Frame rust on multiple locations. Suspension shot right through rotted frame. Frame has structural damage as a result of rust. Car is not safe to drive! I almost killed myself driving the car when the suspension penetrated right through the rotted rusted frame.
2001 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 81, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Took my vehicle for oil change and was advised that the frame was badly rusted and should take vehicle to toyota immediately. Toyota indicated that no recall was issued for this year model vehicle and nothing could be done. So I have a mechanically good vehicle that I can not use due to rusted frame.
Extreme frame rust. Husband says vehicle is unsafe to drive. Even though the body looks great, the frame, where we can see it, is in terrible condition, with holes rusted through the metal. No accidents yet, but it's ominous to know in a collision this vehicle would crumple like paper. There are many other complaints of serious frame rust for other years of toyota 4runners. Please add my vehicle and safety concern to the growing list of other toyota owners facing the same frame disintegration.
Frame rust issues. My frame has been rusting away for the entire time I've owned it, and it isn't getting any better. The passenger inside frame rail is rusted from the rear lower control arm mount to the cross member mount midway down the frame. The driver inside frame rail is rusted at the lower control arm mount as well, and slightly in front of it. When I purchased the vehicle I noticed a slight pit, and didn't think anything of it. Over the next year that pit got bigger until there was a large opening that you could fit two hands inside of.
"takata recall" my 2001 toyota 4runner frame is rusted out and won't pass state inspection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to northway toyota (727 new loudon rd, latham, ny 12110, (888) 885-1583) and the contact was informed that there was no recall to cover the repair. The manufacturer echoed the dealer's statement and issued case number: 1809211044. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The frame on my 2001 rotted very quickly from the inside out. It is the same exact frame used on the tacoma (which was recalled) and on the 2002 4runner, which is currently under investigation. If I didn't get the necessary frame repairs it easily could have cracked in half when on the road. The main areas of rot are located at the rear control arm (which I had professionally repaired), and up front near the suspension and axle. My brothers 1997 4runner axle and suspension completely fell apart when he was driving on the road. He was lucky to not be on the highway. Someone definitely needs to look into this issue. I purchased the vehicle from the south four years ago (2014) with a spotless rock hard frame. Four years later the rear control arm areas mentioned above completely rotted through. This should not happen! I love my 4runner, but I can't believe how these truck frames weren't recalled along with the tacoma frames. It is the same exact frame...
Went for inspection for 2001 toyota 4 runner. Frame is rusted and too bad. Mechanic said unsafe to be on the road. What a shame everything runs good. Now I am without a vehicle. The toyota 4 runners should have been recalled just like the tacoma's and sequoias.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While the contact was at an independent mechanic for a muffler replacement, he was informed that the vehicle frame was severely rusted. The mechanic stated that the muffler could not be replaced and a leak was present. The dealer (mcgee toyota of hanover, 860 washington st, hanover, ma 02339, (866) 942-1756) informed the contact that the frame and differential housing needed to be replaced. The differential housing was repaired, but the frame was not. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. The technician advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 256,518.
Frame of vehicle has severe rust damage throughout, told by state safety inspector that it is beyond repair. Appears to have occurred slowly over the course of many years.
I was driving my truck on a city street in brooklyn, new york ( flatbush ave) when I suddenly smelled smoke followed by fire coming from the hood. I did not hit any bump and was not involved in any accident. By the time the fire department came, the entire front compartment of the truck was on fire.
I was at the toyota dealership having my brakeline on the front leftside repaired, after hitting a pothole; and I was told by phone, my frame is badly rusted through in multiple spots.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While driving 40 MPH, the frame failed without warning and caused the vehicle to wobble. The vehicle was driven home where it was pieced back together. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Updated 11/13/17 *bf the consumer stated the frame rusted. Updated 11/16/2017
Frame rusted through in several places. Unsafe to drive.
My frame has rusted out. I have kept it very clean and protected but still is rusting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance. The mechanic noticed severe rust under the vehicle and pieces of metal falling out by chunks, including the frame. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear passenger side subframe displayed excessive corrosion. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,063.
The chasis rusts and is damaged on the passenger side about 18 inches.
Frame has rusted through the frame rails in multiple areas. Issue was not disclosed when the vehicle was purchased 01/13/2015, yet I found a repair order from 09/24/2014 that stated there were rust holes in the frame. Dealer is currently inspecting the extent of the frame damage and will recommend a resolution. I have several photos, but currently do not have them handy.
Frame rusting out. Exterior of truck has no rust 170k miles on 4runner
The frame is rotting and the 4runner is unsafe.
The issue with my toyota is a rusted frame...rusted to the point that I was advised to park it and never drive it again without a new frame. Although it is a 2001 with 193,000 miles, it mechanically is in great condition. Exterior and interior in good condition, as well. I first noticed the vehicle had a floating sensation on the highway, at times feeling like I had no control with the steering wheel. After another 1-2 hrs of driving, I noticed that when driving over bumps or dips in the road, the truck would rock slightly side to side. It was significant enough that items in my back seat rocked, as well. After several more days and hours of drive-time thereafter, the rock advanced to the point where my entire vehicle was rocking so violently when crossing a bridge @40mph, I had no control over the vehicle. Even braking did not immediately stop the rocking. After that incident, I stopped driving the vehicle until I had it scheduled to take in to the mechanic. The problem with the rusted frame was identified almost immediately. I was told that the holes and rust were so extensive, that it was only a matter of a short amount of time before the frame would not only break apart, but break into several pieces. I was told that it was unsafe to drive and that the only solution was a frame replacement. I understand that toyota had a recall on their taucoma frames for that same year, but will not correct the identical problem with the 4runner frame. I have an otherwise wonderful vehicle sitting in my driveway that is too dangerous to drive because of toyota's known, faulty, unsafe frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While replacing the shocks on the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame and a hole approximately 3 and 1/2 inches wide under the driver side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
While changing my oil, I noticed a few nice size holes in the frame, in front and besides the muffler. I wondering is it safe for me and my family to drive on a regular basis.
Massive rust and deterioration along inside panel of frame on passenger side revealed once exhaust system was removed for replacement. Deteriorated section was about 24" long from rear axle mount to center stabilizer bar. Unknown deterioration on driver side due to location of fuel tank.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While performing an oil change, the technician noticed that the rear passenger side of the frame was completely corroded. The technician stated that the frame had to either be re-welded or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Massive rust corrosion and pieces breaking away located underneath entire vehicle. The rust with breakage has intensified greatly in the last couple of years and required welding this year to pass inspection because the vehicle was unsafe. The welding consisted of welding the frame rail where the rear suspension mounts and a new bracket had to be welded on the axle housing that holds an upper rear strut rod because it rusted off. Both were on the passenger side of vehicle. This vehicle only has 101,000 miles and is washed and waxed on a regular basis.
The gram has rust perforation in which the left rear control arm has separated from the frame. While I was driving a heard a pop and started to lose proper control in steering vehicle.
Since I got the car, the ignition key does not get in properly and sometimes does not start the car. The movement of the wheel helps sometimes. There have also been leaking engine covers that needed to be replaced. The structure gets rusty and there is problem with transmission.
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