The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a slight right curve, the vehicle independently shifted from side to side without warning nearly causing the vehicle to flip. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle and the mechanic discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic informed him that the entire subframe needed to be replaced to ensure safe driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
2002 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension problems
49 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 132,000. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 49
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 132,000
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Front: control arm: lower ball joint8
- Front3
- Rear2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Toyota 4RUNNER suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
- Risk
- The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 05V225000 · Recall details
What 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Frame and rear passenger control arm bracket, rotted out .only there, 2 nd time this has happened, same spot but on my previous 2001 4runner
Had vehicle inspected on Oct. 1 ,2021 for road trip to North Carolina from Washington, DC. Was informed that my vehicle is unsafe by the automotive shop (name withheld) due to [rusting] frame front suspension components' threads rusted off on bolts that hold suspension, control arms, and shocks on both front and rear areas + body of vehicle located where shocks bolt to the body. I also had two other shops (names withheld) assess the state of the frame and suspension + and was told that the vehicle has maybe 1 year or so until the frame falls apart. Given I am the original owner, have gargage-kept my vehicle, have very low-mileage - 74,000 miles, and have maintained the vehicle immaculately and am aware of rusting problems with other Toyota [truck] frames, etc. this seems to be a defect in the manufacturing process. I know there have been recalls on Toyota's other trucks due to Toyota's failure to add [enough?] rust inhibitor/preventative to the molten steel when forming the frame for many models of their trucks.
After having my 4 runner in for routine maintenance, my mechanic informed me that my frame was in bad condition and rusting through. Doubtful it has a year left and he advised me to junk it as fast as I can. 180;000 miles - so much for Toyota’s lasting a long time.
Frame is rusted. Deemed unsafe to drive
The vehicle is in impeccable condition. The frame is rusted through in the area of the passenger side above the trailing arms and the middle section of the rail. I bought the vehicle in 2006 and have babied the vehicle.
I found frame rust with perforation on my 02 toyota 4runner
When I had my state inspection in january of 2020, the machanic told me the frame of the vehicle will not pass inspection again. It is severely rusted through and in his opinion is unsafe to drive. A few weeks later, I was travelling to my father's residence and the brakes gave out. The technician that repaired my brake line also told me and documented on the bill that the truck is really not safe to drive. I have owned this vehicle for 18 years, and only driven it five winters. I wash the truck numerous times during the winter to remove salt. It is my only vehicle, and I cannot afford a new one. Why wasn't this included in the frame recall from toyota?!? Now I'm nervous about my safety and those on the roadways.
I have a 2002 toyota 4runner with a severely rusted frame. My vehicle has less than 70k original miles on it, no body rust, but an extremely rusted undercarriage and frame. I feel it is unsafe to continually drive with this problem, as it will only get worse and could affect other components such as steering, suspension, brakes, etc. Seeing as how toyota has already had a class action lawsuit against their trucks of the same year for unsafe rusted frames, I feel my 4runner should be included in the frame replacement recall.
Right frame rail is very rusted to the point of non repair. Unable to repair suspension due to unable to remove bolts that hold suspension to frame.
Questions about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension
Does the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 132,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 05V225000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have bad suspension?
The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most suspension complaints are 2003 (114 complaints), 2004 (113 complaints) and 2000 (102 complaints).
Other 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER problems
Body 88Transmission 33Brakes 21Engine 17Steering 12Acceleration 11Airbags 9Tires 8Driver assistance 5Fuel system 4Wheels 4Electrical 3Seat belts 2Visibility 2Lights 1Locks 1Seats 1
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