While having an oil and filter change performed by midas auto service experts on my 2003 Toyota 4 runner, the owner of the shop found the entire frame is rotted with rust to the point where there are holes where the frame is welded. He was able to push his finger through the rusted frame of the car. He stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to structural rot of the frame.

- Lemont, IL, USA

My 4runner was classified unsafe to drive by a safety inspector because of advanced degradation of the frame due to extensive rust. It is not able to be repaired.

- Papaikou, HI, USA

Frame and under parts are rusted

- Ridgway, PA, USA

Takata recall. Car is a hazard to drive. Rust has consumed the frame to the point that major parts are at risk of separating from the frame and falling from it.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

Badly rusted frame

- Murrysville, PA, USA

Vehicle had frame perforations from corrosion and completely corroded gas tank straps (both straps). Both of these represent safety hazards and had to be repaired to pass state inspection. The frame corrosion problem with the 2003 4runner and similar vehicles is well known and needs to be addressed by Toyota. Since Toyota has known about this for some time and not acted on it there needs to be intervention from the NHTSA to address the issue.

- Murrysville, PA, USA

While vehicle was at the repair shop (vehicle was stationary) ongoing a service maintenance, the technician noticed a huge rot hole going along the passenger frame and another rust hole on the bottom radiator support.

- Lowell, MA, USA

I was doing some maintenance and service on my 2003 4 runner and noticed a huge rot hole in the framed just ahead of the right rear track bar.

- Bellingham, MA, USA

Frame rust - car is basically not safe to drive

- Arlington, MA, USA

Extreme frame corrosion. Frame condition is making vehicle unsafe to drive.

- Litchfield, NH, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine repair, the technician diagnosed that the subframe underneath the front part of the vehicle was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,834.

- Eatontown, NJ, USA

This 2003 Toyota 4runner has 135,000 miles on the odometer and the frame and exhaust system including catalytic converter are completely rusted out and the vehicle is now unsafe to drive. Some frame components have completely rusted and broken off from the frame I.e. tow hooks, exhaust and engine mounts. The frame is only held on to the body by the shock absorbers. The vehicle can no longer be driven safely. The cost to repair this damage would be prohibitive and I believe that this issue needs to be addressed by Toyota. I purchased this vehicle in good faith and trusted that Toyota quality would last. Please advise any possible recourse. Thank you

- Plympton, MA, USA

Noticed the right front wheel making awful sound. I had my mechanic to take a look. It is the wheel bearings going out, but then proceeded to tell me that the rust is so bad underneath that all the hose lines will have to be replaced. Brake lines leaking, transmission line leaking. All will have to be replaced. The rust is eating away underneath the car like cancer. No stopping it. The sway bars are rusting into as well. Our mechanic will let us know how much it will cost to repair the lines...but is it worth spending the money on"?" this is our 7th Toyota that we have owned, always taken excellent care of vehicle, and I have never experience such a rusty mess. Love my 4runner but really don't know what to do with it!

- Bryson City, NC, USA

Frame has significant rust and has developed a hole up near the front of the car. I've had the rust sandblasted off and the frame re-coated, but should the frame fail, it could result in a real safety problem. Driver seat belt does not retract properly, which could result in the seatbelt not being snug enough to prevent injury in the event of an accident

- Monument, CO, USA

Have rust on my frame. Have hole near my cat converter that Toyota found during inspection which failed because of the hole. They recommended I take somewhere else to patch to save money. Seems dangerous that frame is rusting to the point that it caused a hole.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

Extensive and severe frame/chassis rust and corrosion throughout. This is a well-know problem with both 4runner and Tacoma

- Chicago, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced for annual routine maintenance, the dealer observed that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 235,000.

- Metamora, MI, USA

Extensive premature frame rust

- Endwell, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for repairs, the mechanic diagnosed that the entire subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

- Cooperstown, PA, USA

I purchased my Toyota new in 2003 and have had it serviced by the same dealer as per schedule. I have 300469 miles but have rusting frame even though I wash under frame on a regular basis. I have been told by the mechanics at the dealer that is just thw nature of the make. I plan on keeping my car because it runs very well with little or no problems witb exception of rust. The Tacoma of the same year was tecslled.for this same reason but not the 4 runner with the same frame

- Marion, OH, USA