2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Structure Problems

81 complaints about Structure

81
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Structure Complaints (81)

Dec 15, 2021

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Dec 15, 2021

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Aug 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed a swaying while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that the sub frame was severely rusted between the sway bar and the differential. The certified mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was concerned that the job was too extensive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

Mar 30, 2021

FIRST THERE WERE 3 RECALLS 1. 135468 2. 135469 AND 3. 135469 DATING BACK TO 2005 THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF AND I HAVE A VERY BAD CORRUGATED METAL BUMPERS AND WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE AND I HIT A BUMP OR SOMETHING IN THE ROAD IT FEELS LIKE MY CAR IS GOING TO TURN OVER. I HAD THE SHOCKS REPLACED AND IT HASN'T HELPED

Mileage: 200,000

Dec 13, 2020

THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS UNABLE TO BE INSPECTED AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN.

Mileage: 280,001

May 6, 2020

THE FRAME OF MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN BREAK SOME OF IT OFF IN OUR HAND. RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. THIS REQUIRED WELDING TO SOME SECTIONS IN ORDER TO KEEP DRIVING. THE WELDING WILL ONLY KEEP ME ON THE ROAD FOR NOW BUT THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE FRAME IS VERY DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE HAS OVER 205,000 MILES ON IT BUT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND MAINTAINED TO ALL OTHER STANDARDS. THE AUTO SHOP SAID THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT RUST THIS MUCH. I CALLED TOYOTA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND THEY SAID THAT THE YEAR AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. I NEED THIS CAR SO I HAD THE GARAGE REPAIR THE IMMEDIATE SAFETY CONCERN. THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY THE TECHNICIAN CONDUCTING THE OIL CHANGE. THE IMAGES ATTACHED WERE AFTER THE WORK AS THEY HAD TO GRIND OUT THE RUSTED SECTIONS AND REPLACE WITH WELDED STEEL. *TR

Mileage: 205,000

Mar 5, 2020

PURCHASED VEHICLE TOOK FOR MASS INSPECTION AND FAILED DUE TO ROTTED FRAME WAS TOLD NOT ROAD WORTHY AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE CALLED TOYOTA THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST ON REPAIR VEHICLE HAS 145K MILES ON NOW VEHICLE DOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY OLDER GENTLEMAN I PURCHASED FROM WILL NOT ASSIST EITHER SPENT $4K NEED ASSISTANCE IF POSSIBLE PLEASE AND THANKS

Mileage: 145,000

Dec 31, 2019

I JUST PURCHASED A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. ALL SEEMED FINE .BUT WHEN I WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED THEY WOULD NOT PASS STARTING IT HAD FRAME RUST THROUGH. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO SAID AND I ALSO READ ONLINE THAT THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA TRUCKS HAVE A FRAME RECALL BUT MINE DOES NOT. AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. OTHERS HAD THE FRAME REPLACED, REPAIRED OR BOUGHT BACK. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN HELP ME.

Mileage: 103,321

Sep 7, 2019

DEALER DECLINE TO DO A TRANSFER CASE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE TRAILING ARM MOUNT IS ALMOST GONE. DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND THE FRAME WILL BREAK THROUGH. I WILL NEED TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE

Mileage: 156,535

Jun 1, 2019

VEHICLE FRAME CORROSION/ROT.. BAD FRAME (JUST LIKE THE TACOMA I HAD RECALLED DUE TO BAD FRAME)

Mileage: 169,000

May 31, 2019

I NOTICED A PRETTY DISTINCT WOBBLE WHEN DRIVING MY 2001 $RUNNER ON THE HIGHWAY RECENTLY. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMAED MY THE FRAME HAS A 1 INCH WIDE 18 INCH LONG HOLE FROM RUST. THE MECHANIC SAYS THEY CAN WELD IT TO POSSIBLY GIVE IT SOME MORE TIME TO LIVE BUT THAT IT IS A TICKING TIME BOMB. THERE VERY WELL COULD BE RUST ON THE FRAME HIDDEN BEHIND THE GAS TANK, BUT I AM UNABLE TO LOOK BEHIND IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKE WHEN NOT PROPERLY COATING THESE FRAMES. THEY RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE 4RUNNER.

Mileage: 190,000

Feb 20, 2019

FRAME RUST ON MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. SUSPENSION SHOT RIGHT THROUGH ROTTED FRAME. FRAME HAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF RUST. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE! I ALMOST KILLED MYSELF DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THE SUSPENSION PENETRATED RIGHT THROUGH THE ROTTED RUSTED FRAME.

Mileage: 248,500

Jan 17, 2019

TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR OIL CHANGE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS BADLY RUSTED AND SHOULD TAKE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA INDICATED THAT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS YEAR MODEL VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. SO I HAVE A MECHANICALLY GOOD VEHICLE THAT I CAN NOT USE DUE TO RUSTED FRAME.

Mileage: 194,500

Jan 11, 2019

EXTREME FRAME RUST. HUSBAND SAYS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. EVEN THOUGH THE BODY LOOKS GREAT, THE FRAME, WHERE WE CAN SEE IT, IS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION, WITH HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE METAL. NO ACCIDENTS YET, BUT IT'S OMINOUS TO KNOW IN A COLLISION THIS VEHICLE WOULD CRUMPLE LIKE PAPER. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SERIOUS FRAME RUST FOR OTHER YEARS OF TOYOTA 4RUNNERS. PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE AND SAFETY CONCERN TO THE GROWING LIST OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS FACING THE SAME FRAME DISINTEGRATION.

Dec 27, 2018

FRAME RUST ISSUES. MY FRAME HAS BEEN RUSTING AWAY FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OWNED IT, AND IT ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER. THE PASSENGER INSIDE FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED FROM THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT TO THE CROSS MEMBER MOUNT MIDWAY DOWN THE FRAME. THE DRIVER INSIDE FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED AT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT AS WELL, AND SLIGHTLY IN FRONT OF IT. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A SLIGHT PIT, AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. OVER THE NEXT YEAR THAT PIT GOT BIGGER UNTIL THERE WAS A LARGE OPENING THAT YOU COULD FIT TWO HANDS INSIDE OF.

Mileage: 117,000

Oct 21, 2018

"TAKATA RECALL" MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION.

Mileage: 147,000

Sep 21, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHWAY TOYOTA (727 NEW LOUDON RD, LATHAM, NY 12110, (888) 885-1583) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO COVER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ECHOED THE DEALER'S STATEMENT AND ISSUED CASE NUMBER: 1809211044. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

Aug 22, 2018

THE FRAME ON MY 2001 ROTTED VERY QUICKLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT. IT IS THE SAME EXACT FRAME USED ON THE TACOMA (WHICH WAS RECALLED) AND ON THE 2002 4RUNNER, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION. IF I DIDN'T GET THE NECESSARY FRAME REPAIRS IT EASILY COULD HAVE CRACKED IN HALF WHEN ON THE ROAD. THE MAIN AREAS OF ROT ARE LOCATED AT THE REAR CONTROL ARM (WHICH I HAD PROFESSIONALLY REPAIRED), AND UP FRONT NEAR THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE. MY BROTHERS 1997 4RUNNER AXLE AND SUSPENSION COMPLETELY FELL APART WHEN HE WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD. HE WAS LUCKY TO NOT BE ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMEONE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE SOUTH FOUR YEARS AGO (2014) WITH A SPOTLESS ROCK HARD FRAME. FOUR YEARS LATER THE REAR CONTROL ARM AREAS MENTIONED ABOVE COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! I LOVE MY 4RUNNER, BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW THESE TRUCK FRAMES WEREN'T RECALLED ALONG WITH THE TACOMA FRAMES. IT IS THE SAME EXACT FRAME...

Mileage: 192,000

Aug 3, 2018

WENT FOR INSPECTION FOR 2001 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. FRAME IS RUSTED AND TOO BAD. MECHANIC SAID UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD. WHAT A SHAME EVERYTHING RUNS GOOD. NOW I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED JUST LIKE THE TACOMA'S AND SEQUOIAS.

Jul 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A MUFFLER REPLACEMENT, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MUFFLER COULD NOT BE REPLACED AND A LEAK WAS PRESENT. THE DEALER (MCGEE TOYOTA OF HANOVER, 860 WASHINGTON ST, HANOVER, MA 02339, (866) 942-1756) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FRAME WAS NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

May 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,518.

Mileage: 256,518

May 23, 2018

FRAME OF VEHICLE HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE THROUGHOUT, TOLD BY STATE SAFETY INSPECTOR THAT IT IS BEYOND REPAIR. APPEARS TO HAVE OCCURRED SLOWLY OVER THE COURSE OF MANY YEARS.

Mileage: 300,000

Jan 31, 2018 Fire

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A CITY STREET IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK ( FLATBUSH AVE) WHEN I SUDDENLY SMELLED SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FIRE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I DID NOT HIT ANY BUMP AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THE ENTIRE FRONT COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.

Mileage: 112,000

Aug 30, 2017

I WAS AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAVING MY BRAKELINE ON THE FRONT LEFTSIDE REPAIRED, AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE; AND I WAS TOLD BY PHONE, MY FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE SPOTS.

Mileage: 231,220

Jul 31, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRAME FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE IT WAS PIECED BACK TOGETHER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 11/13/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME RUSTED. UPDATED 11/16/2017*JS

Mileage: 180,000

Jun 20, 2017

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 144,522

Mar 22, 2017

MY FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT. I HAVE KEPT IT VERY CLEAN AND PROTECTED BUT STILL IS RUSTING.

Mar 16, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC NOTICED SEVERE RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE AND PIECES OF METAL FALLING OUT BY CHUNKS, INCLUDING THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Mileage: 143,000

Nov 23, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME DISPLAYED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,063.

Mileage: 125,063

Nov 14, 2016

THE CHASIS RUSTS AND IS DAMAGED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ABOUT 18 INCHES.

Mileage: 120,000

Oct 24, 2016

FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME RAILS IN MULTIPLE AREAS. ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 01/13/2015, YET I FOUND A REPAIR ORDER FROM 09/24/2014 THAT STATED THERE WERE RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME. DEALER IS CURRENTLY INSPECTING THE EXTENT OF THE FRAME DAMAGE AND WILL RECOMMEND A RESOLUTION. I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOS, BUT CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE THEM HANDY.

Mileage: 115,000

Oct 5, 2016

FRAME RUSTING OUT. EXTERIOR OF TRUCK HAS NO RUST 170K MILES ON 4RUNNER

Mileage: 170,000

Aug 24, 2016

THE FRAME IS ROTTING AND THE 4RUNNER IS UNSAFE.

Aug 13, 2016

THE ISSUE WITH MY TOYOTA IS A RUSTED FRAME...RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT I WAS ADVISED TO PARK IT AND NEVER DRIVE IT AGAIN WITHOUT A NEW FRAME. ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2001 WITH 193,000 MILES, IT MECHANICALLY IS IN GREAT CONDITION. EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR IN GOOD CONDITION, AS WELL. I FIRST NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD A FLOATING SENSATION ON THE HIGHWAY, AT TIMES FEELING LIKE I HAD NO CONTROL WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER ANOTHER 1-2 HRS OF DRIVING, I NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROAD, THE TRUCK WOULD ROCK SLIGHTLY SIDE TO SIDE. IT WAS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH THAT ITEMS IN MY BACK SEAT ROCKED, AS WELL. AFTER SEVERAL MORE DAYS AND HOURS OF DRIVE-TIME THEREAFTER, THE ROCK ADVANCED TO THE POINT WHERE MY ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ROCKING SO VIOLENTLY WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE @40MPH, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. EVEN BRAKING DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP THE ROCKING. AFTER THAT INCIDENT, I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL I HAD IT SCHEDULED TO TAKE IN TO THE MECHANIC. THE PROBLEM WITH THE RUSTED FRAME WAS IDENTIFIED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HOLES AND RUST WERE SO EXTENSIVE, THAT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE THE FRAME WOULD NOT ONLY BREAK APART, BUT BREAK INTO SEVERAL PIECES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS A FRAME REPLACEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THEIR TAUCOMA FRAMES FOR THAT SAME YEAR, BUT WILL NOT CORRECT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 4RUNNER FRAME. I HAVE AN OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHICLE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S KNOWN, FAULTY, UNSAFE FRAME.

Mileage: 193,000

Jul 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE REPLACING THE SHOCKS ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME AND A HOLE APPROXIMATELY 3 AND 1/2 INCHES WIDE UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Mileage: 182,000

Apr 21, 2016

WHILE CHANGING MY OIL, I NOTICED A FEW NICE SIZE HOLES IN THE FRAME, IN FRONT AND BESIDES THE MUFFLER. I WONDERING IS IT SAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY TO DRIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS.

Mileage: 125,000

Apr 4, 2016

MASSIVE RUST AND DETERIORATION ALONG INSIDE PANEL OF FRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE REVEALED ONCE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REMOVED FOR REPLACEMENT. DETERIORATED SECTION WAS ABOUT 24" LONG FROM REAR AXLE MOUNT TO CENTER STABILIZER BAR. UNKNOWN DETERIORATION ON DRIVER SIDE DUE TO LOCATION OF FUEL TANK.

Mileage: 190,000

Mar 24, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD TO EITHER BE RE-WELDED OR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

Feb 8, 2016

MASSIVE RUST CORROSION AND PIECES BREAKING AWAY LOCATED UNDERNEATH ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE RUST WITH BREAKAGE HAS INTENSIFIED GREATLY IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND REQUIRED WELDING THIS YEAR TO PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE. THE WELDING CONSISTED OF WELDING THE FRAME RAIL WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS AND A NEW BRACKET HAD TO BE WELDED ON THE AXLE HOUSING THAT HOLDS AN UPPER REAR STRUT ROD BECAUSE IT RUSTED OFF. BOTH WERE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 101,000 MILES AND IS WASHED AND WAXED ON A REGULAR BASIS.

Mileage: 101,000

Jan 27, 2016

THE GRAM HAS RUST PERFORATION IN WHICH THE LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. WHILE I WAS DRIVING A HEARD A POP AND STARTED TO LOSE PROPER CONTROL IN STEERING VEHICLE.

Mileage: 135,000

Jan 1, 2016

SINCE I GOT THE CAR, THE IGNITION KEY DOES NOT GET IN PROPERLY AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT START THE CAR. THE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL HELPS SOMETIMES. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN LEAKING ENGINE COVERS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STRUCTURE GETS RUSTY AND THERE IS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION.

Mileage: 100,000

Dec 21, 2015

MY 2001 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WAS UP ON THE LIFT FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE. A SERVICE TECH BROUGHT ME TO THE SERVICE BAY AND INFORMED ME OF A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RUST FAILURE OF THE FRAME. NOT SURFACE RUST, BUT RUST THAT IS CAUSING THE FRAME TO SEPARATE CAUSING VISIBLE CRACKS TO APPEAR. HE ADVISED ME OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER. HE ADVISED ME THAT TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE ON TUNDRA'S, TACOMA'S AND SEQUOIA'S BUT OFFERS NO RELIEF FOR 4RUNNER OWNERS. THE VEHICLE HAS 137,000 MILES ON IT. MY GUESS WAS THAT I HAD ANOTHER 20-30,000 MORE TO GO AS IT DOESN'T TRAVEL MANY MILES ON A DAILY BASIS. SEEMS HARD TO REASON THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD REPLACEMENT PLANS IN PLACE FOR OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT FOR THE 4RUNNER.

Mileage: 137,000

Aug 18, 2015

THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FRAME RUST/ROT. THE TACOMA OF THE SAME TIME PERIOD USED THE SAME FRAME AS THE 4RUNNER AND THE TACOMA HAS HAD A RECALL.

Mileage: 102,000

Aug 13, 2015

ECCESIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND BODY MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS INTENDED

Mileage: 113

Jul 14, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE FRAME ADJACENT TO THE MUFFLER AND SUBFRAME. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. MA 10/22/2015

Mileage: 130,000

Apr 6, 2015

LEFT SIDE FRAME ROTTED OUT. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

Mar 27, 2015

THE UNDER CARRIAGE HAS BEEN RUSTING SINCE I NOTICED APPROX. 4 YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I NOW HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION OR DRIVE VEHICLE SINCE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO PLACE ON LIFT TO OBSERVE IT BEGAN TO CRACK OR SPLIT . I HAVE ONLY 87000 MILES ON IT AND THE REST OF VEHICLE IS CLEAN AND BASICALLY RUST FREE. IT IS MARCH 27 , 2015 AND HAS BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR LAST 3 YRS. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN WAPPINGERS FALLS STATED THAT TOYOTA IS PLANNING ON REPAIRING BUT IS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN. AT PRESENT THE BACK PARKING LOT IS FILLED WITH NEW UNDER STRUCTURES FOR OTHER MODELS.I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN THIS ONGOING TERRIBLE AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM WILL BE REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 82,000

Mar 20, 2015

VEHICLE HAS A FRAME THAT IS RUSTED ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC ON 3/20/15 THAT IT SHOULD BE IN A RECALL ASAP. DIFFERENTIAL COVER IS A RUSTED BULLET AND IS LEAKING. THERE IS NO CHANGING IT AS COVER IS A SOLID WELD NO BOLTS TO TAKE OFF TO CHANGE COVER. BRILLIANT IDEA BY TOYOTA. *TR

Mar 17, 2015

THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO RUST, WHICH I NEED TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT RUST LIKE IT DID FROM THE INSIDE. THE RUST IS FROM THE INSIDE, WHICH MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE ON THE ROAD ESPECIALLY IN STATES WHERE AN INSPECTION IS NOT REQUIRED. IT COULD EASILY GO UNNOTICED UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE, AND SOMEBODY COULD GET HURT OR KILLED WHEN THE FRAME FAILS. *TR

Mileage: 113,332

Nov 20, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,507.

Mileage: 204,507

Nov 11, 2014

ON ROUTINE CHECK AND INSPECTION, TOYOTA ARLINGTON AND TOYOTA SCHAUMBURG CALLED MY ATTENTION REGARDING A PREMATURE RUSTING ON THE UNDERBODY FRAME AND RESULTED IN A LINEAR HOLE BY THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT PORTIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISORS OF BOTH TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS MAY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AND MAY RESULT TO UNCONTROLLED STABILITY DURING DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 110,900

Oct 27, 2014

THE BODY OF MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. RECENTLY, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE NO LONGER BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH DRIVING THE 4RUNNER IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. I WAS TOLD THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

Sep 28, 2014

VEHICLE FRAME IS RUSTING TO THE POINT OF PERFORATION. I DISCOVERED TODAY TWO HOLES, ONE ON EACH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, INNER FRAME RAILS JUST BEHIND THE REAR CROSSMEMBER. MY CONCERN IS IT MAY BE ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. IS THE MANUFACTURER GOING TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE FRAMES AS THEY HAVE DONE ON TACOMAS AND TUNDRAS? THIS CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION OTHERWISE AND I HAD PLANNED TO DRIVE IT FOR MUCH LONGER DUE TO ITS HANDLING AND SAFETY. *TR

Mileage: 188,000

Sep 7, 2014

THE 4RUNNER HAS DEVELOPED SURFACE RUST ON THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE CAR. THE RUST IS ALSO APPARENT ON SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND BRAKES. *TR

Mileage: 166,000

Aug 8, 2014

VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION IN MAY 2014 DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST AND PERFORATION. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT NEW ROCHELLE TOYOTA ADVISED "DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRAME PERFORATION DO NOT LET CUSTOMER DRIVE VEHICLE." *TR

Mileage: 95,617

Jul 9, 2014

VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO RUSTED FRAME. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RUST ON THE BUMPERS (WHICH IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS GENERATION 4RUNNER) THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND MECHANICALLY VERY RELIABLE. INSPECTION STATION SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT TOYOTA SINCE THEY WERE AWARE OF RECALLS FOR RUSTED FRAMES ON OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS (TACOMA, SEQUOIA FOR EXAMPLE.) TOYOTA STATED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR 4RUNNERS BUT OFFERED A $500 CUSTOMER LOYALTY REBATE IF I WERE TO PURCHASE A NEW OR CERTIFIED USED TOYOTA VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE RUSTED FRAME PROBLEM WOULD ONLY BE IDENTIFIED BY A VERY THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE UNDERBODY OF THE TRUCK. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER 4RUNNERS OF THIS GENERATION THAT ARE ON THE ROAD WITH AN UNDIAGNOSED RUSTED FRAME PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

Jul 5, 2014

TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR SAFETY AND MECHANICAL INSPECTION AFTER PURCHASING USED; MECHANIC NOTES THAT FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE, NEAR LOWER TRAILING ARM BRACKET AND ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR FUEL TANK SKID PLATE. DAMAGE APPEARS TO HAVE ORIGINATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME AND HAS EATEN ITS WAY TO THE OUTSIDE. MECHANIC ADVISED THAT VEHICLE MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE, NO RECALL BY TOYOTA ON 4RUNNERS DESPITE SIMILAR ISSUES WITH SAME YEAR TACOMA. *TR

Mileage: 152,000

Jun 24, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING AN INSPECTION SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,213.

Mileage: 161,213

May 14, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 7/16/14*CN

Mileage: 92,000

Apr 3, 2014

EXTREME RUST ON FRAME AND SURROUNDING COMPONENTS. THE 4RUNNER ONLY HAS 115K MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 115,639

Mar 14, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER FOUND THE SUFRAME CORRODED IN THE FUEL TANK AREA WHILE THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE BEING REPLACED. THE FRAME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,080.

Mileage: 112,080

Feb 9, 2014

WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO GET A STATE INSPECTION AT MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THE MECHANIC FOUND A RUST HOLE ON MY FRAME . IT IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE RIGHT BESIDE THE MUFFLER. THIS VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY AT THIS DEALERSHIP SINCE IT WAS NEW. THERE ARE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET THAT HAVE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I DO. IF THESE FRAMES ARE THIS INFERIOR THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED JUST LIKE THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

Oct 27, 2013

BROUGHT VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALER FOR REMOVAL OF SEIZED HARDWARE. TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT RUST SPOT ON FRAME, ROT HAS SPREAD TO WHEEL WELL ON BOTH SIDES OF FRAME AND HAS CONTINUED DOWN TO TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER. TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT ROT HAS EATEN THROUGH FRAME ON BOTH SIDES AT REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET. SPOKE WITH OTHER EARLY 2000'S 4RUNNER OWNERS WHO ALL HAVE ROT IN SAME PLACES. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES HAVE BEEN USED ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. FRAME HAS NO DRAINAGE HOLES FORWARD OF RUST HOLES IN WHEEL WELLS. CONCERNED FOR OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS WHO ARE UNAWARE OF RUST SPOTS BY CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. FURTHER RUST ON FRAME IN SAME SPOT ON OTHER VEHICLES COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF BRACKET, CONTROL ARM AND REAR AXLE FROM FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

Sep 25, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 12/20/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS ON THE SAME FRAME AS OTHER RECALLED TOYOTA VEHICLES. UPDATED 12/26/13

Mileage: 306,781

Sep 25, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 12/20/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS ON THE SAME FRAME AS OTHER RECALLED TOYOTA VEHICLES. UPDATED 12/26/13

Mileage: 306,781

Sep 10, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT DUE TO THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION TO THE FRAME, THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

Sep 5, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THE MUFFLER MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME MOUNT AREA WAS CORRODED AND EXHIBITED HOLES. THE MANUFACTURE ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A CANADIAN VEHICLE THEREFORE IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 229,000.

Mileage: 229,000

Jul 1, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,300. *TR

Mileage: 89,300

Jun 5, 2013

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AT REAR NEAR MUFFLER. BOTTOM OF FRAME SECTION APPROXIMATELY 4" MISSING , INSIDE OF FRAME PERFORATED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 18". REAR SUPPORT ROD STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY COMPROMISED. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LOCAL DEAL (LYNCH TOYOTA, MANCHESTER CT) AND IS ONE OWNER GARAGED AND MAINTAINED. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND LOCAL DEALER. BOTH UNWILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION. NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

Dec 28, 2012

MY 2001 4RUNNER VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO CORROSION, ACTUAL HOLES AND SOFT SPOT, ON THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME IN THE MUFFLER AREA. CONCERNED WITH FAILURE WHEN TOWING 300 LBS TRAILER. NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, 112K MILES AND BOUGHT NEW 11 YEARS OLD. ONLY DETECTING THE PROBLEM NOW. SHOULD NOT BE NEEDING TO REPLACE FRAME. COST ESTIMATE $10K, SHOPPING AROUND FOR BETTER PRICING. COST TO REPAIR 40% OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE OR TWICE WHAT THE VEHICLE BOOKS TODAY. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY WILL NOT EVEN DISCLOSE # OF COMPLAINT ON THIS ISSUE. THEIR ONLY COMMENTS IS THERE IS NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. FINDING NUMEROUS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 112,000

Oct 1, 2012

SEVERELY RUSTY FRAME. MY 4RUNNER ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 114K MILES ON IT. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME. IT'S EVERYWHERE AND FLAKES OFF TO THE TOUCH. *TR

Mileage: 113,462

Aug 23, 2012

MY VEHICLE HAS VERY LITTLE RUST EXCEPT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. LARGE FLAKES OF RUST HAVE FORMED. THE DIFFERENTIAL RECENTLY BEGAN LEAKING. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4RUNNERS. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

May 5, 2012

3RD GENERATION 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH EXCESSIVE FRAME AND BODY RUST. THE GAS TANK STEM IS RUSTED, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LITERALLY POROUS AND LEAKING OIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. REAR BUMPER IS RUSTED, SPARE TIRE MOUNT IS RUSTED. OTHER AREAS OF RUST ARE TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST. REPAIR SHOP SAID CAR IS NOT WORTH FIXING. DANA CORP THAT MADE FRAMES FOR TOYOTA TACOMAS/TUNDRAS THAT WERE RECALLED ALSO IS BEST KNOW FOR REAR DIFFERENTIALS. WHY WEREN'T THE 4RUNNERS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL/BUYBACK BY TOYOTA? *TR

Mileage: 125,000

Feb 21, 2012

EXTREME RUST ON MY 4RUNNER'S FRAME. CAN BE SEEN EASILY FROM IN AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE MANY PICTURES TO DOCUMENT. THE RECALL ON TOYOTA TACOMA AND TUNDRA SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 96-02 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. *TR

Mileage: 110,321

Jan 25, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED HAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED DEFECT WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A HOLE IN THE REAR FRAME AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 02/10/12 *BF UPDATED 03/12/12

Mileage: 128,000

Dec 19, 2011

THE 2001 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IS RUSTING OUT. MY SON AND I BOTH HAVE CUT OUR SELF ON THE REAR BUMPER. I NEEDED STITCHES FOR MY INJURY. I HAVE A SCAR TO REMIND ME NOT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA. THE RUST GOT SO BAD, I LOST MY BUMPER. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER MY VEHICLE AT THE FRAME, THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS RIDDLED W/RUST, INCLUDING THE FRAME. CALLED TOYOTA TO SEE IF I COULD AT LEAST GET A SAFETY INSPECTION OF MY FRAME, THEY TOLD ME THAT MY 01 4RUNNER WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALL AND ANY INSPECTION WOULD COST ME MONEY. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

Apr 28, 2011

THE REAR AXEL HOUSING ON OUR 2001 SR5 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER IS RUSTED OUT PRETTY BAD. THE ENTIRE FIRST LAYER OF THIN METAL HAS COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. IT HAS NOT BEGAN TO LEAK YET, BUT IT IS A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL IT DOES. TOYOTA INDICATED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUED ON THIS PART, WHICH I THINK THERE SHOULD BE SINCE IT IS SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH 1999 - 2002 TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT SHAPE, AND RUNS GREAT - WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER WITH ITS PERFORMANCE. BUT THE ROTTING REAR AXEL NOT ONLY IS SURPRISING, BUT HAS ME QUITE CONCERNED THAT WE WILL END UP WITH A PRETTY EXPENSIVE REPAIR WITHOUT TOYOTA TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE REAR AXEL HOUSING. IF ANYONE SIMPLY DOES AND INTERNET SEARCH REGARDING THIS PROBLEM - YOU WILL SEE THAT ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA TRUCKS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXEL HOUSING. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

Mar 1, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT NOTICE THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS WERE COVERED WITH RUST IN MARCH 2007. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THE ROAD SALT CAUSED THE BUMPER TO RUST. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 04/12/10.

Mileage: 40,000

Dec 15, 2009

HELLO, I OWN A 2001 4RUNNER AND THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS ARE RUSTING HORRIBLY WITH THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS ACTUALLY HAVING AN HOLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY ON 2 OCCASIONS AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. I HAVE BEEN PATCHING WITH FIBERGLASS BUT THE RUST CONTINUES. I LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS AND EVERY 2001 4RUNNER THAT I SEE ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE RUST AFFECTS THE INTEGRITY OF THE FUNCTION OF THE BUMPERS IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. ALSO, I CANNOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER WITH HOLES IN THE BUMPERS. THE COST TO REPLACE THEM IS WELL OVER $1,300. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, LARGE CHUNKS WILL CONTINUE TO RUST OFF THE INSIDE OF THE BUMPERS DURING THE NEXT 6 MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

May 3, 2009

THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS ON MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNDER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT (FROM THE INSIDE OUT). THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ANYONE WALKING BY THE VEHICLE COULD ACCIDENTALLY BRUSH BY THE BUMPERS AND GET CUT FROM THE JAGGED EDGES; ALSO NOT SURE WHAT GOOD THEY WOULD DO IN CASE OF ANY IMPACT. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

Jun 16, 2008

WHEN ON A LONG HIGHWAY TRIP ON THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 7, 2008, MY HUSBAND NOTICED BLACK SPOTS ON THE REAR WINDOW OF OUR 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (121,000 MILES). HE CLEANED IT OFF TO SEE IF IT RETURNED AS WE RESUMED OUR JOURNEY. WHEN WE NEXT STOPPED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES LATER, THE BLACK SPOTS WERE ON THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CHECKED BENEATH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW TRANSMISSION FLUID DRIPPING OUT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO REPORTED THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE, AND THAT IT WAS BEYOND REPAIR, AND THAT HE HADN'T EVER SEEN THIS ON A CAR OF THIS AGE AND MILEAGE. HE INFORMED US THAT TOYOTA HAS RECENTLY RECALLED TACOMA VEHICLES FROM THE SAME YEAR FOR SIMILAR CORROSION PROBLEMS. WE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR US. WE ARE LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS BEYOND REPAIR THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO SELL, AND WE HAVE MAINTAINED IT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES. PLEASE HELP. *TR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE INCLUDING THE AXLE, DIFFERENTIAL, BRAKES, AND EXHAUST SYSTEM WERE CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. UPDATED 08/27/08. *JB

Mileage: 122,000