10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 144,314 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance. The mechanic noticed severe rust under the vehicle and pieces of metal falling out by chunks, including the frame. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
- Brokfield, CT, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear passenger side subframe displayed excessive corrosion. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,063.
- Wauwatosa, WI, USA
The chasis rusts and is damaged on the passenger side about 18 inches.
- Queens Village, NY, USA
Frame has rusted through the frame rails in multiple areas. Issue was not disclosed when the vehicle was purchased 01/13/2015, yet I found a repair order from 09/24/2014 that stated there were rust holes in the frame. Dealer is currently inspecting the extent of the frame damage and will recommend a resolution. I have several photos, but currently do not have them handy.
- Harwood Heights, IL, USA
Frame rusting out. Exterior of truck has no rust 170K miles on 4runner
- Campton Hills, IL, USA
The frame is rotting and the 4runner is unsafe.
- Greenwood, IN, USA
The issue with my Toyota is a rusted frame...rusted to the point that I was advised to park it and never drive it again without a new frame. Although it is a 2001 with 193,000 miles, it mechanically is in great condition. Exterior and interior in good condition, as well. I first noticed the vehicle had a floating sensation on the highway, at times feeling like I had no control with the steering wheel. After another 1-2 hrs of driving, I noticed that when driving over bumps or dips in the road, the truck would rock slightly side to side. It was significant enough that items in my back seat rocked, as well. After several more days and hours of drive-time thereafter, the rock advanced to the point where my entire vehicle was rocking so violently when crossing a bridge @40mph, I had no control over the vehicle. Even braking did not immediately stop the rocking. After that incident, I stopped driving the vehicle until I had it scheduled to take in to the mechanic. The problem with the rusted frame was identified almost immediately. I was told that the holes and rust were so extensive, that it was only a matter of a short amount of time before the frame would not only break apart, but break into several pieces. I was told that it was unsafe to drive and that the only solution was a frame replacement. I understand that Toyota had a recall on their taucoma frames for that same year, but will not correct the identical problem with the 4runner frame. I have an otherwise wonderful vehicle sitting in my driveway that is too dangerous to drive because of Toyota's known, faulty, unsafe frame.
- West Frankfort, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. While replacing the shocks on the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame and a hole approximately 3 and 1/2 inches wide under the driver side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
- Lenexa, KS, USA
While changing my oil, I noticed a few nice size holes in the frame, in front and besides the muffler. I wondering is it safe for me and my family to drive on a regular basis.
- Ferguson, MO, USA
Massive rust and deterioration along inside panel of frame on passenger side revealed once exhaust system was removed for replacement. Deteriorated section was about 24" long from rear axle mount to center stabilizer bar. Unknown deterioration on driver side due to location of fuel tank.
- Shorewood, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. While performing an oil change, the technician noticed that the rear passenger side of the frame was completely corroded. The technician stated that the frame had to either be re-welded or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Lexington, KY, USA
Massive rust corrosion and pieces breaking away located underneath entire vehicle. The rust with breakage has intensified greatly in the last couple of years and required welding this year to pass inspection because the vehicle was unsafe. The welding consisted of welding the frame rail where the rear suspension mounts and a new bracket had to be welded on the axle housing that holds an upper rear strut rod because it rusted off. Both were on the passenger side of vehicle. This vehicle only has 101,000 miles and is washed and waxed on a regular basis.
- Bangor, PA, USA
The gram has rust perforation in which the left rear control arm has separated from the frame. While I was driving a heard a pop and started to lose proper control in steering vehicle.
- Silver Spring, MD, USA
Since I got the car, the ignition key does not get in properly and sometimes does not start the car. The movement of the wheel helps sometimes. There have also been leaking engine covers that needed to be replaced. The structure gets rusty and there is problem with transmission.
- Hollywood, FL, USA
My 2001 Toyota 4 runner was up on the lift for regular oil change. A service tech brought me to the service bay and informed me of a considerable amount of rust failure of the frame. Not surface rust, but rust that is causing the frame to separate causing visible cracks to appear. He advised me of the potential danger. He advised me that Toyota has addressed this issue on Tundra's, Tacoma's and sequoia's but offers no relief for 4runner owners. The vehicle has 137,000 miles on it. My guess was that I had another 20-30,000 more to go as it doesn't travel many miles on a daily basis. Seems hard to reason that Toyota has had replacement plans in place for other models with the same problem but not for the 4runner.
- Geneva, IL, USA
These vehicles are notorious for frame rust/rot. The Tacoma of the same time period used the same frame as the 4runner and the Tacoma has had a recall.
- Girard, PA, USA
Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended
- Princeton, NJ, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed, the technician notified the contact that the frame was rotted due to excessive corrosion. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,507.
- Newtown , CT, USA
The body of my 2001 Toyota 4runner is completely rusted out. Recently, I brought the vehicle to a Toyota service center who suggested that the vehicle no longer be driven due to safety concerns associated with driving the 4runner in its current condition. I was told the frame was completely rusted through, compromising the integrity of the frame.
- Freeport, ME, USA
- Mechanic Falls, ME, USA