My Frame is a rusted mess. The entire frame is experiencing rust issues. My rear sway bar rusted off and broke into pieces (1/15/21). Now my exhaust pipe has fell off the muffler due to rust (7/21/21). My brake calipers have been very badly rusted as well as the pieces that hold my shocks and suspension in place. It has been progressively getting worse over the past 3-4 years. I feel like this has now become a safety issue and I'm not sure if it's safe to drive. It may be a risk to myself and other drivers on the road. My mechanic has told me that it will not improve and he thinks that the frame and other parts should be recalled. I have plenty of photos if needed. Please help me before something goes wrong.
2004 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 3 of 11: complaints 41 to 70 of 310, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 2004 Toyota 4Runner has holes multiple inches in diameter rusted completely through the frame in multiple locations including where frame rails meet and are welded. This 4Runner is very clean and well kept in a climate controlled garage. The 4Runner was somehow not captured in the class-action law suit against Toyota that included the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. Toyota has long known the frames are prone to excessive, premature rust corrosion because the frames were not properly prepared and treated against rust corrosion when they were manufactured and yet it has failed to offer significant help to owners. The excessive rust damage on my Toyota 4Runner compromises the vehicles safety, stability and crash worthiness because important suspension components, engine mounts, transmission mounts and body mounts anchor to the vehicles frames. I have spoke with a local Toyota dealer who stated they would inspect the vehicle with a diagnostic fee of $139 but that Toyota would not help with repair or replacement of the frame. There is no need to inspect the vehicle as I have multiple pictures illustrating the magnitude of the rust damage to the frame including several holes multiple inches in diameter in critical locations of the frame. I have attached several photos of the rust damage as well as photos of the body for reference to how well kept the vehicle is.
Last year the frame showed rust and holes and was rejected by the inspector. We were able to get the worst hole patched and it passed inspection. I am afraid the car might be unsafe.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw several holes throughout the subframe of the vehicle due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the subframe needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
On April 14, 2019, I was informed by an auto repair shop that my 2004 Toyota 4Runner showed signs of excessive rusting on the front end of the frame at the bumper and radiator support. The repair shop owner/mechanic indicated the bumper may eventually fall off. At the time, the odometer reading was only 117,834 miles. On June 22, 2021, I took the truck in to the Toyota dealer where I purchased it to have the regular oil change done and requested that they inspect the frame during the routine "Multi-Point Inspection." On this visit to the Toyota dealer, the truck's odometer reading was 141,595. The mechanic pointed out the more severe areas of rusting, which included the "Front right bumper support crumple zone area, also right side top under pass front seat area very thin." He indicated that the left side of the frame, although not as advanced as the right side, was also rusting, because water from wet roadways accumulates within the frame and does not drain. I was not able to take photos of the top under pass due to lack of access. However, the mechanic had me run my fingers along the top of the frame. The frame was so corroded that it was crumbling, and my fingers went right through the frame. Some areas already had holes from the corrosion. I have included both the repair shop and Toyota dealer's observation reports as well as the photos of the front end of the frame and the right side under pass. It was not possible to take photos of the top of the right side under pass, which the mechanic pointed out was the most affected. The vehicle is available for inspection if necessary.
On April 17, 2019, I was informed by P.R. Auto Repair that my 2004 Toyota 4Runner showed signs of excessive rusting on the front end of the frame at the bumper support and radiator support. This observation was noted by the auto repair shop's owner. It is important to point out that my truck had only 117,834 miles on its odometer and should not already have had such a serious rusting problem. My truck was in for replacement of rear pads and rotors and was on a lift when the problem was noted. At the time the problem was being pointed out to me, a portion of the rusted metal in that area came right off. I was told that eventually the bumper could fall off and potentially lead to increased more dangerous problems. I have taken my 4Runner to A-1 Toyota where I purchased the vehicle for the regularly scheduled oil changes. "A-1 Toyota Quality Vehicle Inspections" were conducted each time with issues that required further attention noted in the report, but the rusting problem has never been included in the reports or pointed out to me. The truck now has just over 141,240 miles on its odometer and the corrosion problem has become significantly worse and my safety and the safety of others has become a growing concern to me. I have included a scanned copy of the April 19, 2019 invoice/receipt from the P.R. Auto Repair shop. The observation of the problem is noted under the Instructions section. I have also included two photos (one of the left side view and one of the right side view). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I understand that there is currently an ongoing investigation related to excessive rusting on Toyota 4Runners' frames. It is my hope that my 2004 Toyota 4Runner can be recalled for this problem as were other makes of Toyota vehicles that suffered the same problem before mishaps or tragedies occur as a result.
Severe rusting of body frame
The frame is rusted very badly and may need to be salvaged. Many of the other Toyota vehicles in this same year which have the same frame have already been recalled. Why not the 4runners? I've owned many other early 2000's vehicles and none have had this bad of rust. Simple not acceptable and not safe!
Our 2004 toyota forerunner with v6 engine was purchased as a used vehicle in 2019 with 106,000 miles on it. Since then, it has developed more and more areas of rust on the frame despite our efforts to mitigate this issue. We have had to repair the frame, suspension, brakes, and wheel bearings. We continuously inspect the undercarriage and continue to discover more and more areas of significant rust/deterioration despite efforts to clean, treat (with paint, rust inhibitors, welding repairs). We are concerned that this deterioration will soon result in a catastrophic failure and possible accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
The original frame on our car is almost completely rusted. There are holes in the frame and complete corrosion along the side beams. This is a huge safety hazard while driving. There is so much rust on the underbody. All parts are completely stock and original. This should not be a process we have to pay for as it is a major safety concern that toyota is completely overlooking. The holes in the frame are about a baseball size whole. I have taken it to over three mechanics and a body shop recommended from toyota and each of them said the frame is almost entirely unsafe.
Toyota made garbage boxed in frames and now my truck won't pass inspection
Excessive frame rust causing front right front body mount to detach from the frame, passenger frame rail has disintegrated between crossmembers. The 4runner has 170000 miles on it with no body rust.
I have another 4 runner with a heavily rusted frame. I am very concerned that a unseen failure can occur while towing a 4300 pound camer or while driving on rough roads. I'm not only concerned for my wife and I but also for our grandkids that visit us monthly. Here is the actual failure. My wife came in last thursday and asked me what is that car part that fell off? I went out to check and found the right body mount laying there. The bolt that holds it had rotted in two between the upper and lower rubber pieces. The bolt and nut on the bottom looks good so there was no indication of a imminent failure. I'm concerned that other more serious failures can occur.
Excessive rust/rot on the frame, which is leading to expensive repairs and fears of unsafe operation.
I purchased this vehicle in 2015 with 111k miles on it. Just found out today march 2 that the frame is shot and the control arms for the rear axle have let go on both sides do to frame rot, there are also other questionable parts of the frame. So very disappointed in this toyota vehicle. This car couldn't even last 20 years, not the reputation of what I thought toyotas were know for.
Many signs of premature rust on the frame with several holes. The truck only has 124k miles and should not be in this state. Toyota has to recall these frames just like they do from other trucks manufactured during the very same years.
Vehicle frame has rusted completely through in certain areas - structure and safety is compromised .... Normal driving & care environment but appears frame has accelerated deterioration, while all other areas (body panels, all other components) are in excellent condition - seeing this is a known toyota issue on same models and similar models of same production years
Premature and excessive frame corrosion. Similar models were covered by earlier frame recall, why not the 4runner?
My 2004 4runner limited v6 has significant rust build up on the frame, control arms, driveshaft, etc. I am the second owner with just over 21k miles driven in the past three year and right at 160k total. I've made sure to get regular washes to protect the undercarriage after inclement weather since I've owned the vehicle. After returning from a 10-month deployment, two shops have told me the condition is dangerous and requires significant replacement parts and anti-corrosion treatment to remedy the problem. I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a truck that should last me at 250k miles. I will not let my wife and girls ride in this vehicle, but we need two cars. Imagine my shock to find out many other toyota owners have dealt with the same thing. This is clearly not a coincidence. Hoping for toyota to rectify this serious safety/quality issue.
Frame is rotted 115k miles on the car, it seems to be rotting at the welds only.
Frame rusts too easily. Coating was not good enough from factory. Tacoma's with same frame were recalled.
I was informed that when I went to get my oil changed this morning that I had major rush on my frame it was cracked and had big holes in it and they were afraid to put it up on the lift. Advised me to check with my dealer to see if there was a recall. According to kbb there is not with my corresponding VIN number which is a dang shame because this is a safety issue and I should t be afraid to drive my grand children around in fear that my frame won't support us. We purchased this vehicle because toyota is known for their safety, reliability.integrity and longevity. So because of the excellent feedback I have received about toyota's ' lasting forever' I made my first toyota purchase. The body deceived me . Other than a little golf ball dent on the front fender. The body is very good condition not a speck of visible rust.
The frame has rust and has a hole. It is unsafe to drive and will need to be addressed very soon. There was no specific incident. I recently bought this car. I don't know when it happened.
While driving the vehicle and after turning onto a state highway it suddenly swerved badly and the rear end began swaying back and forth making it uncontrollable. I stopped the car immediately. It was discovered that the frame had rusted so badly it became separated from the rear axle. I had to tow it home on a flatbed trailer.
The structural frame of the vehicle is rusted out. Holes, large areas of the frame has rusted out. The frame is structurally compromised. Just noted on 10/19/20. Vehicle was in less than a year earlier with no sign of the damage.
I recently bought a used 2004 4runner and when I inspected the frame there was rust everywhere. Not only surface rust but actual holes in the frame from it. Also the steering assembly is completely rusted out. I'm not the only 4runner owner who has experienced these issues. If you do a quick online search for '4runner frame' there are many results detailing this issue. As I use this vehicle for commuting to and from work I am concerned about its structural integrity. It only has 70000 miles on it and it's completely unacceptable that toyota has not issued a recall for this problem as they did with other models (tacoma, tundra, sequoia).
Frame has sever rust-through and corrosion on the passenger side in front of the rear trailing link mount and behind the front control arm mount. Vehicle is driven in an environment where road salt is used in the winter, but this is excessive compared to other older vehicles. Vehicle is washed regularly in the winter.
Severe frame rust on 2004 4runner sr5 sport. Suspension rust, steering components rust. Holes in vehicle frame due to rust. I went to two mechanics that told me that this rust was beyond reasonable for normal rust on frame, they both stated it may become dangerous and to contact toyota directly. The vehicle is becoming dangerous to drive due to possibly of failing components and or frame.
Corrosion was found on passenger side of frame during 2020 state safety inspection causing failure of said state inspection. Corrosion was previously found on driver side frame during 2018 state safety inspection and was rectified by body shop welder. Vehicle is garaged when not in use.
Severe rust on the frame.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history