My 2001 toyota 4 runner was up on the lift for regular oil change. A service tech brought me to the service bay and informed me of a considerable amount of rust failure of the frame. Not surface rust, but rust that is causing the frame to separate causing visible cracks to appear. He advised me of the potential danger. He advised me that toyota has addressed this issue on tundra's, tacoma's and sequoia's but offers no relief for 4runner owners. The vehicle has 137,000 miles on it. My guess was that I had another 20-30,000 more to go as it doesn't travel many miles on a daily basis. Seems hard to reason that toyota has had replacement plans in place for other models with the same problem but not for the 4runner.
2001 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 81, newest first, as owners wrote them.
These vehicles are notorious for frame rust/rot. The tacoma of the same time period used the same frame as the 4runner and the tacoma has had a recall.
Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The vehicle experienced severe corrosion underneath the frame adjacent to the muffler and subframe. The mechanic diagnosed that the frame and subframe had severe corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Ma 10/22/2015
Left side frame rotted out.
The under carriage has been rusting since I noticed approx. 4 yrs after purchase. I now have been unable to pass inspection or drive vehicle since entire under carriage is completely rusted out. When attempt was made to place on lift to observe it began to crack or split . I have only 87000 miles on it and the rest of vehicle is clean and basically rust free. It is march 27 , 2015 and has been sitting in driveway for last 3 yrs. The toyota dealership in wappingers falls stated that toyota is planning on repairing but is uncertain as to when. At present the back parking lot is filled with new under structures for other models.I would like to know when this ongoing terrible and dangerous problem will be repaired.
Vehicle has a frame that is rusted on passenger side and was told by a mechanic on 3/20/15 that it should be in a recall asap. Differential cover is a rusted bullet and is leaking. There is no changing it as cover is a solid weld no bolts to take off to change cover. Brilliant idea by toyota.
The frame on my 4runner will not pass inspection due to rust, which I need to repair. The vehicle does not have much miles on it and should not rust like it did from the inside. The rust is from the inside, which makes it very dangerous to have on the road especially in states where an inspection is not required. It could easily go unnoticed until it is too late, and somebody could get hurt or killed when the frame fails.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed, the technician notified the contact that the frame was rotted due to excessive corrosion. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,507.
On routine check and inspection, toyota arlington and toyota schaumburg called my attention regarding a premature rusting on the underbody frame and resulted in a linear hole by the rear left and right portions of the vehicle. This according to the service advisors of both toyota dealerships may make the vehicle unsafe to operate and may result to uncontrolled stability during driving.
The body of my 2001 toyota 4runner is completely rusted out. Recently, I brought the vehicle to a toyota service center who suggested that the vehicle no longer be driven due to safety concerns associated with driving the 4runner in its current condition. I was told the frame was completely rusted through, compromising the integrity of the frame.
Vehicle frame is rusting to the point of perforation. I discovered today two holes, one on each the driver and passenger side, inner frame rails just behind the rear crossmember. My concern is it may be rotting from the inside out. Is the manufacturer going to issue a recall on these frames as they have done on tacomas and tundras? This car is in excellent condition otherwise and I had planned to drive it for much longer due to its handling and safety.
The 4runner has developed surface rust on the frame underneath the car. The rust is also apparent on suspension components and brakes.
Vehicle failed inspection in may 2014 due to excessive frame rust and perforation. The frame was rusted so badly that the service advisor at new rochelle toyota advised "due to excessive frame perforation do not let customer drive vehicle."
Vehicle failed state inspection due to rusted frame. With the exception of rust on the bumpers (which is also a common problem for this generation 4runner) the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape and mechanically very reliable. Inspection station suggested that I contact toyota since they were aware of recalls for rusted frames on other toyota trucks (tacoma, sequoia for example.) toyota stated that there are no recalls for 4runners but offered a $500 customer loyalty rebate if I were to purchase a new or certified used toyota vehicle. I believe this is a potential safety issue since the rusted frame problem would only be identified by a very thorough inspection of the underbody of the truck. It is possible that there are many other 4runners of this generation that are on the road with an undiagnosed rusted frame problem.
Took vehicle to local toyota dealership for safety and mechanical inspection after purchasing used; mechanic notes that frame is rusted through on passenger side, near lower trailing arm bracket and on drivers side near fuel tank skid plate. Damage appears to have originated on the inside of the frame and has eaten its way to the outside. Mechanic advised that vehicle may not be safe to drive, no recall by toyota on 4runners despite similar issues with same year tacoma.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that during an inspection she was notified that the right side of the frame completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician confirmed the failure and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 161,213.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when he was advised that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection where they confirmed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 92,000. Updated 7/16/14
Extreme rust on frame and surrounding components. The 4runner only has 115k miles on it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dealer found the suframe corroded in the fuel tank area while the front rotors and brake pads were being replaced. The frame was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 112,080.
When I took my vehicle to get a state inspection at my toyota dealership, the mechanic found a rust hole on my frame . It is located on the passengers side right beside the muffler. This vehicle is serviced regularly at this dealership since it was new. There are forums on the internet that have many people that have the same problem that I do. If these frames are this inferior they should be recalled just like the tacoma and tundra.
Brought vehicle to toyota dealer for removal of seized hardware. Technician pointed out rust spot on frame, rot has spread to wheel well on both sides of frame and has continued down to transmission crossmember. Technician pointed out rot has eaten through frame on both sides at rear control arm bracket. Spoke with other early 2000's 4runner owners who all have rot in same places. Preventative maintenance practices have been used on this vehicle since I purchased it. Frame has no drainage holes forward of rust holes in wheel wells. Concerned for other 4runner owners who are unaware of rust spots by control arm brackets. Further rust on frame in same spot on other vehicles could result in separation of bracket, control arm and rear axle from frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, several times. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Updated 12/20/13*cn the consumer stated the vehicle is on the same frame as other recalled toyota vehicles. Updated 12/26/13
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was informed by an independent mechanic that due to the massive amount of corrosion to the frame, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that he noticed the muffler making a loud noise when driving at various speeds. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the rear sub frame mount area was corroded and exhibited holes. The manufacture advised the contact that the vehicle was a canadian vehicle therefore it could not be repaired in the united states. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 229,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, he was advised that the frame completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 89,300.
Frame rusted through at rear near muffler. Bottom of frame section approximately 4" missing , inside of frame perforated through approximately 18". Rear support rod structural integrity compromised. Vehicle was purchased new from local deal (lynch toyota, manchester ct) and is one owner garaged and maintained. Contacted toyota and local dealer. Both unwilling to take any action. No recall on this vehicle.
My 2001 4runner vehicle will not pass inspection due to corrosion, actual holes and soft spot, on the rear part of the frame in the muffler area. Concerned with failure when towing 300 lbs trailer. No other issues with the vehicle, 112k miles and bought new 11 years old. Only detecting the problem now. Should not be needing to replace frame. Cost estimate $10k, shopping around for better pricing. Cost to repair 40% of the original purchase price or twice what the vehicle books today. Contacted toyota and they will not even disclose # of complaint on this issue. Their only comments is there is no recall at this time. Finding numerous people experiencing the same issue.
Severely rusty frame. My 4runner only has a little over 114k miles on it. It shouldn't have anywhere near the amount of rust on the frame. It's everywhere and flakes off to the touch.
My vehicle has very little rust except for the rear differential. Large flakes of rust have formed. The differential recently began leaking. After searching online I see this is a common problem with 4runners.
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