Problems with 2000 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

Exstensive frame rust. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine inspection when she was informed that the frame was severely corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. the failure and the current mileages were approximately 167,200.

We took our toyota 4runner 2000 suv to a local toyota dealer for an estimate on a repair. my husband was told that frame perforation on the right side frame rail was found. the vehicle was looked at by a fts and deemed unsafe to drive. the problem can not be fixed by the dealer and we were told to call toyota hq and they referred us back to the dealer.we escalated the issue to the division sales manager and we told that there nothing that can be done as the vehicle is out of warranty and toyota no longer makes the frame used in our vehicle. i have read several similar complaints for the same make and model and we find it disturbing that a recall has not been issued for this vehicle like the tacoma & tundras of the same year. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised that there was excessive rust on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the rust and the manufacturer suggested to the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer took pictures of the rust failure and sent the pictures for the manufacturer to review. the dealer deemed the vehicle non-repairable and un-drivable. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame exhibited a large amount of rust. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 108,000.

Pass side rear frame rusted through! *kb

Passenger side frame rail is rusted through on the inside of the rail. *tr

Frame rot along topside of rail with hole present , just behind passenger wheel. concerned that frame will fail while driving. vehicle is in great shape otherwise. *tr

Frame is rusting. perforation. i was having rear shocks replaced and when mechanic pulled himself under the vehicle on his roller cart his fingers went thru the frame. *tr

I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. toyota has declared the vehicle to be unsafe to operate, yet will do nothing to compensate for or correct the problem. *tr

The frame is rusted/corroded through in multiple places where important parts are attached. i was told by the mechanic that it is not safe to drive, however it is my only form of transportation. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the rear differential was rusted and caused an oil leak. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and confirmed the rust and corrosion that caused the oil leak. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 178,000. updated 09/27/11 *bf

The rear axle housing has rusted through, while the vehicles body has no rust. toyota fails to recognize this as a defect because of the vehicles year and mileage. we contacted toyota and they provided the following reference number 1109161548. research on the internet supports this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle and will occur on the 4 runner with much less mileage. this represents a safety issue since all of the rear axle fluid could leak out, allowing the rear differential to freeze, creating a possible accident. toyota has a rust problem with the tacoma pickup, where they repurchased vehicles as a result of frame rust out. we are of the opinion toyota has used inferior metals in the manufacturing of their vehicles and should be held accountable. when i called their corporate office in torrance ca. they refused to allow me to speak with someone in management since i didn't agree with the decision of the person i discussed the matter with. *kb

My 2000 toyota 4runner (163k miles) failed nh state vehicle inspection today due to excessive frame corrosion. i was shown a rust hole the size of a silver dollar in the rear portion of the vehicle's structural frame. i immediately took the vehicle to a local body shop for a repair estimate. i was told that the frame could not be fixed via welding, due to the extent of the rust on the inside of the boxed frame. instead, the frame would need to be completely replaced to address issue properly, safely and cost-effectively. i was informed that toyota motor corp. acknowledges and remediates similar rust issues with its tundra and tacoma models of similar model years, but does not support rust issues with its 4runner model. *tr

Right hand rear of frame where lower trailing arm bracket is welded was rusted through. *tr

My 2000 4runner went in for pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. as this is my only means of transportation i was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. the whole underneath of my 4runner is rusty and i believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. my rear differential is also almost rusted through. i believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. i realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. i have tried calling toyota corporate to no avail. i feel like logging a complaint is all i can do. toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in japan but when i see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does i'm inclined to say that toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. i would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure. *kb

I am the owner of a 2000 toyota 4runner with a dangerous condition due to rust perforation on the rear passenger side frame rail. the rust extends 4-5 ft and has caused the right rear control arm mount to rip away from the frame. on 6/10/2011, smart motors - madison, wi informed me that there was rust perforation on the right rear frame that was found during a separate repair. they informed me that they were documenting it and forwarding pictures to toyota motor sales. [xxx], a senior service advisor, said he would speak with the district service parts manager and follow up. he was concerned for the safety of the vehicle. after no action from smart motors and waiting for toyota to contact me, i then contacted the toyota customer experience center stating the concern and was given a file #1308200825. to this date, no action has been taken by toyota motor sales for a campaign or safety recall. this same condition has been recorded numerous times. there appears to be a design defect that causes this frame area to hold water. toyota has recalled/bought back toyota tacomas with similar issues. i am urging nhtsa to aggressively pursue the safety defect in this vehicle so that no one is injured or killed. i have made the personal decision to take this vehicle off the road, and it is undriveable. i contend that an eleven year old vehicle at the time of first recorded observed defect is an issue that nhtsa should investigate. i appreciate your time and diligence in this matter and i am willing to answer any questions an investigator may have, and to make the vehicle available for inspection. i have attached the following documents to verify correspondence with toyota: - service order from 6/10/11 - internal history report recommending frame estimate at $14,500 - correspondence with toyota customer experience center respectfully, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Went to change my oil at my local toyota dealership and was alerted to come and see the frame. it was rusted and had holes in the frame. this should not happen to a car this old. shame on toyota to not recall the vehicle! this is an embraceable to a company built by safety, quality and loyalty. called toyota customer service and was informed that they could not do anything about it and that a recall was not issued so they would not fix the problem. *tr

2000 toyota 4runner failed new hampshire state safety inspection due to excessive frame rot/rust, most evident at right rear trailing arm mount. contacted toyota customer service and was advised there was nothing they could do because there was no warranty or a recall for this issue. this is a major safety issue. this frame rot is the same issue toyota faced with the tacoma model that utilizes the same frame as the 4runner. per the toyota news release of 3/7/08 toyota provided tacoma owners an " extended frame corrosion warranty"up to 15 years to provide "goodwill assistance to owners who have experienced, or may encounter, frame problems as a direct result of rust perforation". i was told by toyota customer service that the 4runner frame is only covered by the comprehensive warranty of 3years/36,000 miles. toyota will not recognize that the same issue is occurring to 4runner owners with the same frame. toyota has recognized there is an issue with these frames, established a precident regarding replacement, yet will not include the 4runner in their offer of an "extended frame corrosion warranty". the body of my particular vehicle is in mint condition with no rust, including the underbody, but the frame has failed under it! toyota must include 4runners in their "extended frame corrosion warranty"! *tr

I have a 2000 toyota 4runner; the right side frame area approximately 4 feet of the frame near the muffler area is rusted out. i understand the toyota tacoma has a frame recall up to year 2000. isn't the tacoma frame and the 4runner frame the same. this should be address as a safety issue. there are numerous stories about rusted frame on the 2000 4runner rusted frame. *tr

I own a 2000 toyota 4runner. i have noticed my frame near the rear suspension is so severely rotted that the frame will need to be cut and re-welded or replaced all together.there are multiple holes in the box frame of the vehicle due to the construction of the frame. water seeps in through the frame, causing it to rust from the inside out. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance recently and they informed me as well of the extensive rusting. i was told that this is and will be a major safety issue. the vehicle was later taken to two repair shops and they both confirmed that the failure was due to the design of frame. the rest of the 4runner is in perfect condition with no surface rust, rot or other blemishes. however, below the vehicle the frame is rusted extensively. *tr

2000 toyota 4runner with the frame rotted by the muffler . the rot goes about 3 feet in length by 1 1/2 inch. right where the lower rear axle hooks up to the frame. the rear axle has rotted out and all the fluid leaked out causing the gears to get chewed up. imagine that happening at 65 mph and the rear wheels locked up. disaster. if you would like pictures on how bad it looks i have them. this is a clean truck with no dents anywhere. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the right frame near the muffler was corroded more than three feet long and approximately one and a half inches wide. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians advised him to contact the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle and refused to assume the repair cost. the approximate failure was mileage 140,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when taking the vehicle to a dealer for inspection, she was informed that the frame was rusted and advised her that it was too dangerous to drive. the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the extreme corrosion on the frame. the failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Took 2000 4runner in to get muffler replaced. they discovered extensive frame rot/corrosion where the rear suspension trailing arm mount ties into the frame. the welded seam of the box tubing has rusted out. they wanted to let us know, because they feel the vehicle is unsafe to drive. and, they suggested we contact toyota to see if there was a recall or if sub-par metal was used, because the frame shouldn't be in such a terrible condition for a vehicle its age. the rest of the vehicle is in very good shape. there is no recall for the 2000 4runner, although there are recalls for similar problems on other toyota vehicles. we do not feel comfortable driving the car, knowing that the structure is compromised. and, we certainly can't sell the vehicle in this condition, knowing that it is a safety hazard. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected it failed inspection due to excessive frame rust. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the frame rust and the manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do because there was no warranty or a recall. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic but they would not weld the frame due to excessive rust. the contact stated that this was a major safety issue that could cause a crash. the failure mileage was 91,000.

I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. the source of the worst rusting appears to be condensation from the ac unit dripping onto the frame and running along it. toyota has declared the vehicle to be unsafe to operate, yet will do nothing to compensate for or correct the problem. *tr

We own a 2000 toyota 4 runner whose frame has corroded to the point that a toyota dealer and an independent (second opinion) vehicle repair shop advised that it was and had been completely unsafe to drive. my son, who drove it 600 miles to college, was put in serious danger. we took a total loss on the car after having had it dealer serviced since buying it new in 2000. this is a safety issue according to the toyota dealer. it is precisely the issue toyota faced with the tacoma and tundra models, which they recalled and stood behind through repairs/replacement/dollar credits. we and the dealer contacted toyota directly several times and the company refuses to stand behind the 4runner with the same frame corrosion problem as those models. *tr

2000 toyota 4 runner sr 5 with 143,000 miles per toyota dealer the frame is rusted through and unsafe to drive. unlike toyota tacoma, no 4 runner recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated the vehicle was taken for routine inspection when he was informed by the technician that the vehicle exhibited rust and holes. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the current and failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Heard a noise in back of car..got my tires rotated, while up on the rack i noticed the back passenger bracket that holds my axel on was rotted in half, called toyota, made an appointment with local toyota garage. they told me it was not safe to drive! axel could fall off, could lose breaks, drive shaft could fall out plus there is a hole in my frame. frame rot again! would not do anything about it, told me there is no recall on this yet! they deemed it unsafe to drive...what the[xxx]?? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

2000 4runner limited rusting on body with 66,000 miles. frame and underside also rusting. live in utah, they use salt on the roads. *tr

Severe corrosion of the frame and suspension components of my vehicle. rust has completely perforated and separated structural suspension components (rear passenger side front control arm mount). vehicle is unsafe to drive until major repairs or complete frame replacement is performed. *tr

My wife and i own a 2000 toyota 4runner and we recently discovered that the frame has rusted through. toyota had a recall on tacoma and tundra models from the same year with similar issues and was able to help consumers. because there have not been enough complaints on the 4runner, they have neglected my concerns. the frame is not safe and further damage to the frame could result in severe injury to my family or others. i ask that toyota be forced to expand the recall to other vehicles. in addition, it has come to my attention that the frames all came from the same manufacturer. the metals used to make the frames were not of the highest quality, which is resulting in this deterioration of the frame. *tr

Severe frame rot on otherwise very well cared for vehicle. will certainly result in catastrophic failure. *tr

I'm the original owner of a 2000 toyota 4 runner suv which is the non-truck version of the tacoma which is currently being investigated by nhtsa for rust and corrosion problems. since the 4 runner and tacoma are built the same, except one is a truck and the other a suv, isn't there the same problem of rust and corrosion? one example is that the spare tire is located in the same place on both types of vehicles! *tr

2000 sport edition 4 runner, all working components and frame are badly rusted. nothing can be worked on without breakage of parts and bolts. there has been a recall on tacomas and tundras from the east coast where salt is used on the roads. customers have been given replacement frames or their vehicles have been purchased back from toyota. our car is from vermont and new york where i am sure they used road salt and this is why the untreated frames of these vehicles corroded so badly like our 4 runner. i believe toyota should give the same offer for the 2000 4 runner. my son worked for two years and at 18 years old purchased this vehicle for $9000.00. we were crushed when we realized the extent of rust damage on the underside of this vehicle. nothing can be repaired without huge expense, and every thing on the underside of this car needs replaced. where is toyota's customer care and satisfaction now? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the vehicle was parked when the contact noticed the entire frame under the vehicle was severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 130,000.

We have a 2000 toyota 4runner, purchased brand new from a maine dealer. this vehicle recently failed state inspection due to rust holes in the frame. the mileage read 88,600 and it was declared unsafe for the road by our local garage and the local toyota dealership, shepard toyota, rockland, maine. we called toyota and inquired about a buy back program for 4runners, as it has the same frame as a tacoma. tacomas have been recalled for frame rust. toyota informed us that the 4 runner was not part of the recall program,and that they would not help us resolve this safety problem. we scheduled it for repair at shepard toyota. the repair consisted of a tack welding of a steel plate over the rust holes to conceal them, and then something black was sprayed over it. the steel repair plate does not have a continuous weld completely around it. this oversight might allow accelerated corrosion by trapping moisture and road salt behind it. shepard toyota deemed the vehicle safe and it passed the maine safety inspection. we charged $166.50 for this safety defect repair. we chose the 4 runner was for its ability to tow. we have explained to toyota that this vehicle is not safe and that we tow heavy trailers on a regular basis. the trigger to allow a tacoma owner to participate in the buy back program is when rust holes appear in the frame. even though our 4 runner has 2 (now hidden) rust holes through the frame, and possible holes concealed behind other components such as the fuel tank, toyota is not concerned with this safety issue. we are also wondering if toyota uses less corrosion protection on vehicles with california emissions. our 4runner was retrieved from another toyota dealer in another state as our original dealer did not have one in stock. is it legal for a maine toyota dealership to sell a vehicle with california emissions? we would like nhtsa to investigate our issues and have toyota take our safety concerns seriously and take action. *tr updaed 04/01/10.*jb

Tamara recall.. my frame on my 2000 toyota 4runner is rotting out where the back front spring hangers suspension mounts to the frame. also the frame rails are rotted out on the inside of the frame and is soon to be too dangerous to be driven. noticed when looking this problem up online it is a major issue with these vehicles and a lot of people is having the same problem. i really like my 4runner but i have children that i would be afraid to let be riding in it if the problem continues to worsen!! so if something isn't done the vehicle will have to be parked

Rust has consumed my frame, suspension and lower body panels.

I have a 2000 4runner which has always been maintained. there is excessive rust underneath the carriage/frame to the point where tire tech would not try to remove the spare. the power steering wheel fluid is now leaking from the line due to the rust. toyota has recalled 2000 tacomas and tundras for rust problems in their frames but not 4runners of same year. i have called the dealership and was told since there is no recall on these vehicles they will gladly inspect my frame for a charge. my rusted spare tire mount is a safety hazard itself let alone the other problems developing.

My frame rotted from rust