I still have the problem. Anybody else that drives the vehicle notices it -- except people at the dealership! I was told I would lose $6,000 if I returned it. I did not, as that would set me back considerably. My father had just died and I was paying off the house too!

- Sayre, PA, USA

problem #4

Jan 182011

4Runner

  • 23,700 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated stated that the bushings on all four wheels of the vehicle have failed. The contact heard a noise underneath the vehicle and noticed that the wheels began to bounce while driving over a bump in the road or a pothole. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that all four bushings or the stoppers needed to be replaced. The dealer also experienced the failure and heard the suspension making a squeaking noise. The warranty expired and the manufacturer told the customer that the failure occurred because of a lack of driving the vehicle. According to the contact the maintenance section of the manual stated that the bushings do not need to be checked until 100,000 miles. The manufacturer also stated this was not a problem that they have had with other vehicles. The failure and current mileages were 23,700. Updated 12/20/11

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #3

Aug 192009

4Runner

  • miles
I own a 2006 Toyota 4runner SR5 and I am having vibration problems at highway speeds above 60 mph. I have new tires installed, had them balanced twice in one week, and still have the vibrations. The vibrations began before I installed my new tires.

- Lorton, VA, USA

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