No Accident - Items need to be investigated for Safety Defects on Toyota's. 1> Front Brake Calipers (constant freezing of the front brake calipers). 2> Dash Cover (excessive cracking on the dash covers especially areas that contain airbags). 3> Fuel Pump Connection (on top of fuel tank, connection to fuel pump appears to create a short, which in turn causes vehicle to stall also could cause a fire). 4> Excessive Frame Rust (frame has excessive rust outside and inside which is causing frame to fail. this is a manufacturing issue). These are ongoing issues with Toyota that have been reported and nothing is being done about it. Multiple 4runners are having big time Excessive Frame Rust, which are causing the frame coming apart during highway driving. These photo's show the rust on the outside and inside, all metal is having rust issues. Paint has been applied to cover said rust but it still reappears with-in a few months. Best way to contact me is via e-mail.
2003 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 114, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I heard a loud noise (scraping-dragging) from the bottom of the engine area while driving on the highway This was a very dangerous and scary incident Pulled over and My fiancé checked under the engine A very large metal piece was dragging the road I did not hit a bump or anything. A body shop mechanic informed me that the chasis of the 4 runner was in extremely bad condition The 4Runner will not pass inspection because of this condition I respectfully request help in this matter
Frame is rotted out and brake lines attached to the frame as well as every suspension component. Car failed inspection deemed unsafe to drive. This problem has been addressed for Tacoma, tundra and sequoia but not 4runner. These frames have the same issue as those and needs to be repaired by Toyota due to lack of rust and corrosion protection. There’s no reason 4runner should be overlooked for the same issue as the other full frame trucks.
Frame is completely rotted out rusted, gas tank straps are rotted/rusted. Rear sway bars are rotted off the frame. This vehicle has the same frame issue as the tacoma and sequoia frames that are on recall.
Adding my name to the list of people who have experienced excessive and premature frame rust on their 4runner, potentially causing unsafe conditions which could lead to a collision. Toyota addressed this problem for the tacoma, sequoia, and tundra of the same years, and they should do the same for the 4runner.
I have been in contact with toyota several times over the past 4 years about rust issues with this frame, but the refuse to fix it. They recalled the tacoma, tundra and sequoia of the same year for this reason. The frame rusts and falls apart. While driving up my road I felt the rear of the car shift to the side, I turned around and went straight home to find the frame at the rear passenger tire broken. I have attached a picture of the broken area, but can send more pictures of the entire frame if needed.
The frame is rusted beyond repair and the vehicle has spent the majority of its life in a n underground garage protected from the elements, as well as in florida. It has very low mileage, and no other serious problems.
Extreme rust and corrosion in frame, suspension components. This will lead to catastrophic failure at some point if holes and frame deterioration is not addressed quickly.
Frame is rusted out, excessive rust throughout the entire frame and suspension components. Sway bar mounts for rear axle have rusted out vehicle is unsafe to drive
Extreme corrosion of frame and brackets
Loud noise while driving. Upon inspection, excessive rust and corrosion to frame of vehicle found. Holes in frame larger than 2 inches.
The rear tire assembly ripped loose from its mounts under normal driving conditions..a loud clunk noise....then .brakes were lost and the electrical system showed warning lights on dash board...car is not drivable...massive rust at failure points
Rear driver side control arm broke off at the frame after striking pothole at highway speed. After the failure the vehicle was very hard to control and almost LED to a rollover. The vehicle was unable to be driven and had to be towed. Toyota recalled tundra's, tacoma's, and sequoia's for frame replacement so it is a known problem. Will toyota be held liable for accidents resulting from premature frame failure? By recalling the other models they obviously acknowledged it was a problem and 4runners share the same platform as the tacoma so why were they not included?
My 2003 toyota 4 runner sr5 was swaying back and forth at speeds up to 35 MPH something is wrong thinking maybe the sway bars so took it to a mechanic and after he drove it and put it up on a lift he was frightened on how much rust and separation on the frame especially the rear passenger side right next to the muffler complete separation and then you walk to the middle any day now that would have separated .I was told to to have a tow truck take it back to my house which is about two-three miles away which I did but now it sits in my garage - and with only 139,000 mile on it not able to drive or sell unless its for junk.
Vehicle frame is severely rusted and rotted to the point where there are holes in the frame itself making it extremely unsafe to drive. Other toyota trucks around the same year have been recalled with similar frame issues, does not make any sense why toyota has not recalled the 2003 4runner frames yet. Vehicle is over 205,000 miles and would probably run another 200k if not for the frame which makes this car almost undrive-able. Frame to be replaced asap.
Frame is almost completely rusted out even thought the rest of the car is in good shape. I am afraid to let my son even drive the car. I read about the girl that died from the axle coming loose and part of the frame that holds the axle is in horrible shape. Toyota should be required to add these vehicles to the frame recall...
The rust on the frame of this vehicle is unlike anything I've seen in comparison to it's age. I work on vehicles frequently and have not seen anything like this in a modern age vehicle, and vehicles that are over 40 years old that I own or work on don't have rust that is remotely this bad. Upon further investigation, I found the entire weld line of the frame rails to be corroded through in an approximately 28" section. With further investigation, the entire bottom section of that rail was rusted out to be extremely thin and separated at the seam, entirely compromising the integrity of the frame rail. 2 of the body mounts are also rusted out as well as some of the suspension mount components. The vehicle is at risk for having the spring and strut assembly or the control arm assembly detaching from the frame under normal operation conditions. This is an incredible safety risk as it could result in the vehicle losing all steering control. Luckily it was found before an accident occurred.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was corroded causing both rear control arms to detach while driving. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed there were several spots covered with a black tape and painted over to conceal the rust and holes. The contact stated that the rear tire move forward and backward causing the tires to damage the bumper and the plastic trim panel. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called aaa and informed them of the failure and was informed to contact the federal safety agency. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The vehicle frame has multiple perforations greater than 10mm. One such perforation has created a crack on the frame just in front of the right rear lower control arm mount. If this vehicle were to hit a bad enough bump or pot hole, there exists a possibility the frame could snap and allow the control arm to become free and the vehicle would lose control
I took my 2003 toyota 4runner into my local mechanic to do my annual state safety inspection and the mechanic informed me the frame was too rusted to pass inspection. Furthermore, he said that the rust was so severe it had separated the suspension from the frame. He told me it was the worst frame rust he had ever seen and that the cars frame looked like it was 20 years older then it was. It was totally rusted through in several spots. I called toyota to see if they would work with me to fix this issue and they offered no help. All the other cars built on this frame have been recalled, I'm not sure why this one hasn't been.
Vehicle is rusting away. From the inside. Very evident when the toyota specialist who works on the 4runner has to service it and work on it. They have taken pictures and are supplying us with them. They are a north carolina safety inspector and concerned about the vehicle in a crash. The vehicle's steering is affected and overall ability to control the vehicle along with the frame holding the vehicle parts in place. We have a 2003 toyota 4runner that doesn't have issues like this one. It has some rust but nothing like this. Started noticing it in 2016 after it had repairs done where you could see the inside of the bottom and frame parts. *this 4runner was built on the tacoma chassis that was recalled. This 4 runner needs to be fixed for it to be safe. My son drives this vehicle. Well, he did. I can't let him now. He has no vehicle. The pictures are disturbing! All of our cars are older and never have we had an issue like this. The 2003 4runners are affected.
I have a 2003 4runner with severe frame rust through making the vehicle a hazard to drive and to others on the road. This is clearly consistent with toyota's other recalls.
The trailing arm mount on the frame broke off. The stabilizer bar end link mount broke free of the frame
I've come to find out that these models and years ..... Are riddled with excessive rust. Unsafe rust to the point that my vehicle will no longer pass inspection. The rust has compromised the frame where it is unsafe for my family to travel in!!! My problem was detected by my mechanic after routine service.
Vehicle would not pass new york state inspection. The vehicle was inspected twice. Once by a national auto chain, and by a toyota dealer. The reason for failure in both cases was, rusted cracked frame rails. The dealer gave a verbal estimate for repair of $21,500. ($12,250 parts $12,250 labor)
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.
The frame is rusted away but the body is perfect. Purchased as is. Was not informed in writing about the bad frame
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. The contact mentioned that the head gasket needed to be removed and re-installed in order to start the vehicle. Also, while driving various speeds, the rear of the vehicle swayed uncontrollably to the left and right. The vehicle was taken to big o tires (2245 state st, new albany, in 47150, 812‑949‑0736) where it was diagnosed that the passenger side control arm was fractured and the driver's side control arm could fracture at any moment. The vehicle was towed to mccormick motor sports (1041 s 6th st, louisville, ky 40203, (502) 584-1981) where the contact was informed that the head gasket was causing cylinder three to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,500.
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
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.
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