My 2004 Toyota 4Runner has holes multiple inches in diameter rusted completely through the frame in multiple locations including where frame rails meet and are welded. This 4Runner is very clean and well kept in a climate controlled garage. The 4Runner was somehow not captured in the class-action law suit against Toyota that included the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. Toyota has long known the frames are prone to excessive, premature rust corrosion because the frames were not properly prepared and treated against rust corrosion when they were manufactured and yet it has failed to offer significant help to owners. The excessive rust damage on my Toyota 4Runner compromises the vehicles safety, stability and crash worthiness because important suspension components, engine mounts, transmission mounts and body mounts anchor to the vehicles frames. I have spoke with a local Toyota dealer who stated they would inspect the vehicle with a diagnostic fee of $139 but that Toyota would not help with repair or replacement of the frame. There is no need to inspect the vehicle as I have multiple pictures illustrating the magnitude of the rust damage to the frame including several holes multiple inches in diameter in critical locations of the frame. I have attached several photos of the rust damage as well as photos of the body for reference to how well kept the vehicle is.

- Arnold, MO, USA

The frame on my 4Runner is severely rusted out; it is available to be inspected if requested. When I'm driving, the vehicle is potentially unstable due to frame rot which could cause potentially life threating injuries to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. The problem has been confirmed by JR Autohaus in Woburn MA. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer/police/or insurance companies. There was no prior indication of an issue; it appeared when the vehicle was put on a lift to have a new exhaust put on: the vehicle was creaking and was dangerous to be on the lift for the technician. He inspected the frame and took pictures of the rust damage. The issue was discovered on 3/23/21

- Reading, MA, USA

Last year the frame showed rust and holes and was rejected by the inspector. We were able to get the worst hole patched and it passed inspection. I am afraid the car might be unsafe.

- Blacksburg, VA, USA

I have another 4 runner with a heavily rusted frame. I am very concerned that a unseen failure can occur while towing a 4300 pound camer or while driving on rough roads. I'm not only concerned for my wife and I but also for our grandkids that visit us monthly. Here is the actual failure. My wife came in last Thursday and asked me what is that car part that fell off? I went out to check and found the right body mount laying there. The bolt that holds it had rotted in two between the upper and lower rubber pieces. The bolt and nut on the bottom looks good so there was no indication of a imminent failure. I'm concerned that other more serious failures can occur.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

My vehicle has severe frame rot, all of which coming from the factory welds to the surface points along with it's rotting from the inside out especially around the front lower control arm areas of the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. This also reaching the back of the vehicles frame too.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

Vehicle frame has rusted completely through in certain areas - structure and safety is compromised.... normal driving & care environment but appears frame has accelerated deterioration, while all other areas (body panels, all other components) are in excellent condition - seeing this is a known Toyota issue on same models and similar models of same production years

- Libertyville, IL, USA

My 2004 4runner limited V6 has significant rust build up on the frame, control arms, driveshaft, etc. I am the second owner with just over 21K miles driven in the past three year and right at 160K total. I've made sure to get regular washes to protect the undercarriage after inclement weather since I've owned the vehicle. After returning from a 10-month deployment, two shops have told me the condition is dangerous and requires significant replacement parts and anti-corrosion treatment to remedy the problem. I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a truck that should last me at 250K miles. I will not let my wife and girls ride in this vehicle, but we need two cars. Imagine my shock to find out many other Toyota owners have dealt with the same thing. This is clearly not a coincidence. Hoping for Toyota to rectify this serious safety/quality issue.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

Excessive frame rust. Our 4runner has just passed the 200K mile mark, but the frame has been rusting at an alarming rate for years now. Living in an area with salted winter roads, I have been somewhat mindful of this (not perfect), but the amount of corrosion seems excessive, even in this environment. There has been no moving incident or crash, but parts of the frame have been affected enough that I am currently having to assess the drivability in light of safety.

- Fleetwood, NC, USA

This 2004 4runner was purchased from a local dealer in South Florida. The carfax report states that it was previously titled in Texas and then later in New York. It did pass the New York state safety inspection in 2020. However, after owning the vehicle for a short period I took it to a mechanic for a oil change. I was advised that the rust/corrosion on the frame and underbody components was quite severe. My concern is that it may worsen and affect the overall safety of the truck as well as the resale value. I'm aware that Toyota had a similar issue with Tacoma's, Tundra's, and sequoia vehicles. Why wasn't the 4runner included in these recalls given the large amount of complaints regarding 2003-2009 models?

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

Frame has sever rust-through and corrosion on the passenger side in front of the rear trailing link mount and behind the front control arm mount. Vehicle is driven in an environment where road salt is used in the winter, but this is excessive compared to other older vehicles. Vehicle is washed regularly in the winter.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

My 2004 Toyota 4runner has dangerous frame rust perforation. Toyota somehow was allowed to exclude 4runners, when they were made to replace frames on sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma, and Tacoma trucks of similar vintage. There is no reason that is fair nor equitable to 4runner owners be denied frame replacements when all other Toyota trucks were granted in the settlement

- Coventry, CT, USA

2004 Toyota 4runner, the frame is rusted really bad. Can't lift it with a hoist and parts that connect to it for suspension are rusted as well. Not good if you hit a bump and it breaks, could cause a serious accident.

- Sun Prairie, WI, USA

Frame rust to an unsafe level at low miles and far before any other oxidation formed. By 120,000 miles, frame had severe rust, corroded completely through front and rear tow hook sections, lower radiator support, and large sections of main frame rails (worse towards rear near suspension mounting). Body doesn't even have the beginning of any rust/oxidation on underside or exterior, but all frame and suspension components are corroding severely at an accelerated rate. Attached images are after removing loose rust with wire wheel to see true structural damage.

- Milford, IA, USA

Re: nhsta action # DP18002. I own a 2004 Toyota 4runner and have had problems similar to those noted in the referenced case. Upon reading the case details I investigated my 4runner and found similar serious structural corrosion problems. I consulted with a local Virginia motor vehicle state inspector and learned that the corrosion was so severe, the vehicle would not pass inspection and be legally, or safely, driven. I had this damage repaired, at significant cost to myself, to return the vehicle to usable and trustworthy condition. I write in support of the reference case. Please keep me informed of any progress in this case. The "when did this happen date" is the date of discovery.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Vehicle has developed severe rust holes in the frame, sufficient to fail NY state inspection. Holes have appeared, and the metal around the holes is also soft due to rust. This was brought to our attention when we bought the car out of state, registered it in NY, and the vehicle failed on unsafe frame rust.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Rust. I was told I may not pass inspection next time because of the badly rusted frame. Along with that issue, the rear hatch is rusting off the vehicle. It can no longer open and close because the latching mechanism has rusted off. The rest of the vehicle is pretty much rust free. Why has it rusted away so badly?

- Dunkirk, NY, USA

Truck has been well cared for and has 330K miles on it. Always clean and maintained properly by myself and previous owners. Frame is showing signs of excessive rust in the front between the wheels and at almost all of the welded areas. Some areas of frame are coming off in chunks as it appears to be rotting from the inside out. This is also affecting fuel/brake likes as well as suspension components. Pictures can be sent upon request. Family has the car at the moment.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

After checking under my 2004 4runner for a faulty fog light connection I noticed a lot of rust on the front frame. After further investigation I found it to be completely rusted through. There isn't much holding the bumper on there

- Ocala, FL, USA

My frame is rotted out from the inside out. Front radiator support is completely rusted out. Vehicle only has 105,000 miles. Toyota should be responsible for replacing the frame. According to the petition to investigate, 4runner owners claim the frames experience excessive corrosion and the same type of frames were cited in a previous $3.4 billion class-action lawsuit. Included in the lawsuit were about 1.5 million Tacoma, Tundra and sequoia trucks, but the petitioner says the 4runner should have been included but the attorneys didn't think there were enough customer complaints. NHTSA says it couldn't identify any crashes or injuries related to rusted frames or suspensions, but owners have complained about almost losing control of the SUVS due to rusted axles and frames. Please do something about this as this is my only vehicle.

- Allentown, PA, USA

While having the tires replaced, the mechanics were unable to lower the spare tire. After calling for backup the mechanics were able to cut the tire from the vehicle. This was before a trip to atlantic city, so I had Toyota replace the hoist at my cost to repair (unware of the rust and frame issues). The 4runner was approximately 12 years old when the problem was identified. I do not know how long the hoist was bad before that date because I never had to use the hoist. The hoist was completely rusted. I'm reporting this now so that other owners can check their hoist and frames. The frames are dangerous (rusted and falling apart) and will eventually be the cause of someone's accident and potential death. I've contacted my state senator to look into the frame investigation and why it is taking so long. Hopefully, I will hear back soon. Toyota'..shame on you for not warning owners and making this right.

- Bridgeport, WV, USA