I found out in late 2018 or early 2019 that the frame was rusted through. After looking closer the rusted out area is 2 foot long by 3 inch wide. There was no incident but concerned for the safety while drive g it.
2003 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 4 of 11: complaints 71 to 100 of 284, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The frame is rusting from the inside out. My 4runner was bought brand new and has been babied and used for short commute I have read about numerous other 4runner owners with the same problem. The rusted car frame is unsafe for driving . I'm told the frame is rusting from the inside out. My vehicle has been babied and is in exceptional condition except for the frame. The is no rust on the body or other places... Just the frame that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car should have a lot of life left in it as the engine and other components are in excellent shape. I should not have to sell it for parts. I'm told that toyota has replaced some frames and they do this on a case by case basis. Apparently the 4runner is on the same frame as a couple of their trcks (tundra, etc.) the truck frames are also rusting and going bad. Toyota should replace the bad frames. I live in the southern part of virginia. I do not live in the rust belt. We get very little snow and ice. The frames have a factory defect. Any frame, when used in the capacity as we have used our 4runner should never go bad as this one has. The frame is a serious car safety issue. From reading the internet, this is a major problem for toyotas as there are many many other toyota owners who have complained about the same problem as mine (bad rusted frames that make their vehicles undriveable). Please have toyota replace the frames. If they are unwilling to do this, then at least give a general trade-in allowance to purchase another toyota vehicle. . I never would have bought my 4$unner if I new this was a problem with them.
The frame is rotting and cracking. It was bought brand new and has been used for short commutes. It is now unsafe for me and my kids.
There is extensive rust damage on the frame towards where the transmission connects to the engine. In 1-2 years, my 4runner will need frame repairs, if not sooner.
While my 2003 toyota 4runner was in a service appointment, I was notified that the frame has severely deteriorated due to corrosion and rust. I was able to inspect and document the corrosion with photographs. The vehicle will soon become unsafe to operate or drive.
Took vehicle for new muffler. Advised not only muffler rusted through but the frame has extensive rust and deemed unsafe.
The frame of the 2003 toyota 4runner became so rusted that when trying to put the car on the lift at a mechanic shop, the frame began to crumble and fall apart at the point where the lift contacted the frame. The entire frame has multiple points where the metal has rusted away and become very weak, compromising the structural integrity of the frame and potentially weakening areas where steering and suspension components attach to the frame.
Excessive frame and undercarriage rust. I have owned several other cars over 30-40+ years and this 03 4runner has the worst rust. Instead of simple surface rust, this rust has affected frame welds, suspension mounting points, tow and lift points. Rusting pace is extremely fast moving. There appears to be only a simple layer of thin paint, with no undercoating anywhere. This 4runner was serviced regularly, motor is running great, body and interior are in great condition. This was a gift from grandpa to grandson, but I am concerned of safety and at this point recommending only local, under 35mph travel only. Probably scrap the car soon as not much to do but replace frame. Very disappointed with misled condition, outside/inside/motor perfect, but frame rotting away. My family and friends have purchased toyotas with little incident, but I won't buy or recommended knowing they have a life of ~10yrs.
Frame is completely corroded. We live in the midwest (cincinnati area) so nowhere near the ocean. The 4runner has been maticulously maintained. We have researched this issue and found these models' frames were not properly coated before sold...hence the rust. Our local toyota dealership deemed it unsafe to drive. The video speaks for itself....we are hoping there is a recall on this as this is extremely dangerous. Video link taken by toyota: http://isre.us/6qtrkd
Extreme rust on the undercarriage eating completely through the frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle would not pass inspection because the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The frame is rusted away but the body is perfect. Purchased as is. Was not informed in writing about the bad frame
During a visit to a body shop to have my fuel door fixed, I found out that the frame of my vehicle has significantly deteriorated due to rust. There are holes in the frame, welds that have rusted completely through, and one of the transmission mounts is gone. I was told by the body shop who reviewed the frame, a second body shop that I consulted for a second opinion, and my local toyota dealership that my vehicle is not safe to drive and should no longer be driven. One body shop said that they normally sees this type of rust on vehicles that are 30-40 years old! They also said that the entire frame and all rusted parts will need to be replaced and would cost between $12,000 and $15,000 depending on the parts that need to be replaced. My truck only has about 122,000 miles on it, and the body, paint, and interior are immaculate! Fortunately, having my 4runner looked at prevented a potential accident. I know that there are several class action lawsuits concerning frames that have rusted out on the tundra, tacoma, and the sequoia vehicles for which toyota is performing repairs and replacements. The 4runner should also be included because there are numerous complaints for this same problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, severe rusting and corrosion was discovered on the subframe of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shook and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to heritage toyota owings mills (9801 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md) where it was discovered that the subframe had experienced severe rusting. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the front bumper and the frame were severely corroded with holes and the corrosion penetrated the radiator support, the rear passenger side trailing arm, and the interior frame of the front passenger door. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 165,232.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame was rusted on the passenger side. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the independent mechanic noticed corrosion on the rear frame. The vehicle was not repaired. Toyota of la crosse (800 3rd st s, la crosse, wi 54601, (608) 793-7000) was contacted and informed the contact that they were aware of the failure and to bring the vehicle in for a second diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 269,000.*pm
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the contact was performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, he found that the vehicle's frame was corroded with holes. The corrosion extended to the exhaust system that connected to the muffler. The fuel tank cover was also corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a wheel alignment, it was noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to white river toyota (802‑299‑2800, located at 303 sykes mountain ave, white river junction, vt 05001) where it was confirmed that the frame was rusted and the vehicle would not pass the state inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unknown.
Frame is getting large rust holes throughout entire frame.
Our 4runner's frame is rusting away and toyota refuses to fix their mistake. The frame is similar to the tacoma that was recalled and repaired, so I contacted them and was informed that they weren't going to fix our 4runner that has the same issues. I was less than pleased with their response. This could've quite easily caused a severe accident. Luckily my mechanic caught it in time before that happened
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was rust on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to sunrise toyota (3984 sunrise hwy, oakdale, ny 11769, (631) 589-9000) where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and the frame hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change by an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the front and rear sections of the frame were corroded through. The technician declared the vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle was later taken to toyota of kingsport (2525 e stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660, (423) 246-6611) where the technician performed a visual inspection and stated that there was excessive rust and holes in the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer notified the manufacturer and was provided case number: tas-906032087. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame was corroded. While driving, the rear driver's side was pulling to the side. The contact was a certified mechanic and noticed that the trailing arm that held the rear differential bracket separated from the frame and was completely detached. The contact welded the bracket back to the frame. He called corwin toyota of fargo (222 40th st s, fargo, nd 58103, (701) 282-8425) and was informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty and there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 255,000. *tt
Went to inspect my 4 runner, was told I have major rot and rust on the frame they are unable to inspect, vehical is unsafe to have on the road. My SUV is mint with low miles how can this be. I always take care of my vehicals.
I took my 4runner to the dealership that is was purchased and was informed that it needs a new frame due to excessive rust/rot. I am being told that it is beyond repair and is a safety issue at this point.
We were hearing a noise in the rear suspension (lh) when braking or accelerating. The car was not stable to drive. We lift the vehicle and found that the frame is rusted due to the manufactuer did not protect it at the factory. The rear left suspension bracket was almost dissapeared. The vehicle was dangerous to be driven. We had to reinforce the affected part to keep the vehicle in service, but the frame is rotten. The engine, body and interior are in perfect condition but the frame.
My frame is seriously rusted and needs replacement making my vehicle unsafe. There is rust in numerous locations. I just visited a repair shop and they told me that I would need to reinforce or replace the frame. The cost for reinforcing the frame is over 5000 dollars. The vehicle is in great shape other than the frame and I was hoping to drive it for at least a few more years. Your department has found similar issues with other toyotas that have exactly the same issue and are built upon similar frames made exactly the same way. These models include the tacoma, sequoia, and tundra. It is my opinion that toyota failed to treat their frames properly and the dealer failed to take the necessary steps to inform me of the issue when the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to toyota wallingford (859 n colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492) where it was diagnosed that the frame was severely corroded and the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,363.
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