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9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,100
Average Mileage:
179,200 miles
Total Complaints:
19 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace frame (10 reports)
  2. not sure (9 reports)
2000 Toyota 4Runner body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2000 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #19

Dec 302023

4Runner Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 206,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

frame rust, rot

The rust is so bad, that the wheel rod (whatever you call it) has detached from the frame. My vehicle runs great but it is completely undriveable. I can't find anyone who can repair, as the rust will continue to cause issues. I am heartbroken because I loved my 4 runner. Toyota quoted around $8,000. just for the labor. The junkyard offered me $300 (and a free tow) :(

- Doreen D., Louisville, KY, US

problem #18

Dec 252019

4Runner V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Was driving home on Christmas and we heard 3 loud thumps then my Toyota suv 4 Runner started swaying ridiculously. Scared us big time. I pulled over - we thought we blew a tire. Husband looked under suv and saw the frame was broken completely by rust. Wtf! There’s nothing wrong with my SUV anywhere else. What is going on! This is my only vehicle.

I looked this up and see this has happened to many people. What’s going on Toyota?! Why not a recall! I can’t afford another car! This is completely unsafe. I’ll get s*** money for this now! How do I sign something for a class action suit or something? This is totally wrong. How many people have gone hurt before they recall these? They recalled the trucks!!!

- wadle, Easton, US

problem #17

Jun 012016

4Runner Limited 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Frame rotted out on both sides, it's not safe to drive!!!

- steveswv, Vienna, WV, US

problem #16

Aug 272019

4Runner Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 188,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

frame rust, rot frame rust, rot frame rust, rot frame rust, rot frame rust, rot

I love my Toyota 4Runner and was hoping to keep it a few more years. Within the past 3 months I had some repairs done, at a Toyota dealer totaling $3644.24 to fix the AC, and some engine issues I was having looked at. I was up sold many extras, but thought they would eventually be needed. If I would have known about my frame rusting and the vehicle too dangerous to drive, I would have never have had any of these meaningless repairs done. I would have just traded the vehicle in. On August 27th, 2019 I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the vehicle started swaying back and forth and I thought it was going to tip over. I was fortunate enough to get off the expressway and take some side roads home, at a lower speed the vehicle felt more stable. It was only a couple miles to get home, and then I hear something drop and dragging on the pavement a few blocks from home (see photos).

Personally not knowing about Toyota's history of rust problems, I Googled it and found many complaints and similar photos of 4Runners with the same issue. My biggest grievance is, that I had the repairs done at a Toyota dealership, and with Toyota's knowledge of rust problems, that I was not alerted to the issue of my frame rusting away. I took the photos, went back to the dealership, and asked why these meaningless repairs were done when the vehicle's frame was rusting away, and very dangerous to drive. Their response was, "If we did't service cars with a little bit of rust on them, we wouldn't service any vehicles over three years old". Thanks, I see it all comes down to the bottom line at this dealership. Safety check? Not

Thanks for listening. I will now take this up with Toyota's corporate division.

- John Z., Chicago, IL, US

problem #15

Jan 022019

4Runner SR5 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 178,000 miles

I have owned this 4Runner new from 2000 and later the steering is bad when you turn. I looked under the truck and the frame is rotting out. I called Toyota and they said there is no recall but I need to fix it in the summer because it is getting worse.

- Rob D., Abington, PA, US

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problem #14

Dec 012018

4Runner Limited 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 168,000 miles

Have a lot of old vehicles and have restored many, Have never seen one with the frame so bad and the body is very good. Have found out Toyota has had many frame issues and they recalled the Tacoma trucks but apparently not the 4-runner yet.

- dvanness, Alexandria, US

problem #13

Dec 272018

4Runner Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

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

This 2000 4Runner is loaded and in mint condition, with 181K miles on it. Suddenly small issues w/the suspension. At first, we just started replacing some parts, as we know things eventually need replacement. Superficially, the rust isn't that apparent. However, the last time the breakdown in suspension was quite violent (after already spending over $700 on repairs). The mechanic has told me that the frame is so rust he won't repair it further and that he won't allow me to drive it home.

- Chandra G., Sparta, TN, US

problem #12

Mar 232018

4Runner Limited 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 301,000 miles

When to got a new muffler they showed me that my frame was cracked. You could see holes where it had rusted through. Mostly highway miles...never off road. Kept in garage always. Understand there is a recall for the Tacoma of same year, that shares the same frame. Really shocked this was not identified and included if brought to Toyota's attention.

- Rick J., Solon, US

problem #11

Jan 012015

4Runner SR5 3.2L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 160,000 miles

click to see larger images

frame rust, rot frame rust, rot frame rust, rot frame rust, rot

I have a 2000 Toyota 4runner, and over the years I noticed a significant amount of rust on the bumpers and frame of vehicle, but I just thought that was normal for a used vehicle. One day I was driving and heard a sudden clunking noise, and took my 4Runner in to be serviced. The service technician discovered that the frame had rusted through and said that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. I was shocked and in disbelief.

I have owned many other Toyota vehicles and even had a Camry with close to 400K miles, and never had any issues with frame rusting as bad as this 4Runner. Everything works on the 4Runner with the exception of the defective frames used in these vehicles. It is unacceptable when there are so many complaints about the issue of rusted frames, and nothing is done about it. This points to a much bigger problem than just how the vehicle was cared for, since we have older vehicles than the 4Runner, and those vehicles do not have the same issue.

Toyota should do the right thing and either have these rusted frames replaced, or provide retail credit to be applied to a newer vehicle. At this point, I am concerned about buying another Toyota vehicle and having the same issue years from now.

- ktran_007, Vienna, US

problem #10

Jun 222017

4Runner SR5 Sport 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner that runs like a top and is absolutely perfect mechanically! The interior is also is very good to excellent condition for the year. I have 2 rust spots on the body hat aren't too bad but the frame rails are literally disappearing before my eyes. A couple months ago there were a few holes in the passenger side frame rail and some small holes in the driver side frame rail. As of today, 9/10/17, The passenger side has several major holes that are between 8 to 10 inches long and lots of smaller ones all over and it's to the point that I won't let my sons drive it and I bought it for a spar vehicle for them. It's really too bad that such an awesome mechanically performing vehicle has such significant structural issues because it puts you in a tough spot. Scrap t for maybe a grand because everything else is in great shape, or spend several thousand to get a few more years out of it ? ( NO Guarantees ! ) Haven't made up my mind, but I'll fill you all in when I make my decision. Good luck to us all on a recall, but I wouldn't hold your breath ! THX, CG Boston

I'll try to update with pics another time!

- Chris G., Holbrook, US

problem #9

Jul 232014

4Runner Limited 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 189,000 miles

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

I reported this problem to Toyota several times over the course of three + years. The ironic thing about this is they volunteered to fix the Tacoma with the same issues, the same substandard steel, the same frames but have refused to fix our 4 Runners. The NHTSA should investigate this serious frame rotting of this vehicle that are on our roads. To this day there are a lot of mechanically sound 2000 4 Runners on the highway with the owners not realizing that they are driving dangerously,thru no fault of their own. TOYOTA would you PLEASE correct this problem ,like you did with the Tacoma

- tyshirl, Edgewood, MD, US

problem #8

Aug 032015

4Runner SR5 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 289,000 miles

NEED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS REPAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- russwhitnah, Downingtown, US

problem #7

Feb 012017

4Runner Limited 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 164,000 miles

The Car is mechanically sound , brought it to dealership , I was told the frame is rusted beyond repair, they can't fix it, worse yet you have to get it towed away because we don't want you driving it.

I asked if they would at least contact Toyota corporate and maybe give me a credit toward the purchase of another Toyota vehicle. They said they couldn't help me.

I called Toyota consumer complaints and basically I get a woman on the phone who sounds like a robot who says , "I'm sorry car is not under warranty, we cant help you ".

I then asked if she thinks the car would be recalled in the future and she said if the car was registered I would be notified by first class mail.

Basically ill probably just donate the car , but if I knew a recall was coming soon I might consider hanging onto it.

- Sergio D., Park Ridge, NJ, US

problem #6

Dec 072016

4Runner SR5 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 159,163 miles

I purchased the 2000 4Runner on 12/3/2016 . I checked for rust recalls and there weren't any so I felt safe. I took the Truck in for an oil change at a Toyota dealership . They told me there were holes in the frame and deemed the truck unsafe and I should get rid of it.I didn't have the Truck a week and now I can't drive it! Why no recall!! I'm out Thousands of dollars!! Something has to be done!

- Edgar S., Dublin, OH, US

problem #5

Dec 072016

4Runner SR5 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 159,163 miles

I had a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 and gave it to my son . It was recalled for rust and Toyota took care of him 2 years ago. I purchased a 2000 4Runner on 12/03/2016.There was no recall so I felt safe. I took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for a oil change and they told me I needed a new rear differential at a cost of $2600 due to rust.

- Edgar S., Dublin, OH, US

problem #4

Jan 012012

4Runner Sport 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

unsafe but no other ride at this time. cant sell not safe for anyone. rearend broke away from frame shocks busted through also whats next?

Update from Jan 29, 2019: Gas tank rusted through. Other side trailing. Arm broke also cant see much of a way to fix safley please help before someonengets killed or hurt real bad

Update from Jun 5, 2019: Herd about possible recall thats good but does not include my 2000 thats b/s 2 to 5 years the problem was still there and toyo corp. have known about it step up

- Keith R., Stuarts Draft, VA, US

problem #3

Jan 012010

4Runner SR5 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

click to see larger images

frame rust, rot

Seems that Toyota would take ownership here. Other frame issues have been taken care of, in the Tundra, or Tacoma. Being fully aware that this is a 15 year old car, I would expect many other things to fail before the main structure of the vehicle. It is shame that a perfectly running vehicle that is unsafe to drive

- John W., Middletown, OH, US

problem #2

Nov 052015

4Runner Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 183,974 miles

Yesterday, my 2000 4Runner Limited failed Pa. state inspection due to my frame being rusted out and not repairable; meaning not able to box out the rusted area but needing a whole new frame. I was told that if I was rear ended that the back of the SUV would collapse. Now, last year for inspection, I took the 4Runner to a nearby Toyota dealer to do the inspection and they replaced dry rotted and torn ball joints and some other repairs and passed it for inspection. No mention of any problems in the frame. With this inspection, I asked the man how it could have incurred this type of damage to the frame in just one year. He told me that this type of damage took more than one year and that he could put his fist through parts of the rusted frame. He said that ballpark figure to replace the frame about $4000.00 did not say labor cost. Now, if the Tacoma and Tundra have the same frame as the 4Runner, why was the SUV omitted from recall? These automobile companies talk up "safety" to the public as their main priority; but basically it's all about their bottom line - $$$$$. Now I have to go shopping for a new vehicle when the only problem with the 4Runner is the frame. The body and engine is in good shape, I gave it regular maintenance and was hoping to get over 200,000 miles on it without any huge problems. Thanks Toyota for now costing me big money.

- BettyAnn D., Media, PA, US

problem #1

Oct 072013

4Runner SR5 Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,075 miles

My 2000 4runner didn't pass Maine state inspection this year due to some frame rot and rust that wasn't there last year. I did call Toyota Corp about this, but there is nothing they will do as there were never any recalls for this. I did point out to them that the 4runner and Tacoma of said year share the same frame and they should be ashamed of themselves for not including the 4runner is the same recall. I did get an estimate on repair/replacement and its going to be around $1500.

- Ed F., Wells, ME, US

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