2001 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension problems

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Suspension · 275,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping and clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle before the front passenger’s side of the vehicle unintendedly lowered. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and the ball joint was touching the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 280,001 miles · PA

The vehicle frame has rusted through. My mechanic says this is unable to be inspected and should not be driven.

Filed May 2, 2020 · Suspension · 179,800 miles · AZ

While driving down the highway at approximately 65mph our toyota 4runner suddenly began to shake and sway violently and was very difficult to control. I pulled over and checked but did not see anything apparent. We had the car checked at our local toyota dealer and was told the frame is corroded completely thru and the rear trailing arm was separated from the frame. The dealer advised that vehicle is no longer safe to drive and they would not be able to repair since the frame was so badly rusted. We bought the car new and have always taken very good care of the vehicle and followed recommended maintenance. There is no apparent rust on any of the body for this vehicle and is in excellent operating condition otherwise. We had planned on keeping the vehicle for several more years but now left with nothing but apparently being able to sell for salvage.

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 98,005 miles · MA

Entered highway from on ramp as picked up speed steering wheel began to shake violently and began to loose control of SUV. I immediately pulled over and had it taken to shop to find excessive rust on back frame n shock causing wheel to 'basically be free floating and unattached' the vehicle is still in shop at moment and I can get pictures and a statement upon request

Filed Jan 17, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 194,500 miles · IL

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Suspension · PA

The frame rusted out and is very dangerous to drive .there are many complaints involving the frame rust on the 4 runners and toyota will not help with the problem

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Suspension · MI

The frame is rusting out very badly, thus leaving vehicle unable to operate it soon.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Suspension · OH

Frame rust on left rear frame at attachment point of lower control arm which locates axle to frame. Rust holes in frame around this same area.

Filed Nov 11, 2016 · Suspension · IL

Brought the car in for rear end repair and had 2 reputable mechanics refuse to repair the truck because they said the frame was so badly rusted that it would be a hazard to even drive the truck irregardless of any repair that they could perform

Filed May 19, 2016 · Acceleration, Steering · 135,000 miles · MI

We were told today that our 2001` toyota 4-runner has frame rot that is inconsistent with the age of the vehicle and the condition of all the other parts on it. Frame rot that constitutes a danger to our safety when driving it. The repair technicians advised us to determine if it was part of toyota's frame rot recall with the tacomas and other vehicles because the frame rot rust was consistent with the pattern of damage they had seen on other recalled vehicles. When we looked up our 4-runner in the recall information, supposedly toyota hasn't included our truck in the recall. We were advised by our auto repair specialist that the recall covered damage in trucks that were the same age and overall condition, so it's not as though the rest of the truck is eaten up by rust and we just happened to complain about the frame rot. The frame rot pattern found on our 4-runner is consistent with the frame rot found on recalled toyota trucks and inconsistent with the rest of the vehicle's stability. Because this is such a dangerous situation, and because the frame rot is a known problem, it's important for other consumers to know that regardless of their care of the vehicle, the frame may rot at a rate that is inconsistent with the rest of the vehicle, and it costs lots of money to repair. 4-runner owners should have their vehicles checked for premature frame rot, and toyota should do the right thing and fix the frame rot in the 4-runners. Just thought that after we were made aware, so should other consumers and safety organizations.