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
2002 Toyota 4RUNNER: ball joint or control arm failure
21 of the 225 complaints about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 21
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 120,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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.
The frame has rusted at the passenger side rear control arm mount to the point of not passing inspection.
I have seen classi. Cars from the 60s with frames in better shape than my 4runner. The rear control arms brackets are close to detaching from the frame. Rust is eating the back half of my frame. The frame rails are completely rusted through and will soon need replacing. There are numerous bolts and hardware that can no longer be used due to rust. The fill plug on the rear differential has rusted away as well. The quality of this steel is absolutely horrible. Toyota should be ashamed of a vehicle that has problems like this. I have never seen rust this bad on a frame before.
At a stop light, went to drive heard load pop clank. Vehicle started shaking and driving funny. Looked under car and my control arm ( that stabilizes my axel ) mount rusted off. My entire under carriage is rusted out. The control arm shifted
This is yet another costumer of the 4runner 3rd generation complaining about the frame rusting out. There needs to be responsability for the bad frames on this year 4runner. My frame has holes in the rear control arm attachment area and more rust all throughout entire frame. I'm doing all I can to keep my frame from getting any more rust on it and keeping it safe to be on the road. I strongly believe toyota should also have a frame recall for the 4runner like it did for the tundra tacoma and sequoia frames.
Frame rust on the inside portion for the frame. 33" hole rusted through completely on passenger side. Rust continues about 80% of the way through the rear lower control arm mount. Driver's side has a similar amount of severe rust that has weakened the structural integrity of the frame to the point where it is no longer safe to drive. Should the co troll arm mount finish rusting through, the axle will no longer be attached to the frame on that side. There is noticble flex and sound associated with the frame rot. It is only a matter of time before the control arm mount disconnects completely, or the frame buckles.
Takata recall: I was driving on. Freeeway (5) freeway and ball joints busted off and lost wheel and slid about 60 feet before stoping. Busted break line and bent control joint.
Frame is perforated by rust where the rear control arm mount meets the frame rail.
Frame rust. Only has 63,000 miles on it and my mechanic recently noticed heavy scaling and rust, also a few holes/rotted sections. Toyota needs a service campaign, or recall these frames, as they did with the tacoma. I called toyota and they said it's our problem when this is a clear common issue. The other common issue on these frames, is at the back shackle, that attaches the control arm to the rear end, rots right off. I fear for my safety that something will fail and cause an accident. It is very disconcerting that with only 63,000 miles my frame is disintegrating quickly.
Frame rusted through at lower control arm area. Toyota has had recalls for other models for rusted frames but not acknowledging 4runner frame issues that are dangerous.
2002 toyota 4runner recall id from the federal safety agency: 05v225000 auto recall date: 05/17/2005 vehicle component: suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint estimated vehicles affected: 768379 2002 toyota 4runner defect summary: 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. Defect consequence: the lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Service bulletins that may apply
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
Questions about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER?
21 of 225 owner complaints about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER (9%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
VIN decoder
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