2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Unknown Or Other Problems

While my mechanic was servicing a small exhaust leak on my vehicle he noticed that the chassis/frame of the vehicle was heavily corroded. He told me that he believe it was no longer safe to drive and that I contact Toyota. I had a local Toyota service center also look at it and they confirmed that the chassis/frame was heavily corroded and unsafe to drive.

Frame is rotted from front to back

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.

There is severe rust on the frame, the rear is listing by 3/4 of an inch due to suspension rust, parts of the frame are perforated and lots of rust can fall out of drain holes when tapped. I am unable to steer the truck due to the intermediate steering column rust. The Tacoma was recalled for the same reason, I am assuming the 4runner has not been recalled because it was manufactured in greater numbers, and therefore more costly to repair, the danger of the severe rust is the same in both vehicles.

Rusted frame

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

The frame has rusted out. It has many large holes throughout and will not pass State Inspection and is deemed unsafe.

I have not actually had an incident yet, but have been advised by the Toyota service team that I should no longer tow trailers and should consider not driving it at all due to frame rust/perforation in front of the rear control arms. This has been a well cared for vehicle that is in otherwise great shape (It has had every repair the dealership has ever recommended) the vehicle was bought per the dealerships claim that it could be driven "forever" as long as the dealership takes care of it. And now I'm faced with a massive expense to repair or replace the vehicle.

The main rust issues are claims arising out of a pending class action lawsuit pleadings’ that the Toyota Manufacturer perform at no cost inspections, in addition to dire emergency needed replacement of including my 2003 Toyota 4Runner frame because of premature rusting of the undercarriage-my vehicle’s frame due to improper treatment against rust corrosion during manufacturing-inadequate rust protection, which has lead to severe excessive rust corrosion significant enough to affect structural integrity, compromising the vehicle’s safety, stability & crash-worthiness, & poses a dangerous risk.

The frame is rusted beyond repair and is dangerous to drive. The frame cross members are rusted through. One cross member that supports the transfer case is about to fail and would cause the transfer case to drop out of the bottom of the truck causing a catastrophic failure and possible accident. The vehicle cannot be driven. The problem is unrepairable. The truck has to be junked. The problem was brought to my attention by the Toyota Service Rep during a routine service appointment. The rust appeared several years ago but not to this extent.

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.

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

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.

FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT RUSTED, GAS TANK STRAPS ARE ROTTED/RUSTED. REAR SWAY BARS ARE ROTTED OFF THE FRAME. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FRAME ISSUE AS THE TACOMA AND SEQUOIA FRAMES THAT ARE ON RECALL.

Mileage: 215,000

ADDING MY NAME TO THE LIST OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE AND PREMATURE FRAME RUST ON THEIR 4RUNNER, POTENTIALLY CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITIONS WHICH COULD LEAD TO A COLLISION. TOYOTA ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM FOR THE TACOMA, SEQUOIA, AND TUNDRA OF THE SAME YEARS, AND THEY SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR THE 4RUNNER.

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

LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION, EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION TO FRAME OF VEHICLE FOUND. HOLES IN FRAME LARGER THAN 2 INCHES.

Mileage: 98,000

THE AUTO HAS 130,000 BUT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES AND IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 130,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5 WAS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH AT SPEEDS UP TO 35 MPH SOMETHING IS WRONG THINKING MAYBE THE SWAY BARS SO TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND AFTER HE DROVE IT AND PUT IT UP ON A LIFT HE WAS FRIGHTENED ON HOW MUCH RUST AND SEPARATION ON THE FRAME ESPECIALLY THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT NEXT TO THE MUFFLER COMPLETE SEPARATION AND THEN YOU WALK TO THE MIDDLE ANY DAY NOW THAT WOULD HAVE SEPARATED .I WAS TOLD TO TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TAKE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE WHICH IS ABOUT TWO-THREE MILES AWAY WHICH I DID BUT NOW IT SITS IN MY GARAGE - AND WITH ONLY 139,000 MILE ON IT NOT ABLE TO DRIVE OR SELL UNLESS ITS FOR JUNK.

Mileage: 139,000

I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. RIGHT AFTER I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD VIOLENTLY. IT WAS A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, WILL IT HAPPEN AGAIN OR IS THIS COMMON? ALSO, SHORTLY AFTER I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF MY CAR, THE PAINT STARTED TO PEEL ON THE REAR HATCH BELOW THE LICENSE ON THE LEFT, WHERE THERE ARE SOMEWHAT SHARP ANGLES. TOYOTA REPAINTED THE REAR HATCH, EXCLUDING THE SPOILER. I JUST NOTICED TWO RUST SPOTS ABOVE THE REAR WINDOW. IT APPEARS WATER IS SEEPING IN FROM ABOVE THE BLACK STRIP AND PONDING ON THR BOTTOM OF IT (ABOVE THE WINDOW), RESULTING IN RUST. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS COMMON OR A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE BLACK STRIP WAS REMOVED TO REPAINT, OR WASN'T SEALED AS WELL BY THE FACTORY?

Mileage: 58,000

THIS 2003 4RUNNER HAS 85K MILES ON IT AND HAS SEVERE RUST ON THE FRONT CORNERS OF THE FRAME. THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IS QUESTIONABLE. THERE'S ALSO SIGNIFICANT RUST ON OTHER METAL COMPONENTS AS WELL. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2006 TUNDRA THAT WAS RECALLED FOR SEVERE FRAME RUST AND I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAD TUNDRAS AND TACOMAS WITH SEVERE RUST PROBLEMS ON THE FRAME. THE 4RUNNER HAS A TRUCK FRAME UNDER IT LIKE THE OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS AND HAS THE SAME FRAME RUST ISSUES. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THE 4RUNNER?

Mileage: 85,000

FRAME ON 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. GAS TANK STRAPS ARE ROTTED AND RUSTED ALONG WITH THE PLATE UNDERNEATH THE GAS TANK IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. TRIED TO GET THEM REPLACED AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR DAMAGED HIS TOOLS TRYING TO GET THE BOLTS OUT. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE SKID PLATE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND JUST HANGING OFF THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. NOW THE FRAME IS COMPLETED RUSTED AND OUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOLD US THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOOK IT TO A AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP, TECHNICIAN WORKED FOR TOYOTA FOR 30 YEARS AND TOLD US TO CALL THEM BECAUSE THE FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED. TOYOTA DOES NOT AGREE.

THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY I HAD A MECHINIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID 'IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THERES NO STRENGTH IN THE FRAME IF YOU GET INTO A CRASH ' THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 105,000 MILES ON IT

Mileage: 75,000

THE TRAILING ARM MOUNT ON THE FRAME BROKE OFF. THE STABILIZER BAR END LINK MOUNT BROKE FREE OF THE FRAME

Mileage: 200,000

I'VE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THESE MODELS AND YEARS ..... ARE RIDDLED WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. UNSAFE RUST TO THE POINT THAT MY VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER PASS INSPECTION. THE RUST HAS COMPROMISED THE FRAME WHERE IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO TRAVEL IN!!! MY PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BY MY MECHANIC AFTER ROUTINE SERVICE.

Mileage: 105,000

I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I WAS AWARE THAT TOYOTA HAD ISSUES WITH THE TACOMA, TUNDRA, AND SEQUOIA VEHICLES WITH RUSTING FRAMES, BUT I WAS UNAWARE THAT THE 4RUNNERS WERE PLAGUED WITH THE SAME FRAME ROT ISSUES. I HAVE OWNED THE 4RUNNER FOR OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TO REPAIR THE FRAME DUE TO RUST THROUGH ISSUES NOW ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS. THE FRAME IS VERTUALLY A TOTAL LOSS. THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND OTHER COMPONENTS ARE GREAT, BUT THE FRAME RUST HAS MADE THE VEHICLE TOO UNSAFE TO CONTINUE TO OWN.

Mileage: 200,000

TOOK 2003 4RUNNER TO DEALER FOR ALIGNMENT. WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME HAS RUSTED TO POINT OF MAKING CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL COMPONENTS HAVE RUST.

FRAME RUSTING EXCESSIVLY

Mileage: 143,000

FRAME ROTTING. 4 RUNNER GARAGED AND SHORT COMMUTE. VERY WELL MAINTAINED AT LOCAL DEALER. VEHICLE LOW MAINTENANCE. ROTTING REPORTED BY TOYOTA TECHNICIAN.

Mileage: 137,000

RUSTY FRAME

Mileage: 159,208

THE FRAME IS RUSTED WITH AREAS THAT NEED TO BE REPAIRED OR FRAME REPLACED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH AFTER HITTING A BUMP. IT IS LIKE THE FRONT END IS LOSE. I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED, SO IT IS NOT OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Mileage: 135,000

STRUCTURE COMPLAINT. FRAME , FRAME MOUNTING POINTS, AND SUSPENSION MOUNTING POINTS. HEAVY RUST. UPON MAINTENANCE DIAGNOSTICS FOR EVAP SYSTEM THE MECHANICS INDICATED SIGNIFICANT SERIOUS CORROSION PROBLEMS WITH THE FORWARD AND REARWARD SECTIONS OF THE FRAME. SIGNIFICANT AND DANGEROUS DETERIORATION TO MOUNTING POINTS FOR TRACK BARS, BRAKE LINE BRACKETS, AND OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. STRUCTURALLY THE FRAME IS QUESTIONABLE IN PLACES AND LIKELY HAZARDOUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING, RECOMMENDED THAT VEHICLE BE RETIRED AS IS.

Mileage: 78,585

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS SUFFERING FROM WIDESPREAD UNDERSIDE RUST. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FRAME, RADIATOR SUPPORT, SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, BRAKE LINES AND TOW HITCH.

Mileage: 135,000

FRAME IS GETTING LARGE RUST HOLES THROUGHOUT ENTIRE FRAME.

Mileage: 180,000

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN GREAT CARE OF THIS TRUCK. REGULAR WASHING, CLEANING, MAINTENANCE ETC... I HAVE TRIED TO GRIND OFF THE RUST, USE RUST INHIBITING PRODUCTS, AND UNDERCOATING WITHOUT ANY LUCK. THE TRUCK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, BUT THE FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES. I'M AFRAID THIS $37000 TRUCK WILL NOT MAKE IT TO 75000 MILES. I KNOW TOYOTA HAS HAD RECALLS ON THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA TRUCK FRAMES, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 4RUNNERS FOR SOME REASON. THE 4RUNNER TRUCK FRAMES ARE TOTAL JUNK AND SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.

Mileage: 56,700

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.

EXTREME FRAME RUST. CAR IS LOW MILEAGE, WELL-KEPT, AND OUTWARDLY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. RECENTLY SUFFERED NEAR-TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. TOWED IT TO SHOP FOR REPAIR. SHOP REFUSED TO REPAIR BRAKES. THEY SAID FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE RUST HAD EATEN AWAY THE POINT WHERE THE BRAKE LINES ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, AND BRAKE FUID WAS LEAKING FROM THAT JUNCTURE. THEY SAID IF THEY REMOVED THE BRAKE LINES TO REPLACE THEM, THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO REATTACH THEM BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ENOUGH GOOD FRAME METAL TO WORK WITH. THEY SAID THE FRAME RUST WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY FEARED IT COULD BREAK CLEAN THROUGH, OR STEERING OR SUSPENSION PARTS COULD BREAK LOOSE. THEY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUTTING WHAT THEY BELIEVED TO BE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE BACK ON THE ROAD. THEY ONLY REASON I DISCOVERED THIS WAS THAT THE RUST CAUSED MY BRAKES TO NEARLY FAIL. TOYOTA HAS HAD RECALLS AND LAWSUITS ON IDENTICAL ISSUES INVOLVING TACOMAS AND OTHER TRUCK-FRAMED VEHICLES. THE 4-RUNNER IS A TRUCK-FRAMED VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. I HAVE PHOTOS THAT THE REPAIR SHOP SENT ME, BUT I CAN'T SEND THEM FFROM THIS COMPUTER.

Mileage: 117,766

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS.

Mileage: 100,000

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND WHAT IS REASONABLE AND SAFE. I PURCHASED THE 4RUNNER NEW AND NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS THE FRAME IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SOME SHOPS REFUSE TO PUT THE 4RUNNER ON A LIFT IN FEAR THE FRAME WILL BREAK. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I FEEL THIS RUST ISSUE IS THE FAULT OF TOYOTA TO NOT PREP THE FRAME TO RESIST CORROSION.

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND WHAT IS REASONABLE AND SAFE. I PURCHASED THE 4RUNNER NEW AND NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS THE FRAME IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SOME SHOPS REFUSE TO PUT THE 4RUNNER ON A LIFT IN FEAR THE FRAME WILL BREAK. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I FEEL THIS RUST ISSUE IS THE FAULT OF TOYOTA TO NOT PREP THE FRAME TO RESIST CORROSION.

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND WHAT IS REASONABLE AND SAFE. I PURCHASED THE 4RUNNER NEW AND NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS THE FRAME IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SOME SHOPS REFUSE TO PUT THE 4RUNNER ON A LIFT IN FEAR THE FRAME WILL BREAK. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I FEEL THIS RUST ISSUE IS THE FAULT OF TOYOTA TO NOT PREP THE FRAME TO RESIST CORROSION.

HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS. LOW OWNER COUNT, AND 160K MILES WITH GOOD MAINTENANCE HISTORY. NOTICED A SLIGHT SWAY AT TIMES ON THE ROAD, SUSPECTED TIRES AND/OR ALIGNMENT. AFTER REPLACING AND SERVICING IT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FRAME IS ROTTED OUT EXTREMELY BAD FROM FRONT TO BACK. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL IS COMPLETELY OPEN ON THE BOTTOM FROM CORROSION, CAUSING STABILITY ISSUES AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 165,000

THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY RUSTED FOR IT'S AGE. EVERY COMPONENT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME IS OVERLY RUSTED AS WELL. IT IS SPREADING LIKE A VIRUS THROUGHOUT THE UNDER BODY. I AM BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED ABOUT HAULING, TOWING, OR EVEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE DUE TO THIS RUST. WITH ONLY 172,000 MILES, THIS SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING IT IN A GARAGE FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS BUT AS THE 2ND OWNER IT'S PROBABLY TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AS THEY DID SOME OTHER MODELS.

Mileage: 172,000

STRUCTURAL RUST TO FRAME. CRACKS AND HOLES AT WELDS AND ATTACHMENT POINTS OF SUSPENSION AND STEERING. FRAME IS DISINTEGRATING UNDER THE TRUCK, COMPLETE STRUCTURAL FAILURE IS IMMINENT.

Mileage: 160,200

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 RUST PREVENTING IT FROM PASSING INSPECTION

FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH WHERE "FRONT CLIP" JOINS SIDE RAILS. FOUND DURING NORMAL VEHICLE SERVICE. VEHICLE DEEMED "SAFE" TO USE AT PRESENT, BUT THE FRAME WILL FAIL IN THE FUTURE. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, ONE OWNER, GARAGED, APPROXIMATELY 125,000 MILES, ALL STREET MILES, NEVER OFF-ROADED.

Mileage: 125,000

"TAKATA RECALL". SO I'M NOT UNDERSTANDING A PROBLEM WITH MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER. AS OF YESTERDAY THERE WAS A GREAT AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE OIL STICK FROM MY ASSUMPTION THE OIL WAS GETTING ON THE CADILLAC CONVERTER. OR SOMETHING THAT WOULD HIT SOMETHING HOT ON THE ENGINE TO CAUSE IT TO SMOKE I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THAT.

Mileage: 185,000

VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A DECADE BEFORE BEING INFORMED THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO HOLES FORMING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FRAME ASSEMBLY FROM CORROSION. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWES THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE RESEMBLES THAT OF THE TOYOTA TACOMA AND TUNDRA MODELS WHICH WHERE RECALLED DUE TO EARLY AND UNSAFE CORROSION LEADING TO COMPONENTS TO DETACH FROM FRAME WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHICH CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS LIFE HAZARD. FRAME AND VEHICLE WERE ALSO MANUFACTURED IN OHIO DANA COMPANY WHICH IS THE SUPPLIER OF THE RECALLED FRAMES USED IN THE TOYOTA TUNDRAS AND TACOMA'S.

Mileage: 176,654

FRAME IS ROTTING APART. SEVERAL HOLES AND CRACKS

THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND THE REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE STARTING TO LOOK LIKE POTATO CHIPS. ALSO NOTICED STEERING COMPONENTS ARE SEVERALLY RUSTED.

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ONLY HAS 79,000 MILES ON IT AND THE FRAME HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED WITH LARGE HOLES THROUGHOUT. THE COUPLING BETWEEN THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE RACK AND PINION IS COMPLETELY ROTTED. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING FAULTY STEERING. MY MECHANIC HAS DEEMED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 79,000

FRAME IS VERY RUSTED AND I FEEL IT MAY BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I RECENTLY HAD A RECALL ON MY 2006 TOYOTA TACOMA DUE TO RUST AND THE FRAME WAS REPLACED. MY 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS MORE RUST THAN THE TACOMA DID AND WOULD EXPECT THAT IT SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED AS WAS THE TACOMA FOR THE EXTENSIVE RUST.

Mileage: 194,000

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

EXTREME RUST/ROT THROUGHOUT MY 2003 4RUNNER FRAME. THE BODY, INTERIOR, POWERTRAIN ARE 8.5 OUT OF 10 THE FRAME IS A 0 I LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND AND RECENTLY PURCHASED THE 03 4RUNNER SR5 BASED OFF IT LOOKS. I DROVE THE 4RUNNER OF ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I WAS DRIVING ON A TYPICAL NEW ENGLAND ROAD, FAIRLY SMOOTH WITH POT HOLES HERE AND THERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 M.P.H.. WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE 4RUNNER SENT THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK HARD LEFT AND THE REAR OF THE TRUCK TO THE RIGHT. THE TIRES WERE SCREECHING AND I WAS SENT SIDEWAYS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC NARROWING MISSING CARS AND PEDESTRIANS IN THE AREA. I GOT THE TRUCK TO "CRAB WALK" BACK ACROSS THE ROAD INTO A PARKING OUT AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. WHEN WE GOT THE TRUCK HOME THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND I TOOK A LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK TO SEE WHAT WENT WRONG. THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. WITH THE TRUCK ON THTHE GROUND I WAS ABLE TO ROLL THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL FORWARD AND BACKWARDS ABOUT 5 INCHES WITHOUT THE VEHICLE MOVING AT ALL. I THEN GOT UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW THAT THE CROSS MEMBER UNDER THE TRANSMISSION HAD RUSTED AWAY AND AND WHAT NOT IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK. ALSO I COULD PUSH HOLES IN THE THE FRAME WITH MY FINGERS AROUND THE DRIVER/ FRONT PASSENGER DOORS. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE 4RUNNER SINCE AND I DONT HAVE 8K+ TO PAY A SHOP TO REPLACE A FRAME. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED

Mileage: 104,000

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

CAR WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY. BRAKES WERE SERVICES 6 MONTHS AGO. TRAVELED FROM NC TO FL FOR HOLIDAY. STARTED CAR MAINTENANCE LIGHT WENT ON SHOWED AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WITH EAR PIERCING BUZZER. WENT TO DRIVE CAR TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAD NO BRAKES. THEY WOULD WORK SLIGHTLY BUT TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. DID NOT HAVE BRAKES

Mileage: 100,000

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

FRAME RUSTING OUT

Mileage: 161,790

EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE CHASSIS. ABNORMAL NOISE NOISE. THE METAL COULD DETACH AND CAUSE ACCIDENT. SEE PICTURES FOR DETAILS

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

UPON DRIVING OUR 4RUNNER, WE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY GONE. WE IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. WE GOT IT TO THE SERVICE FACILITY AND UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSING THE REAR CALIPER O LEAK WHICH DESTROYED THE REAR BRAKES. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED US THAT THE BRAKE LINES WILL NEED REPLACED AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME ARE SEVERELY CORRODED. HIS OPINION IS CLOSE TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 230,000

PREMATURE CORROSION OF FRAME VSC LIGHT ON ATRAC SYSTEM PERMANENTLY DISENGAGED

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST, ESPECIALLY AT REAR AREA OF VEHICLE. BODY MOUNTS DISINTEGRATING AT REAR. OTHER ATTACHMENT MOUNTS (FOR EXAMPLE REAR ANTI-SWAY BAR) ARE RUSTING SEVERELY. RUST NOTED 11/2/2018 WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN THE AIR FOR SERVICE.

Mileage: 68,000

MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM EXTREMELY BAD FRAME CORROSION. DURING A RECENT INSPECTION IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE FRAME IS AT FAILURE POINT. LARGE HOLES HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAIN BOX RAIL (BOTTOM AND SIDES). ADDITIONALLY, HOLES HAVE DEVELOPED ON FRONT FRAME RAILS, JUST INSIDE FENDER WELLS (BOTH SIDES). VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. BODY IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, ABSOLUTELY NO CORROSION AT ALL ON THE BODY. ENGINE/TRANSMISSION/DRIVETRAIN ARE ALL IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. THIS FRAME ISSUE NEEDS ATTENTION FROM TOYOTA.

Mileage: 174,000

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

TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE WORK DONE ON THE STRUTS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDERNEATH IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, BUT TOYOTA STILL REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FRAMES OR ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN ANY WAY, DESPITE HAVING ISSUED A RECALL FOR OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *LN *DL

Mileage: 147,000

FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE RUST. ROTTED BOLTS AFFECTING ABILITY TO HAVE COMPLETE ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. FAILED WHEEL BEARINGS CAUSING LOUD ROTATIONAL FRICTION SOUNDS WHILE IN MOTION. RUSTED EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING FAILURE AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.

Mileage: 111,354

THE FRAME IN THE REAR OF MY 03 4 RUNNER HAS RUSTED OUT NEAR THE REAR PASSENGERS SIDE.

Mileage: 230,000

INFORMED TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA , TWO YEARS AGO , OF MY DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT LETTER AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED MY CRACKED DASHBOARD.

RUST ALL OVER THE FRAME. THERE ARE MANY PARTS WHERE IT HAS ATE THROUGH THE FRAME IN WELDS.

FRAME HAS HOLES AND CRACKS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE RUST. ONE CROSS MEMBER IS NON FUNCTIONAL. HAS RUSTED THROUGH ENTIRELY. I CALLED TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER CARE 800 NUMBER. WAS TOLD THE 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT. THE BODY IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. IT HAS ONLY 104,000 MILES. COLLISION REPAIR SHOP LOOKED AT THE FRAME YESTERDAY AND I WAS TOLD IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

THE FRAME IT'S RUSTED

EXCESS FRAME RUSTING, HOLES IN FRAME

TOOK THE TRUCK FOR INSPECTION IT WON'T PASS FRAME IS ROTTED BEYOND FIXING!!

WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2010 AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU.

Mileage: 108,000

FRAME RUSTING OUT

Mileage: 82,000

FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT.

FRAME AND SUSPENSION ATTACHED TO THE FRAME CORRODED EARLY. THE ATTACHMENTS FOR THE REAR SHOCKS ARE ALMOST CORRODED THROUGH.

MY DASH IS CRACKED FROM DRIVERS SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE AND IT APPEARS TO BE KIND OF MELTING. WHEN I AM DRIVING OVER 50MPH AND MY BACK WINDOW IS DOWN IT MAKES AN HORRIBLE NOISE BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS FINE NOT

Mileage: 100,000

MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS MASSIVE FRAME ROT. I FIXED WHAT I COULD, BUT STILL FIGHTING WITH THE PROBLEM. I KNOW TOYOTA RECALLED THEIR PICK UP TRUCKS BECAUSE OF FRAME ISSUES, THEY SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR THEIR 4 RUNNERS.

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

EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST THROUGH AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL/AXLE RUST THE FRAME RUST IS IN AN AREA THAT CONNECTS THE REAR AXLE TO THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 130,009

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING. TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THE TACOMA OF THE SAME YEAR FOR THIS ISSUE AND THAT VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FRAME. AS AN OWNER OF A 4RUNNER I AM UPSET BECAUSE MY VEHICLE COSTS MORE, BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX THIS.

Mileage: 75,000

I PURCHASED MY 4RUNNER NEW. IT CURRENTLY HAS 189,500 MILES. EVEN THOUGH I KEEP MY CAR INSIDE MY GARAGE, THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND STICKY. I SEE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ONE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 180,000

FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND WILL NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION

Mileage: 143,000

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

TOYOTA SEEMS TO BE DRAGGING THEIR FEET IN REPLACING THE STICKY DASHBOARDS AS PROMISED. SURELY THEY ARE NOT REPLACING THESE DASHBOARDS OUT OF PURE CONCERN FOR VEHICLE OWNERS. THEY MUST HAVE BEEN PRESSURED THROUGH THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AND BY DRAGGING THEIR FEET MAY BE EFFECTIVELY IN CONTEMPT OF THAT PROMISE. I FIRST HEARD FROM TOYOTA IN THE SPRING OF 2014 THAT I WILL BE FURTHER CONTACTED IN THE SPRING OF 2015 ABOUT MY REPLACEMENT. AFTER RECEIVING THAT LETTER IN THE SPRING OF 2015, I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL JUNE 2015. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THEM TO RECEIVE THE NECESSARY PARTS. SURELY TOYOTA HAVE NOT STOPPED MAKING CARS SO THEIR INABILITY TO COMPLETE THEIR PROMISE APPEARS TO BE OUT OF INDIFFERENCE. HOPEFULLY THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION CAN PUT MORE PRESSURE ON TOYOTA TO HONOR THEIR PROMISE.

FRAME RUSTED OUT IN LESS THAN 13 YEARS ON THE ROAD.

Mileage: 130,000

THE FRAME ON MY 4 RUNNER ROTTED SO BADLY IT WAS UNSAFE AND NOT REPAIRABLE. I TOOK VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE BRAKES WORKED ON. WHEN THEY PUT IT UP ON THE RACK, THEY ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND LOOK AT IT. THE FRAME WAS ROTTEN WITH RUST. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, NOT PRACTICAL TO REPAIR, AND COULD ONLY BE SOLD FOR PARTS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD 65,257 MILES ON IT. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT HE COULD POKE A SCREWDRIVER RIGHT THROUGH IT. LARGE RUSTY CHUNKS WERE FALLING RIGHT OFF OF THE FRAME. THERE ARE TWO STEEL U PIECES WELDED, ONE ON EITHER SIDE, TO THE FRONT OF THE FRAME FOR TOWING PURPOSES. ONE OF THESE WAS HANGING DOWN BY A RUSTY THREAD. I LATER PULLED ON IT WITH MY HAND AND IT CAME RIGHT OFF WITH A BUNCH OF SCALY RUST FLAKES. I HAVE SAVED IT AS EVIDENCE OF HOW BADLY THE FRAME HAD DISINTEGRATED. THE DEALER WOULD ONLY ALLOW ME $100 ON A TRADE IN, BUT I DID AS I HAD TO HAVE A VEHICLE TO DRIVE. I FELT VERY FORTUNATE THAT THE FRAME DID NOT BREAK UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AS I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! MY WORKING CAREER HAS BEEN AS AN ENGINEER AND I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH METALS AND CORROSION, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN STEEL THIS PRONE TO ROTTING.

Mileage: 65,257

FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST. MUCH MORE THAN WOULD EVER BE CONSIDERED NORMAL.

THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE CAR IS RUSTED OUT WHERE THE STRUCTURE OF THE FRAME IS COMPROMISED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. EVERY OTHER COMPONENT ON THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD WORKING ORDER.

Mileage: 125,000

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS "PERFORATIONS" IN IT'S FRAME RAILS AND THE FRONT CROSS-MEMBER IS TOTALLY ROTTED AWAY...THIS HAS BEEN AND ISSUE WITH THESE SUVS FOR YEARS..THE TOYOTA TACOMA SHARES THE SAME FRAME/PLATFORM AS THE 4RUNNER AND HAS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, WITH 1 DIFFERENCE TOYOTA HAS REPAIRED MANY OF THEM FREE OF CHARGE ,BUT HAS NOT EXTENDED THESE REPAIRS TO THE 4RUNNER...A $30,000 DOLLAR 12 YEAR OLD SUV SHOULDN'T HAVE A ROTTED FRAME. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID "FRONT CROSSMEMBER IS ROTTED OFF. ONLY BE HELD BY FROTN SKID PLATE. FOUND A HOLE IN FRAME RAIL DRIVERS SIDE BY FUEL TANK." I WAS THEN TOLD I WOULD BE INFORMED WHEN A TOYOTA USA ENGINEER WOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK AT IT TO SEE IF THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS CALLED ABOUT A WEEK LATER AND TOLD THE ENGINEER REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT AND WOULD NOT BE HELPING ME WITH THIS MATTER..I THEN CALLED TOYOTA USA AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS GOING ON (I HAVE A CASE # THEY GAVE ME) , THEY TOLD ME TO EXPECT A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP (WHERE THE SUV WAS PURCHASED & WHERE THE FRAME WAS INSPECTED) IN 2 DAYS..THAT CALL NEVER CAME....

Mileage: 157,864

RE: 2003 4- RUNNER I RECENTLY SOLD MY 4-RUNNER BUT WANT TO REPORT AN INCIDENT THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE CAUSING CONSIDERABLE FRONT-END DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I WAS MANEUVERING THE CAR INTO ITS USUAL PARKING SPACE, AS I HAD DONE SEVERAL HUNDRED TIMES BEFORE, WHEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE. I DID NOT REPORT THIS ISSUE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, BUT RECENT EVENTS HAVE RAISED QUESTIONS IN MY MIND AND I NOW BELIEVE THAT AN ACCELERATION ISSUE MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF MY ACCIDENT. THE 4-RUNNER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL INVOLVING FLOOR MATS OR TOYOTA'S MORE RECENT SPATE OF BRAKING RECALLS. PLEASE ADVISE. *TW

Mileage: 75,000

1. FLAT TIRE, NEEDED TO GET SPARE OUT FROM UNDER VEHICLE. 2. BRAND NEW SPARE TIRE HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN DOWN, NEW SPARE TIRE HAS BRANDING MARKING ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE, FROM THE HEAT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND WHERE IT IS ATTACHED TO HAS COMPROMISED THE SAFTY OF THE TIRE. 3. WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *NM