Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The contact called the ira toyota of manchester dealer (603‑624‑1800, 33 auto center rd, manchester, nh 03103) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. *dt
2005 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 185, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Toyota dealer told me that my frame is soft its dangerous.
Frame rust, drivers side to the front by the exhaust as the frame starts to turn up. Will need to be repaired before next vehicle inspection ... Just passed this years inspection. This is not covered under the toyota recall for other truck frame vehicles.
The rear axle rusted so badly that it started flaking apart. The frame is rusted severely in the areas where the rear suspension components attach. The gas tank skid plate rusted until it began to fall off while driving down the road and all of the areas where it was bolted to the frame completely rusted out. The exhaust also rusted through behind the muffler causing it to fall off while driving down the road. There are holes in multiple areas of the frame. I had to grind,chip, and wire brush the frame with the vehicle on jack stands in order to repaint everything and keep my vehicle going. This took over 100 hours of labor just to compete. I also had to replace the exhaust and the gas tank skid plate. All of the bolts for the skid plates on the bottom of the vehicle were completely rusted through and could not be removed without falling apart and leaving half the bolt in the frame. The xreas suspension system which runs hydraulic lines around the frame also rusted apart and leaked fluid all over everything. The bolts were all heavily rusted and could not be removed to get the lines off the frame. The frame on this vehicle was not adequately coated to prevent it from rusting. This needed to be done with approximately 100,000 miles on the vehicle.
Driving in upstate new york for my honeymoon, the belt broke and cut into a hose. I had to have the vehicle towed to a toyota dealership where they explained to me that my frame was deteriorating with lots of rust. This 2005 toyota 4runner only had approximately 85,000 miles on it. The technician also told me, although there is not a recall on this model, in his opinion, there should be. Not only is this a serious safety hazard, toyota is not rectifying the problem. Also, it is not just one area on the frame, but a significant amount of the frame. I can also provide photos if needed.
Frame is rotting
I have noticed a lot of rust underneath my vehicle. The frame is showing signs of rust. I have had bolts rust into causing heatshields to come loose for example. Recently had new struts and shocks installed. My mechanic pointed out the rust to me.
Frame rust. The frame has significant amount rust in specific areas of the frame. -the radiator support needs to be completely repaired. As this is part of the frame, I am considered about future failure while driving. At the rear end of the vehicle there is also a large amount of rust, causing holes.
This vehicle has a very rusty frame. It does not pass state of maine inspection. Like many other 4runners it suffers from toyota's faulty frames. This truck has not fallen apart and crashed like many similar units. This one has a perforated frame, and doesn't pass inspection. With 80,000 miles the truck is like new except for the faulty frame. The rust multiplies sitting still or traveling. The frame is so thin in so many places, there isn't place to make satisfactory repairs.
I bought the truck a little less than a year ago, in november of 2017, from a friend. I am the third owner of the truck and know that the vehicle has always been well maintained and serviced. Weeks after purchasing the truck, exiting the highway, the brake system failed. Pedal to the floor, no pressure. I was able to coast the car to a nearby parking lot and had it towed to my mechanic. Upon inspection, my mechanic noted that the frame was severely rusted. The brake lines had failed as a result of the corrosion and rust on the undercarriage. I replaced the entire brake system at a cost of $3500.00. A month later, the truck failed inspection due to a hole in the subframe caused by the rust. It was then that I began research and learned of the toyota recall for every other truck except the 4runner in similar years/generation. I took the truck to burdick toyota in cicero, new york this september to have the frame inspected. The tech report (which I can furnish on request) stated that the frame was extremely rusted, scaled and deteriorated for the age of the vehicle, but that it posed no imminent threat. I disagree with this assessment, as it has already caused one catastrophic failure. I've learned of a potential investigation and must say, I believe it to be the responsibility of the federal safety agency to recall the affected 4runners of the same generation. Had the scenario been different, I or my family could have been injured or killed. I'm a teacher, and haven't the means to simply replace a vehicle I've already had to put thousands of dollars into. I bought it for the safety of my brand new baby girl. I feel it morally imperative that the federal safety agency do the right thing and recall the 4runners as they have the other vehicles. Human life should always be more important than a companies bottom line. Toyota is responsible and should be held accountable. Lives are at stake.
Frame rot that should have been included in the tacoma, tundra, sequoia!
Rust on frame is excessive. Just over 100,000. Getting unsafe.
My toyota 2005 4runner undercarriage and frame is really badly rusted.the brake lines have rusted out and failed on 2 separate occasions in heavy traffic once (8/2017) on a 4 lane I had to cross to safety, and last on a steep hill with heavy traffic at the bottom of hill, thank god I didn't hit anyone. Now I find out that the frame has a crack in it and rusted out on the passenger side and is split/rusted up front, it is very dangerous. I can not afford to pay out of pocket for repairs..
The frame of the vehicle is rusted, the rust integrity may result in a steering failure.
I have a 2005 toyota 4runner and the frame is rusting away. The front tow hook already fell off the front frame.
The frame is rusting excessively.
Frame is so badly rusted it is undriveable. You can push a screwdriver through the frame in most places. Toyota recalled the frames of their other vehicles in the same year, but left out the 4runner. These 4runners are dangerous.
Severe frame rust to the point of holes. The frame integrity will soon be compromised; if not already. Two rear body mounts are rusting away, the bottom of both mounts is non existent. One mid mount, the sheet metal side is nearly rusted through. One front mount area is rusted away on the sheet metal side. The gas tank is currently only held in place by what is left of the protection shield under the tank .
Under body rust took to costco to replace tires - they say significant rust on left side. Tool to jiffy lube for oil change one week later - they say significant rust and cannot remove rear differential to replace fluid due to rusted bolt.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to south hills toyota (2403 washington road, canonsburg, pa 15317, (724) 743-1144) in april of 2018 for state inspection. The contact was informed that the vehicle's subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at dayton toyota (2291 us-130, dayton, nj 08810, (732) 329-9191), the contact was informed that there was severe rust to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 217,000.
Excessive frame rusting and rotting. Toyota has done decal on other vehicles such as the tacoma and others but frequently neglects the 4runner models. For example the recall for the secondary air pump for the v8's included the tundra and sequoia but neglected the 4runner which all three vehicles share the same identical motor. I believe toyota neglect the 4runner line due to the high volume of sales compared to other models.
I have toyota 4runner 2005 and when I went to the dealer to change my oil I was told that the car has frame damage and it is dangerous to drive. The car is in excellent condition,but this problem was unexpected. I never been told by my dealer or toyota company that this is a common issue for this make and that there was a recall few years ago for this problem. I am not able to afford new car and this is putting a hardship on my family and our safety. I call toyota but I was told that they are not able to help me in any way. Who can assist in this situation?
Right front subframe has rust that has steadily gotten worse despite a 2nd attempt to grind rust off repaint and undercoat. This should not be happening on vehicle that has been meticulously maintained top to bottom including salt and grime removal consistently since purchased brand new . This us soon going to break resulting in vehicle not passing inspection. This should be rectified like the tacoma one picture us the side with holes and undercoating I have been fixing the other sife has no issue
I purchased this vehicle new in 2005 in virginia. It has spent the last 13 years in north carolina where salt is rarely used on the roads. I occasionally take it on the beach but always fully spray the underbody with fresh water afterwards. About 2 yrs ago I started noticing severe rust near critical welds on the frame. I cleaned, primed and painted these areas the best I could could to try and slow down the rust. Yesterday when getting tires mounted my mechanic told me the rust is getting to the point it is a safety issue. I'm getting ready to drive cross country the end of the month so this was not good news. I have maintained the truck meticulously and only have 130k miles on it. I find it hard to believe toyota has not addressed this problem. I can't afford a new truck and selling this one, though it looks and drives mint, will be difficult or impossible once the frame is inspected. I have never had a vehicle rust out like this though I owned many when I lived in the heavy salt using state of ny years ago. There is definitely a problem with these 4runners that toyota is failing to address, I just hope it doesn't decide to fail when I'm 2000 miles from home and driving 70 MPH.
Frame on 4runner rusted in numerous locations and the a arm rusted off while my wife and 2 year old daughter were driving in it. Luckily they were uninjured.
I purchased this beautiful used black 2005 4runner in october of 2016 and the body still looks beautiful - no visible rust anywhere on doors etc - but I took it in to auto craftsmen in montpelier, vt to check my brakes and replace a couple of bulbs to get the vehicle ready for vermont state inspection as the car is due for inspection in feb 2018 and I wanted to head up any maintenance needed. Was shocked when I went back and craftsmen told me not to put any money into the vehicle - that the frame was broken, had major hole in it and that the frame was too rusty to patch the hole - holy unexpected batman. Partial notes from craftsmen auto on 12/28/2017 are as follows: "under body is very rusty & the frame is broken ...muffler is broken off and every flange is rusted and leaking ...brakes are shaking when applied...rotors have a significant rust ridge...the brake lines are very rusty...because of the broken frame and the amount of rust on the underbody, it won't pass vt state inspection the end of feb." I bought this vehicle in a private sale in october of 2016 for $7,200 but had to pay sales tax to the vermont dmv for a vehicle purchased for $8,000 because it was in great shape, looked terrific and was supposedly worth that extra money. I ad spent that money expecting to get a three or four years out of the vehicle and have maintained it well with synthetic oil changes and using expensive gas when it's cold out and spent $850 on new tires just this fall. I love toyota. My disabled husband and my two daughters all drive (used) toyotas (two priuses and a corolla). Am wondering if toyota can do anything to stand behind their product here? The engine feels strong (it's a toyota!) and the 4runner power and all-wheel drive has been great here in rural vermont. Thank you for your consideration. Best, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
I just wanted to add my 2005 toyota 4runner to the complaint list with highly compromised structural integrity due to extreme rust. The vehicle has 118,000 miles with only one owner and the vehicle was garaged the entire time. There are cracks and holes in my rear frame that has LED our mechanic to deem the vehicle unsafe. He has suggested we replace this vehicle as soon as we can. Prior to coming on this complaint site, I was under the impression the we had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a lemon; instead it appears this is a known issue that is being ignored and swept under the rug. I am appalled at the inaction of toyota and the federal safety agency regarding this structural issue.
2005 toyota 4runner structural frame rapid oxidation to structure causing left front control arm to frame (as well as frame itself) to break while in motion at slow speed leaving driveway. I have contacted toyota case# 1712112893 to ask why there is no buyback program on frames that they produced in 2004 that were found defective in tacoma's/4runners that were also used for their 2005 model production 4runners. Toyota rep told myself that no campaigns would exist unless otherwise told so (or perhaps investigated for their prior acknowledged defective frames used in previous model years). Though I am lucky that this occurred at slow speed I don't know how many other americans may face my situation while at 60-70mph on the highway with their families whom trust toyota for their safety and product reliability that end in ultimate tragedy. I've included photos as well as a clean carfax report to show no prior incidents. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was extensive rust on the frame of the vehicle, which had completely rotted due to the failure. The frame was coated, but the failure continued. Both dealers (sansone toyota, 90-100 us-1, avenel, nj 07001, (732) 815-0500 and bay ridge toyota, 6401 6th ave, brooklyn, ny 11220, (888) 995-2299) provided no solution and the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
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