2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Structure Problems

Toyota has had issues with their frames rusting out and the 4th generation 4Runner is not exempt from this issue. My 2003 is requiring extensive work to keep it on the road safely due to frame rust. A recall to replace frames should be in place.

There is major corrosion on the chassis, brake-power steering-transmission lines, and all metal brackets on the frame and engine. The corrosion is so bad there is holes on the chassis. Known issue, many complaints, Toyota Corp. says to keep calling back maybe something will be done in the future. Unable to upload photos!

Severe frame rust, there was a recall for tacomas but 4Runners have the issue just as bad

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was significantly corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for tire replacement, the technician informed him that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the passenger's side front and rear subframes were severely corroded, as well as the cross member. The mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

Extensive rust through out frame, resulting in holes in structural members. Leaving frame in a weak and vulnerable state.

I purchased this 2003 Toyota 4Runner in 2018 under what I assumed was prime condition, for a vehicle that spent the majority of its life in Nebraska/Kansas before I moved to Texas in 2021. At 87,400 miles at the time of purchase, the vehicle had no visible damage to the exterior besides a few paint chips, some minor hail damage and scratches, and some easily fixed surface rust in the paint on the tailgate. The previous owner had driven it leisurely and had kept the miles low after 15 years. The car has had some mechanical issues, but nothing out of the ordinary outside of some regular maintenance over the first few years. Being close to 100,000 miles, the timing belt and pump was replaced around 98,000 miles. Other issues have been fixed periodically, please reference the attached files. After joining a Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation Facebook group and seeing a post about another's issues with rust damage in October 2020, I decided to take a look at my own frame. I then inspected my own vehicle, and found significant frame rot damage. It is extensive, with significant rust to the frame, with large holes and soft patches that question the integrity of the frame and the safety of the vehicle on the road. Every time I hit a small bump or pothole, I fear the frame will crack and I will lose control as others have. I have not sought out professional repairs due to the extensive cost, and am awaiting the outcome of a current class action lawsuit by the Bell Legal Group. The 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009) is built on the exact same frame as the Toyota Tacoma of that era, yet while the Tacoma was recalled for frame rot, the 4Runner was not included, which I believe to be a gross oversight in previous legal proceedings. The 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner is a reliable vehicle, but poses significant frame rot issues much earlier than should be expected.

Vehicle frame has rusted through and has holes affecting structural condition.

Excessive frame rust causing difficulty to keep vehicle on the road. No warning lamps, I noticed the rust starting years ago, now the rust is so bad that the frame is rusted through causing difficulty steering and loud crunch noises. I contacted Toyota Consumer Affairs explaining the rust concern and asked if I needed to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection, they said it wasn’t necessary (sounds like they don’t want to admit the existence of a possible manufacturing defect). The vehicle is available for inspection. I feel like I would be doing a disservice to society if I continue to drive this vehicle on public roads due to the danger of injuring a pedestrian or another motorist.

So much rust has developed the frame is literally giving out. Toyota admitted to a rust issue- it’s now a safety issue with this generation of 4Runner. They did a recall on the same frame for Tacoma but not 4Runner.

The frame of the car has been rusting at a significant rate in the last 4 years. Mechanic identified major rust issues that would make the vehicle not safe in case of an accident.

I have two 2003 Toyotas, a tundra and 4runner. The 4Runners frame is rusting out everywhere including the welds. My mechanic said it was getting to the point that it’s dangerous to drive and if it was in a wreck the frame would likely fail under the stress. My tundra frame from the same year is immaculate. I believe the are similar frames. This is obviously a defect in the production based on my readings and is very common. The investigation was opened in 2018 and its now 2022, when will this get addressed!

Frame has major rust holes towards the front inside next to the catalytic converters. Hoping to get them repaired before frame failure. The frame design is similar to the 2005 to 2015 Tacomas, which experienced similar issues with rust damage causing frame integrity issues. Toyota had a program to replaced those frames, but not for the 4Runners. The issue seems to be caused by certain factory openings in the frame that allow road salt to enter into the frame cavity, and cause the inside to rust. Being next to the catalytic converter, the heat accelerates the rust. On my 4Runner, the issue has gotten worse in the last 2 years. I cannot understand why Toyota covered all other trucks/suvs that use this similar frame but ignored the 4Runner.

The frame on my 4Runner is rusting through in multiple locations. The rear of the frame has already failed and a trailer I was pulling dragged on the road heavily as it failed. Definitely at risk of caving in long before the engine or transmitoo fails.

The frame on my vehicle is rusting prematurely. It's doing this on many other 4Runners and other Toyota trucks.

The frame of the vehicle is rusted to the point my fist can fit through a hole in the frame.

The frame on the vehicle is rusting out. If not repaired, serious injury could occur if the frame breaks. A compromised frame could cause serious injury if an accident occurs. The driver side main frame has a gaping hole on the inside and another hole forming underneath that is in close proximity to the larger hole. The entire back cross bar member supporting the bumper is rusting out as well as the front cross bar member. The vehicle was inspected in July 2020 and the dealership said the frame was OK and had plenty of life left in it. After getting a muffler installed at a local independent shop in October 2021, the hole grabbed the attention of the technician. After inspecting, rusty flakes kept falling away.

Extreme frame rust. The vehicle has extreme frame rust and Toyota should be held accountable for poor quality frame material. I have heard tons of stories of other peoples steering components snapping due to rust and frame damage.

I own a 2003 Toyota 4Runner with very low mileage for its age. It has been garage kept for most of its life. I was experiencing difficulty steering, and when I took the car to a mechanic, it was determined that the frame was prematurely rusted and rotted to a dangerous level putting my life at risk while driving it.

The frame is rusted very bad and it’s a major safety issue for this type of vehicle I don’t know when it’s going to fall apart. I am sure I am not the only one to have this problem.

Vehicle frame and suspension components are completely rusting out. Having issues with the corroded steering column lower shaft not allowing the vehicle to turn properly.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at limited speeds of 45 mph, the vehicle would wobble and swerve and was very unstable. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Auto Mechanic Shop and an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by severe rusting, perforation and corrosion of the rear subframe and suspension system. The vehicle was also driven to Muffler Shops in Bladensburg, MD on 8-20-2021, and on 10 -22-2021 to Hyattsville Toyota's Certified Toyota Collision Center for Repair Estimates of $4,000.00 and $7,268.00. The vehicle frame manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation which really requires fixing or replacing was not yet repaired. The Toyota manufacturer and local dealer Global Auto Outlet were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1 85,000. The used vehicle was purchased from Global Auto Outlet in Temple Hills, MD for $9,552.24 on 8 -1-2019 with 175,000 miles on the odometer. The windshield had a crack in it, the air conditioning & emergency brake didn't work. The Complainant hadn't noticed the perforated excessive rust corrosion on the undercarriage of the vehicle until numerous months afterwards. Moreover, at the time of the purchase the Owner also didn't notice that the spare tire carrier was rusted, as well as undiscovered that the wrong size 265/65/17 spare tire it was held in was perforated and flat. After the purchase of the vehicle shortly later, the exhaust tailpipe rusted broke first and the muffler had to be replaced which costed $258.79. The Owner was nervously forced to operate a more than unsafe motor vehicle for up to 6 months.

Mileage: 185,000

At the end of June 2021, while driving I experienced a loud clunk and grinding noise, with reduced control of steering and brakes on my 4Runner. I took the 4Runner to a Goodyear Automotive Service Center on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan, who told me that the vehicle was not driveable due to severe rust damage of the frame that resulted in a broken sway bar. I thought I should take it to the closest Toyota dealership in Troy, Michigan for advice and they responded that the vehicle was beyond repair and that a new frame would cost around $20,000. I could not leave my car there, and risked driving it home, where it has been parked ever since.

The frame of my 4runner is so so rusted that my mechanic put his finger through a piece of the frame it is so unsafe for Mr and my grand children and EVERYONE ELSE on the road that it literally makes me sick. It'd the only vehicle I have so I have NO CHOICE but to drive it. It terrifying. It is available to inspect at anytime. I just bought this vehicle less than a year ago from a dealership and it so sad that they wld sell it to anyone knowing the frame was rusted its criminal in my opinion. It Is for sure a safety hazard to everyone. I hope that this investigation proves to help get all of these 4runners OFF THE ROAD. So that a preventable tragedy doesn't happen.

Really bad frame rust, holes in frame, engine mounts.... Cracked dash board. All problems shared by many 2003 4runner owners too. I'll take more photos.. Thanks for your attention.

Due to severe rust underneath the vehicle, there have been a few issues that have made the vehicle very unsafe to drive. Last week, both of my rear brake lines were completely done and leaking brake fluid leaving me with no brakes. This was due to rust and corrosion that had eaten the metal lines away. The radiator mounts are corroding, as well as the skid plate for my fuel tank and a few spots on my frame near the rear. I was not aware of the rust as I just got the vehicle a few weeks ago. I was driving in traffic when my brake light came on and I noticed my brakes didn't seem to be very effective and they eventually got the point where they were not working or slowing the vehicle at all. Once I took it to the shop and they put it on the lift, the mechanics pointed out just how bad the rust was.

Car inspection at a service center revealed advanced rusting of the frame. I was told this could be dangerous.

The frame is completely rusted through and soon will be unable to support the steering, engine or drive train. The problem was confirmed to me by an independent service center that I have used for 10 years and I trust.

The frame has rusted almost completely through near the front upper and lower control arms near the cross member there. The passenger side is so bad the welder I took it too sad he couldn’t repair it without doing the crossmember section and all. The driver side is not at bad but doesn’t look to hot. The crossmember where the radiator sits is also starting to completely rot away

I heard a loud noise (scraping-dragging) from the bottom of the engine area while driving on the highway This was a very dangerous and scary incident Pulled over and My fiancé checked under the engine A very large metal piece was dragging the road I did not hit a bump or anything. A body shop mechanic informed me that the chasis of the 4 runner was in extremely bad condition The 4Runner will not pass inspection because of this condition I respectfully request help in this matter

Frame rusted to the point the shop won’t fix the brakes and allow me to drive the car. The brake line rusted through since it was attached to the frame and when repairing the brakes they found the frame rusted too bad and coming apart. Looking online this seems to be a common problem with this year Toyota 4Runner.

Three mechanics said the frame was rusted with holes and is unsafe to drive. The vehicle is not inspectable, so had to have mechanic weld Steele on frame to be able to pass inspection.

I HEARD THERE'S AN INVESTIGATION ON THESE FRAMES SO MINE IS ROTTING AWAY

Mileage: 312,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Mileage: 139,000

IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP18002. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT MY 2003 4RUNNER IS STARTING TO EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE FRAME. HE INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS MODEL. I CONTACTED A BODY SHOP TO INQUIRE ABOUT POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY GET INQUIRIES ABOUT THE 2003 4RUNNER OFTEN YET THEY DO NOT LIKE WORKING ON THEM AS THE FRAME IS CONSTRUCTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO ADDRESS THE CORROSION ISSUES. I'M REPORTING THIS TO HELP FACILITATE THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION AND TO INQUIRE ABOUT ANY PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THE INVESTIGATION.

I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH TOYOTA SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS ABOUT RUST ISSUES WITH THIS FRAME, BUT THE REFUSE TO FIX IT. THEY RECALLED THE TACOMA, TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA OF THE SAME YEAR FOR THIS REASON. THE FRAME RUSTS AND FALLS APART. WHILE DRIVING UP MY ROAD I FELT THE REAR OF THE CAR SHIFT TO THE SIDE, I TURNED AROUND AND WENT STRAIGHT HOME TO FIND THE FRAME AT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BROKEN. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE BROKEN AREA, BUT CAN SEND MORE PICTURES OF THE ENTIRE FRAME IF NEEDED.

Mileage: 189,000

THE FRAME IS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT THE MAJORITY OF ITS LIFE IN A N UNDERGROUND GARAGE PROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS, AS WELL AS IN FLORIDA. IT HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE, AND NO OTHER SERIOUS PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 150,000

WE BOUGHT A USED TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IN SEPTEMBER 2017 FROM A USED CAR DEALER. THE VEHICLE LOOKED GREAT AND DROVE AMAZING BUT AFTER HAVING IT SERVICED WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTY ON THE FRAME AND TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT. OVER TIME THE VEHICLE GOT WORSE AND WE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WERE TOLD IT WOULD NEED TO HAVE A FRAME OR BE REPAIRED. ESSIMATE AROUND $5000 SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS FINANCED WE DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT AS WE WERE TOLD IT IS UNSAFE. WE DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE IS THIS COVERED UDER THE LEMON LAW. TOYOTA WIL NOT DO ANYTHING REGARDING THIS. BUT IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECITIVE PROUDUCT. THEY WERE RECALLS DONE ON TOYOTA TRUCKS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 4 RUNNER. PLEASE ADD ME TO ANY PENDING LAWSUITS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 220,000

FRAME IS RUSTED OUT, EXCESSIVE RUST THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. SWAY BAR MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE HAVE RUSTED OUT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Mileage: 205,000

OUR 2003 4RUNNER FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGHOUT. NOT EVEN SAFE TO DRIVE WITH 127,000 MILES. THE CONTROL ARM IS READY TO FALL OFF. THANKFULLY, A BUSTED BRAKE LINE GOT US INTO THE SHOP BEFORE A BAD ACCIDENT HAPPENED. NOW WE'RE LOOKING AT SPENDING $4000 ON FRAMEWORK TO MAKE IT SAFE TO DRIVE. SO SAD THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOW FOR YEARS AND NO ONE IS MAKING TOYOTA MAKE IT RIGHT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT. WE WERE READY TO TAKE A 1000 MILE TRIP FROM ALABAMA TO TEXAS WHEN WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RUST. MY MECHANIC STUCK A PENCIL THROUGH THE FRAME! IT'S SOOOOO BAD! PLEASE DO SOMETHING!

Mileage: 127,000

THE WHOLE UNDER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED. IT CAN'T EVEN BE DRIVEN. MY BRAKE LINE BUSTED THE OTHER DAY (WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR) AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE THE USE OF MY BRAKES. WE ARE OKAY, AND THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE BRAKE LINE. BUT MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO STICK A PEN THROUGH THE FRAME. HE SAID WITH THIS EXCESSIVE RUST, I SHOULD FILE A CLAIM. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, IT SEEMS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF TOYOTA BECAUSE OF RUST. HOPING YOU CAN INVESTIGATE AND MAKE THIS RIGHT. THANK YOU!

Mileage: 126,000

EXTREME CORROSION OF FRAME AND BRACKETS

THE FRAME OF MY CAR IS CORRODING AT AN ALARMING RATE AND EVEN AFTER TREATMENT IT CONTINUES TO RUST TO THE POINT WHERE MY CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

Mileage: 156,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER'S FRAME HAS OUTRAGEOUS RUST ISSUES. I HAVE AS BIG AS QUARTER SIZE HOLES THAT HAVE RUSTED THROUGH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE. THIS IS MY FAMILY CAR TRANSPORTING MY KIDS AND IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR TOYOTA TO HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS AND REFUSE TO RESOLVE IT.

Mileage: 144,000

EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON FRAME. THE SKID PLATE HAS FALLEN OFF THE VEHICLE DUE TO ROTTEN CONTACT POINTS ON THE FRAME. SECONDARY FRAME ELEMENTS HAVE FALLEN OFF THE VEHICLE IN TRANSIT DUES TO CORRODED WELDS. MULTIPLE MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FRAME CORROSION ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.*DT CONSUMER STATED TWO MAIN SUPPORT AREAS IS SEVERE CORROSION JUST LIKE THE RECALLED TACOMA'S.*JB

Mileage: 128,000

REAR OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE FRAME. I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AN I LOOKED AT IT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT AN LOOKED AT THE FRAME JUST FIGURED MAYBE THE REST OF THE FRAME WOULD BE FINE BUT IT WAS NOT.

Mileage: 191,000

REAR DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF AT THE FRAME AFTER STRIKING POTHOLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AFTER THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL AND ALMOST LED TO A ROLLOVER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. TOYOTA RECALLED TUNDRA'S, TACOMA'S, AND SEQUOIA'S FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT SO IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. WILL TOYOTA BE HELD LIABLE FOR ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM PREMATURE FRAME FAILURE? BY RECALLING THE OTHER MODELS THEY OBVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS A PROBLEM AND 4RUNNERS SHARE THE SAME PLATFORM AS THE TACOMA SO WHY WERE THEY NOT INCLUDED?

Mileage: 103,500

SEVERE RUST.

Mileage: 165,000

SEVERE RUSTING ON THE FRAME. HAS GONE COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME.

Mileage: 200,000

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED. GREAT VEHICLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FRAME RUSTING AND HAVING WEAK SPOTS. WE HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATIONS. THESE ARE BUILT ON A TRUCK FRAME AND THE TOYOTA SEQUOIAS, TUNDRAS AND TACOMA'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.

Mileage: 186,000

EXCESSIVE RUST / ROT ON THE FRAME LIKE THE TACOMA, SEQUOIA, AND TUNDRA. TOYOTA HASNT PUT ANYTHING OUT FOR THE 4RUNNERS. FOUND DAMAGE 31OCT2020

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND HOLES ON THE SUBFRAME. ADDITIONALLY, THE CALIPERS WERE STICKING AND THE OIL PAN WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT COMPLETED THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAMEY TOYOTA (135 FRAZIER DR, PRINCETON, WV 24740, (877) 825-2186) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SUBFRAME WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

VEHICLE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND ROTTED TO THE POINT WHERE THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME ITSELF MAKING IT EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS AROUND THE SAME YEAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH SIMILAR FRAME ISSUES, DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE WHY TOYOTA HAS NOT RECALLED THE 2003 4RUNNER FRAMES YET. VEHICLE IS OVER 205,000 MILES AND WOULD PROBABLY RUN ANOTHER 200K IF NOT FOR THE FRAME WHICH MAKES THIS CAR ALMOST UNDRIVE-ABLE. FRAME TO BE REPLACED ASAP.

FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT EVEN THOUGHT THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE. I AM AFRAID TO LET MY SON EVEN DRIVE THE CAR. I READ ABOUT THE GIRL THAT DIED FROM THE AXLE COMING LOOSE AND PART OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE AXLE IS IN HORRIBLE SHAPE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADD THESE VEHICLES TO THE FRAME RECALL...

Mileage: 142,000

THE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I'VE SEEN IN COMPARISON TO IT'S AGE. I WORK ON VEHICLES FREQUENTLY AND HAVE NOT SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN A MODERN AGE VEHICLE, AND VEHICLES THAT ARE OVER 40 YEARS OLD THAT I OWN OR WORK ON DON'T HAVE RUST THAT IS REMOTELY THIS BAD. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE ENTIRE WELD LINE OF THE FRAME RAILS TO BE CORRODED THROUGH IN AN APPROXIMATELY 28" SECTION. WITH FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE ENTIRE BOTTOM SECTION OF THAT RAIL WAS RUSTED OUT TO BE EXTREMELY THIN AND SEPARATED AT THE SEAM, ENTIRELY COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME RAIL. 2 OF THE BODY MOUNTS ARE ALSO RUSTED OUT AS WELL AS SOME OF THE SUSPENSION MOUNT COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE IS AT RISK FOR HAVING THE SPRING AND STRUT ASSEMBLY OR THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY DETACHING FROM THE FRAME UNDER NORMAL OPERATION CONDITIONS. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE SAFETY RISK AS IT COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE LOSING ALL STEERING CONTROL. LUCKILY IT WAS FOUND BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

Mileage: 140,000

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT HAS 165K MILES AND I WAS TOLD IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FRAME HAVING CRACK DUE TO RUST.

Mileage: 165,000

I WAS READY TO GIVE 4RUNNER TO MY DAUGHTER AND ASK TOYOTA DEALER TO INSPECT AND GIVE ME RUN DOWN OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER 150000 MILES. ONE OF THE LINE ITEM SAYS FRAME NEED PATCHES. UPON A CLOSER LOOK, THERE IS A RUST ON SPECIFIC SIDES OF THE FRAME. THE RUST IS LOCATED VERY SPECIFIC IN THE JOINT. THE RUST HAS PENETRATED DEEP INTO THE STEEL AROUND HALF INCH AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THIS IS MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH IF NOT REPAIRED WILL CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE EVEN IN NON COLLISION ACCIDENT BECAUSE JUST THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR AND DRIVING IN ROUGH TERRAIN WILL CUT THE BODY IN THE MIDDLE INTO 2 SECTIONS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED CAUSING BOTH REAR CONTROL ARMS TO DETACH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL SPOTS COVERED WITH A BLACK TAPE AND PAINTED OVER TO CONCEAL THE RUST AND HOLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRE MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD CAUSING THE TIRES TO DAMAGE THE BUMPER AND THE PLASTIC TRIM PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT NHTSA. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS MULTIPLE PERFORATIONS GREATER THAN 10MM. ONE SUCH PERFORATION HAS CREATED A CRACK ON THE FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT. IF THIS VEHICLE WERE TO HIT A BAD ENOUGH BUMP OR POT HOLE, THERE EXISTS A POSSIBILITY THE FRAME COULD SNAP AND ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO BECOME FREE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE CONTROL

Mileage: 160,000

I TOOK MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER INTO MY LOCAL MECHANIC TO DO MY ANNUAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE FRAME WAS TOO RUSTED TO PASS INSPECTION. FURTHERMORE, HE SAID THAT THE RUST WAS SO SEVERE IT HAD SEPARATED THE SUSPENSION FROM THE FRAME. HE TOLD ME IT WAS THE WORST FRAME RUST HE HAD EVER SEEN AND THAT THE CARS FRAME LOOKED LIKE IT WAS 20 YEARS OLDER THEN IT WAS. IT WAS TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL SPOTS. I CALLED TOYOTA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WORK WITH ME TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND THEY OFFERED NO HELP. ALL THE OTHER CARS BUILT ON THIS FRAME HAVE BEEN RECALLED, I'M NOT SURE WHY THIS ONE HASN'T BEEN.

Mileage: 179,000

VEHICLE IS RUSTING AWAY. FROM THE INSIDE. VERY EVIDENT WHEN THE TOYOTA SPECIALIST WHO WORKS ON THE 4RUNNER HAS TO SERVICE IT AND WORK ON IT. THEY HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AND ARE SUPPLYING US WITH THEM. THEY ARE A NORTH CAROLINA SAFETY INSPECTOR AND CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE'S STEERING IS AFFECTED AND OVERALL ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE FRAME HOLDING THE VEHICLE PARTS IN PLACE. WE HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT DOESN'T HAVE ISSUES LIKE THIS ONE. IT HAS SOME RUST BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS. STARTED NOTICING IT IN 2016 AFTER IT HAD REPAIRS DONE WHERE YOU COULD SEE THE INSIDE OF THE BOTTOM AND FRAME PARTS. *THIS 4RUNNER WAS BUILT ON THE TACOMA CHASSIS THAT WAS RECALLED. THIS 4 RUNNER NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR IT TO BE SAFE. MY SON DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. WELL, HE DID. I CAN'T LET HIM NOW. HE HAS NO VEHICLE. THE PICTURES ARE DISTURBING! ALL OF OUR CARS ARE OLDER AND NEVER HAVE WE HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. THE 2003 4RUNNERS ARE AFFECTED.

Mileage: 96,000

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, THAT THE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTING. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND/OR CARPORT KEPT THE ENTIRE DURATION OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. IT WAS BOUGHT NEW AND ONLY ONE OWNER. WHEN YOU TURN RIGHT IT MAKES A SCRATCHING SOUND.. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS, I CAN SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RUSTED FRAME.

Mileage: 97,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER STARTED MAKING A THUMP AND SCRATCHING SOUND WHEN DRIVING AS THE ROAD DIPS, TURNS, AND WHEN HITTING ANY TYPE OR SIZE OF SPEED BUMPS AND POT HOLES. AFTER A CLOSER INSPECTION, THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. TIRE DISCOUNTER STAFF IDENTIFIED THE RUST ISSUE. THE BODY OF THE CAR IS LAYING ON THE FRAME AND THE SHOCK IS HITTING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. TIRE DISCOUNTER STAFF STATE, 'YOU ARE ONE POT HOLE AWAY FROM THIS FRAME BREAKING IN HALF.' 'THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.' THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT LOOKS TO BE 100 YEARS OLD. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO THE RUSTED THROUGH FRAME. *TR

I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER WITH SEVERE FRAME RUST THROUGH MAKING THE VEHICLE A HAZARD TO DRIVE AND TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THIS IS CLEARLY CONSISTENT WITH TOYOTA'S OTHER RECALLS.

Mileage: 154,000

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT 4.7 WITH SEVERE FRAME RUST ISSUES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FRAME WILL FAIL SOON. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLING THESE VEHICLES LIKE THE TACOMA'S AND TUNDRAS THAT USED THE SAME FRAMES! WHAT GIVES TOYOTA? *TR

Mileage: 221,000

VEHICLE HAS 100 000 MILES. HEAVY RUST IS OBSERVED SINCE 2018 ON THE MAIN FRAME NEAR THE FRONT END. HOLES AND OPENINGS ON THE FRAME ARE RUSTED OUT AND LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL IS FALLING. SAME PROBLEMS AS REPORTED ON TACOMA. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND STRUCTURAL STRENGTH OF THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF IMPACT. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

HEAVY RUST AND ROT HOLES NEAR WELDS POSSIBLE CAUSING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. SAME ISSUE TACOMA HAD. THE DATE IS UNKNOWN JUST PUTTING A RANDOM DATE IN. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY STATIONARY AT DEALER GETTING SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN CALLED ME BACK TO THE SHOP TO SHOW ME WHAT HE FOUND WITH THE VEHICLE ON THE LIFT. EXCESSIVE RUST & CORROSION ON THE FRAME RAILS TO THE POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE WILL SOON BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT IF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SIDE IMPACT, THE DAMAGE & POSSIBLE INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS WOULD BE MUCH WORSE DUE TO THE DIMINISHED INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO MY OPTIONS SUCH AS WELDING FRAME REINFORCEMENT BUT I BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE THE FRAMES ON THESE MODELS AS THEY DID WITH THE TACOMAS, SEQUOIAS, & TUNDRAS WHICH HAVE THE EXACT SAME FRAMES & EXPERIENCE THE EXACT SAME RUST & CORROSION PROBLEM.

Mileage: 142,000

I FOUND OUT IN LATE 2018 OR EARLY 2019 THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER LOOKING CLOSER THE RUSTED OUT AREA IS 2 FOOT LONG BY 3 INCH WIDE. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT BUT CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY WHILE DRIVE G IT.

THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. MY 4RUNNER WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN BABIED AND USED FOR SHORT COMMUTE I HAVE READ ABOUT NUMEROUS OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RUSTED CAR FRAME IS UNSAFE FOR DRIVING . I'M TOLD THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN BABIED AND IS IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. THE IS NO RUST ON THE BODY OR OTHER PLACES... JUST THE FRAME THAT MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR SHOULD HAVE A LOT OF LIFE LEFT IN IT AS THE ENGINE AND OTHER COMPONENTS ARE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SELL IT FOR PARTS. I'M TOLD THAT TOYOTA HAS REPLACED SOME FRAMES AND THEY DO THIS ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. APPARENTLY THE 4RUNNER IS ON THE SAME FRAME AS A COUPLE OF THEIR TRCKS (TUNDRA, ETC.) THE TRUCK FRAMES ARE ALSO RUSTING AND GOING BAD. TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE THE BAD FRAMES. I LIVE IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF VIRGINIA. I DO NOT LIVE IN THE RUST BELT. WE GET VERY LITTLE SNOW AND ICE. THE FRAMES HAVE A FACTORY DEFECT. ANY FRAME, WHEN USED IN THE CAPACITY AS WE HAVE USED OUR 4RUNNER SHOULD NEVER GO BAD AS THIS ONE HAS. THE FRAME IS A SERIOUS CAR SAFETY ISSUE. FROM READING THE INTERNET, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR TOYOTAS AS THERE ARE MANY MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE (BAD RUSTED FRAMES THAT MAKE THEIR VEHICLES UNDRIVEABLE). PLEASE HAVE TOYOTA REPLACE THE FRAMES. IF THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO THIS, THEN AT LEAST GIVE A GENERAL TRADE-IN ALLOWANCE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE. . I NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT MY 4$UNNER IF I NEW THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM.

Mileage: 135,000

THE FRAME IS ROTTING AND CRACKING. IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN USED FOR SHORT COMMUTES. IT IS NOW UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY KIDS.

Mileage: 200,000

THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRAME TOWARDS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE. IN 1-2 YEARS, MY 4RUNNER WILL NEED FRAME REPAIRS, IF NOT SOONER.

Mileage: 165,000

WHILE MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS IN A SERVICE APPOINTMENT, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FRAME HAS SEVERELY DETERIORATED DUE TO CORROSION AND RUST. I WAS ABLE TO INSPECT AND DOCUMENT THE CORROSION WITH PHOTOGRAPHS. THE VEHICLE WILL SOON BECOME UNSAFE TO OPERATE OR DRIVE.

Mileage: 200,000

TOOK VEHICLE FOR NEW MUFFLER. ADVISED NOT ONLY MUFFLER RUSTED THROUGH BUT THE FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND DEEMED UNSAFE.

Mileage: 255,000

THE FRAME OF THE 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER BECAME SO RUSTED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT AT A MECHANIC SHOP, THE FRAME BEGAN TO CRUMBLE AND FALL APART AT THE POINT WHERE THE LIFT CONTACTED THE FRAME. THE ENTIRE FRAME HAS MULTIPLE POINTS WHERE THE METAL HAS RUSTED AWAY AND BECOME VERY WEAK, COMPROMISING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME AND POTENTIALLY WEAKENING AREAS WHERE STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ATTACH TO THE FRAME.

Mileage: 181,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE RUST. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL OTHER CARS OVER 30-40+ YEARS AND THIS 03 4RUNNER HAS THE WORST RUST. INSTEAD OF SIMPLE SURFACE RUST, THIS RUST HAS AFFECTED FRAME WELDS, SUSPENSION MOUNTING POINTS, TOW AND LIFT POINTS. RUSTING PACE IS EXTREMELY FAST MOVING. THERE APPEARS TO BE ONLY A SIMPLE LAYER OF THIN PAINT, WITH NO UNDERCOATING ANYWHERE. THIS 4RUNNER WAS SERVICED REGULARLY, MOTOR IS RUNNING GREAT, BODY AND INTERIOR ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. THIS WAS A GIFT FROM GRANDPA TO GRANDSON, BUT I AM CONCERNED OF SAFETY AND AT THIS POINT RECOMMENDING ONLY LOCAL, UNDER 35MPH TRAVEL ONLY. PROBABLY SCRAP THE CAR SOON AS NOT MUCH TO DO BUT REPLACE FRAME. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MISLED CONDITION, OUTSIDE/INSIDE/MOTOR PERFECT, BUT FRAME ROTTING AWAY. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE PURCHASED TOYOTAS WITH LITTLE INCIDENT, BUT I WON'T BUY OR RECOMMENDED KNOWING THEY HAVE A LIFE OF ~10YRS.

Mileage: 159,000

FRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED. WE LIVE IN THE MIDWEST (CINCINNATI AREA) SO NOWHERE NEAR THE OCEAN. THE 4RUNNER HAS BEEN MATICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. WE HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THESE MODELS' FRAMES WERE NOT PROPERLY COATED BEFORE SOLD...HENCE THE RUST. OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DEEMED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VIDEO SPEAKS FOR ITSELF....WE ARE HOPING THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS AS THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. VIDEO LINK TAKEN BY TOYOTA: HTTP://ISRE.US/6QTRKD

EXTREME RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE EATING COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME.

Mileage: 116,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

THE FRAME IS RUSTED AWAY BUT THE BODY IS PERFECT. PURCHASED AS IS. WAS NOT INFORMED IN WRITING ABOUT THE BAD FRAME

Mileage: 207,000

DURING A VISIT TO A BODY SHOP TO HAVE MY FUEL DOOR FIXED, I FOUND OUT THAT THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY DETERIORATED DUE TO RUST. THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME, WELDS THAT HAVE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH, AND ONE OF THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS IS GONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE BODY SHOP WHO REVIEWED THE FRAME, A SECOND BODY SHOP THAT I CONSULTED FOR A SECOND OPINION, AND MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND SHOULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. ONE BODY SHOP SAID THAT THEY NORMALLY SEES THIS TYPE OF RUST ON VEHICLES THAT ARE 30-40 YEARS OLD! THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND ALL RUSTED PARTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST BETWEEN $12,000 AND $15,000 DEPENDING ON THE PARTS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS ABOUT 122,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE BODY, PAINT, AND INTERIOR ARE IMMACULATE! FORTUNATELY, HAVING MY 4RUNNER LOOKED AT PREVENTED A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. I KNOW THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS CONCERNING FRAMES THAT HAVE RUSTED OUT ON THE TUNDRA, TACOMA, AND THE SEQUOIA VEHICLES FOR WHICH TOYOTA IS PERFORMING REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS. THE 4RUNNER SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED BECAUSE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 122,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED ON THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Mileage: 165,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE TOYOTA OWINGS MILLS (9801 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD) WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERE RUSTING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Mileage: 153,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED WITH HOLES AND THE CORROSION PENETRATED THE RADIATOR SUPPORT, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM, AND THE INTERIOR FRAME OF THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,232.

Mileage: 165,232

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Mileage: 171,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED CORROSION ON THE REAR FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TOYOTA OF LA CROSSE (800 3RD ST S, LA CROSSE, WI 54601, (608) 793-7000) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 269,000.*PM*JB

Mileage: 269,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHITE RIVER TOYOTA (802-299-2800, LOCATED AT 303 SYKES MOUNTAIN AVE, WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT 05001) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CORRODED WITH HOLES. THE CORROSION EXTENDED TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM THAT CONNECTED TO THE MUFFLER. THE FUEL TANK COVER WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

OUR 4RUNNER'S FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. THE FRAME IS SIMILAR TO THE TACOMA THAT WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED, SO I CONTACTED THEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WEREN'T GOING TO FIX OUR 4RUNNER THAT HAS THE SAME ISSUES. I WAS LESS THAN PLEASED WITH THEIR RESPONSE. THIS COULD'VE QUITE EASILY CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. LUCKILY MY MECHANIC CAUGHT IT IN TIME BEFORE THAT HAPPENED

Mileage: 411,000

FRAME IS GETTING LARGE RUST HOLES THROUGHOUT ENTIRE FRAME.

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNRISE TOYOTA (3984 SUNRISE HWY, OAKDALE, NY 11769, (631) 589-9000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE FRAME HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.*JB

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SECTIONS OF THE FRAME WERE CORRODED THROUGH. THE TECHNICIAN DECLARED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF KINGSPORT (2525 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660, (423) 246-6611) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A VISUAL INSPECTION AND STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND HOLES IN THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: TAS-906032087. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CORRODED. WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WAS PULLING TO THE SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND NOTICED THAT THE TRAILING ARM THAT HELD THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED. THE CONTACT WELDED THE BRACKET BACK TO THE FRAME. HE CALLED CORWIN TOYOTA OF FARGO (222 40TH ST S, FARGO, ND 58103, (701) 282-8425) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 255,000. *TT*JB

Mileage: 255,000

WENT TO INSPECT MY 4 RUNNER, WAS TOLD I HAVE MAJOR ROT AND RUST ON THE FRAME THEY ARE UNABLE TO INSPECT, VEHICAL IS UNSAFE TO HAVE ON THE ROAD. MY SUV IS MINT WITH LOW MILES HOW CAN THIS BE. I ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICALS.

Mileage: 130,000

I TOOK MY 4RUNNER TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT NEEDS A NEW FRAME DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST/ROT. I AM BEING TOLD THAT IT IS BEYOND REPAIR AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE AT THIS POINT.

WE WERE HEARING A NOISE IN THE REAR SUSPENSION (LH) WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. THE CAR WAS NOT STABLE TO DRIVE. WE LIFT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTED DUE TO THE MANUFACTUER DID NOT PROTECT IT AT THE FACTORY. THE REAR LEFT SUSPENSION BRACKET WAS ALMOST DISSAPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVEN. WE HAD TO REINFORCE THE AFFECTED PART TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN SERVICE, BUT THE FRAME IS ROTTEN. THE ENGINE, BODY AND INTERIOR ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION BUT THE FRAME.

Mileage: 105,000

MY FRAME IS SERIOUSLY RUSTED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT MAKING MY VEHICLE UNSAFE. THERE IS RUST IN NUMEROUS LOCATIONS. I JUST VISITED A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD NEED TO REINFORCE OR REPLACE THE FRAME. THE COST FOR REINFORCING THE FRAME IS OVER 5000 DOLLARS. THE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT SHAPE OTHER THAN THE FRAME AND I WAS HOPING TO DRIVE IT FOR AT LEAST A FEW MORE YEARS. YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER TOYOTAS THAT HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE AND ARE BUILT UPON SIMILAR FRAMES MADE EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. THESE MODELS INCLUDE THE TACOMA, SEQUOIA, AND TUNDRA. IT IS MY OPINION THAT TOYOTA FAILED TO TREAT THEIR FRAMES PROPERLY AND THE DEALER FAILED TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO INFORM ME OF THE ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WALLINGFORD (859 N COLONY RD, WALLINGFORD, CT 06492) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,363.

Mileage: 134,363

REAR AXLE BADLY ROTTED. CAR HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHICH IS APPARENTLY AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND SENSITIVE PROCESS. THE CORROSION SEEMS TO BE EXTRAORDINARILY PREMATURE AND DUE TO SUBSTANDARD FRAME MATERIALS AND TREATMENT OF SAME. ACTON TOYOTA HAD ALREADY WELDED IN A FRAME BAR 2-3 YEARS AGO. CALLED (800)331-4331 (TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING)SPOKE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP (ANGIE) AND HER SUPERVISOR (MARIA) WHO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE FRAME EXPIRED IN 2006, THEY WERE CLEAR ABOUT TOYOTA'S POSITION THAT THEY WILL DO NOTHING W/O A FACTORY RECALL. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/INV/2018/INBC-DP18002-73038.PDF HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2018/TOYOTA-4RUNNER-FRAME-RUST.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2017/TOYOTA-RUSTED-FRAME-SETTLEMENT.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2016/TOYOTA-TACOMA-RUSTED-FRAMES-LAWSUIT.SHTML

Mileage: 66,792

REAR AXLE BADLY ROTTED. CAR HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHICH IS APPARENTLY AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND SENSITIVE PROCESS. THE CORROSION SEEMS TO BE EXTRAORDINARILY PREMATURE AND DUE TO SUBSTANDARD FRAME MATERIALS AND TREATMENT OF SAME. ACTON TOYOTA HAD ALREADY WELDED IN A FRAME BAR 2-3 YEARS AGO. CALLED (800)331-4331 (TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING)SPOKE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP (ANGIE) AND HER SUPERVISOR (MARIA) WHO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE FRAME EXPIRED IN 2006, THEY WERE CLEAR ABOUT TOYOTA'S POSITION THAT THEY WILL DO NOTHING W/O A FACTORY RECALL. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/INV/2018/INBC-DP18002-73038.PDF HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2018/TOYOTA-4RUNNER-FRAME-RUST.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2017/TOYOTA-RUSTED-FRAME-SETTLEMENT.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2016/TOYOTA-TACOMA-RUSTED-FRAMES-LAWSUIT.SHTML

Mileage: 66,792

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FRAME, FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER SUPPORT, AND RADIATOR BAR CONTAINED RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF NAPERVILLE (LOCATED AT 1488 OGDEN AVE, NAPERVILLE, IL 60540, (630) 528-1459), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

Mileage: 184,000

EXCESSIVE AND PREMATURE CORROSION HAS DEVELOPED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS ON THE VEHICLE FRAME SUCH THAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME AND IT'S IMPACT ON THE OPERATIONAL SAFETY WHEN I'M DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE CORROSION HAS ORIGINATED ON BOTH THE EXTERNAL FRAME SURFACE WELDED SEAMS AND ALSO FROM INTERNAL FRAME SURFACES. I TOOK PROACTIVE MEASURES TO HAVE MY FRAME TREATED FOR CORROSION RESISTANCE BY AN AFTER MARKET VENDOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO ABATE EARLY SIGNS OF CORROSION BUT THE CORROSION FROM INTERNAL SURFACES HAS NOW WORKED IT'S WAY THRU SHOWING CLEAR HOLES/GAPS/SEPARATION IN THE FRAME STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT ADDS TO MY CONCERN ABOUT THE VEHICLE OPERATIONAL SAFETY. MY VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL REGULAR, SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY A TOYOTA DEALER WHOM HAS ALSO POINTED OUT THE STRUCTURAL ISSUES RESULTING FROM CORROSION. I LEARNED ABOUT AND WAS SHOWN THE CORROSION PROBLEMS DIRECTLY FROM THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS ELEVATED ON A LIFT IN A SERVICE BAY. ATTACHED ARE PICTURES TAKEN RECENTLY (5/17/19) WHILE AT THE DEALER OF THE MORE OBVIOUS PROBLEMS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS ON THE FRAME.

Mileage: 239,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO REPAIR THE REAR BEARING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS ROTTED AND HAD HOLES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Mileage: 16,000

OUR 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS AN UNSAFE FRAME FROM COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE, AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT COMPLETELY COLLAPSED IN ON ITSELF, BENDING THE 1/4 INCH STEEL SUPPORT BRACKET. THE FRAME SHOWS THE SAME TYPE OF RUST THROUGHOUT.

Mileage: 105,000

THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED. THE FRONT SECTION HAS ROTTED THRU AND THE RIGHT SECTION HAS ROT THRU MORE THAN HALF WAY PASS THE MUFFLER AREA. ABOVE THE SPARE TIRE CARRAGE IS ROTTED AND THE TIRE CARRAGE IS SIEZED. I FOUND THIS WHILE JACKING UP THE TRUCK FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND HEAR THE FRAME CRUMBLE.

Mileage: 130,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST CAUSING VEHICLE TO FAIL SAFETY INSPECTION.

Mileage: 240,000

I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT I PURCHASED NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS ~129K MILES AND WAS GARAGED KEPT TO 11/2015. IT RECENTLY FAILED PA STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A RUST HOLE IN A FRAME RAIL. SINCE 11/2015, THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN LESS THAN 5K MILES A YEAR. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT EXPERIENCED A RUST HOLE IN THE FRAME. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT FRAME RUST IN 4TH GENERATION 4RUNNERS IS AN ISSUE. AFTER LOOKING AT THE HOLE AND THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT MORE RUST HOLES WILL OCCUR. TOYOTA CREATED THIS PROBLEM AND HAS A MORAL AND ETHICAL OBLIGATION TO THEIR CUSTOMERS TO MAKE IT RIGHT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO OWN THE PROBLEM, NOT THEIR CUSTOMER! I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE NHTSA NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE AFFECTING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE.

THIS VEHICLE FAILED STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AT AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR CENTER DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. THEN HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHO INDICATED "NEEDS NEW FRAME - ALL ROTTED - THERE'S NO WHERE TO WELD." THE BODY OF THIS VEHICLE IS IN GREAT SHAPE BUT HAS BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO FRAME RUST. THIS RUSTING ISSUE SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE TACOMA. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES THE FRAME ISSUE ON THE TACOMA BUT HAS NOT DONE THE SAME FOR THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH 4RUNNERS.

EXCESSIVE FRAME ROT. 4RUNNER SHOULD OF BEEN PART OF THE TACOMA RECALL AND IS ABSURD IT WAS NOT IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL IS GONE. I HAVE HAD TO CONSTANTLY FIX WELD NEW METAL TO IT.

SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST HAS COMPROMISED THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL HOLES HAVE PERFORATED THROUGH THE FRAME AND IT HAS BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO FRAME RUST. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REPLACE THESE 4RUNNER FRAMES.

Mileage: 264,000

"TAKATA RECALL" MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FAILED STATE INSPECTION TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER DUE TO EXTREME FRAME RUST. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF RUSTED OUT HOLES IN THE METAL FRAME . YES, IF I DROVE OVER LARGE POTHOLE OR INVOLVE IN A COLLISION, THIS VEHICLE WOULD SEPARATE IN PIECES AND NOT TO MENTION WHAT LEVEL OF BODILY HARM YOU WOULD SUSTAIN . EVEN THOUGH MY ODOMETER READS 255,000+ MILES, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO RUN ANOTHER 200,000 PLUS MILES WITH NO ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL ISSUES AND BODY LOOKS FANTASTIC FOR THE YEAR. ON-THE-HAND VEHICLE FRAME BELOW IS IN HORRIBLE CONDITION, WITH HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE METAL AND NO SIGNS OF ANY UNDER COAT PAINT PROTECTION (HATE TO LOSE SUCH A WONDERFUL VEHICLE). PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE AND SAFETY CONCERNS TO THE LIST OF OTHER 4TH GENERATION TOYOTA 4RUNNERS OWNERS FACING THE SAME FRAME RUST ISSUE.

Mileage: 255,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IN MULTIPLE SPOTS ON FRAME ON BOTH SIDES AND ON CROSSMEMBER. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM FOR THIS GENERATION OF 4RUNNER AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 200,000

MY FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THERE'S A HOLE IN MY FRAME RIGHT ABOUT WHERE THE DRIVER SITS. I'M INCLUDING A PICTURE OF THE FRAME DAMAGE AND DOCUMENTS FROM TOYOTA INDICATING THE FRAME RUST AND DAMAGE (HIGHLIGHTED IN RED) FROM WHEN THEY INSPECTED IT. NOT SURE WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING, BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE 4RUNNER IN 2018. THE INSPECTION FROM TOYOTA ON 12/15/2017 IS THE ONLY THING I CAN FIND DOCUMENTING THE RUST/DAMAGE, BUT IT DEFINITELY STARTED LONG BEFORE THEN. THE TACOMA'S AND TUNDRA'S BOTH HAD THEIR FRAMES RECALLED... WHEN'S IT OUR TURN?

EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FRAME RUST FOR A CAR THAT HAS BEEN GARAGE STORED IN MILD VANCOUVER BC CLIMATE. FRAME IS EXACT SAME AS TOYOTA TACOMA WHICH HAVE KNOWN FRAME RUST AND FRAME ROT, BUT NOT COVERED UNDER THE FRAME RECALL FROM TOYOTA

EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION

Mileage: 215,000

LARGE RUST HOLES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME

Mileage: 220,000

EXCESSIVE RUSTING ON FRAME

WE HAD JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WHEN THE REAR END BEGAN SWAYING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND WE TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AT TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WHOLE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND WAS TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BUT THEY COULD NOT HELP US. THE SAME FRAME WAS ON THE OTHER 3 MAKES AND WAS RECALLED AND THAT OURS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THEY ALL KNOW IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND I WISH THEY WOULD JUST DO IT BECAUSE IT JUST SITS OUT THERE AND IS IN GREAT CONDITION ALL BUT THE FRAME RUST.

Mileage: 40

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WILL NO LONGER PASS INSPECTION AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE FRAME IS ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON AND AM INSPECTION DONE WE NOTICED THE SEVERE RUST/ HOLES AND ALSO A CRACK IN THE WELD. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS PRETTY UGLY AS WELL, I DID NOT LOOK OVER THE ENTIRE FRAME BUT I'M SURE THERE ARE PROBABLY OTHER AREAS THAT ARE VERY BAD. I'VE READ ABOUT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DUE TO FRAME ROT IN THESE MODELS. TOYOTA HAS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I'M SUPPOSED TO GET A PHONE CALL FROM TOYOTA TOMORROW AND IF THEY CONTINUE TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT THEN I'LL START CALLING ALL THE NEWS STATIONS AND START SPREADING THE WORD. I HAVE 45 THOUSAND DOLLARS INVESTED IN THE COMPANY THUS FAR AND WILL NEVER SPEND ANOTHER CENT ON THEM IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T RESOLVED.

Mileage: 139,000

MY 4RUNNER HAS BEEN A VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE, YET HAS EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST. THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION IN MARCH OF 2018 AS A RESULT OF THE FRAME DETERIORATION. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN, AND FEEL THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH A RECALL AS THEY HAVE ALREADY DONE ON THE TACOMA, TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA. I HAVE HEARD MANY SIMILAR REPORTS ON THE 4RUNNER FRAMES AND TOYOTA HAS YET TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

I WAS WARNED BY MY TOYOTA DEALER THAT MY 4RUNNER MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME. THE ENTIRE FRAME HAS RUST SPREAD OUT AND IT HAS A FEW REALLY BAD AREAS. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SPOT THAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND NEEDED A BRACKET TO BE WELDED OVER IT. IN THE IMAGE ATTACHED YOU CAN WHAT THE GENERAL STATE THE FRAME IS IN BUT IT DOES NOT SHOW THE WORST AREAS. I DON'T HAVE A CAR JACK AVAILABLE SO ITS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE WHOLE FRAME.

I HAD SOME ISSUES WITH MY CAR AND THE MECHANIC PUT THE CAR UP ON THE LIFT AND SAW SOME HOLES CREATED BY CORROSION INTO THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE TOYOTA TACOMA HAS THE SAME FRAME AND WAS RECALLED. WHY IS IT THAT THE SAME FRAME ON A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER, TOYOTA, ISN'T BEING RECALLED ON TEH 4RUNNER? I INSIST THAT THERE BE A RECALL AND WILL HOLD ALL ACCOUNTABLE.

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST HAS RESULTED IN THE FRAME ALMOST COMPLETELY DISAPPEARING, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND FORCED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. THERE IS LESS THAN AN INCH OF FRAME HOLDING THE REAR RIGHT AXLE IN PLACE

Mileage: 180,081

FRAME IS ROTTING APART. SEVERAL HOLES AND CRACKS

THE BACK OF THE TRUCK FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. STATIONARY. FRONT AXLE PICS INCLUDED AS WELL. RUST, WEAR AND TEAR. NOT SURE WHEN IT HAPPENED BC THE DEALERSHIP SOLD THE VEHICLE TO ME LIKE THIS. RUSTED METAL PROVES IT HAPPENED AWHILE AGO. PLUS SOMEONE TRIED TO WELD IT TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM. I'VE ALSO PUT IN A RADIATOR AND NEW MUFFLER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH.

SEVERE FRAME RUST

4RUNNER FRAME RUST. MULTIPLE TECHS HAVE TOLD ME MY FRAME SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH AN EXISTING TOYOTA RECALL BUT WAS NOT.

Mileage: 80,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME DUSTING CAUSING DRIVING PROBLEMS

Mileage: 138,000

FRAME BROKEN

Mileage: 315,000

I WAS DRIVING MY 4RUNNER AT ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR WHEN IT SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE RIGHT. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE FRAME HAD ROTTED APART AND ONE OF THE SUSPENSION BAR MOUNTS HAD DROPPED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME.

Mileage: 181,000

RUSTED FRAME , LOOKING VERY DANGEROUS AND NOT SAFE

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A WEEK AGO. IT APPEARS THE DEALER THEMSELVES NEVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE. IF THEY HAD, THEY WOULD HAVE KNOW IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST TO THE SUSPENSION, FRAME, AND EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH. JUST TODAY, A TOYOTA MECHANIC HAD TOLD ME THAT IT IS UNSERVICEABLE. IF I HAD OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR YEARS, THAT FINDING WOULDN'T BE AS PAINFUL TO HEAR. BUT HAVING OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, THIS HAS MADE ME VERY ANGRY. IT ONLY HAS 88K MILES ON IT. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 88,400

FRAME RUST THRU.DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALER. NOURSE IN CHILLICOTHE,OHIO

Mileage: 100,000

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE LURCHED TO ONE SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CROSS INTO THE OTHER LANE. WHEN I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN, THE VEHICLE LURCHED IN THE OTHER DIRECTION, REQUIRING ME TO APPLY CORRECTIVE ACTION TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION LINK SUPPORT HAD MOSTLY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO RUST. I CAN BEND IT BACK AND FORTH WITH MY HAND. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY A HIGHWAY SPEED.

Mileage: 181,073

THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE, UNDRIVEABLE AND UNFIXABLE WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES. WE CANNOT FIND A FRAME OR ANYONE TO FIX IT.

Mileage: 60,000

SEVERE RUSTING OF FRAME

Mileage: 100,000

VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND HOLES IN THE FRAME, WHILE ONLY HAVING ABOUT 100,000 MILES.

Mileage: 103,000

FRAME RUSTED RECALL : I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 4RUNNER AND I AM TOLD THAT I CANNOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS OF THE FRAME THAT HAS HOLES RUSTED OUT AND I FEEL THE SAFTEY OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY MUCH JEOPARDISED NOW AND TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE FRAME OR GIVE A CREDIT TOWARDS A NEW TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THAT. I CAN UPLOAD PICTURES OF MY FRAME IF NECESSARY. I CREATED A TOYOTA CUSTOMER COMPLIANT RECORD A FEW YEARS AGO AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA REJECTED BEING RESPONSIBLE. SEEMS VERY UNFAIR THAT TOYOTA IS REPLACING FRAMES FROM TACOMAS, TUNDRAS AND SEQUIOAS AROUND THE SAME YEAR AS MY 4RUNNER AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MY 4RUNNER AND ANYONE ELSE'S AS WELL.. I CAN PROVIDE THIS TOYOTA COMPLIANT # IF NEEDED.

Mileage: 210,000

I PURCHASED MY 2003 4RUNNER BRAND NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS 70,000 ORIGINAL MILES. NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. THE TRUCK IS GARAGED. ALWAYS MAINTAINED BY TOYOTA. NOT A SCRATCH ON THE TRUCK. INTERIOR LOOKS BRAND NEW. HOWEVER THE FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST. FOUND A FEW SPOTS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THE RUST PROBLEMS

I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR MANY YEARS AND I "KNOW" IT. I NOTICED THAT HE STEERING WHEEL HAD A VIBRATION ALBEIT SLIGHT, THIS WAS SOMETHING NEW AS WELL AS A NOISE I COULD HEAR UNDER THE CAR. I BROUGHT IT HOME COMPLAINED TO MY HUSBAND - HE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR & WAS APPALLED - THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED HE WAS ABLE TO STICK HIS FINGER THROUGH THE FAILING FRAME! I AM AFRAID THIS VEHICLE WILL KILL ME! WHAT IF IT DECIDES TO COMPLETELY BREAK AT AN AXLE OR PART OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. DO I DRIVE IT AND TAKE THE CHANCE OF GETTING HURT OR KILLED BEFORE SOMEONE WILL ORDER A RECALL. WE CAN SEND PHOTOS IF NECESSARY AS THIS WILL MOST CERTAINLY ADD VALIDITY TO THE CONCERN.

Mileage: 217

CURRENTLY THE FRAME RUST IS VERY SEVERE AND IS GETTING TO THE POINT THAT I AM BECOMING HESISITANT TO HAVE IT OUT ON THE ROAD. THERE ARE AREAS AROUND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND AXLES THAT ARE VERY RUSTED WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO CASUALTIES IF THE MOUNTS WERE TO FAIL.

FRAME RUSTING OUT

Mileage: 161,790

FRAME HOLDING/SECURING RADIATOR, SKID PLATE IS ROTTING AWAY. TOOK TOO DEALER/SERVICE DEPT.( KOOL TOYOTA) AND THEY TOOK SEVERAL PICTURES TO ADD TO THE HUNDREDS THEYVE ALREADY TAKEN AND SUBMITTED.

WE HAVE OWNED OUR 2003 4RUNNER IN OUR FAMILY SINCE NEW. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN INCREDIBLY WELL TAKEN CARE OF, WEEKLY WASHES ETC.. NOW AT 106,000 MILES OUR FRAME HAS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE RUST THAN EXPECTED OF A CAR OF THIS AGE AND CONDITION. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED MANY CORROSION INCIDENTS WITHIN TACOMA FRAMES AND NOT ADDRESSED THE FRAMES IN THE 4RUNNER ESPECIALLY BASED ON THE CONDITION OF OUR FRAME AND MANY OTHERS I SEE ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS I BELIEVE IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF 4RUNNER FRAMES FROM THIS GENERATION VEHICLE.

Mileage: 106,000

THE FRAME ON MY SUV IS VERY RUSTED AND CAUSING CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE NUMEROUS PARTS UNDERNEATH MY CAR (SWAY BARS, TIE RODS). JUST THE OTHER NIGHT WHILE DRIVING HOME IN A SNOW STORM, I COMPLETELY LOST MY BRAKES. TWO OF THE MAIN BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. A NEW FRAME WOULD SOLVE A LOT OF MY PROBLEMS. THEY'VE RECALLED TACOMAS AND SEQUOIAS, WONDERING WHAT THE HOLD UP IS ON THE 4RUNNER RECALL?

Mileage: 245,000

EVERYTHING ABOUT MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS IN GREAT CONDITION EXCEPT WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION I WAS DEVASTATED TO FIND OUT THAT MY CAR WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RUST CORROSION ON THE FRAME. EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP IN 2003, I'VE ALWAYS TAKEN MY CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER SERVICES FOR ALL MAINTENANCES AND YET THEY HAVE FAILED TO TELL ME ABOUT THIS RUST CORROSION PROBLEM UNTIL NOW THAT DUE TO THE RUST IS EATING THROUGH THE MAIN FRAME AND WILL NOT EVEN PASS THE INSPECTION. FOR THE SAFETY PLEASE HAVE IT RECALL AND GET IT DONE THE RIGHT WAY AS FOR TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA RECALL

Mileage: 140,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF A STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BAIREL TOYOTA, 19045 PERRY HWY, MARS, PA 16046) WERE NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. *TT*JB

Mileage: 107,000

PREMATURE CORROSION OF FRAME VSC LIGHT ON ATRAC SYSTEM PERMANENTLY DISENGAGED

FRAME IS SHOWING EXCESSIVE RUST. REMAINDER OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. ENGINE RUNS GREAT, BUT THE FRAME IS NOW IN A DANGEROUS STATE. GAS TANK SUPPORT IS COMPLETELY GONE.

Mileage: 189,156

THE FRAME IS VERY BADLY RUSTED ALSO TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Mileage: 100,000

MY ENTIRE VEHICLE IS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AND IS NOT IN DRIVEABLE CONDITION.

Mileage: 133,000

FRAME HAS SIGNIFICANT RUSTING ISSUES. FAILING CONNECTORS, HEAVY RUST SCALING OF FRAME WITH ONE AREA AT 3/4 FAILURE OF BOX FRAME.

Mileage: 300,000

MY 4RUNNER FRAME IS SHOWING EXCESSIVE RUST. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND I AM DILIGENT IN KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE CONSIDER MY 4RUNNER AS A FRAME REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE.

I TOOK MY VEHILE TO ISPECTION THE FRAME HAS RUST PERFORETION THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. THAT THE DEALERS MAKERS INFECTION ALSO DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS RUSTED BADLY/SCALING.

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL HAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT HAS SPLIT AND CRACKED. ABSOLUTELY CRAZY THAT THE 4RUNNERS WEREN'T INCLUDED IN THE PERVIOUS FRAME RECALL WITH THE TACOMA'S.

Mileage: 183,000

HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND POINTED OUT A FEW HOLES IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.

MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS A TON OF RUST AND THE FRAME IS RUSTING BADLY. I DO NOT FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 160,000

THE FRAME OF MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER V8 DEMONSTRATES EXCESSIVE AND CONCERNING RUST DAMAGE. THE BODY IS IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION AND HAS ALMOST ZERO RUST, A STARK CONTRAST AGAINST THE FRAME. THE FRAME HAS RUST DAMAGE HEAVILY ON THE LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT, A 8" LONG SPOT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME DIRECTLY BEHIND THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR LOWER TRAILING ARM MOUNT. THESE AREAS OF RUST DAMAGE CAUSE ME TO BE CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE IN THE LONG TERM. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 180K MILES, WHICH SHOULD LEAVE MANY YEARS OF ENJOYABLE TOYOTA OWNERSHIP FOR ME, IF ONLY THE FRAME WAS STILL IN HALF AS GOOD OF SHAPE AS THE BODY. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAS RECENTLY DONE FRAME REPLACEMENTS FOR OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES, AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WOULD NOT DO AT LEAST SOMETHING FOR THE 4RUNNER. LIVING IN MICHIGAN I ALWAYS EXPECT SOME RUST ON A 15 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, BUT THIS IS CERTAINLY EXCESSIVE. I HAVE STARTED TO USE POR15 RUST COATING TO HOPEFULLY SLOW THE ROT SO THAT THE VEHICLE MAY REMAIN SAFE TO DRIVE FOR A FEW MORE YEARS, BUT I AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTING NONE THE LESS. I HAD EXPECTED THIS ON MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE, A NISSAN WITH OPEN RECALLS FOR EXCESSIVE RUSTING, BUT I HAD FAITH THAT THIS TOYOTA 4RUNNER WOULD NOT HAVE THESE ISSUES SINCE TOYOTA HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN GOOD ABOUT MAKING THINGS RIGHT WHERE RUSTY FRAMES ARE CONCERNED. CLEARLY NOT IN THIS CASE. THIS DOES GENUINELY HAVE AN IMPACT ON MY LIKELIHOOD TO PURCHASE A NEW TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE, AS RUST IS A NIGHTMARE TO DEAL WITH AND I DON'T INTEND TO RISK HAVING TO AGAIN, UNLESS I SEE SOME SIGNS THAT TOYOTA WILL HELP WHERE THERE WAS CLEARLY SOME KIND OF MISTAKE.

Mileage: 180,000

RECALL: STRUCTURE OF TRUCK. I HAVE 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER THAT IS RUSTING REAL BAD. THE STRUCTURE FRAME IS LOOSING A LOT OF RUST . I HAVE EVEN HAVE AT LEAST 3 WHOLES IN MY PASSENGER SIDE FRAME UNDER MY TRUCK. I SEE MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMEONE LOOK INTO TO SEE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND TAKE ACTION BECAUSE I FEEL THIS WILL BECOME A SEROUS SAFETY ISSUE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE WITH THE STRUCTURE RUSTING OF THE TRUCK. I JUST HAD MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALER FOR WARRANTY WORK AND NOTHING WAS NOTED ON THE FINAL CHECKOUT PAPER WORK ABOUT THE SEROUS ISSUE WITH THE RUST. MY VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR DAILY USE NO OFF TOSSING OR CRAZY ACTIVITIES WITH MY VEHICLE. WE EVEN WASH OUR VEHICLE REGULARLY DOING THE WINTER MONTHS.... I SEE THEY HAVE DID A STRUCTURE RECALL TO ( TOYOTA TACOMA, TUNDRAS, AND SEQUIOS. I AM REALLY SURPRISED HOW THIS IS HAPPENING TO TONY VEHICLE. PLEASE NOTE THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE FOR AWHILE WITH THE TRUCK WITH RUSTING IT JUST DID NOT START .

FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED. AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT, THE BODY SHOP STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO WELD IN A REPLACEMENT CROSSMEMBER DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. I UNDERSTAND TOYOTA HAS RECALLED FRAMES OF SIMILAR VEHICLES BUT NOT 4RUNNERS.

Mileage: 99,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOUNT AIRY TOYOTA (508 N ANDY GRIFFITH PKWY, MOUNT AIRY, NC 27030, (336) 786-2118), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED ON MAY 31, 2017 AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1808210330. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 164,000

MY 4RUNNER HAS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RUST. THAT FRAME ELEMENT INTENDED TO HOLD THE SKID PLATE ON IS COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH. FOR FEAR OF SAFETY PERFORMANCE ISSUES IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION I REFUSE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE. IN ONE INSTANCE A STEEL PIECE DESIGNED TO STABILIZE THE MUFFLER POPPED OFF IT'S WELD WHILE I WAS DRIVING, CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO THE CARS AROUND ME. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL TO MY NEAR MY HOME AT THE TIME.

Mileage: 126,000

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON AUGUST 22, 2018 MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GAVE OUT WHILE TURNING MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. LUCKILY, I WAS ON CITY STREETS AND ONLY DOING 30 MPH. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THAT FIXED ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGE AND OTHER NORMAL MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC CALLED ME AND INFORMED ME THAT HE FOUND THAT MY FRAME HAS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION TO THE POINT THAT THE FRAME WOULD MOST LIKELY FAIL IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, AND SINCE THE FRAME AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT NEEDED TO BE REMOVED TO ACCESS THE POWER STEERING WERE SO RUSTED THE LABOR NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER. THIS INCREASED COST PUT THE REPAIR ABOVE THE SALVAGE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. MY OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHICLE HAS BEEN RENDERED USELESS BECAUSE OF THE FRAME CORROSION. I FEAR TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THIS FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE MY PREGNANT WIFE AND INFANT SON WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME.

Mileage: 174,000

THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE IS SUFFERING FROM EXTREME AND PREMATURE CORROSION AND RUSTING. THERE IS SIGNIFIANT ROTTING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION ON PARTS OF THE FRAME. ALTHOUGH NO INCIDENT HAS YET TO OCCUR, I FEAR AN UNSAFE INCIDENT COULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE CORROSION AND RUST OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME.

I TOOK MY 2003 4RUNNER IN FOR ITS ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME MY CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DO TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE FRAME. MY VEHICLE IS IN PERFECT VISUAL CONDITION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.

Mileage: 107,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRAME BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED OVER THE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE A SERIES OF REPAIRS FOR THE FOLLOWING FAILURES: THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS RUSTED, THE TOW HOOKS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE MUFFLER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND THE FRAME FRACTURED INTO PIECES UPON THE CONTACT'S INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERIES OF FAILURES OCCURED DUE TO THE SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

THE FRAME ON THE 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FRAME RUST. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE AND IT IS BELIEVED TO BE A DESIGN FLAW BY TOYOTA. DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST, THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.

Mileage: 127,000

MY VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IN PERFECT VISUAL CONDITION HAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS IT COULD BE HAZARDOUS. THE CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE WITH NO RUST ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE CAR ASIDE FROM THE FRAME FLAKING AWAY

Mileage: 150,000

03 4RUNNER HAS EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST NEAR REAR WHEEL AREA AND FRONT RADIATOR MOUNT.

Mileage: 134,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT HAS EXPERIENCED EXTREME, AND DANGEROUS, LEVELS OF RUST ON THE FRAME CROSS BARS, DESPITE BEING WASHED REGULARLY. THE RUST APPEARS TO BE ORIGINATING FROM INSIDE THE SUPPORTS, AND I WAS ADVISED BY A TOYOTA DEALER MECHANIC THAT THE RUST COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO COMPLETE FRAME FAILURE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. AT THIS POINT, SIZABLE AREAS HAVE RUSTED THROUGH ENTIRELY. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA, AND THEY HAVE REGULARLY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME.

Mileage: 190,000

THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE BOTTOM OF FRAME SECTION HAS LARGE RUSTED THROUGH HOLE AND I HAVE REMOVED A LARGE FREEZER BAG FULL OF RUST FROM INSIDE THIS HOLE. I BELIEVE THE ROOT CAUSE WAS THAT THE AIR CONDITION CONDENSATE DRAIN HOSE EXITED DOWN DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE FRAME IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE CONDENSATE(WATER) THEN RAN DOWN THE FRAME TO THE RUSTED LOCATION AS THIS IS HOW I DISCOVERED THE RUST PROBLEM, IT DRIPPED FROM THAT LOCATION LEAVING A RUST SPOT ON GARAGE FLOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME IN SAME AREA IS FINE. I HAVE SINCE RE-ROUTED THE CONDENSATE DRAIN TO KEEP PROBLEM FROM ACCELERATING.

Mileage: 113,000

2003 4RUNNER WITH EXCESSIVE RUST OF THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE. POTENTIAL FAILURE OF FRAME AND FRAME COMPONENTS DUE TO RUST COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. DEALER SUBMITTED PHOTOS TO TOYOTA.

MY 4 RUNNER FAILED VA SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO "FRAME RUSTED THROUGH" SEE ATTACHED PHOTO

Mileage: 136,935

THE FRAMES ON 2003-2008 4RUNNERS RUST VERY BADLY AND HAVE DEEMED HUNDREDS OF OTHERWISE GOOD VEHICLES UNUSABLE. NOTE THAT JUST THE FRAME COMPONENTS ARE RUSTING THROUGH WHILE THE BODYWORK REMAINS INTACT.. TOYOTA RECALLED AND REPLACED FRAMES ON SEVERAL SIMILAR VEHICLES IN THEIR LINEUP BUT DID NOT OFFER THE SAME TO 4RUNNER OWNERS. HOPEFULLY THIS CHANGES.

Mileage: 10,000

VEHICLE FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST, BROKE APART AT FRAME JOINT. VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE 156K.

Mileage: 156,300

I TOOK MY CAR FOR AN OIL CHANGE ON 5/29/18 AND THEY CAME BACK AND TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP AND PUT IT UP ON THE LIFT AND THE FRAME IS ABOUT TO CRACK IN HALF FROM THE AMOUNT OF RUST. MY CAR IS GARAGED AND BARELY DRIVEN DURING THE SNOW. I REALIZE IT IS 15 YEARS OLD, BUT THE TWO INDIVIDUALS THAT LOOKED AT IT STATED THAT THE HOLES AND RUST FOUND ON THE FRAME SHOULD NOT BE THAT BAD. TOYOTA HAS STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I AM EXTREMELY MAD, AS I FEEL THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME SOONER THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. IT IS BEYOND PATCH REPAIR WORK AND PROBABLY COULD HAVE BEEN PATCHED EARLIER, HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. MY CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND OTHER THAN THE FRAME IS IN GREAT CONDITION. IT ONLY HAS $126K MILES AND SHOULDN'T BE FALLING APART LIKE THIS.

Mileage: 126,000

SUBSTANTIAL CORROSION OF THE FRAME, TECHNICIAN ADVISED OWNER NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 156,000

EXTENSIVE FRAME ROT ON BOTH SIDES RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS OK WITH "NORMAL" SURFACE RUST. TRIED TO TREAT RUST BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN

RECENTLY BOUGHT MY 4RUNNER, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPROMISED DUE TO RUST DAMAGE. TOYOTA HAS AGREED TO REPLACE FRAMES ON TACOMA'S, TUNDRA'S AND SEQUOIA'S, BUT NOT 4RUNNERS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE ALL THE SAME FRAMES.

Mileage: 87,300

EXCESSIVE RUSTING OF FRAME WHILE REST OF VEHICLE REMAINS INTACT.

VEHICLE FRAME HAS MULTIPLE HOLES DUE TO RUST, UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NOT REPAIRABLE

Mileage: 140,000

FRONT CROSS MEMBER RUSTED INTO ON ONE SIDE AND RUSTED BAD ON THE OTHER. PLUS, FRAME HAS SEVERAL HOLES IN IT.

Mileage: 126,000

RUST HOLES IN FRAME AT 140,000 MILES.

Mileage: 140,000

THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT'S BOTTOMING OUT GOING OVER THE SLIGHTEST LITTLE BUMP WHEN IN MOTION AND THE ROTORS WERE MAKING A HORRIBLE SOUND GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EVEN AFTER THE BRAKES HAD BEEN CHECKED. SPENT $400+ ON NEW BRAKES & ROTORS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE IT AT ALL. IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS AND WOULD CAUSE A BAD WRECK WHEN IT FINALLY DID DROP OUT.

Mileage: 123,112

THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERBODY OF MY 2003 4RUNNER. IT HAS JUST 165,000 MILES AND THE FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED. BEING ONLY 15 YEARS OLD I FIND THIS TO BE VERY SAD AND UNREASONABLE. THE CAR SHOULD BE ABLE TO LAST 20-30 YEARS AND 300,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY WASHED AND DRIVEN IN PENNSYLVANIA, ILLINOIS, OHIO, NEW YORK. IF THERE WAS ADDITIONAL TREATMENT REQUIRED FOR THE FRAME IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COATED, OR AT THE VERY LEAST NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS TO MAKE SURE THEY DO IT. THESE CAR SHOULD LAST MUCH MUCH LONGER AND AS EXPENSIVE AS THE 4RUNNERS ARE THEY SHOULD LAST.

Mileage: 150,000

FRAME IS RUSTING AND DEFORMING UNIFORMLY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE JUST BEHIND THE FRONT WHEELS AND ENGINE, IN FRONT OF THE TRANSFER CASE.

THERE IS EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE CAR FRAME. IT'S OF GREATLY SAFETY CONCERN AND IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH OTHER 4RUNNER TYPE OF FRAMES. OUR MECHANIC SEEN A FEW RELATED ISSUES IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO.

Mileage: 115,000

VEHICLE FRAME IS ROTTED/PERFORATED,UNSAFE AS PER TOYOTA DEALERSHIP.

Mileage: 146,751

THE VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST, COVERING 100% OF LOWER FRAME, BUMPER TO BUMPER. IT HAS AT LEAST 2 HOLES, AND IS WEAK IN SEVERAL AREAS OF FRAME. IT FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THIS. ONLY 133K MILES ON VEHICLE. WELL MAINTAINED. FINALLY, TAILGATE DOOR IS SIGNIFICANTLY RUSTED ABOVE WINDOW, BUT AT LEAST THIS ISN'T A SAFETY PROBLEM.

Mileage: 133,500

EXCESSIVE AND HEAVY RUST/FLAKING OF THE FRAME COMPONENTS POINTED OUT BY MY MECHANIC WHILE PERFORMING A MINOR REPAIR TO A HEAT SHIELD UNDER THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW AND THERE IS NO RUST ON THE BODY. I REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER 1710131927, BUT THEY ADVISE THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO ACTIVE CAMPAIGNS WHICH COVER MY VEHICLE. OTHERS HAD SUGGESTED I NOTIFY THE NHTSA.

Mileage: 111,540

VEHICLE HAS A CRACKED DASHBOARD FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER, COULD SPREAD AND AFFECT AIR BAGS, TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN NORTH MIAMI BEACH STATED THERE IS A RECALL BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED IN THREE YEARS, I HAVE CHECKED WITH THEM THREE TIMES

Mileage: 126,000

FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY AND NEEDS REPLACED.

FRAME IS RUSTED ALMOST COMPLETELY IN TWO WHERE BACK AXLE TIES TO THE FRAME. ALSO VARIOUS OTHER AREAS OF THE FRAME ARE RUSTING AS WELL. TOOK TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND EACH SAID IT IS A MFG ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES. PUTTING A YOUNG DRIVER, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER, INTO A CAR TO DRIVE THAT HAS SERIOUS FRAME RUST ISSUES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A WRECK AND SERIOUS INJURY IS INEXCUSABLE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF IMMEDIATELY WITH A RECALL. WE BOUGHT VEHICLE IN 2016, HOWEVER IT WAS RUSTED FAR BEFORE THEN BASED ON RUST EVIDENCE PRESENT.

Mileage: 130,000

WHILE CHANGING THE BRAKES AND ROTERS, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WHERE THE GAS TANK STRAPS ATTACH, IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ROTTED THROUGH. SEVERAL AREAS ON THE FRAME ARE ROTTED THROUGH. THE MECHANIC STUCK HIS FINGER RIGHT THROUGH MY FRAME. ALSO, THERE IS BODY RUST ALL AROUND THE BACK WINDOW, CAUSING WATER TO GET INTO THE BACK DOOR, CAUSING THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT TO NOT WORK, AND CAUSING THE LATCH TO LOCK AND KEEP THE HATCH CLOSED IS SEIZED DUE TO RUST.

MY 2003 4RUNNER SR5 LOOKS GREAT AND ITS V8 ENGINE HUMS LIKE IT IS NEW BUT THE FRAME RAILS ARE TOTALLY ROTTEN AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE IT AT ALL AS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SO ITS VALUE SHOULD BE ABOUT 5-,6000 AND NOW IT IS TOTALLY JUNK AND HAS ONLY SCRAP VALUE. TOYOTA USA RECALLED THE SEQUOIA, THE TUNDRA AND THE TACOMA FROM THE TIME PERIOD, APPROXIMATELY 2003-2007 MAYBE MORE YEAR MODELS, BUT DID NOT RECALL THE 4RUNNER BECAUSE THERE WERE TOO MANY SOLD AND IT WOULD HAVE COST TOO MUCH MONEY. THE FRAME AND FRAME RAIL ROT ON THE 4RUNNER FROM THAT TIME PERIOD IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH THE NHTA YET TOYOTA HAS SEEN FIT NOT TO RECALL THE 4RUNNER!! . WHAT A DISGRACE!! THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT IS THE 4RUNNERS, PAST AND PRESENT, SIT ON THE EXACT SAME FRAME AS THE TACOMA. THE TACOMA WAS RECALLED FOR THE FRAME ROT BUT THE 4RUNNER WERE NOT. COULD YOU PLEASE PROVIDE THE REASONING FOR NOT RECALLING THE 4RUNNER FOR FRAME ROT WHILE THE TACOMA WITH THE EXACT SAME FRAME FROM THE EXACT SAME FACTORY WAS NOT/HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED?

Mileage: 186,000

EXCESS FRAME RUSTING, HOLES IN FRAME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE TRAILING ARM BRACKETS WAS ROTTED WITH HOLES AND SLIGHT CORROSION. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Mileage: 196,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER IDENTIFIED DURING ROUTINE SERVICE AND NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, SAYING IT COULD NOT BE FIXED (BEYOND REPAIR), BUT THAT I SHOULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS NOW UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD.

Mileage: 144,580

CHASSIS/FRAME ON 4TH GENERATION 4RUNNERS HAVE A SEVERE RUST PROBLEM. MANY ARE DOCUMENTED & DISCUSSED AT HTTP://WWW.TOYOTA-4RUNNER.ORG/4TH-GEN-T4RS. SIMILAR TRUCKS IN TOYOTA'S PRODUCT LINE QUALIFIED FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT BUT THE 4RUNNER WAS IGNORED. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS 100% RUST FREE EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. RECENTLY HAD A BODY SHOP LOOK AT THE FRAME - WAS DESCRIBED AS "TOO RUSTY TO WELD ONTO" WHEN DISCUSSING PATCHES. BELOW I AM ASKED FOR A DATE WHEN THIS EVENT HAPPENED. I AM PUTTING TODAYS DATE, 2003 BECAUSE LOGICALLY THE TRUCK HAS BEEN RUSTING SINCE IT WAS BUILT.

Mileage: 1

FRAME RUST, SEVERE EXTENSIVE RUST TO FRAME, VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, TOYOTA HAS RECALLS FOR TUNDRA AND TACOMA, NEED TO ADD 4RUNNER TO RECALL LIST. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, FRAME ROT WAS POINTED OUT WHILE HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED. THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 203,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ATLANTIC TOYOTA DEALER LOCATED AT 145 ALBANY AVE, AMITYVILLE, NEW YORK, 11701, FOR A CHECK UP WHEN THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AS A RESULT OF SALT ON THE ROAD, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT DID NOT OFFER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,660.

Mileage: 125,660

I BOUGHT THE 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IN AUGUST 2015. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A REPAIR TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN JANUARY OF 2016, A BRAKE CALIPER MALFUNCTIONED AND I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED THERE WERE ROT HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THEY SHOWED ME PICTURES OF THE RUST HOLES AND I ABOUT FELL OVER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. I HAD THE HOLES REPAIRED. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR INSPECTION IN AUGUST 2016, THERE WERE MORE ROT HOLES AND IT COULDN'T BE INSPECTED. I HAD THOSE HOLES REPAIRED, AND THE REPAIR GUY SAID IT WAS DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. HE SAID IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I WAS SO MAD BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND AM NOW FACING LOSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO THIS FAULTY FRAME. I GOT THE OIL CHANGED RECENTLY AND THE COMMENT ON THE MULTIPOINT INSPECTION IS THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTING. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR TODAY, I HAD THE WHEEL TURNED, AND I SAW ANOTHER ROT HOLE IN THE FRAME BY THE WHEEL THAT I WILL HAVE TO GET REPAIRED. THIS IS A TERRIBLE SAFETY HAZARD, THE FRAME COULD RUST THROUGH WHILE I'M DIVING IT. I CAN'T JUST GO OUT AND GET ANOTHER CAR WHILE LOSING THOUSANDS ON THIS ONE WHICH IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I HAVE TO TRADE IT IN. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE.YES IT IS A 2003, AND I WOULD EXPECT SOME RUST ON AN OLDER VEHICLE, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I DO HAVE REPAIR BILLS, BUT I CAN'T SCAN THEM IN.

Mileage: 91,552

FRAME RUSTED THROUGHOUT TO THE POINT THAT MECHANICS AND BODY SHOP EMPLOYEES HAVE ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE OR SELL IT. WE WERE TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW FRAME AND IS BEYOND REPAIR. WE PURCHASED 11/29/16. PREVIOUS OWNER SPRAY UNDERCARRIAGE BLACK TO HIDE RUST. ONLY 151K MILES!

TODAY, I DROVE MY 2003 4RUNNER LIMITED THAT HAS 135409 MILES WITH THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS DEEMED "UNSAFE" BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TODAY. THIS WAS AFTER I TOOK MY 4RUNNER FOR FRONT BRAKES AND THE MECHANIC TOLD REMOVE MY KIDS CAR SEATS FROM THE BACK SEAT AND TOLD ME TO BRING TO THIS TOYOTA ATTENTION. THE 2003 4RUNNER FRAME IS UNSAFE AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE UNTIL THEY REPAIR / REPLACE FRAME.

RUST COVERING ALL CHASSIS COMPONENTS DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE NEEDS TO BE SCRAPED PRIMED AND PAINTED TO PROTECT AGAINST FURTHER DAMAGE

Mileage: 115,000

FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND SHOULD BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY

Mileage: 95,703

WHILE HAVING AN OIL AND FILTER CHANGE PERFORMED BY MIDAS AUTO SERVICE EXPERTS ON MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, THE OWNER OF THE SHOP FOUND THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED WITH RUST TO THE POINT WHERE THERE ARE HOLES WHERE THE FRAME IS WELDED. HE WAS ABLE TO PUSH HIS FINGER THROUGH THE RUSTED FRAME OF THE CAR. HE STATED THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO STRUCTURAL ROT OF THE FRAME.

Mileage: 165,000

MY 4RUNNER WAS CLASSIFIED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY A SAFETY INSPECTOR BECAUSE OF ADVANCED DEGRADATION OF THE FRAME DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST. IT IS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED.

Mileage: 144,000

FRAME AND UNDER PARTS ARE RUSTED

TAKATA RECALL. CAR IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE. RUST HAS CONSUMED THE FRAME TO THE POINT THAT MAJOR PARTS ARE AT RISK OF SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME AND FALLING FROM IT.

BADLY RUSTED FRAME

VEHICLE HAD FRAME PERFORATIONS FROM CORROSION AND COMPLETELY CORRODED GAS TANK STRAPS (BOTH STRAPS). BOTH OF THESE REPRESENT SAFETY HAZARDS AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. THE FRAME CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 4RUNNER AND SIMILAR VEHICLES IS WELL KNOWN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. SINCE TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS FOR SOME TIME AND NOT ACTED ON IT THERE NEEDS TO BE INTERVENTION FROM THE NHTSA TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

Mileage: 164,000

I WAS DOING SOME MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ON MY 2003 4 RUNNER AND NOTICED A HUGE ROT HOLE IN THE FRAMED JUST AHEAD OF THE RIGHT REAR TRACK BAR.

Mileage: 192,326

WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT THE REPAIR SHOP (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) ONGOING A SERVICE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED A HUGE ROT HOLE GOING ALONG THE PASSENGER FRAME AND ANOTHER RUST HOLE ON THE BOTTOM RADIATOR SUPPORT.

Mileage: 195,000

FRAME RUST - CAR IS BASICALLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

Mileage: 150,000

EXTREME FRAME CORROSION. FRAME CONDITION IS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,834.

Mileage: 96,834

THIS 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS 135,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE FRAME AND EXHAUST SYSTEM INCLUDING CATALYTIC CONVERTER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SOME FRAME COMPONENTS HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF FROM THE FRAME I.E. TOW HOOKS, EXHAUST AND ENGINE MOUNTS. THE FRAME IS ONLY HELD ON TO THE BODY BY THE SHOCK ABSORBERS. THE VEHICLE CAN NO LONGER BE DRIVEN SAFELY. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS DAMAGE WOULD BE PROHIBITIVE AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH AND TRUSTED THAT TOYOTA QUALITY WOULD LAST. PLEASE ADVISE ANY POSSIBLE RECOURSE. THANK YOU *TR

NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAKING AWFUL SOUND. I HAD MY MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK. IT IS THE WHEEL BEARINGS GOING OUT, BUT THEN PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE RUST IS SO BAD UNDERNEATH THAT ALL THE HOSE LINES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. BRAKE LINES LEAKING, TRANSMISSION LINE LEAKING. ALL WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE RUST IS EATING AWAY UNDERNEATH THE CAR LIKE CANCER. NO STOPPING IT. THE SWAY BARS ARE RUSTING INTO AS WELL. OUR MECHANIC WILL LET US KNOW HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO REPAIR THE LINES...BUT IS IT WORTH SPENDING THE MONEY ON??? THIS IS OUR 7TH TOYOTA THAT WE HAVE OWNED, ALWAYS TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF VEHICLE, AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE SUCH A RUSTY MESS. LOVE MY 4RUNNER BUT REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT!

Mileage: 184,000

FRAME HAS SIGNIFICANT RUST AND HAS DEVELOPED A HOLE UP NEAR THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I'VE HAD THE RUST SANDBLASTED OFF AND THE FRAME RE-COATED, BUT SHOULD THE FRAME FAIL, IT COULD RESULT IN A REAL SAFETY PROBLEM. DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE SEATBELT NOT BEING SNUG ENOUGH TO PREVENT INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

Mileage: 86,000

HAVE RUST ON MY FRAME. HAVE HOLE NEAR MY CAT CONVERTER THAT TOYOTA FOUND DURING INSPECTION WHICH FAILED BECAUSE OF THE HOLE. THEY RECOMMENDED I TAKE SOMEWHERE ELSE TO PATCH TO SAVE MONEY. SEEMS DANGEROUS THAT FRAME IS RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT IT CAUSED A HOLE.

Mileage: 125,000

EXTENSIVE AND SEVERE FRAME/CHASSIS RUST AND CORROSION THROUGHOUT . THIS IS A WELL-KNOW PROBLEM WITH BOTH 4RUNNER AND TACOMAS

Mileage: 35,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ANNUAL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE DEALER OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.

Mileage: 235,000

EXTENSIVE PREMATURE FRAME RUST

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA NEW IN 2003 AND HAVE HAD IT SERVICED BY THE SAME DEALER AS PER SCHEDULE. I HAVE 300469 MILES BUT HAVE RUSTING FRAME EVEN THOUGH I WASH UNDER FRAME ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALER THAT IS JUST THW NATURE OF THE MAKE. I PLAN ON KEEPING MY CAR BECAUSE IT RUNS VERY WELL WITH LITTLE OR NO PROBLEMS WITB EXCEPTION OF RUST. THE TACOMA OF THE SAME YEAR WAS TECSLLED.FOR THIS SAME REASON BUT NOT THE 4 RUNNER WITH THE SAME FRAME

I'M AN OWNER OF A 2003 4RUNNER AND HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES INVOLVING THE PAINT ON THE WHEELS PEALING. I HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL, IF NOT ALL WHEELS THAT TOYOTA USES ON THEIR 4 RUNNERS AND OTHER TRUCKS. WHY DOES TOYOTA CONTINUE TO SELL AND USE A WHEEL WHEN THEY KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE, AND WHY AREN'T THEY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING REFUNDS, OR REPAIR SERVICES? THE DEFECT LEADS TO THE WHEEL BEING CORRODED AND EVENTUALLY COMPROMISES THE INTEGRITY OF THE WHEEL'S STRENGTH. THE SAFETY OF THE WHEEL IS A BIG CONCERN OF MINE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 75,000

FAILED STATE INSPECTION 1/25/16 DUE TO RUSTED AND PERFORATED FRAME. IT PASSED THE INSPECTION 1/26/15 JUST BEFORE SELLING VEHICLE TO US. WE HAVE PUT LESS THAN 7000 MILES ON IT SINCE PURCHASE ON 1/28/15.

Mileage: 153,208

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE OF MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER BEGAN TO MOVE UP AND DOWN AND WOBBLE MAKING THE CAR WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD. WE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, CARVER TOYOTA OF COLUMBUS IN TAYLORSVILLE, IN. INSPECTING THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE WE FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE FRAME WHERE THE FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED LEAVING A BIG HUNK OUT OF THE FRAME. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATT WARREN, SERVICE MANAGER AT CARVER TOYOTA AND WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNDRIVEABLE. THIS IS A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE WHICH IS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION IN EVERY OTHER RESPECT THAN THE RUSTED FRAME. WE ARE VERY UPSET TO LOSE A GOOD CAR WHICH STILL HAD A LOT OF VALUE STILL LEFT IN IT TO US. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. WE WERE INCREDIBLY LUCKY THAT NEITHER WE NOR ANYBODY ELSE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT DAY WERE INJURED BY THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN OTHER 4RUNNERS AS WELL AND THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL AND THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. WE ARE HOLDING ON TO THE VEHICLE HOPING THAT THERE WILL BE SOME REMEDY FOR THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

Mileage: 203,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4UNNER. WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD BANG EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE INDEPENDENTLY AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN ENCOUNTERING UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES AND POTHOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ *CN

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND AN INSPECTOR SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER EXAMINED THE DAMAGE. THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME BRACKET, WHICH HOLDS THE LOWER CONTROL, HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE INSPECTOR RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

HEAVILY RUSTED AREAS ON THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT AND ROUTINELY MAINTAINED.

MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS SERIOUS FRAME RUST ISSUES WITH LESS THAN 150,000 MILES. THE PIECE OF THE FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR AND A/C CONDENSER HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND THE RADIATOR IS UNSUPPORTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WITH MY OLD 1996 4RUNNER WHICH HAD 100,000 MORE MILES ON IT.

SCHEDULED VEHICLE FOR REGULAR INSPECTION. TOYOTA REP ADVISED SUBSTANTIAL ROT ON FRAME, REAR PASSENGER SIDE. DID NOT PASS INSPECTION. REP ADVISED THAT NO CURRENT REMEDIES/RECALLS IN PLACE. REP SUGGESTED TO TRADE IT IN. 153000 MILES, ENGINE/TRANSMISSION EXCELLENT CONDITION. FRAME WASHED AND TREATED W/ RUST PREVENTION 2X A YEAR. UNACCEPTABLE STRUCTURAL PROBLEM, GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WITH NO REMEDY FROM TOYOTA.

Mileage: 153,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000

Mileage: 62,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. .....UPDATED 12/08/15 *BF *JS

Mileage: 139,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE THREE LARGE HOLES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

MY VEHICLE HAS SEVERE FRAME RUST AND ROT. PART OF FRAME AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR HAS HOLES IN IT AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IT WAS DRIVEN PRIMARILY IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.

Mileage: 137,000

BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR A SUSPENSION CHECK AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THE PASSANGER REAR FRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED.

Mileage: 140,000

ROTTING OUT FRAME WITH GAPING HOLES. THERE ARE SEVERAL LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME, AND ALONG THE WELD LINES AND SOFT SPOTS LEADING TO MORE AS WELL. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NOW OFF THE ROAD (I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR OR VALUE FOR TRADE IN). APPARENTLY, ACCORDING TO 3 SEPARATE MECHANICS I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO, IT RESEMBLES THE TACOMA ROTTING THAT LED TO RECALL (THAT I HAD NEVER KNOWN ABOUT). ACCORDING TO LAST MECHANIC WHO I WAS GOING TO GET A QUOTE FOR REPAIR SAID THE WHOLE FRAME IS ROTTED, SOFT SPOTS IN SEVERAL OTHER AREAS, AND IT IS A MATTER OF TIME AND NOT WORTH FIXING. I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA TWICE AND THEY BASICALLY SAID "TO BAD FOR YOU". NOTHING THEY ARE GOING TO DO. I'VE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF MY CAR, BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY DRIVER. PLANNED ON ANOTHER COUPLE YEARS AT LEAST. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA AND LUCKY THAT I WAS IN GET TO AN INSPECTION STICKER AS I WOULDN'T HAVE KNOWN. I IMAGINE COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC HADN'T I BEEN MADE AWARE....UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF UPDATED 9/24/15 *JS

Mileage: 179,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNKNOWN REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE REAR FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.

Mileage: 187,000

NO FAILURE. FLAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN PARTS AND VEHICLE DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY DEALERSHIP DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. FAILURE IS IMMINENT AND COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. TOYOTA FACTORY PERSONNEL HANDLING COMPLAINTS ACKNOWLEDGED THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH A RUSTED FRAME, BUT INSISTED THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING. FRAME IS SAME/SIMILAR TO THE TUNDRA AND TACOMA VEHICLES OF LIKE MODEL YEAR, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE HAD MANUFACTURER RECALLS. NO FACTORY SUPPORT EXISTS FOR THE 4RUNNER. I AM TO KEEP MY RECEIPT FOR ANY REPAIRS AND IF A RECALL HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE, TOYOTA WOULD "CONSIDER" REIMBURSING ME FOR COSTS. *TR

Mileage: 195,531

2003 4RUNNER WAS IN FOR SERVICE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRONT FRAME CROSS MEMBER AND THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE RADIATOR, WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY THE CROSS MEMBER, COULD SHIFT OR WORK LOOSE. THE RUST DAMAGE IS MOST EVIDENT NEAR THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) FRAME MEMBER WHERE THE TOW HOOK IS MOUNTED. DUE TO WEAKNESS IN THIS AREA, THE TOW HOOK PULLED OUT WHEN THE TRUCK WAS BEING WINCHED ONTO A FLATBED FOR TOWING. *TR

Mileage: 243,028

MY MECHANIC SHOWED ME THAT MY 4RUNNER HAS SEVERE FRAME RUST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC IS WARNING THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS IT'S NEXT SAFETY INSPECTION. THE 4RUNNER WAS PURCHASED AND KEPT IN VIRGINIA. *TR

Mileage: 156,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS DEVELOPING A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND BOTH STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS LEAKING CAUSING THE DASHBOARD TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

Mileage: 27,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THERE WAS A HOLE ON THE SUBFRAME NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE TECHNICIAN ADDED THAT THE FRAME HAD CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. AS A RESULT, THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRAME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,380.

Mileage: 110,380

2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS VERY EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE A RATTLING SOUND CHECKED OUT. TURNS OUT, THE HEAT SHIELD BROKE LOOSE AND WAS RESTING ON THE EXHAUST ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A MUFFLER HANGAR WAS READY TO COME LOOSE. IN ADDITION TO THIS, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE GAS TANK SUPPORTS WERE ALSO ROTTED AWAY. I'VE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON ONLINE FORUMS AND FOUND THAT OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES, SUCH AS THE TACOMA, HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY, I THINK THESE ISSUES MERIT FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR

Mileage: 71,114

MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS A BIG RUST PROBLEM... THE FRAME IS ROTTING AT AN EXPONENTIAL RATE... RECENTLY TOOK IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND MY MECHANIC SAID THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED OUT, AND WAS STARTING TO HAVE PERFORATIONS...I HAUL MY CHILDREN AROUND IN THE VEHICLE AND IT IS STARTING TO WORRY ME THAT IT IS GOING TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE... I CALLED TOYOTA TO TRY AND REMEDY THE SITUATION, BUT THEY PRETENDED LIKE THERE WAS NO PROBLEM... I HAVE DONE LOTS OF RESEARCH AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH 4RUNNER OWNERS IN THE SAME YEARS AND BODY STYLES AS MINE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM- THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED... *TR

Mileage: 77,000

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LTD. I ALWAYS SEEN RUST ON THE FRAME SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND HAD IT SERVICED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY NEVER TOLD ME THE RUST WAS BAD OR HAD THROUGH HOLES IN THE FRAME BECAUSE THEY NEVER LOOKED. RECENTLY I DECIDED TO REQUEST THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK SPECIFICALLY AT THE FRAME FOR HOLES. THEY FOUND MAY HOLES NEAR THE GAS TANK CROSSMEMBERS AND PASSENGER SIDE UNDER BUMPER AND DRIVER SIDE BUMPER. THERE ARE NO CAMPAIGNS OR PROGRAMS TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY FOR CORROSION ISSUES. HOWEVER WE KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL FOR 110,000 TUNDRAS AND ARE PERFORMING UNDERCOATING FOR TACOMAS. (MY BROTHER IS HAVING THIS DONE ON HIS 2006) I TOW A BOAT WITH MY 4RUNNER AND I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS SAFE TO TOW ANYMORE. I FEEL TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FRAME RUSTING SO BAD AND SHOULD FIX THE RUSTED PARTS LIKE THEY DID FOR THE TUNDRAS OR TACOMAS. *TR

Mileage: 162,352

DASHBOARD IS MELTING BECOMING STICKY AND CRACKING DUE TO HEAT EXPOSURE. DASHBOARD IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEIR IS A HIGH RISK THE DASHBOARD COULD FALL APART AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING FROM THE SUN. IT'S STICKY, CRACKING AND EVERYTHING IS STICKING TO IT. THE SAFETY AND BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD AFFECTING MY ABILITY TO SEE CLEARLY. IT'S THE ENTIRE DASH, BUT MOST OF THE GLARE IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *TR

Mileage: 147,084

THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER HAS DEVELOPED A HOLE, AND ANOTHER IS STARTING ON REAR OF THE FRAME. NO RUST ANYWHERE ON CAR EXCEPT FRAME. CAR WAS GARAGED OR PARKED ON PAVEMENT ALWAYS, NEVER ON GRASS OR DIRT. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2008 FOR $14,000 FROM A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, WITH 84,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION LINES RUSTED OUT SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE STEERING RACK HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND NOW THE GAS TANK HAS FALLEN DOWN, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO ATTACH A NEW SUPPORT TO. AN AUTOMOBILE THAT SHOULD HAVE A VALUE OF $6,000 + IS NOW WORTHLESS, AND WE CANNOT EVEN DRIVE IT SAFELY. THIS WAS A CHRONIC PROBLEM THAT WAS ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA EARLY ON, BUT THEY MANAGED TO AVOID REPAIRING THIS VEHICLE. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO, OTHER THAN WARN OTHERS AGAINST BUYING A TOYOTA. "ASK SOMEONE WHO DRIVES ONE". *TR

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH BOARD WAS SEVERELY CRACKED AND THE PROBLEM HAD WORSENED OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

HEAVY FRAME RUST....I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER TOYOTA SUVS AND PU'S WITH FRAME RUST THAT WERE RECALLED DUE TO THE FRAME RUSTING THROUGH. THIS VEHICLE'S LIFE STARTED OUT IN WNY, AND HAS BEEN IN VIRGINIA THE LAST 3- 4 YEARS. IF TOYOTA IS RECALLING THE TACOMAS AND SEQUOIAS THEN THE 4RUNNER SHOULD BE INCLUDED. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 76,500

WHILE IN PROCESS OF REPLACING SERPENTINE BELT AND IDLER PULLEYS ON ENGINE, I NOTICED (AFTER REMOVING LOWER ENGINE SHIELD UNDER VEHICLE) SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE TO FRONT FRAME SEGMENT UNDER RADIATOR SUPPORT. THE RIGHT SIDE TOW HOOK AND CORNER OF FRAME IT WAS MOUNTED TO FELL OFF IN MY HAND WHEN I TOUCHED IT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THERE ARE OTHER PARTS OF VEHICLE FRAME WITH RUST DAMAGE, THOUGH NONE APPEAR TO BE AS SEVERE AS AREA OF FRAME UNDERNEATH RADIATOR. THIS PORTION OF FRAME APPEARS TO CONNECT THE TWO SIDE FRAME RAILS TOGETHER. *TR

Mileage: 120,750

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHEN THEY DETECTED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. ONE OF THE TWO REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAD BECOME SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ALSO EXHIBITED CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 90,000

MY 4RUNNER GOT REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY AND DURING THE REPAIR PROCESS I FOUND OUT THAT THE HITCH RECEIVER THAT WAS ORIGINAL INSTALLED (51909-35010) WAS SUPERSEDED TO AN 'IMPROVED' ONE (51909-35011). HOWEVER, WHEN I INSTALLED MY BICYCLE CARRIER, I REALIZED THAT THE UNIVERSAL FOOT WAS STANDING ONE INCH OUT OF THE HITCH RECEIVER CAUSING IT TO VIRULENTLY SHAKE AND BOUNCE AROUND. WHEN INSPECTING THE NEW HITCH RECEIVER MORE CLOSELY, I REALIZED THAT THE HOLE FOR THE HITCH RECEIVER PIN IS NOW ONLY 1.5 INCHES FROM THE END OF THE HITCH AWAY WHILE BEFORE IT WAS 2.5 INCHES. I COMPARED THIS TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS HITCHES (E.G. GMC, CHEVROLET, JEEP, ETC) AND THEY ALL HAVE A 2.5 INCH DISTANCE FROM THE END OF THE RECEIVER TO THE HOLE FOR THE PIN. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO FIND OUT WHETHER THIS IS THE CORRECT PART AND WHY THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN IN THAT WAY, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. IN MY OPINION, THE NEW HITCH RECEIVER IS UNSAFE AS IT ALLOWS MORE PLAY OF THE BALL MOUNT AND APPEARS LESS STABLE AS LESS MATERIAL IS AROUND THE HITCH RECEIVER PIN. SINCE I AM UNABLE TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION FROM TOYOTA AND TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO LOOK FURTHER INTO THIS, IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU COULD HAVE A DETAILED LOOK IN THIS ISSUE. BEST REGARDS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM, WHICH FAILED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION THAT EXPANDED TO THE TRANSMISSION LINES AND THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

FRAME RUST THROUGH. FRONT MAIN FRAME SUPPORT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

MY 2003 4RUNNER WAS BROUGHT IN ON THE ABOVE DATE FOR ROUTINE SERVICE TO FOX TOYOTA, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI. THE SERVICE ADVISOR NOTIFIED ME THAT IN THE PROCESS OF SERVICING THE VEHICLE,THE TECH NOTICED SEVERE FRAME ROT AND BROKEN WELDS ON THE FRAME. THIS CONDITION WAS CONFIRMED BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR. SERVICE ADVISOR THEN SUGGESTED THAT I CALL TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE 800 NUMBER SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER VEHICLES BASED ON THE SAME FRAME. A SERIES OF CALLS TO TOYOTA HAVE PRODUCED NO RESULT. THEY ARE DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW AFRAID TO BE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AND TOYOTA IS WASHING THEIR CORPORATE HANDS OF RESPONSIBILITY BEYOND THEIR BASIC FIVE YEAR WARRANTY. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND OTHER THAN A COUPLE OF FENDER BENDERS CAUSED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE CAR HAS BEEN KEPT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND GARAGE KEPT BOTH AT HOME AND AT WORK. I NOTICED A HAIRLINE CRACK FROM THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) ON THE TOP DASH PANEL EXTENDING TO THE MIDDLE (TOP OF THE STEREO). AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE (SEVERAL COMPLAINTS BOTH HERE AS WELL AS OTHER WEBSITES), I CALLED TOYOTA @ 1-800-331-4331 AND OPENED CASE # 1211091043 AFTER MENTIONING THAT THE ISSUE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN WIDESPREAD AND CITING ANOTHER CASE # BY A FORUM MEMBER (1208280716). HOWEVER, TOYOTA DENIED BEING AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND WAS UNWILLING TO HELP CITING AN OUT-OF-WARRANTY CONDITION. MY CONCERN OF DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AS A RESULT DIDN'T APPEAR TO CONCERN THEM. I WAS GIVEN A CONTACT NAME OF THE NUMBER CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AT MY DEALERSHIP FOR POSSIBLE HELP. I HAVE ALSO READ THAT NEWER MODELS USE A DIFFERENT MATERIAL (PLASTIC) FOR THE DASH PANEL. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET BUT I BELIEVE THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THE DEFECT CALLS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND POSSIBLE RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 110,580

THE DASH OF MY 4 RUNNER HAS SPLIT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE FRONT. IT'S NOT FROM THE SUN BECAUSE MY CAR IS IN THE GARAGE WHEN I'M NOT AT WORK. I KEEP MY WINDOWS CRACKED WHEN I'M AT WORK IT'S HOT OUTSIDE. IT'S ON THE FRONT WHERE ALL MY GAUGES ARE NOT ON THE TOP. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM I HAVE AND IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. ONE PICTURE I SAW LOOKED JUST LIKE MINE. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCATE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SAW ONE SPLIT LIKE IT HAS SPLIT. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. IF YOU NEED PICTURES I WILL SEND THEM TO YOU. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 106,000

THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER OF THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS SEVERE CORROSION. THE AMOUNT OF CORROSION WAS IDENTIFIED TO ME BY A SERVICE TECHNICIAN DURING RECENT ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND THE TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION/ STRUCTURAL CORROSION ON OTHER MODELS. THE AMOUNT OF CORROSION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO WEAKEN THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH SITUATION AND POTENTIALLY DURING NORMAL VEHICLE USE AS WELL. THE PROBLEM WAS DISCUSSED WITH DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER WHO REFERRED ME TO THE TOYOTA NATIONAL HOTLINE. TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE AT THAT DEPARTMENT STATED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY OR REPAIR PROGRAMS FOR THIS CONDITION, NOR DO THEY OFFER ANY FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION FOR THE COSTS OF CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION WAS DOCUMENTED IN TOYOTA CASE NUMBER [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 110,000

FRAME OF VEHICLE IS ROTTING OUT- NOT LIKELY TO PASS INSPECTION FOR VERY LONG. SIMILAR ISSUES TO FRAMES OF TOYOTA TACOMA AND TUNDRA FRAMES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. 4RUNNER SHOULD BE RECALLED AS WELL. JUST DISCUSSED CONDITION OF FRAME WITH LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TODAY- RECOMMENDED FILING A COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 120,863

DASHBOARD IS CRACKED FROM DRIVER SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE. SPIDER WEB LIKE CRACKS OVER GLOVE BOX. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED FROM THE DRIVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AREAS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,364. UPDATED 02/28/12 *BF

Mileage: 115,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO HANG VERY LOW. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS RE-ATTACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,000. ..UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF ALSO, THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/28/11

Mileage: 129,000

THIS VEHICLE HAS A ROTTED FRAME WHICH IS PERFORATED IN AT LEAST 3 PLACES

DASH CRACKING IN 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. CRACKS MATERIALIZED FROM DRIVERS SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE. NUMEROUS. EXACT DEALER RECOMMENDATIONS TO NOT USE ANYTHING OTHER THAN A DAMP CLOTH TO CLEAN THE DASH BOARD. THIS SUV IS GARAGED AND NORMALLY NOT OUT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. I HAVEN'T SEEN A DASH CRACK LIKE THIS SINCE THE OLD ONES BACK IN THE LATE 70'S. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THIS OBVIOUS FLAW IN THEIR DASH DESIGN. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

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

Mileage: 68,500

I HAVE A CRACK IN THE DASH 1 FOOT LONG ABOVE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ONLY 15000 MILES ON TRUCK. ALOT OF OTHER POST ARE ON THE INTERNET WITH SAME CRACK OR MORE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED. I AM WORRIED THAT SOMETHING WILL SPILL AND SHORT THE AIRBAG. FOR A TRUCK DROVE SO LITTLE AND ALWAYS IN THE DARK THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. TOYOTA PLACE 9670 TRASK AV GARDEN GROVE CA ASKED TOYOTA TO REPLACE IT THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECT. ANIKA FROM TOYOTA CAME TO LOOK AT A SHOWROOM CONDITION TRUCK AND SAID NO IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE IT IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT IT. IT WOULD BE $1000.00. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY AT THIS TIME. THEY DO NOT CARE. CALLED TOYOTA ON SAME DAY THEY SAID ANIKA SAID NO SO THAT IS AS GOOD AS IN STONE NOTHING MORE TO TALK ABOUT. THIS IS THE NEW TOYOTA MONEY OVER SAFETY. *TR

Mileage: 15,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD WAS EXHIBITING CRACKS NEAR THE AIR BAG. THE FAILURE BEGAN YEARS PRIOR BUT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF UPDATED 10/26/10*JB

Mileage: 60,000

IN MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 THE OPEN ENGINE HOOD FALLS WITHOUT WARNING. A SMALL HYDRAULIC PISTON AUTOMATICALLY HOLDS THE HOOD OPEN WHEN THE HOOD IS LIFTED. THERE IS NO ROD OR OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICE TO HOLD THE HOOD OPEN, JUST THE PISTON. THE HOOD STAYS OPEN FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN QUIETLY FALLS, AT FIRST VERY SLOWLY FOR A FEW INCHES, THEN RAPIDLY ENOUGH TO POSSIBLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO A PERSON LEANING OVER THE OPEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HOOD IS FAIRLY HEAVY PROBABLY DUE TO THE THICK AND HEAVY FIBERGLASS INSULATION. THE PISTON WORKED PROPERLY UNTIL ABOUT EARLY 2009 WHEN IT STARTED OCCASIONALLY FALLING, NOW (APRIL 2010) THE HOOD FALLS AFTER A FEW MINUTES EVERY TIME THE HOOD IS OPENED. SINCE THIS STARTED HAPPENING I'VE BEEN USING A WOOD STICK I CUT TO SIZE TO HOLD THE HOOD OPEN WHEN I NEED ACCESS. NOW I'M GOING TO HAVE THE PISTON REPLACED BUT I'LL ASK FOR THE REMOVED PARTS BACK IN CASE THEY NEED TO BE EXAMINED. EVEN WITH THE NEW PISTON, THOUGH, I INTEND TO USE THE WOOD STICK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I JUST DON'T TRUST THE PISTON DESIGN SINCE IT APPARENTLY REQUIRES PERFECT SEALING TO MAINTAIN THE LIFTING FORCE. ALSO, ACCORDING TO MY INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT DOES MAINLY TOYOTA'S, THIS IS A FREQUENT ENOUGH PROBLEM THAT THEIR REPAIRMEN ALWAYS BRACE THE HOODS OPEN WHEN WORKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENTS. THANKS. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HOLDS UP THE HOOD EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE. ONCE THE HOOD IS OPENED, THE HOOD WOULD BEGIN SLOWING COMING DOWN AND THE PACE PICKS UP. THE HOOD WOULD SLAM SHUT VIOLENTLY AND CAN POTENTIAL CAUSE INJURY TO SOMEONE WHO IS WORKING ON THE ENGINE. *TR

Mileage: 67,000