2002 Toyota 4Runner Body Problems
- 61
- 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 61 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- frame rusted · 9 records
- unsafe drive · 8 records
- excessive rust · 8 records
- rusted through · 8 records
- frame rust · 6 records
- pass inspection · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 20 |
| 100–150k mi | 19 |
| 60–100k mi | 6 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body · Power Train
I purchased the 2002 4runner in 2014. At that time, the 4runner only had 79,000 miles and had been cared for meticulously. I have taken the car in for routine service over the past 5 years. Upon taking the 4runner in due to a vibration and check of the differential, the mechanic called me in to look at the frame while it was up on the lift. Below in the attached photos, there is extensive rusting of the rear…
ODI 11217310
Body
Very excessive rusting and corrosion on the frame near where the leading arm attaches on the passenger side. Hole has developed very quickly, only in the span of a couple years. When going around left corner >15mph, a clunking noise can be heard from the problem area. Very occasionally a similar noise can be heard when going through right turns. Vehicle has spent most of its life in southern minnesota, although some…
ODI 11209402
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Right frame rail is very rusted to the point of non repair. Unable to repair suspension due to unable to remove bolts that hold suspension to frame.
ODI 11208039
Body
Vehicle frame has corroded, fractured especially on passenger rear of vehicle. Many holes along frame. Was hearing loud thunking in rear of vehicle took it in for a visual inspection and found the issue.
ODI 11193162
Body · Steering · Suspension
I was doing an oil change and noticed that the frame was rusted very badly . I think that there should be a recall on this model 3rd gen 4runner (1999-2002)this is the same frame as the truck that was recalled ,so this should be included .if this frame breaks it will hurt or kill some one .
ODI 11187330
Body · Unknown Or Other
We purchased a 4runner for our 18 year old daughter to drive thinking it would be safe, esp in mn. She was driving home from college (130 miles) and noticed it had a bad vibration, especially over 40 mph. It was very difficult to drive. We were out of town and when we got back, brought it to the shop, only to be told the frame was responded beyond repair (see photos). Not only does that scare me for my daughter, but…
ODI 11196149
Body
I have seen classi. Cars from the 60s with frames in better shape than my 4runner. The rear control arms brackets are close to detaching from the frame. Rust is eating the back half of my frame. The frame rails are completely rusted through and will soon need replacing. There are numerous bolts and hardware that can no longer be used due to rust. The fill plug on the rear differential has rusted away as well. The…
ODI 11182218
Body · Engine · Steering
First, the motor blew for no reason at 152,000 miles. I rebuilt the car and had a new motor put in. I was not aware of the rusting frame issue, however, after driving the vehicle with a lovely new rebuilt motor for about one year, the frame rotted beyond repair causing the power steering to go out. I don't drive much, so there was no excessive exposure to salt. The car was parked in my driveway. It was an…
ODI 11185623
Body
At a stop light, went to drive heard load pop clank. Vehicle started shaking and driving funny. Looked under car and my control arm ( that stabilizes my axel ) mount rusted off. My entire under carriage is rusted out. The control arm shifted
ODI 11180132
Body
Excessive rust on frame. Rusting from the inside out, on passenger side near muffler, by rear suspension mounts. Rusted all the way through on the inside of the frame. Likely rusted in other parts that are not visible.
ODI 11154372
Body
My 2002 toyota 4runner has excessive rust on the frame to the point that it has been deemed by my local toyota dealership as "unsafe to drive." it only has 180,000 miles on it, the rust should not be this extensive.
ODI 11152575
Body
My 2002 toyota 4 runner failed mass state inspection due to emergency brake not engaging. I immediately brought the vehicle to a local auto shop for repair. I was then notified by the shop that the entire frame was completely rotted & unsafe to drive. They refused to do any repair to the e-brake until the frame was repaired. I'm devastated that my well cared for vehicle , with only 130,000 miles is now unsafe to…
ODI 11144553
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine service at an independent mechanic shop, the technician noticed that the frame was corroded through and caused the tailpipe to detach. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000. ..*bf *jb
ODI 11133280
Body
Check engine light comes on so i take my 2002 4 runner to get it checked. I noticed it sounds like it might be a exhaust problem. Then i get the bad news . The frame experience excessive corrosion. My understanding is that there was some kind of recall on this matter a few years ago but i never received a notice .i purchased it used in 2003 so maybe the notice went to the first owner. I have been living at the same…
ODI 11131860
Body
I have a 2002 4 runner and put almost $2,800.00 in it last year for a new rear end, new tires, because i felt it still had a tremendous amount of life left in it, only to find out that the frame has 2 holes in it from excessive rust. The dealership i took it to informed me that they were currently in the process of replacing frames for 2003 - 2009 models. When i asked about the 2002 models, they stated that toyota…
ODI 11132934
Body · Suspension
Rear axel is rusted off the frame, and rotting, mechanic says it's unsafe to drive
ODI 11130001
Body
My frame is suffering from premature and excessive rusting, as is commonly reported among other early to mid 2000's 4runner owners. The most severe area is the radiator supports. I am filing this complaint so it is registered among the many complaints received about this issue. I'd be happy to provide documentation if needed, but i'm pretty sure there have already been a lot of reports of this since there's now an…
ODI 11124282
Body
Leaving work friday of labor day weekend 2018 i noticed the smell of gas. My co-worker also looked, and observed a puddle of gasoline under the car. Since the dealer was close, i took the risk to drive it the dealer. The dealer is heritage toyota in baltimore maryland. The car has only 91000 miles on it. The entire bottom of the car is rusted out. This is what caused the fuel leak. The frame is also rusted out to…
ODI 11129829
Body · Suspension
Frame rust on the inside portion for the frame. 33" hole rusted through completely on passenger side. Rust continues about 80% of the way through the rear lower control arm mount. Driver's side has a similar amount of severe rust that has weakened the structural integrity of the frame to the point where it is no longer safe to drive. Should the co troll arm mount finish rusting through, the axle will no longer be…
ODI 11121804
Body
FRAME IS COMPLETLY RUSTED OUT.
ODI 11120990
Body
FRAME DETERIORATION.
ODI 11101832
Body · Suspension
This is yet another costumer of the 4runner 3rd generation complaining about the frame rusting out. There needs to be responsability for the bad frames on this year 4runner. My frame has holes in the rear control arm attachment area and more rust all throughout entire frame. I'm doing all i can to keep my frame from getting any more rust on it and keeping it safe to be on the road. I strongly believe toyota should…
ODI 11141413
Body · Power Train
Takata recall frame rusted out from the inside out. Looking at on frame it was at least 1.5 inches of dirt and small rock from maine roads and than when rained it was just mud the bad spot is on the passenger side d by torsion bar no way to drain. Also rear end differential gear cover rusted out on other vehicles you replaced just the cover on the 4runner i was told to replace the rear end price just for the rear…
ODI 11035790
Body
The frame on my 4runner is completely rusting. Had to get it spot welded to pass inspection. This is a common problem on 3rd generation 4runners. Please help.
ODI 11034314
Body
I have owned my 2002 4runner since i bought it new in 2002. Around 8,500 miles a year, and somehow my frame is completely rusted out. This is not normal, and now it won't pass inspection and is unsafe to drive. Toyota bought the frames from a third party in japan which did not coat these frames properly. We undercoated the car for 5 years after buying it, and yet rust started showing up around 2009. We have taken…
ODI 11024076