Problems with 2003 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

The frame is rotting and cracking. it was bought brand new and has been used for short commutes. it is now unsafe for me and my kids.

There is extensive rust damage on the frame towards where the transmission connects to the engine. in 1-2 years, my 4runner will need frame repairs, if not sooner.

While my 2003 toyota 4runner was in a service appointment, i was notified that the frame has severely deteriorated due to corrosion and rust. i was able to inspect and document the corrosion with photographs. the vehicle will soon become unsafe to operate or drive.

Took vehicle for new muffler. advised not only muffler rusted through but the frame has extensive rust and deemed unsafe.

The frame of the 2003 toyota 4runner became so rusted that when trying to put the car on the lift at a mechanic shop, the frame began to crumble and fall apart at the point where the lift contacted the frame. the entire frame has multiple points where the metal has rusted away and become very weak, compromising the structural integrity of the frame and potentially weakening areas where steering and suspension components attach to the frame.

The frame is rusted away but the body is perfect. purchased as is. was not informed in writing about the bad frame

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle would not pass inspection because the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the front bumper and the frame were severely corroded with holes and the corrosion penetrated the radiator support, the rear passenger side trailing arm, and the interior frame of the front passenger door. the mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unable to be driven. the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 165,232.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame was rusted on the passenger side. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the local dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. the failure mileage was 171,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. while driving various speeds, the vehicle shook and vibrated. the vehicle was taken to heritage toyota owings mills (9801 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md) where it was discovered that the subframe had experienced severe rusting. the cause of the failure was not determined. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. the failure mileage was 153,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. while the contact was performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, he found that the vehicle's frame was corroded with holes. the corrosion extended to the exhaust system that connected to the muffler. the fuel tank cover was also corroded. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Went to inspect my 4 runner, was told i have major rot and rust on the frame they are unable to inspect, vehical is unsafe to have on the road. my suv is mint with low miles how can this be. i always take care of my vehicals.

My frame is seriously rusted and needs replacement making my vehicle unsafe. there is rust in numerous locations. i just visited a repair shop and they told me that i would need to reinforce or replace the frame. the cost for reinforcing the frame is over 5000 dollars. the vehicle is in great shape other than the frame and i was hoping to drive it for at least a few more years. your department has found similar issues with other toyotas that have exactly the same issue and are built upon similar frames made exactly the same way. these models include the tacoma, sequoia, and tundra. it is my opinion that toyota failed to treat their frames properly and the dealer failed to take the necessary steps to inform me of the issue when the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to toyota wallingford (859 n colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492) where it was diagnosed that the frame was severely corroded and the vehicle was not safe to be driven. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 134,363.

Rear axle badly rotted. car has 66,000 miles on it. requires replacement which is apparently an extremely expensive and sensitive process. the corrosion seems to be extraordinarily premature and due to substandard frame materials and treatment of same. acton toyota had already welded in a frame bar 2-3 years ago. called (800)331-4331 (toyota motor manufacturing)spoke with a customer service rep (angie) and her supervisor (maria) who stated that the warranty on the frame expired in 2006, they were clear about toyota's position that they will do nothing w/o a factory recall. this is, apparently, not an isolated issue. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2018/inbc-dp18002-73038.pdf https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/toyota-4runner-frame-rust.shtml https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/toyota-rusted-frame-settlement.shtml https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2016/toyota-tacoma-rusted-frames-lawsuit.shtml