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CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
211,445 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Toyota 4Runner miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2006 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #29

Feb 142019

4Runner

  • 135,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed that the frame of my 06 4runner has begun to corrode severely. There are holes in the frame that pose a severe safety threat and I'm concerned that the whole frame could give out at any time. Toyota recalled Tacoma's from the same timespan due to frame issues yet the 4runners were left off... the truck is in pristine condition besides the undercarriage of the vehicle. Toyota should be held liable and recall them before lives are lost. The suspension definitely doesn't feel right and when bumps or potholes in the road are hit the vehicle feels as if it's being jerked from side to side. Please continue your investigation on the frames of the 4runners and get Toyota to recall them.

- Madbury, NH, USA

problem #28

Feb 092019

4Runner

  • 175,000 miles
Purchased my 4runner certified used by modern Toyota of boone in Feb 2012. Took the vehicle to Toyota the next year locally and they mentioned that I have severe frame rust but by this time the warranty has already expired. Filed a complaint with Toyota regarding frame rust and the fact that I was sold the vehicle and it should not have been certified by Toyota because of the frame rust. Had an accident in Jun 2018, high front end hit, shouldn't have had any issues with the frame and it wasn't checked for integrity, but after some vibrations and wobbling and decreased stability on the highway, took to my local dealer and the tech did a visual inspection and said the frame was bent. Awaiting an appt from bodyshop to verify findings even though insurance already closed the claim from accident but independent mechanic states that the frame may really be bent due to the rusting and the ability to flex because of the corrosion, weakened. Vehicle feels unsafe to drive and is leaning on the drivers side front and back even with new factory Toyota suspension (struts and shocks). There is no reason for this vehicle to be leaning or the frame to be rusting as it is.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #27

Jan 122019

4Runner

  • miles
I turned on the rear defrost in the highway. After about 10 minutes, I started to smell a slight burning smell. Backglass was exploded with my 3 years kid. I called Toyota dealership they said the warranty is expired.

- Forest Park, GA, USA

problem #26

Jan 042018

4Runner

  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Turning out of parking lot. Rear defrost was on. Started smelling a "burning smell" and seconds later my rear glass shattered.

- Rose Hill, NC, USA

problem #25

Jan 042018

4Runner

  • 8,600,000 miles
Turning out of a parking lot and had rear defroster on. Within a few minutes smelled a "burning smell" and seconds later my back glass shattered.

- Rose Hill, NC, USA

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problem #24

Aug 012017

4Runner

  • 70,000 miles
My 2006 Toyota 4runner limited has excessive rust corrosion throughout the undercarriage of the vehicle including but not limited to the frame, suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust system and bolts/bracing. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had to replace both front axles due to excessive rust at the recommendation of both the dealership and a third party mechanic. While driving, the skid plate detached from underneath the vehicle and was dragging beneath the car after the metal on the plate rusted out around the bolts. Similarly, the heat shield detached while driving on the highway after the bolts rusted out. When I replaced the front brakes (pads & discs), I was forced to purchase brand new calipers because the current calipers were so rusted and seized and the mechanic could not reattach them. I have continued to use Toyota dealerships for scheduled maintenance and the consensus has been as follows: Sell the 4runner because it is excessively rusted would be a money pit to repair. Currently, the dealership has recommended I replace the steering rack and pinion due to leaks caused by rust. Moreover, the vehicle has duel exhaust leaks in both exhaust manifolds due to excessive rust. On multiple occasions the dealership told me they could not perform the work because of excessive rust. It has cost me thousands to repair and maintain, all of which is a result of extensive rust. The suspension and frame, including the shocks, struts, and bolts are excessively rusted and I have been urged to repair or sell the vehicle by multiple mechanics and dealerships, though the cost to do so would far exceed the cost of the vehicle. All of the aforementioned is detailed in paperwork from the dealership and supplemented by paperwork from third party mechanics here in san diego. The vehicle has 90K miles on it and has followed scheduled maintenance meticulously.

- Solana Beach, CA, USA

problem #23

Jan 022019

4Runner

  • 177,683 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Took my 4runner in to get a new muffler since it started to rust off and was told that the frame is rusting out and has a few small rust holes that car will not be good for much longer.

- North Vernon, IN, USA

problem #22

Jan 012015

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
Severe frame rust.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #21

Oct 242018

4Runner

  • 45,000 miles
Frame totally rusted through, dealer would not pass inspection and advised to scrap vehicle! less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.

- Depew, NY, USA

problem #20

Oct 152018

4Runner

  • 119,600 miles
My 4-runner is in great shape without any body rust, nice interior, motor doesn't use oil etc. I took to mechanic for pa annual inspection and was told it wasn't safe to drive home. The frame is completely rotted out, the rear stabilizers are unattached, the from left wheel is ready to fall off. The hitch on the back for pulling trailers is ready to fall off. I noticed in the past week the steering wheel pulled to the right( never done that before ) and steering wheel would shimmy starting at 50 M.P.H. and braking.

- Windsor, PA, USA

problem #19

Oct 112018

4Runner

  • 150,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Excessive rust damage to frame, got fixed for last year inspection and more problems occured this year. Vehicle other wise in good shape, disappointing to get rid of it. Could case hazard due to weld of cross member developing hole.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #18

Nov 282017

4Runner

  • 156,044 miles
Vehicle frame is rusting faster than normal. Have had to replace many suspension parts, welded front alignment tabs to keep vehicle in line, replaced vehicle suspension but unsure how long this will last due to frame still flaking. Toyota dealer states that the rust is severe and when I had my rear upper control arms replaced, stated that the mount bracket was very thin and causing movement in the rear of my vehicle.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #17

Jul 012018

4Runner

  • 125,000 miles
The frame of my 4runner is excessively rusted and corroded. It is flaking off in big pieces from the outside of the frame as well as the inside of the frame. In a couple of locations, it has corroded so much that there is a 1.5" diameter hole in the frame. Other areas that are very important structurally and for suspension, has severe rust and I'm worried that those areas will crack and cause me to lose control while driving.

- Gardena, CA, USA

problem #16

Aug 012018

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
The frame and suspension components are extremely rusty to the point of being unsafe. The car is extremely clean and well taken care of, yet the frame continues to rust like crazy. I've experienced broken bolts, lose suspension components, etc. The car handles extremely poor now, and I've been told it isn't worth it to replace any suspension components since the mounting points are so rusty.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #15

Jun 252018

4Runner

  • 153,118 miles
Frame is very rotted

- N Andover, MA, USA

problem #14

May 262018

4Runner

  • 140,000 miles
The vehicle was traveling on in town highway speeds between 25-55 miles per hour for approximately 10 miles while towing a 14 foot trailer. As I approached an interstate on ramp in winchester, Kentucky, I smelled smoke and pulled over to inspect the vehicle. The source of the smoke/flame was coming from the rear muffler pipe fiberglass heat insulator (Toyota part number 58155-60100). The fiberglass heat insulator had dry rotted and was resting on the rear muffler pipe as it bends over the rear axle. I was able to crawl under the truck and pull the insulator off the bottom of the truck and extinguish on the side of the road. After discussing with Toyota dealer, no product recall has been issued but the part has now been remanufacturered out of tin/aluminum to reduce this risk. Due to the high risk for fire / injury that is very near the gas tank, should this be issued as a manufacturer recall?

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #13

Mar 222017

4Runner

  • 62,502 miles
I am asking for you to cancel the sale of the 2006 Toyota 4 runner that I purchased on 3/22/2017 and return my cash deposit of $2,000 and reimburse me for the gas it took me to drive it home and the extra key I purchased. I am actually afraid to take it back to your dealership, but if I have to I will. The facts are below purchased car in boulder 3/22/2017 2006 Toyota 4 runner rust damage / dealer stated rust was because car was from NY, but would not get worse and was just superficial rust. Purchased car and set an appt. With pueblo Toyota 3/24/2017 to mount spare tire and do and inspection Toyota could not mount spare tire and stated vehicle was in good condition except for severe rust damage and may cost double to do repairs in the future because of rust damage. Took car to pro-masters on 3/24/2017 and they informed my son that the rust was severe and they would not attempt to repair, but estimated costs to repair the rear end to be $6,000 to $7,000 reviewed on internet and there were several complaints about rust damage on 4-runners, Tundra, and Tacoma?S from N.E. states. Comments were also made that the vehicle with severe rust damage could be unsafe to drive. Took car to individual who restores cars and he said the rust was so severe and car was not worth repairing and unsafe and he would not let his wife or family drive it. Took car to custom care repair shop to review rust and install spare tire and they concurred that the rust was severe and unsafe and could not install spare tire. I called pro-masters to confirm what they had inspected and if I could give his name and phone number if asked. He informed me that rust was so severe that if he attempted to secure spare tire, that the frame holding it was so thin he could not guarantee it would not fall off & he informed me that as the vehicle gets wet the frame becomes worse

- Pueblo West , CO, USA

problem #12

Apr 052017

4Runner

  • 179,000 miles
We have just been informed that the frame of our 2006 Toyota 4runner is completely rusted out. This happened while I was driving down the road. This caused the control joint to come loose, and giving me very little control over the vehicle. The rust is an issues...and a huge safety hazard. I was able to get the car to the side of the road, and call a tow truck, but had this happened driving down the express way I cannot imagine the end result. Toyota is aware of the rust issues. They have great vehicles that will run forever if you take care of them, but this issue is not a care issue - is a manufacture issue.

- Middleville, MI, USA

problem #11

Mar 062017

4Runner

  • 135,880 miles
Driving to work on 3-6-17. It was 34 F at 8:15 am. Turned on the rear window defroster about one mile from home. Drove another 0.5 miles and stopped at red light. About 15 seconds into the red light my rear window imploded and fell into the rear cargo area. Vehicle was stationary and no other vehicle struck me. Drove back home and cleaned up the glass and saw no evidence of a rock or pellet or bullet with the glass or in the vehicle. Online discussions indicate the rear defroster may have overheated and shattered glass. I have 3 photos on file in computer, but not in correct format. Tried to upload, but was not able to do so.

- Clackamas, OR, USA

problem #10

May 112016

4Runner

  • 95,000 miles
Frame rot excessive rust on frame, compromising the integrity and putting the passengers lives at risk if the frame should fail. Contacted Toyota, they informed me that no recalls or service campaigns are available for frame rot on 4runners, however Tacoma, sequoias, and Tundra have had frame rot recalls. Very unhappy as to how this matter is being treated especially after all the other frame issues from Toyota vehicles.

- Du Bois, PA, USA

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