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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,993 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.
Takata recall, the radiator mount and frame supports are rusted out, also the rear shock and air suspension mounts are rusted out. Vehicle was in motion when shock mount broke.
I own a 2004 Toyota 4runner with significant rust on the frame that has nearly rusted through in some areas. Through my research I determined that this has been an ongoing issue for many Toyota vehicles close to the 2004 model year. Apparently the frame was not properly coated and rust has grown on my vehicle as well as many others at a much faster rate than is typically expected. I am worried about the safety of my vehicle as a result.
The frame on my 2004 Toyota is very rusty. It is completely cracked through near the front passenger suspension. My mechanic has warned me not to drive the vehicle anymore. See pics
Excessive frame rust. Replaced complete rear end in 2013. Told by hyannis Toyota that it was unsafe to drive because of excessive rust. The rear end is now rusted out again in 2019 and needs replacing. In April 2019 could not have suspension replaced until frame welding was completed. Additional work of cutting out rear upper trailing arm brackets and weld in place and fabricate fuel tank strap mount and weld in place. Complete frame and underside of this vehicle is completely rusted out. We had this work down because the gas tank was falling out and we could not drive this vehicle.
Frame and suspension rust has weakened the parts to the point of failure. Rear upper control arm mounting bracket on rear axle broke while driving on highway while going around a turn. Vehicle's rear wobbled back and forth violently. I almost lost control of the vehicle. There are other pieces that look close to failure.
The frame of my truck is complete mush! I've taken excellent care of my 4runner as it has been my most favorite vehicle. I'm being warned to get this fixed due to it being a dangerous situation & wouldn't you know I'm driving home & I loose all control over my vehicle on hellacious mountain roads, brakes completely gone! everything rotten! why weren't we notified how dangerous these trucks truly have become?
Was driving to work going 50 mph braked to come to a stop and the back end started to turn almost had an accident. Frame is completely rusted out. Too dangerous to drive.
Takata recall frame is completely rusted. Causing all the undercarriage to rust out and make the vehicle very dangerous to drive. Even the body is starting to rust away. Only has 116,000 miles on it which is crazy.
Since buying my forerunner used in 2015 I have only brought it to the dealership for maintenance bed inspections with Toyota professional mechanics. Upon bringing my vehicle in for a routine oil change and inspection I was told that the frame is rusted out and unsafe to drive. I was shocked and upset as I've only used a trusted Toyota professional mechanics and somehow they seem to have overlooked a frame that was completely rusting out and therefore putting my life and my children's lives in harms way. I contacted Toyota headquarters to no avail, they claimed there's nothing they can do as there are no recalls. However I feel they are responsible for their professional mechanics overlooking such a serious issue but yet having no problem with me continuing to put money into this vehicle as I planned on owning it for quite some time. After the frame rust was pointed out my steering then separated from the suspension while driving home being a single mother and having only one vehicle I had no choice but to try to drive it I am extremely upset and this is completely unacceptable
Transmission failed due to rusted transmission lines. Leads up to finding out that frame is completely rusted out. Unable to fix it due to frame rust. Suspension are of frame rusted as well...barely holding on. Traveling from tn to pa when all this happened.
Rear frame rusted through. I was driving and a piece holding the suspension together rusted off the frame. The vehicle was in motion and it felt like it was going to tip over. It also felt like the front and back wheels were going in different directions. Apparently a very common issue.
I just took the car for annual state safety inspection. It failed and the inspector said it is unsafe to drive. The part of the frame that connects the right front and right rear suspension is so rusted that the car is unsafe to drive. We have been driving this vehicle with no knowledge of this hazard.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fishers, IN, USA