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
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. The contact noticed that the main frame was rusting on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 209,000.
ODI 11044045
Body
When taken to the local automotive shop they found the frame has rotted out in many parts of the frame. Cab frame mounts are also rotted. It will not pass inspection. The frame is ready to snap offf. Thank the lord the shop found this being three of my four kids ride in it everyday to school.
ODI 10970824
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician found severe corrosion on the passenger side. The contact stated that the frame would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
ODI 10926949
Body · Unknown Or Other
Frame is perforated by rust where the rear control arm mount meets the frame rail.
ODI 11039664
Body
Frame rust. The dealership determined the "frame is rotted-safety issue-will not pass inspection". This 4runner has only been exposed to areas of mild south east pennsylvania winters and the undercarriage was washed regularly after every snow and road-salting event. 4runner is trash after only 12 winters. 4runner was in storage for 04/05 winter and there was no snow in 15/16.
ODI 10928864
Body
My 2002 4runner's frame is rusted through in many places. This is very unsafe and toyota should fix this problem. They have yet to recall the 4runners but, have recalled the tacoma and sequoia. I do not have the money to do this repair. I am buried in debt from a heart transplant and this is just unacceptable. I think people will die from this problem. Please respond so i have some information please. Thanks, [xxx]…
ODI 10885244
Body
Frame is badly rusted out. Vehicle only has 80,000 miles
ODI 10883201
Body · Service Brakes
The frame of this 4runner has been experiencing excessive rust since the time i got it used from a dealer. Once their undercoating wore off, my mechanic replaced rusted up brake lines back about 9 years ago. He said it was because the frame was very rusty and they did a new rust treatment. For the past few years i have been battling issues related to the frame. A plate was put in to strengthen an area. It only has…
ODI 11194759
Body
My 2002 toyota 4runner has a couple quarter sized rust hole on the rear right side of the frame. Located on the inside next to the exhaust muffler. The entire rest of the frame is in very good condition, it's weird to me that just this particular spot is completely rusted through, this is a huge safety hazard and i know toyota should step up and do something about this. I read online most people have this same…
ODI 10850826
Body
The frame of the vehicle is rotting out with rust. The 4runner has never been in snow and has been taken well care of and the frame is still eroding away with rust at an unnatural rate. This issue must be addressed for the sake of so many unaware owners!
ODI 10822880
Body
Frame cracked/rusted dealership reported that the frame (right rear) was cracked.... Car is unsafe to drive.
ODI 10861724
Body
I visited a toyota dealership for routine maintenance (oil change) and inspection of [redacted] system. After the vehicle was raised on the lift, the service advisor asked me to join him and the shop mechanic in the service bay where i was shown that the frame / chassis of the vehicle has rusted the point where in their opinion it was no longer safe to operate. After close inspection, i had agreed with their…
ODI 10819143
Body
Frame is rusted through on right side from middle of the frame to just over the rear axel. There are large holes and rusted slots that are over 10 inches long damage starts before the rear suspenshion support and continues to the other side and the side where the rust has caused holes and long slots the whole frame can be squeezed easily with your hand.
ODI 10817486
Body
Vehicle has 188,400 miles, runs flawlessly. Bought 2005, 45k miles,toyota dealer certified used suv. Rotted thru rear transfer case 3 yrs ago, replaced from a wreck. Severe progressive entire frame rust/rot noted in yearly pa inspections, now cant pass inspection & pillars almost rotted thru..unsafe to drive. Extremely disappointed cant pull trailer sailboat & m'cycles, now sits in driveway useless.
ODI 11217338
Body · Suspension
Vehicle was stationary. While replacing exhaust system components. Found what appeared to be minor rust on the passenger (right) side rear suspension mount. Further investigation uncovered a larger area of rust along the 3 welds on the inner frame rail. Cut / ground the metal back to good metal and am in the process of patching for my yearly maine vehicle inspection. Either toyota has built an inferior frame or the…
ODI 10779459
Body
Hello. I purchased a 2002 toyota 4runner limited edition last fall in pennsylvania. The car had passed the pennsylvania state inspection with passed validated inspection tags in the front window. I took the car to my mechanic, welder and beechmont toyota (cincinnati oh) and the consensus is the car needs the car frame replaced. The car frame has rust holes and is rusted along with a rusted undercarriage. The…
ODI 10911062
Body
Frame rusted under 4 runner and on bumper told by person working on sway bar links. Stated excessive rust on frame and rear axle.
ODI 10762726
Body · Unknown Or Other
Frame has excessive rust and has holes in parts of it. The rest of the body and interior are in great condition. Engine runs well and there are otherwise no major mechanical issues. Upon having a minor repair done, inspection showed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the frame in that condition as it is about to crack in half. This seems to be prematurely failing compared to the rest of the vehicle.
ODI 10761742
Body · Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the entire rear end of the frame completely rusted. In addition, the rack and pinion was faulty and replaced by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failrue mileage was 120,000.
ODI 10716412
Body
Fame deteriorating prematurely,skid plate that protects fuel tank showed signs of rust. After inspecting found rotting from inside out.when replacing in may of 2014,found that strap that holds fuel tank rusted completely away,two bolts from the rusted skid plate only thing holding fuel tank in place.same conditions exist over entire frame,rust falls off in sheets when frame is tapped on with hammer.brought my…
ODI 10840033
Body
2002 toyota 4 runner sr5, 98,000 miles. Always dealer serviced. This will be my last state nys inspection as i will be unable to have the truck inspected in 2015 due to body frame rot, need to incur costs to replace body frame. Truck is in excellent condition with the exception of frame rot. Have also replaced the bumper, the gas tank shield and have been told front oil pan shield needs replacing as dealer can not…
ODI 10693770
Body · Suspension
Extensive rust thru on drivers side of frame, rear suspension link rusted to the point where complete failure in coming soon. Last two feet of frame completely gone. Doubt it will pass another safety inspection without significant repair. Rear differential rusted to the point gear oil leaks. This is common on all 4 runners and should be recalled just like the tacomas. *tr
ODI 10660383
Body · Fuel/Propulsion System
My 2002 4runner was purchased brand new from toyota in november of 2001. I live in new york so it does snow 2 or 3 months out of the year. It has been used as a second vehicle to pick up supplies and the like, otherwise it is rarely used. At this time it has approx. 139000 miles. The truck would not start and i took it to a mechanic. I was told there is an extreme amount of rust under the vehicle, the undercarriage,…
ODI 10631160
Body
There is excessive rust on the frame rails which support the body of the vehicle thus weakening the critical supportive components. This creates a possible dangerous situation which may go unnoticed until failure occurs. This has been a common problem with other toyota vehicles and should be addressed for the 4runners. *tr
ODI 10594702
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Frame rusted out, similar to tacoma pick up trucks recall. Additionally climate control heating, cooling, fan defective, power antenna in-operable.
ODI 11097773