NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL STABILIZER ARM WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,835.
EXTREME FRAME CORROSION. FRAME CONDITION IS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
I BOUGHT THE 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IN AUGUST 2015. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A REPAIR TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IN JANUARY OF 2016, A BRAKE CALIPER MALFUNCTIONED AND I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED THERE WERE ROT HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THEY SHOWED ME PICTURES OF THE RUST HOLES AND I ABOUT FELL OVER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. I HAD THE HOLES REPAIRED. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR INSPECTION IN AUGUST 2016, THERE WERE MORE ROT HOLES AND IT COULDN'T BE INSPECTED. I HAD THOSE HOLES REPAIRED, AND THE REPAIR GUY SAID IT WAS DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. HE SAID IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I WAS SO MAD BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND AM NOW FACING LOSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO THIS FAULTY FRAME. I GOT THE OIL CHANGED RECENTLY AND THE COMMENT ON THE MULTIPOINT INSPECTION IS THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTING. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR TODAY, I HAD THE WHEEL TURNED, AND I SAW ANOTHER ROT HOLE IN THE FRAME BY THE WHEEL THAT I WILL HAVE TO GET REPAIRED. THIS IS A TERRIBLE SAFETY HAZARD, THE FRAME COULD RUST THROUGH WHILE I'M DIVING IT. I CAN'T JUST GO OUT AND GET ANOTHER CAR WHILE LOSING THOUSANDS ON THIS ONE WHICH IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I HAVE TO TRADE IT IN. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE.YES IT IS A 2003, AND I WOULD EXPECT SOME RUST ON AN OLDER VEHICLE, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I DO HAVE REPAIR BILLS, BUT I CAN'T SCAN THEM IN.
MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER IDENTIFIED DURING ROUTINE SERVICE AND NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, SAYING IT COULD NOT BE FIXED (BEYOND REPAIR), BUT THAT I SHOULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS NOW UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD.
MY 4RUNNER HAS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RUST. THAT FRAME ELEMENT INTENDED TO HOLD THE SKID PLATE ON IS COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH. FOR FEAR OF SAFETY PERFORMANCE ISSUES IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION I REFUSE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE. IN ONE INSTANCE A STEEL PIECE DESIGNED TO STABILIZE THE MUFFLER POPPED OFF IT'S WELD WHILE I WAS DRIVING, CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO THE CARS AROUND ME. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL TO MY NEAR MY HOME AT THE TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRAME BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED OVER THE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE A SERIES OF REPAIRS FOR THE FOLLOWING FAILURES: THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS RUSTED, THE TOW HOOKS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE MUFFLER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND THE FRAME FRACTURED INTO PIECES UPON THE CONTACT'S INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERIES OF FAILURES OCCURED DUE TO THE SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VSC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND LOCKED THE FRONT BRAKES. THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT LANE AND THE STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 167,000.
TL* 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.
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 *TR
MY 4RUNNER FRAME IS SHOWING EXCESSIVE RUST. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND I AM DILIGENT IN KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE CONSIDER MY 4RUNNER AS A FRAME REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE.
MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS MASSIVE FRAME ROT. I FIXED WHAT I COULD, BUT STILL FIGHTING WITH THE PROBLEM. I KNOW TOYOTA RECALLED THEIR PICK UP TRUCKS BECAUSE OF FRAME ISSUES, THEY SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR THEIR 4 RUNNERS.
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.
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!
TL* 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.
I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ONLINE FOR THE NON STOP VCS TRAC, VCS OFF, ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS GOING OFF. IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A COMMON ISSUE WITH TOYOTA AND CAN LEAD TO COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES, BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $3200 FOR THE PART AND $600 TO INSTALL. I GUESS TOYOTA NEEDS FATALITIES TO BACK THEIR PRODUCT. SHAME ON TOYOTA.
EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST THROUGH AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL/AXLE RUST THE FRAME RUST IS IN AN AREA THAT CONNECTS THE REAR AXLE TO THE VEHICLE.
INFORMED TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA , TWO YEARS AGO , OF MY DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT LETTER AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED MY CRACKED DASHBOARD.
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING AND THIRD MEANDER ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY KNOW THERE IS A ISSUE WITH RUST ON SOME 4RUNNERS BUT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THEM
STEERING BINDS AND SOMETIMES PREVENTS A CONTINUED TURN. HAVE TO OVER POWER STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION. NOT A FLUID, PUMP, STEERING RACK ISSUE FROM WHAT I CAN TELL. UNDERSTAND IT MAY BE AN UNPROTECTED STEERING SHAFT U-JOINT. DANGEROUS SITUATION IF NOT CORRECTED ASAP AS ISSUE GETS WORSE VERY QUICKLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOUNT AIRY TOYOTA (508 N ANDY GRIFFITH PKWY, MOUNT AIRY, NC 27030, (336) 786-2118), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED ON MAY 31, 2017 AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1808210330. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
I PURCHASED MY 4RUNNER NEW. IT CURRENTLY HAS 189,500 MILES. EVEN THOUGH I KEEP MY CAR INSIDE MY GARAGE, THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND STICKY. I SEE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ONE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND WILL NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION
TL* 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.
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED. GREAT VEHICLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FRAME RUSTING AND HAVING WEAK SPOTS. WE HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATIONS. THESE ARE BUILT ON A TRUCK FRAME AND THE TOYOTA SEQUOIAS, TUNDRAS AND TACOMA'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.
Frame has major rust holes towards the front inside next to the catalytic converters. Hoping to get them repaired before frame failure. The frame design is similar to the 2005 to 2015 Tacomas, which experienced similar issues with rust damage causing frame integrity issues. Toyota had a program to replaced those frames, but not for the 4Runners. The issue seems to be caused by certain factory openings in the frame that allow road salt to enter into the frame cavity, and cause the inside to rust. Being next to the catalytic converter, the heat accelerates the rust. On my 4Runner, the issue has gotten worse in the last 2 years. I cannot understand why Toyota covered all other trucks/suvs that use this similar frame but ignored the 4Runner.
HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND POINTED OUT A FEW HOLES IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THEN DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT QUICKLY PLACED THE GEAR IN PARK AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC ABS AND THE TC MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.
PLEASE VISIT THIS SITE AND YOU FIND OVER 600 COMPLAINTS REGARDING TOYOTA'S WHEELS CORRODING. HTTP://WWW.NUCKLESLAW.COM/SOFTWARE-NEGOTIATIONS-EXPERT/TOYOTA-ALLOY-WHEELS-BUBBLING-TOYOTA-QUALITY-CONCERNS/COMMENT-PAGE-12/#COMMENTS I'M AN OWNER OF A 2003 4RUNNER AND HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES INVOLVING THE PAINT ON THE WHEELS PEELING. I HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL, IF NOT ALL WHEELS THAT TOYOTA USES ON THEIR 4 RUNNERS AND OTHER TRUCKS. WHY DOES TOYOTA CONTINUE TO SELL AND USE A WHEEL WHEN THEY KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE, AND WHY AREN'T THEY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING REFUNDS, OR REPAIR SERVICES? THE DEFECT LEADS TO THE WHEEL BEING CORRODED AND EVENTUALLY COMPROMISES THE INTEGRITY OF THE WHEEL'S STRENGTH. THE SAFETY OF THE WHEEL IS A BIG CONCERN OF MINE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I'M AN OWNER OF A 2003 4RUNNER AND HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES INVOLVING THE PAINT ON THE WHEELS PEALING. I HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL, IF NOT ALL WHEELS THAT TOYOTA USES ON THEIR 4 RUNNERS AND OTHER TRUCKS. WHY DOES TOYOTA CONTINUE TO SELL AND USE A WHEEL WHEN THEY KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE, AND WHY AREN'T THEY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING REFUNDS, OR REPAIR SERVICES? THE DEFECT LEADS TO THE WHEEL BEING CORRODED AND EVENTUALLY COMPROMISES THE INTEGRITY OF THE WHEEL'S STRENGTH. THE SAFETY OF THE WHEEL IS A BIG CONCERN OF MINE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
FAILED STATE INSPECTION 1/25/16 DUE TO RUSTED AND PERFORATED FRAME. IT PASSED THE INSPECTION 1/26/15 JUST BEFORE SELLING VEHICLE TO US. WE HAVE PUT LESS THAN 7000 MILES ON IT SINCE PURCHASE ON 1/28/15.
FRAME RUSTED OUT IN LESS THAN 13 YEARS ON THE ROAD.
SCHEDULED VEHICLE FOR REGULAR INSPECTION. TOYOTA REP ADVISED SUBSTANTIAL ROT ON FRAME, REAR PASSENGER SIDE. DID NOT PASS INSPECTION. REP ADVISED THAT NO CURRENT REMEDIES/RECALLS IN PLACE. REP SUGGESTED TO TRADE IT IN. 153000 MILES, ENGINE/TRANSMISSION EXCELLENT CONDITION. FRAME WASHED AND TREATED W/ RUST PREVENTION 2X A YEAR. UNACCEPTABLE STRUCTURAL PROBLEM, GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WITH NO REMEDY FROM TOYOTA.
4RUNNER FRAME RUST. MULTIPLE TECHS HAVE TOLD ME MY FRAME SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH AN EXISTING TOYOTA RECALL BUT WAS NOT.
MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS SERIOUS FRAME RUST ISSUES WITH LESS THAN 150,000 MILES. THE PIECE OF THE FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR AND A/C CONDENSER HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND THE RADIATOR IS UNSUPPORTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WITH MY OLD 1996 4RUNNER WHICH HAD 100,000 MORE MILES ON IT.
THE REAR SWAY BAR AND AXLE HAVE ROTTED OUT. THE SWAY BAR DROPPED TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND AN INSPECTOR SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER EXAMINED THE DAMAGE. THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME BRACKET, WHICH HOLDS THE LOWER CONTROL, HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FAIL. THE INSPECTOR RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4UNNER. WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD BANG EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WANDERED OUT OF THE LANE INDEPENDENTLY AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN ENCOUNTERING UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES AND POTHOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ *CN
OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE IN A CITY AT 10 MPH WHEN ABS, VSC, TRAC AND EBRAKE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH AN ALARM SOUND. BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND ON SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MANAGED TO SLOW CAR TO SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING BY PRESSING EBRAKE AND PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL. TOWED TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER COMPLETELY FAILED AND BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. QUOTED $3100 FOR REPAIR. BASED ON SOME INTERNET SEARCHING, THIS APPEARS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUE ON THIS MODEL/YEAR. DISAPPOINTED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT PROVIDED SOME FIX FOR THIS ISSUE WHICH COULD PROVE INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS.
THE STEERING WHEEL COVER IS BROKEN, CRACKED. BEHIND IT IS THE AIR BAG.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE OF MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER BEGAN TO MOVE UP AND DOWN AND WOBBLE MAKING THE CAR WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD. WE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, CARVER TOYOTA OF COLUMBUS IN TAYLORSVILLE, IN. INSPECTING THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE WE FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE FRAME WHERE THE FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED LEAVING A BIG HUNK OUT OF THE FRAME. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATT WARREN, SERVICE MANAGER AT CARVER TOYOTA AND WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNDRIVEABLE. THIS IS A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE WHICH IS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION IN EVERY OTHER RESPECT THAN THE RUSTED FRAME. WE ARE VERY UPSET TO LOSE A GOOD CAR WHICH STILL HAD A LOT OF VALUE STILL LEFT IN IT TO US. WE ALSO FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. WE WERE INCREDIBLY LUCKY THAT NEITHER WE NOR ANYBODY ELSE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT DAY WERE INJURED BY THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN OTHER 4RUNNERS AS WELL AND THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL AND THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. WE ARE HOLDING ON TO THE VEHICLE HOPING THAT THERE WILL BE SOME REMEDY FOR THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR
THE FRAME ON MY 4 RUNNER ROTTED SO BADLY IT WAS UNSAFE AND NOT REPAIRABLE. I TOOK VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE BRAKES WORKED ON. WHEN THEY PUT IT UP ON THE RACK, THEY ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND LOOK AT IT. THE FRAME WAS ROTTEN WITH RUST. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, NOT PRACTICAL TO REPAIR, AND COULD ONLY BE SOLD FOR PARTS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD 65,257 MILES ON IT. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT HE COULD POKE A SCREWDRIVER RIGHT THROUGH IT. LARGE RUSTY CHUNKS WERE FALLING RIGHT OFF OF THE FRAME. THERE ARE TWO STEEL U PIECES WELDED, ONE ON EITHER SIDE, TO THE FRONT OF THE FRAME FOR TOWING PURPOSES. ONE OF THESE WAS HANGING DOWN BY A RUSTY THREAD. I LATER PULLED ON IT WITH MY HAND AND IT CAME RIGHT OFF WITH A BUNCH OF SCALY RUST FLAKES. I HAVE SAVED IT AS EVIDENCE OF HOW BADLY THE FRAME HAD DISINTEGRATED. THE DEALER WOULD ONLY ALLOW ME $100 ON A TRADE IN, BUT I DID AS I HAD TO HAVE A VEHICLE TO DRIVE. I FELT VERY FORTUNATE THAT THE FRAME DID NOT BREAK UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AS I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! MY WORKING CAREER HAS BEEN AS AN ENGINEER AND I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH METALS AND CORROSION, BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN STEEL THIS PRONE TO ROTTING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. .....UPDATED 12/08/15 *BF *JS
DRIVING 45 MPH IN A 45 MPH ZONE ON CITY STREET WHEN A PICKUP TRUCK FAILED TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY AND PULLED IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF 4RUNNER. ALMOST ZERO TIME FOR BREAKING. 4RUNNER HIT PICKUP TRUCK BEHIND DRIVER'S DOOR AT NEARLY 45 MPH. THE TRUCK WAS WAS MOVING RIGHT TO LEFT. FRONT END OF 4RUNNER SEVERELY DAMAGED AND FRAME WAS BENT. 4RUNNER BUMPER MOUNTS JUST BELOW AIRBAG SENSORS WERE BROKEN OFF. AIRBAGS ON 4RUNNER DID NOT ACTIVATE. 4RUNNER DRIVER HAS SEVERE CONCUSSION AND OTHER INJURIES. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED BY THE PICKUP TRUCK DRIVER'S INSURANCE CARRIER. THE SAFETY ISSUE TOO FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A SEVERE FRONTAL COLLISION...UPDATED 11/12/15 *BF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE THREE LARGE HOLES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
MY VEHICLE HAS SEVERE FRAME RUST AND ROT. PART OF FRAME AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR HAS HOLES IN IT AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IT WAS DRIVEN PRIMARILY IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.
FRAME RUST - CAR IS BASICALLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST. MUCH MORE THAN WOULD EVER BE CONSIDERED NORMAL.
2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WAS BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP ON SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2015 TO INSPECT THE FRAME RUST. THE RUST WAS VERIFIED BY THE DEALER, AND WAS SENT ON MY WAY, WITH NO WARNING THAT IT WAS UNSAFE. MONDAY AUGUST 31, 2015, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRAME FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT BROKE FREE FROM THE FRAME AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE REAREND STARTED TO SHAKE, WOBBLE AND VIBRATE AND WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD. TALKED TO DEALER, NO RECALLS ON SAID VEHICLE. TALKED TO TOYOTA CORPORATE, THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. TACOMA'S AND TUNDRA'S HAVE A RECALL, BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED HERE ON JULY 5, 2015.
BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR A SUSPENSION CHECK AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THE PASSANGER REAR FRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED.
THE FRAME ON MY 2003 4RUNNER HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING. TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THE TACOMA OF THE SAME YEAR FOR THIS ISSUE AND THAT VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FRAME. AS AN OWNER OF A 4RUNNER I AM UPSET BECAUSE MY VEHICLE COSTS MORE, BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX THIS.