2004 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Body, Steering · MO

Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · CO

I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what’s happening and they don’t seem to know why it’s doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can’t figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don’t seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · NC

My 4 runner only has 147,000 miles and is a great running vehicle but my frame is rotted badly. I have large holes throughout, the front crossmember under radiator with tow hooks has completely rusted off, and now I found where my rear lower drag link bolts to frame is about to come off. I have had to repair rusty brake lines multiple times. My rear axle carrier just sheds large flakes of rust. I love this truck but now it is almost too dangerous to drive and with all the inflation lately I cannot afford another vehicle.

Filed Dec 25, 2021 · Body, Steering · OH

Rear section of the frame snapped in half during normal driving. Barely driveable extremely hazardous and will remained parked.

Filed Oct 8, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · KY

My steering became very loose with a lot of movement in the steering wheel. The universal joint in the steering column shaft was bad. Upon further investigation, both lower control arms on the front wheels were rusted through, (from the inside out), with one of them bent because of the lack of metal support that rusted away, which caused my wheels to be misaligned and hard to control. Upon additional inspection, the frame has rusted out in multiple places which could allow it to break in half. (pictures of one portion of the frame are attached.) I have had the steering column and lower control arms replaced but multiple body and frame shops state the frame is rusted too much to repair. I know Toyota recalled several models for frame rust issues but have not included the 4Runner, which I cannot understand. This rust has been noticed for several years on my vehicle with attempts to keep it clean and rust free. However, the rusting process is occurring from the inside of the frame toward the outside, so you can't tell how bad it really is until you see the holes protruding through the frame. This model should be included in a class action suit requiring Toyota to compensate the owners for this defect and removing these models from service to avoid potential accidents and casualties caused by inferior iron products that were used in their manufacture.

Filed Oct 12, 2020 · Body, Steering · CO

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.

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · Steering · 125,000 miles · VA

Pictures show significant rust damage on the right back frame near the muffler. Dealership stated it would cost $14,000 to replace the frame of the vehicle. Currently the car has 125,000 miles. Vin unknown *ln

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Body, Steering · 215,117 miles · CT

Since buying my forerunner used in 2015 I have only brought it to the dealership for maintenance bed inspections with toyota professional mechanics. Upon bringing my vehicle in for a routine oil change and inspection I was told that the frame is rusted out and unsafe to drive. I was shocked and upset as I've only used a trusted toyota professional mechanics and somehow they seem to have overlooked a frame that was completely rusting out and therefore putting my life and my children's lives in harms way. I contacted toyota headquarters to no avail, they claimed there's nothing they can do as there are no recalls. However I feel they are responsible for their professional mechanics overlooking such a serious issue but yet having no problem with me continuing to put money into this vehicle as I planned on owning it for quite some time. After the frame rust was pointed out my steering then separated from the suspension while driving home being a single mother and having only one vehicle I had no choice but to try to drive it I am extremely upset and this is completely unacceptable

Filed Dec 22, 2018 · Body, Steering · 250,000 miles · TN · crash

Excessive rust is compromising steering control.

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Body, Steering · 131,000 miles · MI

Since vehicle was 5yrs old the frame has rusted terribly. The rust is so significant there are holes and pieces of it have just fallen off. Currently, the steering joint is so rusted that it cannot be driven safely because it feels like it may lose control on the road. Entire undercarriage appears so badly rusted that I am not sure this vehicle is safe to drive anymore.