Problems with 2000 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

Vehicle began to sway violently while driving on the interstate. the weld joint which joins the rear drivers side lower control arm attachment point to the frame had separated allowing to control arm to move forward an back. this in turn allowed the rear axle to turn from side to side. on inspection the frame is heavily rusted in this area and the weld has given way and is tearing apart from front to back. the joint on the passenger side is also rusted, but the joint has not yet separated.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while driving 10 mph and making a turn, the contact heard an abnormal noise under the vehicle. upon inspecting the undercarriage of the vehicle, the control arm fractured due to corrosion. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 133,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be serviced, the technician stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000. updated 09/15/15*lj *cn

There is a rust issue on the frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while at an independent mechanic for service, the technician diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000. the vin was unavailable.

4runner was in shop for muffler repair when rusted right side of frame near rear torsion bar was pointed out to me. my concern is torsion bar will brake away and cause accident.

Upon removing and replacing my exhaust and muffler on our 2000 4runner limited i spotted a hole in my frame on the rear passenger side just before my right passenger wheel and suspension. i finished installing the new exhaust an began inspecting the frame along the length of the vehicle. while the truck is not new ...it only had what appears to be limited surface rust to most of the framework. however , the portion that was detected was clearly rusted through and now threatens the frame integrity. i expected to keep this car for a long time and am disappointed that this might shorten my expected ownership of this vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the passenger side frame was rusted on both sides and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 135,600. updated 6/24/15*cn

After dropping my kids off to school and exiting off the interstate at 45 miles per hour, i heard a loud pop and the truck started to fish tail until i was able to get it stopped without wrecking or ending up in the ditch. after speaking to a mechanic, he said this was a common problem with 2000 4runners and to contact toyota. the back frame on the passengers side has completely rusted thru leaving the rear axel with no support. after reading all the complaints about this same exact issue, at the same exact location, means that this is obviously a toyota defect. i bought my 4runner understanding that this vehicle would get me at least 200,000 miles. i'm currently at 118,000 and it already needs to go to the junk yard. i'm shocked and appalled that toyota would allow these vehicles to be out on the streets knowing that they are endangering hundreds and thousands of lives everyday. this clearly should have been a subject of recall and no doubt lives will be lost before something is done. a very serious issue and toyota needs to recall this vehicle asap. as it stands i will never buy another toyota and will go to the ends of the earth to tell my story and how toyota turns their back on customers and the safety of those you drive this 2000 4runner. with the web and all the social media forums at my finger tips, i will make it my mission in life to see that toyota is held responsible for their irresponsibility and lack of loyalty to toyota buyers. do the right toyota and recall the 2000 4runner for the piece of junk that it is before lives are lost! the frame on the back axel completely rusts thru leaves no options for repair but to simply scrap your vehicle with low mileage. such a dishonest company with no remorse and no respect for lives on the road driving everyday. *tr

Took my vehicle in to get a rear seal leak fixed and the toyota dealership called me and told me that my frame was unsafe to drive because of rust and erosion and that i would have to sign a paper when i pick the vehicle that i acknowledge that i the vehicle is unsafe to drive. *tr

Submission from constituent re 2000 toyota 4-runner safety & environmental issues concerns [toyota motor sales]. *smd the consumer stated the frame on his vehicle is rusted, to the point where the vehicle is not safe to drive. the frame rail is exhibiting corrosion to the point where sections of the frame have completely disintegrated leaving him with major holes and welded suspension mounting components completely separated from the actual frame rail. *jb

The frame has rusted through in several spots.

About 1 month ago, the frame of my 4runner without warning had a catastrophic failure while on a highway and my rear control arms disconnected/pulled out of the frame. fortunately i did not have a serious accident, but it easily could have been. the lack of any warning signs was the scary part in all of this. after a bit of basic searching on the web, including nhtsa, it appears my case is not a unique one. it is quite obvious that this these vehicles are susceptible to premature frame rust issues. i find it extremely irresponsible that toyota has turned a blind eye to something so serious. hypothetically, i can see a car frame failing but not a robust truck frame of this era. in my particular case, my vehicle was regularly maintained at a toyota dealership, washed regularly, garaged and the rest of the body is rust free and mechanically everything else is working flawlessly. *tr

The frame on out 2000 toyota collapsed because of rust. the collapse was on the side frame rail, just before the drivers side rear wheel. the vehicle is not able to be driven. *tr

Traveling straight down the highway at 65 mph. i hear a loud pop and my suv veers hard to the right crossing the low speed lane and breakdown lane. fortunately, there were no other vehicles next to me. suv missed the guard rail, but climbed an embankment and came to rest on the drivers side of the vehicle. resulting in me forcefully twisting the steering wheel, hitting my head on the windshield and braking the side glass with my head. afterwards, looking at the vehicle, it was apparent what had caused the accident. severe rust on the frame, caused the shock mount, and rear control arm to totally separate from the vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while driving at a low speed, a noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. in addition, the contact had to maneuver the steering wheel in excess in order to turn the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician stated that the rear trailing arm had corroded and fractured. the technician also stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 156,000. updated 7/9/15*cn

It is a known problem that toyota wishes to not address that the frames are not properly treated for rust prevention and are prone to rusting out and falling apart at a rate that is beyond reasonable. pictures from hundreds if not thousands of 4runner owners are all over the web and toyota forums showing the same issue. the most problem spot is on the right side of the frame on the inside near the muffler, near the rear axle. i can physically push my hand right through the rusted out frame. the similarly designed tacoma was recalled due to the frame rusting through so bad it would break apart. unfortunately toyota does not wish to cover all the bases and have left the 4runners out to rust (pun intended)

Upon inspection of my vehicle while on lift, i found an area of rust perforation above the right rear control arm bracket on the frame. the area is approx .5"x 3" in length. *tr

Frame is rusting prematurely. *js

While vehicle was on lift being serviced my mechanic advised me to respond to his shop, observed large sections of vehicle's frame completely rotted and missing, mechanic advised frame needs to be replaced. *dt

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact discovered that the frame was rusted on the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they could not repair the vehicle because of the excessive rusting. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Went to my mechanic for an full exhaust repair and was told that the vehicle had frame rot so extensive that the repair should not be done, and that in fact the car was unsafe to drive. there was a recall on this frame for the tacoma and the tundra as well, and there should be one on this generation of 4runner. i have a 1989 4runner with 250k miles and no such issues with frame rot. now i'm out thousands of dollars since i'll have to junk the car and buy a new one. toyota should take responsibility for this. *tr

Frame is rusted through. toyota has recalled frames for tacomas and tundras but not 4runners 4runner is built on same frame as tacoma. why no recall? *tr

i brought my vehicle to a repair shop for inspection because the vehicle was not riding safely. they found extensive rust and corrosion on the back under carriage of the frame of the car posing a potential safety and road hazard. it was not normal wear and tear. i don't have the vin number yet to post because the vehicle is in the shop to be repaired. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4-runner. the contact stated that the passenger side frame was rusting and holes were developing on the body of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

The vehicle was severely damage in the front left and middle of the truck. the truck airbags did not deploy causing injury.

My mechanic told me that my perch springs/shock mounts had rotted off. brought the vehicle to a welder and told me that the frame was so rotted out that i should contact toyota to see if there is anything they could do. said he had a 2000 tundra with the same issue that was recalled and replaced. why hasn't the 4runner been recalled yet? *tr

We purchased a 2000 toyota 4runner with the knowledge that the vehicle was 14 years old however, the body, engine and interior of the vehicle were in great condition. we became aware of the frame rust when taking it for inspection and had some repairs made in order for the vehicle to pass state inspection. we take good care of our vehicles and we were checking the brakes and we were going to undercoat the frame when we discovered the large amount of rust and damage. i contacted toyota, they gave me a case number and transferred my call to "corporate headquarters". spoke to a phone representative who basically told me there was nothing they could do and the weather conditions cause a lot of the problems. my response to that was our 1998 blazer never had the amount of frame rust that this 4runner has, both driven in the same conditions. certain toyota models that are also having frame rust have been covered up to as long as 15 years on frame damage why wasn't the 4runner. i'm sure all models during this time were built with below standard frame material so why wasn't this addressed with all models? *tr

Took 2000 toyota 4runner sr5 in for inspection. my independent mechanic said frame is bad. frame is severely rusted and has multiple holes on passenger side rear wheel area in both the front and back of this area. it also has severe rust and holes in the frame on the driver side in the same rear area and above the gas tank on the driver side. vehicle is considered unsafe because of the damage to the frame. spoke to the local toyota dealer customer service repair center rep and inquired about any recalls for rusted frame such as the buy back program that toyota had for the tacoma. i was informed there were no recalls or buy backs for the 2000 toyota 4runner sr5. i called toyota corporation customer support and filed a complaint with them. i was also told that there were no recalls or buy backs at this time. i asked if there was anyone else i could speak to in regards to this matter and was told that there was not. rep said they would notify me if toyota issued a recall. i told the rep what good would that do since i would have to scrap the vehicle and unless toyota issued a recall within the next few days a recall would not help me if i no longer owned the vehicle. i also told the rep that this placed an undue economic hardship on me because i would have to purchase a replacement vehicle since the 4runner was no longer safe because of the frame damage. he sympathized with me but said the only thing he could do for me was file my complaint and issue me a case number. searching the internet it seems that there are a lot of toyota 4runner owners that have the same issue. i think the nhtsa needs to step in and make toyota issue a recall for these faulty frames. it is obvious that toyota used inferior metal to manufacturer these frames and that is why they are rusting out prematurely. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated while that while the vehicle being diagnosed by a mechanic for a unrelated issue, the mechanic informed that there was rust coming from the rear end of the frame. additionally, the contact stated there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe, the cadillac converter and the passenger side frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 200,000.

I own a 2000 toyota 4runner. went to the dealership to inspect a leak from the rear differential. found out that not only was the rear differential so rusted that the fluid was now leaking from the porous rusted housing. but the frame was rusted and cracked so bad that dealership said it was unsafe to drive. my now otherwise immaculate condition 4runner is now useless and rendered inoperable. this is a ramp if problem with tacoma/tundra for the same issue and same model years. how is this not a recall. *tr

i purchased my 2000 toyota 4 runner one year ago at dry ridge toyota used cars. while driving the vehicle, the vehicle began shaking in the rear end from side to side on the highway at any speed. it was difficult to control the vehicle with the side to side rear end wobbling which was visible from vehicles following behind. upon having the vehicle checked out at a garage and put up on a lift, the frame underneath has rusted through and is ready to break. the garage said they wouldn't repair it because of liability issues. they said it is unsafe to drive. so now i have a vehicle that i cant drive, cant be fixed and a loan to pay on it. toyota said there is no recall on it and it is out of warranty so they will do nothing. i think this needs to be recalled, it has rusted through in a years time and its only a 2000. *tr

I took my 2000 toyota 4runner limited to my local mechanic for the annual ny state inspection. this is a one owner (me) vehicle with only 126,777 miles. what he found was extensive rust and perforations on the passenger side frame from front to rear. he told me that it was not repairable and that it is a safety concern. he said we were lucky not to have experienced a complete collapse and failure in that section while driving. i was shocked at the amount of rust and deterioration i saw in the frame. i called toyota corp the same day and explained the issue. i was told that an authorized toyota dealership would need to look at the vehicle and document it. i tool it to the dealership the next day and the service manager completed a report and took photos. he informed me that the vehicle has frame perforations beyond repair and that the rear end housing is porous. he also found an exhaust leak. he stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive. he told me that this has been an issue with the 4runner for several years. he also told me that the tundra and tacoma had a similar rust issue and that there was a safety recall campaign for those vehicles whereby new frames were installed, but not for the 4runner. he did not know why the 4runner was not included in the recall campaign. this is a serious safety issue that could result in serious injuries and fatalities. this is also an economic concern to me. my 4runner's interior and exterior is in very good to excellent condition. it's value is around $7 thousand. i expected to drive this vehicle for a long time. now it sits in my garage waiting for toyota or the dot to rectify the issue. i urge toyota and the dot to issue a recall for this frame problem in order to avoid needless customer injuries and fatalities. *tr

While driving on a family vacation, the 4 runner had a near catastrophic frame failure. the speed of the vehicle at the time of the failure was approximately 30 mph. this failure caused total loss of vehicle control and the inability to safely operate the vehicle. the vehicle was rendered unsafe for operation and it had to be towed. an independent inspection revealed multiple failure points along the frame rail related to corrosion. *tr

Took the vehicle in for regular service (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) and was informed that the frame had rusted through in several areas. they recommended taking the vehicle to a toyota dealer since extreme rust problems have been a recurring problem with toyota trucks & suvs. looking online, i saw recalls for the rust problems with trucks, but no recall for 4runners??? i think there should be the same responsibility shown by toyota for the same problem in similar vehicles. *tr

Right side of vehicle has rusted through approx 48 to 60 inches. rear stabilizer bar is detached from frame. entire right side of frame "is compromised" per mechanic/body shop. *tr

Hi, i have a 2000 toyota 4 runner. it has a little over 200k miles and i took it in for service to have the timing belt and water pump replaced. i drive the vehicle daily. the mechanic did not perform the work because he noticed the frame had rusted through and recommended to not drive the vehicle for safety reasons. he stated that if the frame did bend or separate the vehicle would buckle and there would not be any control, especially on the expressway. the mechanic recommend that i check to see if there has been any recalls. i did check to see if there were any recalls and there was not. i was informed that the toyota tundra and toyota tacoma had similar issues with the frame's rusting through and toyota did a recall/buy back for those vehicles. i was on the toyota forum and it sounds like there are a lot of toyota 4 runners in this same circumstance. i feel if there are other similar vehicles from toyota having the same issue, then they should be included in the recall/buyback process. thank you. *tr

I took my 4runner to my mechanic for an oil change today. when on the lift he noticed that the passenger side frame is rusted out. he felt it was unsafe and needed fixed or scrapped asap. this vehicle runs great and i have had no other issues. this is my daily driver and i always have my five year old with me. this is a major safety concern. i am not in the position to buy a new vehicle right now. it is crazy that toyota recalled the frames for tacoma and tundra but have done nothing for 4runner owners. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the frame was entirely corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 113,231. djr updated 10/24/2014*lj updated 4/20/2015 *js

2000 toyota 4runner sr5 with 145,000 miles. at a regular maintenance, i was shown a picture of a hole in my frame. right hand rear of frame where lower trailing arm bracket is welded was rusted through with substantial instability concerns and potential loss of use due to inability to pass state inspection. . otherwise frame fine and no rust/rot on left hand side front or rear. my 4runner has been an excellent and reliable vehicle with regular maintenance. it had only a rust spots on the front bumper, and that's all! this is our family vehicle, and is not abused. i only have 145,000 miles and feel strongly that a frame on a vehicle should last much longer, as in past vehicles i've owned. i have had no problems with my 4runner, i don't want to junk yard it over a bad quality frame from toyota, but it may come to this if i can't have it welded. toyota need to own up to this issue with a recall on the 4runners like they did with their trucks. safety should be first. this is a pressing issue and need to addressed . *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a loud noise was heard underneath the vehicle. the contact noticed that the main frame underneath the vehicle was rusted and had holes. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame was completely corroded. the contact was concerned that the frame would possibly fracture. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 127,000. updated 10/22/2014*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer and the dealer were contacted. the dealer advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive due to extensive rust on the frame. the manufacturer did not offer any assistance. updated 04/2/2015 *js

Extreme rust and damage due the aforementioned rust. the rear control arms completely rusted off the frame. i know the vehicle is 15 years old but this much rust is not normal and will cause injury to many people if they do not now it is failing. *tr

the vehicle frame is deteriorating from rust on the passenger side of the vehicle. this severe rust is prevalent at suspension attachment points; significantly where the right-side rear "track bar" is attached. if this were to fail, the rear axle of the vehicle would become disconnnected from the vehicle undoubtedly causing a crash. found out tonight the frame rail forward of the track bar has also deteriorated on the bottomside and is exhibiting numerous holes. this condition makes the vehicle unservicable from a safety aspect. it cannot be safety inspected in nys any longer. this vehicle was puchased new in ithaca, n.y. the framework deterioration is indicative of other toyota vehicles with frames rusting and causing major structural integrity issues. toyota has done due diligence in supporting their customers on their tacoma and tundra vehicles. they performed frame replacements and a buyback program on these. i believe they ought to do the same for the 4runners seeing they are a virtual duplicate of the tacoma trucks' frame. the fact that the tundra and tacoma frames were produced in usa and the 4runner's frames were produced in japan does not have a bearing on this rust problem..it does show an engineering deficiency on tundra, tacoma and 4runner's frame design. this issue is causing my family an undue financial burden. i most emphatically believe toyota should address this issue. there should be a recall !!. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle shook. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the under carriage was severely corroded and fractured. the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current was 128,000. updated 9/2/14*cn the consumer stated the vehicle was sold to a service that buys junk cars for a total of $600.00. updated 12/17/2014 *js

I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. i just purchased this vehicle used for my 16 year old daughter to drive. inspection by a certified mechanic revealed that the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has rusted through on the passenger side between the front and rear wheels. it has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. the mechanic warned that catastrophic failure is likely to occur. *tr

Upon a recent mechanical inspection my 2000 toyota 4runner has been deemed unsafe for driving due to frame degradation due to rusting. the frame has several locations with holes and deterioration that seriously undermine the mechanical rigidity of the frame and truck. this vehicle has been well maintained and is in great condition with the frame as the only exception. i have owned several vehicles from different manufacturers and have driven and stored them in the same location but have not experienced the same issues. frame rust and deterioration to the extent that my vehicle has experienced is not tolerable from any manufacturer and should have been addressed during the design, testing, and manufacturing stages of production. i believe that the 2000 toyota 4runners, along with previous years with identical frame builds, should be investigated and recalled in a similar manner to the toyota tacomas of the same generation that were recalled for the same issue. the 2000 toyota 4runner was marketed as a family vehicle with a history of safe operation and should be held to this standard. someone is going to get injured driving one of these vehicles. *tr

Frame is showing signs of serious rust. *js

Severe rust on passenger side of frame unsafe will not pass inspection. *tr

Frame cracked and broke. *tr