The local toyota dealership informed me that my vehicle has a hole in the vehicle frame of the same nature as the same year toyota tacoma trucks which have been the subject of a recall.
2005 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
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My 2005 is severely rusted to the point that it is probably unsafe to drive. It has only 106k miles. I've taken it to two frame repair/swap shops. Both confirmed that the rust has eaten holes through the frame and that the structural integrity of the vehicle is likely very compromised. They'd said the extent of the rust was the worst they'd ever seen,and that a collision could crumple the weakened frame, putting the passengers and greater risk of injury/death. I even had one of those shops start a frame swap, but they said that every bolt and part would snap and break when they tried to remove it and told me that the labor could exceed the value of the vehicle, if they were even able to finish the job. Even without collision I'm worried an axle or tie rod or something will break at high speed and cause a terrible accident. I've submitted a claim to toyota customer service to ask if there was anything they would do (fix, or buy back the vehicle). They said they could not do anything because there is no recall for toyota 4runner frames, but there is an active recall for frame rust on the tacoma, which I believe is the same frame. After looking around online at 4runner forums, I've seen the rust complaint again and again, and in the wake of the kobe metals scandal, I thought it was important to raise my concern with the federal safety agency. I'm attaching pictures of the rust and a carfax report showing there has never been an accident on the vehicle.
Frame has rusted similar to tacoma and seqouiya recalls and do not see why they have not been recalled.
The frame is rusting to the point where there are holes in many places also the tow hook rusted off, I am concerned the steering will be affected soon.
My wife took the vehicle to get a state inspection and was informed it would not pass due to corrosion of the frame. We contacted the manufacturer, nationally and locally, to see what could be done. We were told toyota would not replace the frame and they could not recommend a repair. Essentially, too bad. We contacted several body shops and were told toyota repair instructions advise against welding on the frame and their insurance would not cover the repair. So there is no fix. The rust has not been apparent until this years inspection and I guess we were fortunate that is was found. But the car runs great and nobody that didn't look under the car would know about an impending catastrophic failure. Toyota did replace frames on similar year tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's but that was due to a class action law suit. Apparently they will not make these vehicles safe without outside influence. At a minimum a notice should be sent to owners advising them their frames should be thoroughly inspected before its too late.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the front passenger side of the subframe separated and caused the front axle to fracture and damaged the front control arm. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who indicated that the subframe failure was due to severe rusting and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Frame rust issue identical to the frame rust recall issues of tacoma, tundra an sequoia. Learned of it when the vehicle was brought in for trade-in, significantly reducing the value of what the trade-in should have been. The vehicle had been to the same toyota service center for 12 years -- they never mentioned it. Toyota headquarters said they had no responsibility towards the issue and suggesting bringing the vehicle to another dealer for trade-in to see if they would value the vehicle higher if they didn't notice. A private sale would have been impossible knowing the rust issue now exists.
Frame is rusted on the front of my toyota that is failed to pass inspection. If required I can send my failed inspection report and pictures of the rusted frame.
Received a letter regarding tacoma and tundra was issued a recall. I wonder why 4runner was not included with the recall? Upon visual inspection of body frame and comparing to other 4runner, it does have excessive rust on body frame. We tried to bring it up with the dealer, but no avail. Trade in was the only alternative. Our trust and respect to the agency and hopefully, its not too late before they issue a recall. More power to the agency and god bless america.
The frame of the vehicle has extensive rust. The metal frame at the front of the vehicle has rusted completely through. The tow hooks are hanging by the remaining metal and can be twisted off by hand strength alone. The cross members have holes rusted thru as well. The main frame beams are corroding from the inside out. The quality of rust prevention of the frame is very poor. As a comparison, the body panels are still in good shape with minimal rust.
Severe frame rust has made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car has only 54,000 miles on it
I just bought this vehicle in november 2016 from toyota of kingsport. I had a muffler replaced on 3/29/2017 due to a hole. The technician called me back to ask if I was aware of structure damage to the frame. I was not aware of any issues. He pointed out where on both sides of the frame was rusted completely out. The technician stated that the frame was rusting from the inside out. Now I am concerned because I drive my children around in this vehicle. I looked to see if toyota had recalled the frame and was unable to find anything but the same model trucks and sequoias have been recalled. I would think that all the 2005 vehicles were made from the same metal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While performing an oil change in the vehicle, the dealer found that the undercarriage was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was getting progressively worse. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,856.
The vehicle was in for suspension service. The mechanic inspecting the shock system, identified two areas of rust on the frame that a screwdriver easily went through. One on the crossover bar and the other on the rear frame arch.
2005 4runner sport 4.7. I've got 82k miles on it. Clean title and record, no flood damage, accidents, ect... The driver's side lower strut mount broke off while driving. The toyota technician at the dealership said it was due to excessive corrosion and the quality of the metal in the area on the frame was so bad it would be unrepairable and a total loss without a new frame. I was going 20 miles per hour driving straight and I lost control and it pulled me to the right,off the road. Had this happened at highway speeds it would've been a catastrophic failure and caused a serious accident. The wheel was up against the top of the wheel well and the cv drive shaft was torn out. Toyota costumer service said that it wasn't under warranty or recall an offered no course of solution or action. I'd assume a company that boasts upon their vehicle longevity would expect a car to be drivable for more than 82,000 miles before the main structural component of the vehicle fails. This vehicle hasn't been driven excessively in the salt during the winter either and no aftermarket undercoating was applied to the vehicle. I now own a totaled vehicle with no one owning up to a clear factory defect. * toyota replaced a frame in my friend's 2006 4runner sport, with 162k in 2014. I didn't find a warranty or recall on that model either.
We were advised that our 2005 toyota 4runner's frame had deteriorated from rust to a point where the vehicle is no longer safe to operate. We purchased this vehicle new, done all the advised service, and taken every precaution to assure longevity. It's unfortunate and disturbing that toyota has 'frame recalls' on 2005 tundra and tacoma trucks but not the 4runner. Our vehicle, other than the frame, is in perfect working order. This seems to me a clear case of corrupted or otherwise faulty materials used for the construction of toyota frames for these 2005 dated vehicles. Toyota, as a virtue of their own quality standards, should stand behind their products. If they're unwilling, this will should be forced upon them by the regulators.
Takata recall, went to fix a tire when the tire was removed there was a chunk of metal that was rusted and broken off. The rust is bad all over the frame of the truck. The bolt doesnt look like it is going to hold on much longer.
Purchsed the vehicle used and the underside/frame is completely rusted.
Rotten frame due to corrosion like the tacoma model.
Excesive rust under body. Exhaust system and frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,000. Updated 01/04/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing maintenance at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The undercarriage of my toyota 4runner is rusted and falling apart. The calibers have frozen for the second time in the last year due to rust and the front axle has broken. The 2005 4runner has 69,000 miles on it and when I took it to the dealer the mechanic showed me that rust has taken over the frame of my car and explained that due to the excessive rust it would not be a good idea to fix. This car should be able to go more than 69,000 miles and rust is the reason.
The frame is completely rusted through in several spots to include several brackets on the underside of the vehicle.
Was backing out of a parking space while turning and front-passenger wheel swing arm completely detached from the frame due to severe rust. When attempting to pull onto flatbed tow truck, both front tow-hooks completely pulled out of frame also due to rust. Seems that the frame os completely rusted and unsafe on 11 year old vehicle.
Severe frame rust: 2005 4runner sr5 v8 in stratosphere mica blue. Vehicle has been driven in michigan and ohio for its entire life of 104,850 miles as of today. Vehicle received complete rustproofing of underbody, underhood and body panels when new. Despite undercoating and constant washing in the winter, the frame has experienced significant rust. Front cross member is rusted almost completely through and is expected to break through soon. Trailing arm brackets are becoming thin and I have been warned that when they break I will lose control of the vehicle. Holes are starting to rust through on frame. Mechanic has informed me that underbody coating can not protect from rust that begins inside poorly made frames and that it will become a serious safety concern in the near future. This vehicle has been washed religiously in winter and all inspection/maintenance records are available. Body, interior and driveline are in above average condition, and vehicle has been driven below average miles (9500 per year). How can a car manufacturer make a vehicle frame which rusts out this quickly? The vehicle still looks and drives like new on the outside but will literally fall apart at the seams. This vehicle clearly has the same issue that other toyota's have had with frame corrosion but I see no campaign to assist owners with this issue. I have always loved my toyota's but this problem is so severe that not only will I avoid the brand forever but it will also cause me significant financial distress as I cannot afford a frame replacement nor should I have to replace this vehicle at such a low mileage/age. Please help. I don't understand how corrosion this severe is possible on a vehicle which has been cared for this well. I have hundreds of records for this vehicle going back to when it was new.
The vehicle is just 11 years old with about 150k miles. Frame is rusted to the point the dealership is refusing to do repairs for fear of breaking the frame and has indicated I need a new vehicle. The vehicle has been stored in a garage since the day it was purchased. This includes work and home. Several times a year it was taken to the car wash including undercarriage washes during winter months when possible. It has had every toyota and dealership recommended maintenance performed at the dealership.
The frame has rusted and cracked at the front of the vehicle the crack extending to the wheel. None of this would have been visible to a mechanic accept that the skid plate had been removed when a new transmission was installed.
I was driving the vehicle, hit a pot hole. Little bit after that, when I came to a stop and started to accelerate, the vehicle started to swirve all over the road and become uncontrollable. I was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the rear component broke off from the frame due to rust. The dealer stated that the SUV will need frame replaced due to rust. The vehicle 180k miles tune up was performed at the dealer in winter 2015 and no rust was mentioned upon "complete" inspection. The vehicle is now non operation and is a total lost due to rust. Every 30k miles the vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance. Oil changes were performed every 5k miles with synthetic oil. The car has been garaged for since purchasing it new in 2005. It has never been on the beach. Salt is not used on our road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dashboard was peeling and coming apart. The contact was notified by the manufacturer of the potential defect according to a manufacturer's satisfaction campaign, but the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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