2000 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Problems
- 82
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 82 stored complaint records:
- 4 indicate a crash
- 4 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- frame rusted · 12 records
- passenger side · 11 records
- rear differential · 9 records
- lower control · 8 records
- rusted through · 8 records
- unsafe drive · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 40 |
| 100–150k mi | 24 |
| 60–100k mi | 3 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Suspension · Underbody Shields
The vehicle frame is deteriorating from rust on the passenger side of the vehicle. This severe rust is prevalent at suspension attachment points; significantly where the right-side rear "track bar" is attached. If this were to fail, the rear axle of the vehicle would become disconnnected from the vehicle undoubtedly causing a crash. Found out tonight the frame rail forward of the track bar has also deteriorated on…
ODI 10606353
Suspension · Underbody Shields
I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. I just purchased this vehicle used for my 16 year old daughter to drive. Inspection by a certified mechanic revealed that the frame exhibits extensive rusting. The frame has rusted through on the passenger side between the front and rear wheels. It has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. The mechanic warned that catastrophic failure…
ODI 10595363
Suspension
Safety issue do to frame rot.. Common issue with 3rd gen toyota runners. Bought the truck new, and now my investment is at risk because toyota makes vehicles with poor steal and the us dot will not step up and force them to correct the issue. *js
ODI 10592256
Suspension
While having an oil change done my mechanic noticed sever fram rust, some spots go right through fram. I know toyota recalled many vechiles for this so i call toyota and they said they can do nothing for me, they didn't even want to look at it. They said if i wanted it looked at i would have to pay! Sounds like they know they have more problems but they are not going to do anything about it. *js
ODI 10585590
Suspension
I was driving on the highway and the car started rocking violently back and forth.i applied on the brakes gently and the car started to slow down but would not stop shaking, almost causing the vehicle to flip over on its side. As this was happening my head was smashed against the side window multiple times, causing a concussion and cuts to my head and body. I was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident.when…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10585263
Steering · Suspension · Wheels
While driving today the steering became unstable, erratic, and the car lurched out of my lane into oncoming traffic. A new noise appeared to be coming from rear left tire. When i safely pulled over and inspected vehicle i noted the frame was severely rusted and that the forward welded mount for the lower suspension arm had fractured along the factory weld and was dangling down. This car has never been wrecked. It…
ODI 10584522
Body · Power Train · Suspension
Rear differential housing is rusted very badly leaking gear oil. Rust is extremely thick. Huge flakes more like chunks. Leaking from rear of housing where rust has penetrated far enough to cause a slow leak. Rest of 4runner is in good shape. *tr
ODI 10556738
Suspension · Underbody Shields
Frame is rusting through causing instability concerns. *tr
ODI 10555720
Structure · Suspension · Underbody Shields
2000 toyota 4runner frame rusted threw at area that holds rear axel in place rear drivers frame rail had rusted through where it mounts the lower control arm. When frame failed vehicle was hard to control and swaying to the point of immediate danger to passengers and other vehicles on highway this vehicle is well maintained and is in excellent condition. Frame failure on this age vehicle should be unacceptable and…
ODI 10553553
Body · Steering · Suspension
Extensive frame rust-through and failure. Left and right rear halves of frame cracked. Rear control arm brackets cracked at welds.
ODI 10764636
Suspension · Underbody Shields
Frame rusted in front of both rear tires load bearing area. Toyota refuses any warranty or acknowledgement of this safety problem on truck frames used on suv's. Tacoma frames all recalled for same reason. Toyota still states not to undercoat when purchase is new or to rust prevent at any warranty/preventive maintenance inspection. Consumer put at risk to a problem only observable from a lift,and told to spend…
ODI 10544132
Fuel System, Gasoline · Suspension · Underbody Shields
While having my 2000 4runner serviced recently, my mechanic advised me that my carriage frame was cracked and rotting. I took it to toyota dealer in bristol ct, who put vehicle on hoist and confirmed the problem. I was advised there was no recall or tsb on my suv, and probably nothing they could do. They said they would send info & pictures to district office for review and advise when they heard back. I asked them…
ODI 10526087
Suspension
My 17 year old daughter was driving car and pulled severely to left. She was able to control car and slow down, drive car home. I had mechanic look at it and said frame had rooted and stabilization bar broke loose car can not be fixed and is to dangerous to drive. This seems to be a common problem with this year 4 runner toyota is aware of it and refuses to take any responsibility. Very dangerous. If my daughter was…
ODI 10524081
Body · Suspension
Frame has severe rust that has caused the frame to become weak and unsafe. Multiple holes in frame have developed. Vehicle has been washed regularly and stored indoors for years but has severe frame rot. Toyota will not repair because they say there was never any problem with the 4runner frames just the tacoma and tundra had issues. The frame on the 96-02 4runners are the same as the tacoma, only difference is the…
ODI 10514765
Power Train · Suspension
The rear axle housing has rusted through such that differential fluid was leaking through a hole in the metal and dripping onto the roadway. The metal was so thin, like paper. This is a safety issue since all of the rear axle fluid could leak out, allowing the rear differential to freeze or seize up, causing a loss of control of the vehicle and creating a possible accident. It could also cause other vehicles to lose…
ODI 10670889
Power Train · Suspension
When getting the left/rear wheel bearing repaired (due to heavy rusting of the differential housing, causing fluid loss), the technician reported extensive frame loss also due to corrosion. Affected vehicle (otherwise in good condition) was/had to be junked for safety reasons, thus forcing me to purchase a new vehicle sooner than anticipated. In n.e. (north east) usa, toyota tacomas (frames manufactured in the usa)…
ODI 10659294
Body · Suspension
Suspension system rusted apart causing the rear shocks to become disconnected from the frame. The vehicle also has severe rust on the frame that is characteristic of the problems other are experiencing with frame rot. There are nearly 200 complaints on here for this issue...it should be recalled and repaired. I cary my 2 year old around in this car on a daily basis. Surprised to find such a poor quality car from…
ODI 10652371
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 50 mph, a loud clunking noise sounded outside of the vehicle and suddenly the rear wheels locked which caused the rear end of the vehicle to skid across the road approximately twenty feet. In addition, fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the rear differential…
ODI 10464065
Suspension · Underbody Shields
I own a 2000 toyota 4runner. I took my car for state inspection. My mechanic told me that the frame is rusted out an is a major safety problem. The 2000 $runner has the same frame as the 2000 toyota tacoma in which toyota bought back the tacomas from the owners for 150% of the kelly blue book value. If toyota knows that there is a problem with one model (tacoma) and fixes then they should also fix the 4runner. *tr
ODI 10458028
Body · Suspension
Passenger side frame rail is rusted through on the inside of the rail. *tr
ODI 10438651
Suspension · Underbody Shields
Frame is rusting. Perforation. I was having rear shocks replaced and when mechanic pulled himself under the vehicle on his roller cart his fingers went thru the frame. *tr
ODI 10436882
Frame And Members · Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear differential was rusted and caused an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and confirmed the rust and corrosion that caused the oil leak. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 178,000. Updated 09/27/11 *bf
ODI 10425202
Structure · Suspension
The rear axle housing has rusted through, while the vehicles body has no rust. Toyota fails to recognize this as a defect because of the vehicles year and mileage. We contacted toyota and they provided the following reference number 1109161548. Research on the internet supports this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle and will occur on the 4 runner with much less mileage. This represents a safety issue since all…
ODI 10426359
Suspension
Today, observed significant rust on the passenger side longitudinal frame member. The frame rail was perforated for ~24 inches on the bottom, inside of the rail, next to the muffler and up to and including the mounting point for the rear wheel lower control arm. The rail was perforated to a width of up to ~1 inch. I am concerned about the structural integrity of the frame and am reporting it as it could be safety…
ODI 10408393
Body · Suspension
I own a 2000 toyota 4runner. I have noticed my frame near the rear suspension is so severely rotted that the frame will need to be cut and re-welded or replaced all together.there are multiple holes in the box frame of the vehicle due to the construction of the frame. Water seeps in through the frame, causing it to rust from the inside out. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance recently and they…
ODI 10429181