2005 Toyota 4runner Body & Structure Problems

Your 4Runner's frame is experiencing severe rust and corrosion, with your mechanic indicating it's dangerously close to breaking. Frame rot is a known issue affecting 4Runners of this generation. Fixing this will likely require frame replacement or extensive welding and rust treatment by a professional.

Your vehicle's frame has developed severe rust and is starting to separate in some areas. If left unaddressed, the structural damage will eventually make your car unsafe to drive. Repairing this will likely require professional welding and rust treatment or replacement of affected frame sections.

Your 4Runner's frame has developed excessive rust that has weakened its structural integrity. Your mechanic discovered that the rust is severe enough that your suspension could potentially detach from the frame, which would be a serious safety issue while driving. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center and poses a significant risk to your safety.

Your 2005 4Runner hesitated and lost power while driving, triggering the check engine light. A mechanic found the catalytic converter had failed and discovered severe corrosion across the entire subframe, which is a structural safety concern. The mechanic advised against driving the vehicle until repairs are made. Fixing this will likely require catalytic converter replacement and addressing the subframe corrosion.

You purchased a 2005 4Runner that the dealership did not properly disclose had significant rust on the underside—the salesman avoided showing you photos of the rusty areas and later recoated them before relisting the vehicle. In addition to the rust issue, your car has an exhaust leak from the manifold area that produces a loud ticking noise, and the air conditioning isn't cooling properly due to a refrigerant leak or low freon level. Addressing these issues will likely require replacing the exhaust manifold gasket and seals, refilling or replacing the AC refrigerant system, and treating or replacing rusted undercarriage components.

Your 4Runner's underframe has developed significant rust, particularly on the passenger side between the doors where the structural metal has corroded away, leaving only the top surface of that member intact. This affects the structural integrity of your vehicle. The fix would likely involve having a mechanic or body shop assess the extent of the rust damage and either reinforce or replace the corroded structural components.

Your 4Runner's subframe has developed significant rust, and your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) warning light won't turn off even after repair attempts. The dealer recommends the vehicle not be driven due to the frame rust damage. Fixing this will likely require professional frame repair or replacement, which may be extensive given the rust severity.

Frame of the vehicle is rusting from the inside out. Upon inspection, holes in the frame are found, with many more hidden from sight. This is a disaster waiting to happen. This puts the driver and anyone else on the road at extreme risk if the frame breaks while driving. This problem is well documented with Toyota, and they have previously replaced Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra frames, but not 4runners. Everyone is at risk with these frames, even if it does not appear so. My frame looked solid until I began hitting it with a hammer and screwdriver and breaking away very weak spots of metal.

I took my vehicle into the Toyota Dealer after mechanic told my frame was rusting. The dealership confirm the frame is rusted. The frame of the vehicle should not be rusting out.

I own a 2005 Toyota four runner. The frame under the truck is completely rusted out everywhere. The car started swaying and I felt as though my vehicle was going to go out from under me. It felt like it was collapsing or melting underneath. This is my family vehicle. It was a dangerous situation and my entire family was in the vehicle. My spouse a children. I took it to a independent shop. The mechanic said that the frame had rusted out under the Toyota. He told me to park it and not drive it because it was about to split apart. He said that we were very lucky and just moments from a catastrophe. He also told me that their had already been a recall and replacement of the malfunctioning frames on Toyota Sequoia, Tacoma and tundra. In his professional option he thought Toyota should do the same type recall for the rusted out frame problem on the four runner. You are the first and only person I have reported this to. I will wait for your response and next steps: [XXX] Cell number [XXX] Home number [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

I have a 2005 4Runner with significantly rusted out frame that makes me worried about safety of driving it. I feel the amount of corrosion present is way beyond what I would expect for that year of vehicle

My 2005 4Runner frame is completed covered in rust and is corroding. Several places on the frame is rotting away.

Extreme rusting on frame and all parts under the carriage. Vehicle suspension and all moving parts underneath could fail or fall apart causing major accident or death to me or other vehicle.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that the subframe of the vehicle was severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 212,000.

Extreme frame rusting completely thru at the point of being unsafe and unable to put the truck on a lift for any repairs. A number of SAE mechanics warned me about driving this truck due to the extreme frame rusting. Sections almost completely separating apart. I have rust proofed and undercoated the under carriage at least three times. Toyota should make good on their negligence to properly rust coat their frames at times of manufacturing.

Really bad rame rust with holes through frame and frame components. I have pictures showing it’s the entire frame, not just the few spots. I had a shop replace the gas tank straps and when I picked it up they told me/warned me the frame had really bad rust. Have read about others having same or worse problems with chassis rust with this generation of 4Runners.

I would like to complain regarding my 2005 4Runner. Went to have the fluid changed at a dealership in the early part of July 2021 and they could not perform the service due to excessive underbody rust and corrosion . Therefore the I will have to find a service that can remove the corrosion to be able to have the shocks change, differential fluid change and to check and perform service on the brakes. The corrosion is starting to eat at the key components of the vehicle to the point where I may not be able to drive. Steering will be restricted and brakes will malfunction if they cannot get to the remove the areas to service the vehicle.

My frame is starting to rust very terribly no matter what i do to maintain it. The radiator support is completely rotted out and the rear part of the frame is getting worse by the month. This will cause a major injury in the case of an accident or the frame will break off while driving

Excessive frame corrosion. Mounting bracket that connects the lateral arm to the frame failed due to the deterioration of the frame. The rear axle is no longer perpendicular to the length of the car. I am experiencing a symmetric acceleration and braking performance and unpredictable steering.

I had my 2005 Toyota 4runner Limited serviced today. The mechanic will not work on the vehicle due to excessive rust and holes in the frame. The vehicle looks immaculate on the inside and out, but due to the corrosion underneath I am being advised to junk the vehicle as it is unsafe to drive.

PREMATURE FRAME RUST

EXCESSIVE RUST/CORROSION ON FRAME. HAVE SEEN STORIES WHERE FRAME SEPARATES FROM THE TRUCK BODY. UPON GETTING MY OIL CHANGE AT MY REPUTABLE ASE SHOP, OWNER POINTED OUT TO ME THAT VEHICLE IS RUSTING QUICKLY, HOLE IN FRAME, AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED SOONER THAN LATER ... WHEN I HAD IT UNDERCOATED, WASHED IT FOLLOWING EVERY SNOWSTORM AND ROADS SALTED, AND HAD PLANNED SINCE POINT OF SALE TO HAVE IT GO OVER 300,000 MILES AS SALES PERSON STATED WAS POSSIBLE.

RUSTY FRAME

I PURCHASED MY 2005 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN AUGUST. 2018 WITH 74,000 MILES ON IT. GARAGE KEPT AND OLDER COUPLE OWNED IT. INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ARE NEAR MINT CONDITION. NOW HAS 91,000 MILES. THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND BARELY BEING HELD TOGETHER. I CAN WIGGLE THE WHOLE PIECE WITH MY HAND. THE RIGHT SIDE CENTER OF THE FRAME HAS A 7 INCH HOLE ON HE BOTTOM AND A 2 INCH HOLE ON THE SIDE IN THE SAME AREA. THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET HAS ROTTED APART THUS THROWING THE THRUST ANGLE OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CROOKED WHEN DRIVING. THE FRAME SURROUNDING THAT AREA OF THE RIGHT REAR BRACKET IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND SPLITTING IN 2. ALL GOT NOTICED WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD AND HEARD A CLUNK AND THE STEERING WHEEL WENT CROOKED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT ANYMORE. GOOD THING I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE.

SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST THAT HAS CREATED FROM ROT WITH ROTTED OUT HOLES. VEHICLE IS NOW FAILING SAFETY INSPECTIONS. THIS IS IDENTICAL TO THE TACOMA/TUNDRA/SEQUOIA RECALL BUT THE 4RUNNERS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THE 4RUNNERS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL OR A NEW RECALL ESTABLISHED SINCE THIS SAME FRAME RUST ISSUE IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISING THE 2005 4RUNNER (4TH GENERATION 4RUNNER) VEHICLE SAFETY PUTTING OWNERS AND OTHER DRIVERS AT RISK.

THE CHASSIS IS SEVERELY AND PREMATURELY RUSTED AND IS IN NEED OF REPAIR.

MAJOR RUST/CORROSION ISSUES WITH THE FRAME MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT MAJOR WORK TO REPAIR

BROUGHT TO MECHANIC BECAUSE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME A MAJOR PROBLEM. FRAME HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT TRUCK IS UN DRIVEABLE PER MECHANIC. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE COMING DETACHED, MAIN FRAME HAS HOLES AND FRONT FRAME IS COMPLETELY MISSING. MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS NEVER SEEN A FRAME RUSTED OUT THIS BAD IN HIS 30 YEARS ON THE JOB. HE SAID IT CERTAINLY SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE 15 YEARS OLD. AFTER RESEARCH IT IS FOUND THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.

THE FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION. I HAD SOME SUSPENSION REPLACED LAST YEAR AND IT WAS FINE TODAY MY DEALER TOLD ME THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND RECOMMENDS NOT TO PUT ANY MONEY INTO IT. ALSO TOLD ME THIS HAPPENED QUICKLY BECAUSE IF IT WAS THERE LAST YEAR HE WOULD HAVE INFORMED ME THEN NOT TO DO THE SUSPENSION WORK.

SWIPE TOYOTA FOUND SIGNIFICANT RUST OF MY FRAME. CAR HAS 142,000 MILES, LOCATED IN KENTUCKY.

I HAVE LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME OF OUR TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. IT APPEARS THAT THE FRAME COULD SPLIT OR BREAK TO POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. IT SEEMS THAT SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS OR COATING WERE USED TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE.

MORE THAN ONCE A MECHANIC WORKING ON MY TRUCK SAID THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF MY FRAME. I TREATED THE FRAME TWO YEARS AGO WITH RUST INHIBITOR AND 3M UNDERCOATING. THAT WAS THE SECOND TIME I UNDERCOATED MY TRUCK. I KNOW TOYOTA HAD A RECALL FOR THE FOR RUSTED FRAMES, THE SETTLEMENT COVERED TACOMA TRUCKS FROM THE MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010, SEQUOIAS FROM 2005 THROUGH 2008, AND TUNDRAS FROM THE 2007 AND 2008 MODEL YEARS BUT THEY EXCLUDED 4RUNNERS. THERE SEEMS TO REALLY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE MATERIALS USED. I AM WORRIED THE FRAME WILL BREAK BEYOND REPAIR SINCE THERE IS NO GOOD METAL TO WELD TO.

I I WAS INFORMED BY THE TECH AT CHECKERED FLAG TOYOTA IN VIRGINIA BEACH , VIRGINIA THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT HAS A FRAME THAT IS FAILING AND MAY PRESENT A DRIVING HAZARD IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT . THEIR # IS (757) 716-5502.

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE SALE AND WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT THERE IS A SEVERE AMOUNT OF RUST MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS NOT "NORMAL" RUST AND WE DO NOT WANT OUR 16 YR OLD DRIVING SOMETHING THAT COULD BREAK AT ANYTIME. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE FALLS INTO THE LAWSUIT CATEGORY, FOR UNREASONABLE RUSTING. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TO FIX A FRAME, REGARDLESS OF AGE, IF THEY PUT BAD PARTS ON IT AND THE RUSTING ISN'T ALWAYS DETECTED IN THE EARLIER LIFE OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT BECOMES "UNSAFE".

2005 4RUNNER IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR FRAME RUST. THIS CAR WOULD EASILY HAVE GONE ANOTHER 100K WITH A STRONG DRIVETRAIN AND INTERIOR IN GREAT SHAPE. WAS BROUGHT IN TO DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND WHEN THE TECH PUT IT ON THE LIFT HE SAW THE RUST DAMAGE. CALLED AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE AND SUGGESTED THIS WAS NOT SAFE FOR THE ROAD. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF BY CHANCE IT WAS NOT AT THE DEALER. RUST IS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO HAVE FRAME BREAK AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. SO I GO FROM A RELIABLE GREAT VEHICLE TO A PIECE OF JUNK THAT CAN'T BE DRIVEN. THIS ISSUE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE COVERED AND REPAIR BY TOYOTA, AS TOYOTA IS FAMOUS FOR RUST ISSUES!!! THERE'S NO QUESTION THE FRAME WAS NOT COATED PROPERLY. RUST THIS SEVERE FOR A 2005 YEAR CAR IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND FIX THIS CAR.

IN NOVEMBER 2011, NISSAN RECALLED MY PATHFINDER DUE TO RUST CORROSION THAT COULD CAUSE THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. NISSAN BOUGHT BACK MY PATHFINDER, AND I USED THE MONEY TO PURCHASE MY 2005 4RUNNER. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MY 4RUNNER HAS A CORROSION ISSUE AS WELL. I HAVE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT TOYOTA KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE CORROSION ISSUE WITH ITS 2005 4RUNNERS AT THE TIME I PURCHASED MINE IN NOVEMBER 2011, YET I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ISSUE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP OR AT ANYTIME SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I WILL NOT BE DRIVING MY 4RUNNER, AS IT POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK. IS THERE A PARTICULAR REASON WHY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION IS TAKING SO LONG WITH ITS CURRENT INVESTIGATION CONCERNING COMPLAINTS OF FRAME CORROSION WITH RESPECT TO 2005 4RUNNERS?

THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME IS GETTING QUITE WORRISOME. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND RECALL WITH THE TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA, SO WHY NOT THE 4-RUNNER? THERE ARE HOLES STARTING TO FORM AND METAL FLAKES OFF ALL THE TIME. IT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS A LEGITIMATE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

WE JUST HAD OUR 2005 TOYOYA 4RUNNER IN FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR AS THE FRAME IS RUSTED AND CORRODED OUT. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2017 FROM A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND WHEN COMPLAINED ABOUT IT AT A ROUTINE INSPECTION WAS TOLD IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. WE ALSO HAVE A 2000 LEXUS 300 NO RUST ISSUES WHAT SO FOR A VEHICLE 5 YEARS OLDER. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND EVEN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST TOYOTA REGARDING RUSTING FRAME ISSUES WITH THE TOYOTA 4RUNNERS 2005-2011. OUR MECHANIC EVEN CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT THE FRAME RUST AND ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NOW I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THAT A VEHICLE OF THE AGE AND MILES(141,809) WILL HAVE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE FIXED AND REPLACED, BUT TO HAVE THE FRAME RUST OUT AND IT IS NOT GOING TO PASS INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING YEAR! THAT IS RIDICULOUS! WE STILL OWE ON THE PERSONAL LOAN FOR THIS VEHICLE! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE!

I HAVE RUST THROUGH AREAS ON THE FRAME OF MY 2005 4RUNNER NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE FRAME IS FLAKING AND PEALING AT THIS LEVEL. THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME IS COMPROMISED TOYOTA RECALLED TACOMA AND SEQUOIA FOR SIMILAR ISSUES BUT NOT 4RUNNER I LIKE THIS TRUCK BUT I DOESN'T SEEM SAFE DRIVING IT

FRAME RUSTING AND I HAVE RUST HOLES IN FRAME

I HEARD A BANGING FROM THE REAR END SO I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME IS TOTALLY CORRODED AND IS NOW A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT OFF THE ROAD AND NOW I AM WAITING TO SEE IF THE RECALL WILL INCLUDE MY VEHICLE LIKE IT DID WITH THE TACOMA, TUNDRA, AND SEQUOIA SAME WHICH THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOWLING TOYOTA OF LITCHFIELD (451 BANTAM RD, LITCHFIELD, CT 06759, (860) 567-0815) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.*CW *DL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BROOKFIELD (20655 W CAPITOL DR, BROOKFIELD, WI 53045, (262) 236-7992) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.*DT *TR*DT *TR*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING BY HIS HOUSE SINCE IT WAS DETERMINED IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN.*JB*LN*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND PIECES WERE FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED ROUTE 22 TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 109 US-22, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205, (855) 691-0898) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

CORRODED AND RUSTY FRAMES ON MOST OF THESE YEAR TOYOTA 4RUNNERS, INCLUDING MINE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OURISMAN CHANTILLY TOYOTA (4135 AUTO PARK CIR, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, 703-832-4827) TO BE SERVICED, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE. DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE RUST, A HOLE FORMED IN THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS TO OPERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE LANES AND WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO CORRECT. ONCE I PULLED OVER I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND THE FRAME IS EXTREMELY CORRODED AND THE LOWER CONTROL LINK SUPPORT ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED AND BROKE. I HAD THE SHOP LOOK AT IT AS WELL AS MYSELF AND THE FRAME HAS SEVERAL HOLES AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS FALLING APART AND IS BEYOND REPAIR DUE TO THE RUST/CORROSION. IT IS ONLY AFFECTING THE FRAME AS THE ENTIRE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT WORKING ORDER AND CONDITION.

FRAME RUST AND FAILURE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE PATCHES PUT IN.

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.

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.

RUSTED FRAME OF VEHICLE INCLUDING CROSS BAR UNDER RADIATOR AND ON STRUTS ATTACHED TO WHEELS. FOUND DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY AUTO MECHANIC.

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.

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.

FRAME RUST

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.

TAKE TO SHOP FOR LEAK TRAMISSION LINE THE SHOP OWNER SAID MY 4RUNNER HAS CANCER AND IT GROWING EXCESSIVE ROTTING PLEASE HELP I CAN'T STOP THE CANCER

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.

2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED, EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION/ROTTING

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.

MY 2005 4RUNNER HAS CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME THAT HAS BEEN NOTICED BOTH BY MYSELF AND MY MECHANIC MY CAR SITS ON THE SAME FRAME AS A TACOMA WHICH HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR DEFECTIVE FRAMES HOWEVER THE 4RUNNER HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND HAS NUMEROUS FRAME PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS ON FILE

BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN THE FRAME AND THAT IT'S PREMATURELY RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE NOW I'M SCARED TO HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE

FRAME CORROSION IS CAUSING A HOLE IN THE FRAME SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE TACOMA AND TUNDRAS.

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. RUST PERFORATION ON FRAME ADJACENT TO FRONT SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS. AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION DRIPPING ONTO FRAME, AS WELL AS POOR COATING QUALITY HAVE LED TO PREMATURE RUSTING AND RUST THROUGH.

UNDERCARRIAGE (BODY) RUST IS CONTINUING TO WORSEN. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR SEVERAL YEARS. IN FACT WHEN OUR 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS RECALLED FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE, I QUESTIONED WHY THE 4RUNNERS WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND ALSO HEADQUARTERS. I DID NOT RECEIVE FAVORABLE ANSWERS.

PLEASE ADD THE BELOW TO: FRAME CORROSION NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP18002 COMPONENTS STRUCTURE TONIGHT I WAS SURPRISED TO HAVE MY TOYOTA DEALER TELL ME THAT MY 2005 4RUNNER FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I NOT HAVE THEM DO THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE I HAD SCHEDULED AND HE ZEROED OUT THE INVOICE. HE QUESTIONED WHETHER IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, AND SAID IT WOULD NO LONGER PASS THE NEXT INSPECTION. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT SHAPE. DESPITE DOING OIL UNDERCOATING EVER SINCE TOYOTA WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE FRAME WAS NO MATCH TO THE SALTY WINTER ROADS OF NH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE IRA TOYOTA OF MANCHESTER DEALER (603-624-1800, 33 AUTO CENTER RD, MANCHESTER, NH 03103) AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000. *DT *JB

TOYOTA DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY FRAME IS SOFT ITS DANGEROUS.

FRAME RUST, DRIVERS SIDE TO THE FRONT BY THE EXHAUST AS THE FRAME STARTS TO TURN UP. WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE NEXT VEHICLE INSPECTION ... JUST PASSED THIS YEARS INSPECTION. THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA RECALL FOR OTHER TRUCK FRAME VEHICLES.

DRIVING IN UPSTATE NEW YORK FOR MY HONEYMOON, THE BELT BROKE AND CUT INTO A HOSE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT MY FRAME WAS DETERIORATING WITH LOTS OF RUST. THIS 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ONLY HAD APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES ON IT. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO TOLD ME, ALTHOUGH THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS MODEL, IN HIS OPINION, THERE SHOULD BE. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, TOYOTA IS NOT RECTIFYING THE PROBLEM. ALSO, IT IS NOT JUST ONE AREA ON THE FRAME, BUT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THE FRAME. I CAN ALSO PROVIDE PHOTOS IF NEEDED.

FRAME IS ROTTING

I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF RUST UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE. THE FRAME IS SHOWING SIGNS OF RUST. I HAVE HAD BOLTS RUST INTO CAUSING HEATSHIELDS TO COME LOOSE FOR EXAMPLE. RECENTLY HAD NEW STRUTS AND SHOCKS INSTALLED. MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT THE RUST TO ME.

FRAME RUST. THE FRAME HAS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT RUST IN SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE FRAME. -THE RADIATOR SUPPORT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPAIRED. AS THIS IS PART OF THE FRAME, I AM CONSIDERED ABOUT FUTURE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. AT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS ALSO A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST, CAUSING HOLES.

I BOUGHT THE TRUCK A LITTLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, IN NOVEMBER OF 2017, FROM A FRIEND. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THE TRUCK AND KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK, EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, NO PRESSURE. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. UPON INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE BRAKE LINES HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION AND RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I REPLACED THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM AT A COST OF $3500.00. A MONTH LATER, THE TRUCK FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME CAUSED BY THE RUST. IT WAS THEN THAT I BEGAN RESEARCH AND LEARNED OF THE TOYOTA RECALL FOR EVERY OTHER TRUCK EXCEPT THE 4RUNNER IN SIMILAR YEARS/GENERATION. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO BURDICK TOYOTA IN CICERO, NEW YORK THIS SEPTEMBER TO HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED. THE TECH REPORT (WHICH I CAN FURNISH ON REQUEST) STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED, SCALED AND DETERIORATED FOR THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT IT POSED NO IMMINENT THREAT. I DISAGREE WITH THIS ASSESSMENT, AS IT HAS ALREADY CAUSED ONE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I'VE LEARNED OF A POTENTIAL INVESTIGATION AND MUST SAY, I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NHTSA TO RECALL THE AFFECTED 4RUNNERS OF THE SAME GENERATION. HAD THE SCENARIO BEEN DIFFERENT, I OR MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I'M A TEACHER, AND HAVEN'T THE MEANS TO SIMPLY REPLACE A VEHICLE I'VE ALREADY HAD TO PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO. I BOUGHT IT FOR THE SAFETY OF MY BRAND NEW BABY GIRL. I FEEL IT MORALLY IMPERATIVE THAT THE NHTSA DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THE 4RUNNERS AS THEY HAVE THE OTHER VEHICLES. HUMAN LIFE SHOULD ALWAYS BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN A COMPANIES BOTTOM LINE. TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

FRAME ROT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE TACOMA, TUNDRA, SEQUOIA!

RUST ON FRAME IS EXCESSIVE. JUST OVER 100,000. GETTING UNSAFE.

MY TOYOTA 2005 4RUNNER UNDERCARRIAGE AND FRAME IS REALLY BADLY RUSTED.THE BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED OUT AND FAILED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ONCE (8/2017) ON A 4 LANE I HAD TO CROSS TO SAFETY, AND LAST ON A STEEP HILL WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC AT THE BOTTOM OF HILL, THANK GOD I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE. NOW I FIND OUT THAT THE FRAME HAS A CRACK IN IT AND RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IS SPLIT/RUSTED UP FRONT, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIRS..

I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER AND THE FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. THE FRONT TOW HOOK ALREADY FELL OFF THE FRONT FRAME.

THE FRAME IS RUSTING EXCESSIVELY.

FRAME IS SO BADLY RUSTED IT IS UNDRIVEABLE. YOU CAN PUSH A SCREWDRIVER THROUGH THE FRAME IN MOST PLACES. TOYOTA RECALLED THE FRAMES OF THEIR OTHER VEHICLES IN THE SAME YEAR, BUT LEFT OUT THE 4RUNNER. THESE 4RUNNERS ARE DANGEROUS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA (2403 WASHINGTON ROAD, CANONSBURG, PA 15317, (724) 743-1144) IN APRIL OF 2018 FOR STATE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT DAYTON TOYOTA (2291 US-130, DAYTON, NJ 08810, (732) 329-9191), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUST TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 217,000.

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUSTING AND ROTTING. TOYOTA HAS DONE DECAL ON OTHER VEHICLES SUCH AS THE TACOMA AND OTHERS BUT FREQUENTLY NEGLECTS THE 4RUNNER MODELS. FOR EXAMPLE THE RECALL FOR THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP FOR THE V8'S INCLUDED THE TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA BUT NEGLECTED THE 4RUNNER WHICH ALL THREE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME IDENTICAL MOTOR. I BELIEVE TOYOTA NEGLECT THE 4RUNNER LINE DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF SALES COMPARED TO OTHER MODELS.

I HAVE TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2005 AND WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER TO CHANGE MY OIL I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR HAS FRAME DAMAGE AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION,BUT THIS PROBLEM WAS UNEXPECTED. I NEVER BEEN TOLD BY MY DEALER OR TOYOTA COMPANY THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FEW YEARS AGO FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOT ABLE TO AFFORD NEW CAR AND THIS IS PUTTING A HARDSHIP ON MY FAMILY AND OUR SAFETY. I CALL TOYOTA BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY. WHO CAN ASSIST IN THIS SITUATION?

RIGHT FRONT SUBFRAME HAS RUST THAT HAS STEADILY GOTTEN WORSE DESPITE A 2ND ATTEMPT TO GRIND RUST OFF REPAINT AND UNDERCOAT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED TOP TO BOTTOM INCLUDING SALT AND GRIME REMOVAL CONSISTENTLY SINCE PURCHASED BRAND NEW . THIS US SOON GOING TO BREAK RESULTING IN VEHICLE NOT PASSING INSPECTION. THIS SHOULD BE RECTIFIED LIKE THE TACOMA ONE PICTURE US THE SIDE WITH HOLES AND UNDERCOATING I HAVE BEEN FIXING THE OTHER SIFE HAS NO ISSUE

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2005 IN VIRGINIA. IT HAS SPENT THE LAST 13 YEARS IN NORTH CAROLINA WHERE SALT IS RARELY USED ON THE ROADS. I OCCASIONALLY TAKE IT ON THE BEACH BUT ALWAYS FULLY SPRAY THE UNDERBODY WITH FRESH WATER AFTERWARDS. ABOUT 2 YRS AGO I STARTED NOTICING SEVERE RUST NEAR CRITICAL WELDS ON THE FRAME. I CLEANED, PRIMED AND PAINTED THESE AREAS THE BEST I COULD COULD TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN THE RUST. YESTERDAY WHEN GETTING TIRES MOUNTED MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE RUST IS GETTING TO THE POINT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I'M GETTING READY TO DRIVE CROSS COUNTRY THE END OF THE MONTH SO THIS WAS NOT GOOD NEWS. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE TRUCK METICULOUSLY AND ONLY HAVE 130K MILES ON IT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRUCK AND SELLING THIS ONE, THOUGH IT LOOKS AND DRIVES MINT, WILL BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE ONCE THE FRAME IS INSPECTED. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE RUST OUT LIKE THIS THOUGH I OWNED MANY WHEN I LIVED IN THE HEAVY SALT USING STATE OF NY YEARS AGO. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THESE 4RUNNERS THAT TOYOTA IS FAILING TO ADDRESS, I JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T DECIDE TO FAIL WHEN I'M 2000 MILES FROM HOME AND DRIVING 70 MPH.

FRAME ON 4RUNNER RUSTED IN NUMEROUS LOCATIONS AND THE A ARM RUSTED OFF WHILE MY WIFE AND 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING IN IT. LUCKILY THEY WERE UNINJURED.

I PURCHASED THIS BEAUTIFUL USED BLACK 2005 4RUNNER IN OCTOBER OF 2016 AND THE BODY STILL LOOKS BEAUTIFUL - NO VISIBLE RUST ANYWHERE ON DOORS ETC - BUT I TOOK IT IN TO AUTO CRAFTSMEN IN MONTPELIER, VT TO CHECK MY BRAKES AND REPLACE A COUPLE OF BULBS TO GET THE VEHICLE READY FOR VERMONT STATE INSPECTION AS THE CAR IS DUE FOR INSPECTION IN FEB 2018 AND I WANTED TO HEAD UP ANY MAINTENANCE NEEDED. WAS SHOCKED WHEN I WENT BACK AND CRAFTSMEN TOLD ME NOT TO PUT ANY MONEY INTO THE VEHICLE - THAT THE FRAME WAS BROKEN, HAD MAJOR HOLE IN IT AND THAT THE FRAME WAS TOO RUSTY TO PATCH THE HOLE - HOLY UNEXPECTED BATMAN. PARTIAL NOTES FROM CRAFTSMEN AUTO ON 12/28/2017 ARE AS FOLLOWS: "UNDER BODY IS VERY RUSTY & THE FRAME IS BROKEN ...MUFFLER IS BROKEN OFF AND EVERY FLANGE IS RUSTED AND LEAKING ...BRAKES ARE SHAKING WHEN APPLIED...ROTORS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT RUST RIDGE...THE BRAKE LINES ARE VERY RUSTY...BECAUSE OF THE BROKEN FRAME AND THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE UNDERBODY, IT WON'T PASS VT STATE INSPECTION THE END OF FEB." I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN A PRIVATE SALE IN OCTOBER OF 2016 FOR $7,200 BUT HAD TO PAY SALES TAX TO THE VERMONT DMV FOR A VEHICLE PURCHASED FOR $8,000 BECAUSE IT WAS IN GREAT SHAPE, LOOKED TERRIFIC AND WAS SUPPOSEDLY WORTH THAT EXTRA MONEY. I AD SPENT THAT MONEY EXPECTING TO GET A THREE OR FOUR YEARS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT WELL WITH SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES AND USING EXPENSIVE GAS WHEN IT'S COLD OUT AND SPENT $850 ON NEW TIRES JUST THIS FALL. I LOVE TOYOTA. MY DISABLED HUSBAND AND MY TWO DAUGHTERS ALL DRIVE (USED) TOYOTAS (TWO PRIUSES AND A COROLLA). AM WONDERING IF TOYOTA CAN DO ANYTHING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT HERE? THE ENGINE FEELS STRONG (IT'S A TOYOTA!) AND THE 4RUNNER POWER AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN GREAT HERE IN RURAL VERMONT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. BEST, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

I JUST WANTED TO ADD MY 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TO THE COMPLAINT LIST WITH HIGHLY COMPROMISED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY DUE TO EXTREME RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS 118,000 MILES WITH ONLY ONE OWNER AND THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGED THE ENTIRE TIME. THERE ARE CRACKS AND HOLES IN MY REAR FRAME THAT HAS LED OUR MECHANIC TO DEEM THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. HE HAS SUGGESTED WE REPLACE THIS VEHICLE AS SOON AS WE CAN. PRIOR TO COMING ON THIS COMPLAINT SITE, I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THE WE HAD THE UNFORTUNATE LUCK OF PURCHASING A LEMON; INSTEAD IT APPEARS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT IS BEING IGNORED AND SWEPT UNDER THE RUG. I AM APPALLED AT THE INACTION OF TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA REGARDING THIS STRUCTURAL ISSUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE FRAME WAS COATED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. BOTH DEALERS (SANSONE TOYOTA, 90-100 US-1, AVENEL, NJ 07001, (732) 815-0500 AND BAY RIDGE TOYOTA, 6401 6TH AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11220, (888) 995-2299) PROVIDED NO SOLUTION AND THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE HAS A HOLE IN THE VEHICLE FRAME OF THE SAME NATURE AS THE SAME YEAR TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCKS WHICH HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL.

MY 2005 IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT IT IS PROBABLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT HAS ONLY 106K MILES. I'VE TAKEN IT TO TWO FRAME REPAIR/SWAP SHOPS. BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE RUST HAS EATEN HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME AND THAT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE IS LIKELY VERY COMPROMISED. THEY'D SAID THE EXTENT OF THE RUST WAS THE WORST THEY'D EVER SEEN,AND THAT A COLLISION COULD CRUMPLE THE WEAKENED FRAME, PUTTING THE PASSENGERS AND GREATER RISK OF INJURY/DEATH. I EVEN HAD ONE OF THOSE SHOPS START A FRAME SWAP, BUT THEY SAID THAT EVERY BOLT AND PART WOULD SNAP AND BREAK WHEN THEY TRIED TO REMOVE IT AND TOLD ME THAT THE LABOR COULD EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, IF THEY WERE EVEN ABLE TO FINISH THE JOB. EVEN WITHOUT COLLISION I'M WORRIED AN AXLE OR TIE ROD OR SOMETHING WILL BREAK AT HIGH SPEED AND CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I'VE SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ASK IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY WOULD DO (FIX, OR BUY BACK THE VEHICLE). THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAMES, BUT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR FRAME RUST ON THE TACOMA, WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE SAME FRAME. AFTER LOOKING AROUND ONLINE AT 4RUNNER FORUMS, I'VE SEEN THE RUST COMPLAINT AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND IN THE WAKE OF THE KOBE METALS SCANDAL, I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO RAISE MY CONCERN WITH THE NHTSA. I'M ATTACHING PICTURES OF THE RUST AND A CARFAX REPORT SHOWING THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AN ACCIDENT ON THE VEHICLE.

THE FRAME IS RUSTING TO THE POINT WHERE THERE ARE HOLES IN MANY PLACES ALSO THE TOW HOOK RUSTED OFF, I AM CONCERNED THE STEERING WILL BE AFFECTED SOON.

MY WIFE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GET A STATE INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED IT WOULD NOT PASS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME. WE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY, TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. WE WERE TOLD TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FRAME AND THEY COULD NOT RECOMMEND A REPAIR. ESSENTIALLY, TOO BAD. WE CONTACTED SEVERAL BODY SHOPS AND WERE TOLD TOYOTA REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS ADVISE AGAINST WELDING ON THE FRAME AND THEIR INSURANCE WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. SO THERE IS NO FIX. THE RUST HAS NOT BEEN APPARENT UNTIL THIS YEARS INSPECTION AND I GUESS WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT IS WAS FOUND. BUT THE CAR RUNS GREAT AND NOBODY THAT DIDN'T LOOK UNDER THE CAR WOULD KNOW ABOUT AN IMPENDING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. TOYOTA DID REPLACE FRAMES ON SIMILAR YEAR TACOMA'S, TUNDRA'S AND SEQUOIA'S BUT THAT WAS DUE TO A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. APPARENTLY THEY WILL NOT MAKE THESE VEHICLES SAFE WITHOUT OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. AT A MINIMUM A NOTICE SHOULD BE SENT TO OWNERS ADVISING THEM THEIR FRAMES SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FRONT AXLE TO FRACTURE AND DAMAGED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILURE WAS DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

FRAME RUST ISSUE IDENTICAL TO THE FRAME RUST RECALL ISSUES OF TACOMA, TUNDRA AN SEQUOIA. LEARNED OF IT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR TRADE-IN, SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING THE VALUE OF WHAT THE TRADE-IN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE SAME TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER FOR 12 YEARS -- THEY NEVER MENTIONED IT. TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS SAID THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE ISSUE AND SUGGESTING BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR TRADE-IN TO SEE IF THEY WOULD VALUE THE VEHICLE HIGHER IF THEY DIDN'T NOTICE. A PRIVATE SALE WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE KNOWING THE RUST ISSUE NOW EXISTS.

FRAME IS RUSTED ON THE FRONT OF MY TOYOTA THAT IS FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION. IF REQUIRED I CAN SEND MY FAILED INSPECTION REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE RUSTED FRAME.

RECEIVED A LETTER REGARDING TACOMA AND TUNDRA WAS ISSUED A RECALL. I WONDER WHY 4RUNNER WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL? UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF BODY FRAME AND COMPARING TO OTHER 4RUNNER, IT DOES HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST ON BODY FRAME. WE TRIED TO BRING IT UP WITH THE DEALER, BUT NO AVAIL. TRADE IN WAS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE. OUR TRUST AND RESPECT TO THE AGENCY AND HOPEFULLY, ITS NOT TOO LATE BEFORE THEY ISSUE A RECALL. MORE POWER TO THE AGENCY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.

THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAS EXTENSIVE RUST. THE METAL FRAME AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE TOW HOOKS ARE HANGING BY THE REMAINING METAL AND CAN BE TWISTED OFF BY HAND STRENGTH ALONE. THE CROSS MEMBERS HAVE HOLES RUSTED THRU AS WELL. THE MAIN FRAME BEAMS ARE CORRODING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE QUALITY OF RUST PREVENTION OF THE FRAME IS VERY POOR. AS A COMPARISON, THE BODY PANELS ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE WITH MINIMAL RUST.

SEVERE FRAME RUST HAS MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 54,000 MILES ON IT

I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2016 FROM TOYOTA OF KINGSPORT. I HAD A MUFFLER REPLACED ON 3/29/2017 DUE TO A HOLE. THE TECHNICIAN CALLED ME BACK TO ASK IF I WAS AWARE OF STRUCTURE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME. I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES. HE POINTED OUT WHERE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. NOW I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I DRIVE MY CHILDREN AROUND IN THIS VEHICLE. I LOOKED TO SEE IF TOYOTA HAD RECALLED THE FRAME AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING BUT THE SAME MODEL TRUCKS AND SEQUOIAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I WOULD THINK THAT ALL THE 2005 VEHICLES WERE MADE FROM THE SAME METAL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE IN THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,856.

THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR SUSPENSION SERVICE. THE MECHANIC INSPECTING THE SHOCK SYSTEM, IDENTIFIED TWO AREAS OF RUST ON THE FRAME THAT A SCREWDRIVER EASILY WENT THROUGH. ONE ON THE CROSSOVER BAR AND THE OTHER ON THE REAR FRAME ARCH.

WE WERE ADVISED THAT OUR 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER'S FRAME HAD DETERIORATED FROM RUST TO A POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW, DONE ALL THE ADVISED SERVICE, AND TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION TO ASSURE LONGEVITY. IT'S UNFORTUNATE AND DISTURBING THAT TOYOTA HAS 'FRAME RECALLS' ON 2005 TUNDRA AND TACOMA TRUCKS BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER. OUR VEHICLE, OTHER THAN THE FRAME, IS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. THIS SEEMS TO ME A CLEAR CASE OF CORRUPTED OR OTHERWISE FAULTY MATERIALS USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TOYOTA FRAMES FOR THESE 2005 DATED VEHICLES. TOYOTA, AS A VIRTUE OF THEIR OWN QUALITY STANDARDS, SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. IF THEY'RE UNWILLING, THIS WILL SHOULD BE FORCED UPON THEM BY THE REGULATORS.

2005 4RUNNER SPORT 4.7. I'VE GOT 82K MILES ON IT. CLEAN TITLE AND RECORD, NO FLOOD DAMAGE, ACCIDENTS, ECT... THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER STRUT MOUNT BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE TOYOTA TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THE QUALITY OF THE METAL IN THE AREA ON THE FRAME WAS SO BAD IT WOULD BE UNREPAIRABLE AND A TOTAL LOSS WITHOUT A NEW FRAME. I WAS GOING 20 MILES PER HOUR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND I LOST CONTROL AND IT PULLED ME TO THE RIGHT,OFF THE ROAD. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT WOULD'VE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE WHEEL WAS UP AGAINST THE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL AND THE CV DRIVE SHAFT WAS TORN OUT. TOYOTA COSTUMER SERVICE SAID THAT IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL AN OFFERED NO COURSE OF SOLUTION OR ACTION. I'D ASSUME A COMPANY THAT BOASTS UPON THEIR VEHICLE LONGEVITY WOULD EXPECT A CAR TO BE DRIVABLE FOR MORE THAN 82,000 MILES BEFORE THE MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE FAILS. THIS VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN EXCESSIVELY IN THE SALT DURING THE WINTER EITHER AND NO AFTERMARKET UNDERCOATING WAS APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE. I NOW OWN A TOTALED VEHICLE WITH NO ONE OWNING UP TO A CLEAR FACTORY DEFECT. * TOYOTA REPLACED A FRAME IN MY FRIEND'S 2006 4RUNNER SPORT, WITH 162K IN 2014. I DIDN'T FIND A WARRANTY OR RECALL ON THAT MODEL EITHER. *TR

TAKATA RECALL, WENT TO FIX A TIRE WHEN THE TIRE WAS REMOVED THERE WAS A CHUNK OF METAL THAT WAS RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF. THE RUST IS BAD ALL OVER THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. THE BOLT DOESNT LOOK LIKE IT IS GOING TO HOLD ON MUCH LONGER.

PURCHSED THE VEHICLE USED AND THE UNDERSIDE/FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED.

ROTTEN FRAME DUE TO CORROSION LIKE THE TACOMA MODEL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS RUSTED AND FALLING APART. THE CALIBERS HAVE FROZEN FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE LAST YEAR DUE TO RUST AND THE FRONT AXLE HAS BROKEN. THE 2005 4RUNNER HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THAT RUST HAS TAKEN OVER THE FRAME OF MY CAR AND EXPLAINED THAT DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE RUST IT WOULD NOT BE A GOOD IDEA TO FIX. THIS CAR SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO MORE THAN 69,000 MILES AND RUST IS THE REASON.

THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL SPOTS TO INCLUDE SEVERAL BRACKETS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHILE TURNING AND FRONT-PASSENGER WHEEL SWING ARM COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO SEVERE RUST. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL ONTO FLATBED TOW TRUCK, BOTH FRONT TOW-HOOKS COMPLETELY PULLED OUT OF FRAME ALSO DUE TO RUST. SEEMS THAT THE FRAME OS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND UNSAFE ON 11 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.

SEVERE FRAME RUST: 2005 4RUNNER SR5 V8 IN STRATOSPHERE MICA BLUE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN MICHIGAN AND OHIO FOR ITS ENTIRE LIFE OF 104,850 MILES AS OF TODAY. VEHICLE RECEIVED COMPLETE RUSTPROOFING OF UNDERBODY, UNDERHOOD AND BODY PANELS WHEN NEW. DESPITE UNDERCOATING AND CONSTANT WASHING IN THE WINTER, THE FRAME HAS EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT RUST. FRONT CROSS MEMBER IS RUSTED ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH AND IS EXPECTED TO BREAK THROUGH SOON. TRAILING ARM BRACKETS ARE BECOMING THIN AND I HAVE BEEN WARNED THAT WHEN THEY BREAK I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HOLES ARE STARTING TO RUST THROUGH ON FRAME. MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THAT UNDERBODY COATING CAN NOT PROTECT FROM RUST THAT BEGINS INSIDE POORLY MADE FRAMES AND THAT IT WILL BECOME A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WASHED RELIGIOUSLY IN WINTER AND ALL INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE RECORDS ARE AVAILABLE. BODY, INTERIOR AND DRIVELINE ARE IN ABOVE AVERAGE CONDITION, AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN BELOW AVERAGE MILES (9500 PER YEAR). HOW CAN A CAR MANUFACTURER MAKE A VEHICLE FRAME WHICH RUSTS OUT THIS QUICKLY? THE VEHICLE STILL LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE NEW ON THE OUTSIDE BUT WILL LITERALLY FALL APART AT THE SEAMS. THIS VEHICLE CLEARLY HAS THE SAME ISSUE THAT OTHER TOYOTA'S HAVE HAD WITH FRAME CORROSION BUT I SEE NO CAMPAIGN TO ASSIST OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY TOYOTA'S BUT THIS PROBLEM IS SO SEVERE THAT NOT ONLY WILL I AVOID THE BRAND FOREVER BUT IT WILL ALSO CAUSE ME SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL DISTRESS AS I CANNOT AFFORD A FRAME REPLACEMENT NOR SHOULD I HAVE TO REPLACE THIS VEHICLE AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE/AGE. PLEASE HELP. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW CORROSION THIS SEVERE IS POSSIBLE ON A VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN CARED FOR THIS WELL. I HAVE HUNDREDS OF RECORDS FOR THIS VEHICLE GOING BACK TO WHEN IT WAS NEW.

THE VEHICLE IS JUST 11 YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 150K MILES. FRAME IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO DO REPAIRS FOR FEAR OF BREAKING THE FRAME AND HAS INDICATED I NEED A NEW VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STORED IN A GARAGE SINCE THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED. THIS INCLUDES WORK AND HOME. SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR IT WAS TAKEN TO THE CAR WASH INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE WASHES DURING WINTER MONTHS WHEN POSSIBLE. IT HAS HAD EVERY TOYOTA AND DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP.

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CRACKED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THE CRACK EXTENDING TO THE WHEEL. NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN VISIBLE TO A MECHANIC ACCEPT THAT THE SKID PLATE HAD BEEN REMOVED WHEN A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED.

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, HIT A POT HOLE. LITTLE BIT AFTER THAT, WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWIRVE ALL OVER THE ROAD AND BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR COMPONENT BROKE OFF FROM THE FRAME DUE TO RUST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUV WILL NEED FRAME REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE 180K MILES TUNE UP WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALER IN WINTER 2015 AND NO RUST WAS MENTIONED UPON "COMPLETE" INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE IS NOW NON OPERATION AND IS A TOTAL LOST DUE TO RUST. EVERY 30K MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. OIL CHANGES WERE PERFORMED EVERY 5K MILES WITH SYNTHETIC OIL. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED FOR SINCE PURCHASING IT NEW IN 2005. IT HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE BEACH. SALT IS NOT USED ON OUR ROAD.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS PEELING AND COMING APART. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE POTENTIAL DEFECT ACCORDING TO A MANUFACTURER'S SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN, BUT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MAJOR FRAME RUST COULD LEAD TO SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE STABILITIZER BAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 02/18/16*LJ *CN

ON JULY 31, 2015 WHILE TRAVELING EAST ON I-78 NEAR EASTON PENNSYLVANIA AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL IN MY VEHICLE ABRUPTLY BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I WAS FEARFUL OF LOOSING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. A SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY TRI-COUNTY TOYOTA IN ROYERSFORD, PA TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS MALFUNCTION REVEALED EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY REMEDY TO CORRECT THE CONDITION TO MAKE IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. VIA EMAIL I CONTACTED THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, USA. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE DID RESPOND TO ME BUT DID NOT OFFER ME ANY RESOLUTION TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD. SHE DID OFFER ME A $1,500 "LOYALTY" OFFER TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW TOYOTA. THAT RESPONSE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT MAKE THEM DANGEROUS ON THE ROADS. THERE ARE OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS WHO HAVE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME CONDITION. MY VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION MECHANICALLY BECAUSE I HAVE DILIGENTLY ADHERED TO TOYOTA'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. I REGULARLY WASH IT SO THAT NEITHER THE BODY NOR THE INTERIOR SHOW ANY UNDUE SIGNS OF WEAR. I AM MERELY SEEKING REASONABLE REMEDY TO THIS ISSUE THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY FAULT OF MINE.

SUV UNDER CARRIAGE IS EXTREMELY RUSTED

UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRAME I HAVE FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST. THIS CONCERNS ME IN TWO WAYS, POSSIBLE FRAME FAILURE AND LOSS OF ANY VALUE THE TRUCK MAY HAVE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BECAME CRACKED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. *TR

DASHBOARD CRACKED MOSTLY IN THE AREA ABOVE DE PASSANGER AIR BAG. *TR

I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE VERY SLOWLY AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY LIKE IT WAS SHOT OUT OF A CANNON. I WENT THROUGH THE BACK OF THE GARAGE (SHEET ROCK, 2X4, FREEZER AND OTHER ITEMS THAT WERE STORED IN THE GARAGE). I WAS AIR BORN AND LANDED ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE HOUSE WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL, INJURING MY NOSE AND REQUIRED 7 STITCHES IN MY LIP. I COULD'VE BEEN KILLED BUT GOD WAS ON MY SIDE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED NUMEROUS CRACKS WERE FOUND ALONG THE DASH BOARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS EXPOSE WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO DEPLOY WITHOUT ANY IMPACTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,221.

MY WIFE REPORTED A THIN CRACK IN THE DASH ASSEMBLY ON OUR 4RUNNER. THE CAR IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND SHE USES A SUN VISOR WHEN PARKED AT WORK. ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2005 LIMITED 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODEL, IT ONLY HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT. THERE ARE CRACKS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH CORNER AND THREE IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE DASHBOARD. NO ACCIDENTS AND NO CHILDREN BANGING ON THE DASH. NOTICED ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. NICE IF TOYOTA ASSISTED IN A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR

ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, I DISCOVERED TWO CRACKS ON MY DASH, ONE BY THE DRIVER SIDE CLOSE TO THE WIND SHIELD AND ONE BY THE PASSENGER ( IN BETWEEN THE COMPARTMENT AND RADIO) I DECIDED TO SEARCH THE CAUSE AND TO MY SURPRISE THIS IS APPARENTLY COMMON ON MANY TOYOTA 4RUNNERS, SIENNA'S, HIGHLANDERS AND OTHERS. I ALSO WAS DISAPPOINTED TO READ THAT TOYOTA WON'T TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND ARE QUICK TO RESPOND THAT CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY OR CAUSED BY ONES NEGLECT. THIS CAN BE A HAZARD. THIS IS WHY I CHOSE TO REPORT IT. A LOT OF WHAT I HAVE READ IS THAT IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE AND MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THESE CRACKS GET CLOSE TO THE AIRBAGS IT WILL ALLOW THE ALREADY WEAKENED DASH TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAG AND CAUSE INJURY OR EVEN WORSE AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE WARRANTS SOME KIND OF ATTENTION OR INVESTIGATION. TOYOTA OWES SOME KIND OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO CONSUMERS AND PUT SAFETY FIRST. THEY MAKE US FEEL AS WE ARE THE PERPETUATORS AND THEY ARE THE VICTIMS. PROOF IS IN THE CHANGES THEY HAVE MADE TO THE DASHBOARD QUALITY ON THE NEWER MODELS. MANY CONSUMERS DO NOT HAVE THE $1000 TO REPLACE A DASH AND CHOOSE TO EITHER IGNORE OR FIND A THIRD PARTY TO FIX WHICH CAN MAKE IT WORSE. *TR

MY 2005 4RUNNER IS IN GREAT SHAPE BESIDES THE DASHBOARD. MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ALL OVER. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT AND HAS TINTED WINDOWS. AFTER DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, I ASKED THE PRICE FOR REPLACEMENT AND IT WAS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. THIS WILL SURELY DECREASE THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE AND COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND THE CRACKED DASH CUTS SOMEONE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73.000. UPDATED 02/13/12 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS WORRIED THE CRACKS WOULD INTERFERE WITH OPERATION OF THE AIR BAGS. UPDATED 02/17/12

THE CABLE ON THE SPARE TIRE LIFT MECHANISM FREYED AND BECAME STUCK. THE SPARE TIRE WOULD NOT COME DOWN ALL THE WAY. WHEN I DID GET IT DOWN, I INSPECTED THE CABLE AND IT WAS BADLY DAMAGED BY THE RETRACTION MECHANISM. CABLE COULD HAVE EASILY FAILED AND DROPPED THE SPARE TIRE ONTO THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED A SIMILAR MECHANISM ON THE SIENNA MODEL, HOWEVER, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT ON RECALL FOR THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER. FAILURE OF THAT CABLE ON THE EXPRESSWAY COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOYOTA WANTS $250 TO REPLACE THE MECHANISM WHICH IS A POOR DESIGN AND WILL FAIL AGAIN. *TR

HAIR LINE CRACK OVER INSTRUMENT PANEL ON 2005 4-RUNNER SPORT ADDITION. JUST APPEARED NOTHING OCCURED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. *TR

2005 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR 5 SPARE TIRE BRACKET/ HOLDER SEVERELY PREMATURELY RUSTED. DEALER UNABLE TO REMOVE SPARE TIRE. LUBRICANT APPLIED BY DEALER TO NO AVAIL. BRACKET/HOLDER DEFECT MAKES SPARE TIRE UNAVAILABLE FOR USE AND CAN LEAD TO BRACKET/HOLDER FAILURE. DEALER UNABLE TO REMEDY LEAVING VEHICLE OWNER WITH NO SPARE AND POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC EVENT WHILE VEHICLE IN USE. *TR

SEVERE UNDER CARRIAGE RUST,EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF ALLOY RIMS ,ALL 5 WHEELS. *TR