Problems with 2005 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

Frame rusting and i have rust holes in frame

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. while driving 45 mph, the rear of the vehicle was moving. the contact stated that the sway bar fractured and detached from the frame. in addition, the traction control and tpms warning indicators were illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the failure mileage was 125,000.

My vehicle failed inspection due to a hole in the frame. my vehicle has the same frame as the tacoma trucks that have frame rot and have already been recalled.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. when the contact took the vehicle to ourisman chantilly toyota (4135 auto park cir, chantilly, va 20151, 703-832-4827) to be serviced, the mechanic stated that the frame had extensive rust damage. due to the extensive rust, a hole formed in the frame. the contact was informed that the vehicle was dangerous to operate. the manufacturer was notified and did not assist. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Frame rust and failure. i have had to have patches put in.

Severe corrosion of frame at the rear body mount location. the body of the vehicle is no longer secured to the frame at this location due to the severe rust. significant rust also on the front cross frame member which has the tow mounts rendering them useless and unsafe. cracked exhaust manifold causing excessive engine noise and exhaust fumes. this is a time consuming and costly repair.

Extensive body frame rust.large rusted out holes in frame. unable to get ma. vehicle yearly inspection sticker. emissions test failed (ma. inspection station #pb004755). vehicle bought new 6/2005 recommended not to drive vehicle due to extensive holes in frame.

Rusted frame of vehicle including cross bar under radiator and on struts attached to wheels. found during routine maintenance by auto mechanic.

The fram is rusted and no time known will it give out n cause serious accident.

Hi, i own a 2005 4runner and i am concerned about the heavy amount of rusting on the frame. the frame is rusty which is causing heavy flaking of the affected material. the body of the vehicle is pristine but i fear that the premature rusting of the frame will affect the ability to safely drive my 4runner in the future. i am a special education teacher with two young daughters and don't have the income to go out and replace the frame or buy a new vehicle. this 4runner is the only vehicle i own and is my daily driver. my students and their guardians depend on me to arrive safely to school everyday so there is consistency in my students' lives. i have seen many 4runners in this age range suffer from this same corrosion. i am concerned that my family will be injured in a minor accident or the vehicle's safety mechanisms failing because of frame damage. i am also concerned that i will lose my only means of transporting myself to work. i am a huge fan of toyota, especially 4runners, and want to keep mine around for a long time. keeping toyota vehicles around for a long time is what the company was built upon.

I took my 4-runner to my mechanic on april 1, 2019 to have the brakes checked and a cv boot repaired. my mechanic called me the next day and informed me that the main support beam of the frame on the passenger side was rusted out and virtually missing on 3 of the 4 sides of the beam. he told me the vehicle could break in half if i hit a bump on the road.

Frame rust: the amount of rust is substantial. i have older toyota vehicles with the frames is much better condition. i am meticulous when it comes to maintaining and detailing my vehicles. i thoroughly hose down the underside of my 4runner after long drives to drive to preserve the frame, though i feel as if it is too late. i also have a 2010 tacoma that the frame was serviced at no cost to me. i am a loyal toyota customer and would love to maintain my 4runner and keep it on road for many more years.

Excessive frame rust. has had excessive decomposition and rotting in the very front for several years. now noticing rot with large holes near critical structural support near rear axle, spring and shock attachment points. took to local welding shop to see about patching the area near the rear axle and was advised to stop driving the vehicle soon as the frame's integrity is at risk. i am the original owner. well taken care of vehicle, always garaged and routinely washed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame was rusted and pieces were falling off of the vehicle. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the contact called route 22 toyota (located at 109 us-22, hillside, nj 07205, (855) 691-0898) and informed them of the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 200,000.

2005 toyota 4runner sr5 was taken into a certified toyota mechanic for inspection and the mechanic showed me the undercarriage of the vehicle, namely the frame and other associated parts. he warned that it would be difficult to perform maintenance on the vehicle if the frame is rotted through. the vehicle was put on a lift for inspection.

While the truck was in for inspection and maintenance. upon removing the front skid plate to access the oil filter, we found major frame rust / rot / holes in frame on passenger side under front skid plate. the cross memeber which holds the front axel and suspension is completely rusted out. the vehicle is undrivable at the moment and will need costly repairs to even come off the lift.

Extensive rust has destroyed both the front and rear suspension crossmembers. mechanic shop has advised that it will no longer pass virginia state safety inspection and must be condemned. after researching this condition further, i am finding this to be a common failure found in 3rd generation 4runners utilized in climates where road salt/chemicals are used.

Looked under truck to check for rust, found multiple spots with under-body frame rot (rust, could potentially rust through). the rust could potentially cause a major accident. unsure if previous owner used "fluid film" or similar product to protect the under-body - i recently found out about pervasive rust rot in the under-body of the 4th gen 4runners. this is most likely caused by the salt solution placed on roads to help prevent ice and snow formation. it seems that toyota used a less-than-up-to-the-task frame for these vehicles - frames that allow rust to form rather easily and rot it from the inside out. as far as i am aware, there are recalls for similar toyota vehicles such as the tacoma and sequoia with respect to frame rot. the frame seems to be solid, but since heavy rusting has already occurred, it is not economical or worthwhile to replace the frame. eventually the frame will rust through and cause a major issue.

Toyota dealer failed safety inspection due to rear suspension arm rusted off and a hole rusted through frame. only has 124,000 miles. toyota said that vehicle is unsafe to drive and rear end may lift during a hard stop. rear brake lines are also rusted out.

Frame corrosion is causing a hole in the frame similar to that of the tacoma and tundras.

Please add the below to: frame corrosion nhtsa action number: dp18002 components structure tonight i was surprised to have my toyota dealer tell me that my 2005 4runner frame was rusted out. he recommended that i not have them do the routine maintenance i had scheduled and he zeroed out the invoice. he questioned whether it was safe to drive, and said it would no longer pass the next inspection. the rest of the vehicle is in great shape. despite doing oil undercoating ever since toyota warranty expired, the frame was no match to the salty winter roads of nh.

Toyota dealer told me that my frame is soft its dangerous.

Excessive frame rust. rust perforation on frame adjacent to front suspension attachments. air conditioner condensation dripping onto frame, as well as poor coating quality have led to premature rusting and rust through.

Frame rust, drivers side to the front by the exhaust as the frame starts to turn up. will need to be repaired before next vehicle inspection ... just passed this years inspection. this is not covered under the toyota recall for other truck frame vehicles.

Lost end of muffler ("exhaust tip") while driving due to under body rust. the inspector also noted to me the high level of rust building up on the under body at the last safety inspection. you can see the muffler breakage on img_1722. there also appears to be rust on all welding joints and frame surfaces.

Frame rust. the frame has significant amount rust in specific areas of the frame. -the radiator support needs to be completely repaired. as this is part of the frame, i am considered about future failure while driving. at the rear end of the vehicle there is also a large amount of rust, causing holes.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame was rusted. the contact called the ira toyota of manchester dealer (603-624-1800, 33 auto center rd, manchester, nh 03103) and was told that there was no recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 129,000. *dt *jb

Brought the car in for service and was informed that there is a large hole in the frame and that it's prematurely rusting from the inside out and it's a safety issue now i'm scared to have my family in the vehicle

Rust on frame is excessive. just over 100,000. getting unsafe.

The frame is rusting excessively.

I have a 2005 toyota 4runner and the frame is rusting away. the front tow hook already fell off the front frame.

Under body rust took to costco to replace tires - they say significant rust on left side. tool to jiffy lube for oil change one week later - they say significant rust and cannot remove rear differential to replace fluid due to rusted bolt.

My toyota 2005 4runner undercarriage and frame is really badly rusted.the brake lines have rusted out and failed on 2 separate occasions in heavy traffic once (8/2017) on a 4 lane i had to cross to safety, and last on a steep hill with heavy traffic at the bottom of hill, thank god i didn't hit anyone. now i find out that the frame has a crack in it and rusted out on the passenger side and is split/rusted up front, it is very dangerous. i can not afford to pay out of pocket for repairs..

2005 toyota 4runner limited, excessive frame corrosion/rotting

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at dayton toyota (2291 us-130, dayton, nj 08810, (732) 329-9191), the contact was informed that there was severe rust to the subframe of the vehicle. the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 217,000.

Excessive frame rusting and rotting. toyota has done decal on other vehicles such as the tacoma and others but frequently neglects the 4runner models. for example the recall for the secondary air pump for the v8's included the tundra and sequoia but neglected the 4runner which all three vehicles share the same identical motor. i believe toyota neglect the 4runner line due to the high volume of sales compared to other models.

This vehicle has a very rusty frame. it does not pass state of maine inspection. like many other 4runners it suffers from toyota's faulty frames. this truck has not fallen apart and crashed like many similar units. this one has a perforated frame, and doesn't pass inspection. with 80,000 miles the truck is like new except for the faulty frame. the rust multiplies sitting still or traveling. the frame is so thin in so many places, there isn't place to make satisfactory repairs.

Severe frame rust to the point of holes. the frame integrity will soon be compromised; if not already. two rear body mounts are rusting away, the bottom of both mounts is non existent. one mid mount, the sheet metal side is nearly rusted through. one front mount area is rusted away on the sheet metal side. the gas tank is currently only held in place by what is left of the protection shield under the tank .

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to south hills toyota (2403 washington road, canonsburg, pa 15317, (724) 743-1144) in april of 2018 for state inspection. the contact was informed that the vehicle's subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 150,000. *tt

Frame is rotting

Driving in upstate new york for my honeymoon, the belt broke and cut into a hose. i had to have the vehicle towed to a toyota dealership where they explained to me that my frame was deteriorating with lots of rust. this 2005 toyota 4runner only had approximately 85,000 miles on it. the technician also told me, although there is not a recall on this model, in his opinion, there should be. not only is this a serious safety hazard, toyota is not rectifying the problem. also, it is not just one area on the frame, but a significant amount of the frame. i can also provide photos if needed.

Frame rust

Frame on 4runner rusted in numerous locations and the a arm rusted off while my wife and 2 year old daughter were driving in it. luckily they were uninjured.

I have noticed a lot of rust underneath my vehicle. the frame is showing signs of rust. i have had bolts rust into causing heatshields to come loose for example. recently had new struts and shocks installed. my mechanic pointed out the rust to me.

I just wanted to add my 2005 toyota 4runner to the complaint list with highly compromised structural integrity due to extreme rust. the vehicle has 118,000 miles with only one owner and the vehicle was garaged the entire time. there are cracks and holes in my rear frame that has led our mechanic to deem the vehicle unsafe. he has suggested we replace this vehicle as soon as we can. prior to coming on this complaint site, i was under the impression the we had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a lemon; instead it appears this is a known issue that is being ignored and swept under the rug. i am appalled at the inaction of toyota and the nhtsa regarding this structural issue.

I have toyota 4runner 2005 and when i went to the dealer to change my oil i was told that the car has frame damage and it is dangerous to drive. the car is in excellent condition,but this problem was unexpected. i never been told by my dealer or toyota company that this is a common issue for this make and that there was a recall few years ago for this problem. i am not able to afford new car and this is putting a hardship on my family and our safety. i call toyota but i was told that they are not able to help me in any way. who can assist in this situation?

I purchased this beautiful used black 2005 4runner in october of 2016 and the body still looks beautiful - no visible rust anywhere on doors etc - but i took it in to auto craftsmen in montpelier, vt to check my brakes and replace a couple of bulbs to get the vehicle ready for vermont state inspection as the car is due for inspection in feb 2018 and i wanted to head up any maintenance needed. was shocked when i went back and craftsmen told me not to put any money into the vehicle - that the frame was broken, had major hole in it and that the frame was too rusty to patch the hole - holy unexpected batman. partial notes from craftsmen auto on 12/28/2017 are as follows: "under body is very rusty & the frame is broken ...muffler is broken off and every flange is rusted and leaking ...brakes are shaking when applied...rotors have a significant rust ridge...the brake lines are very rusty...because of the broken frame and the amount of rust on the underbody, it won't pass vt state inspection the end of feb." i bought this vehicle in a private sale in october of 2016 for $7,200 but had to pay sales tax to the vermont dmv for a vehicle purchased for $8,000 because it was in great shape, looked terrific and was supposedly worth that extra money. i ad spent that money expecting to get a three or four years out of the vehicle and have maintained it well with synthetic oil changes and using expensive gas when it's cold out and spent $850 on new tires just this fall. i love toyota. my disabled husband and my two daughters all drive (used) toyotas (two priuses and a corolla). am wondering if toyota can do anything to stand behind their product here? the engine feels strong (it's a toyota!) and the 4runner power and all-wheel drive has been great here in rural vermont. thank you for your consideration. best, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *pm

I bought the truck a little less than a year ago, in november of 2017, from a friend. i am the third owner of the truck and know that the vehicle has always been well maintained and serviced. weeks after purchasing the truck, exiting the highway, the brake system failed. pedal to the floor, no pressure. i was able to coast the car to a nearby parking lot and had it towed to my mechanic. upon inspection, my mechanic noted that the frame was severely rusted. the brake lines had failed as a result of the corrosion and rust on the undercarriage. i replaced the entire brake system at a cost of $3500.00. a month later, the truck failed inspection due to a hole in the subframe caused by the rust. it was then that i began research and learned of the toyota recall for every other truck except the 4runner in similar years/generation. i took the truck to burdick toyota in cicero, new york this september to have the frame inspected. the tech report (which i can furnish on request) stated that the frame was extremely rusted, scaled and deteriorated for the age of the vehicle, but that it posed no imminent threat. i disagree with this assessment, as it has already caused one catastrophic failure. i've learned of a potential investigation and must say, i believe it to be the responsibility of the nhtsa to recall the affected 4runners of the same generation. had the scenario been different, i or my family could have been injured or killed. i'm a teacher, and haven't the means to simply replace a vehicle i've already had to put thousands of dollars into. i bought it for the safety of my brand new baby girl. i feel it morally imperative that the nhtsa do the right thing and recall the 4runners as they have the other vehicles. human life should always be more important than a companies bottom line. toyota is responsible and should be held accountable. lives are at stake.

My rear frame rotted out causing my control arm to break off. the vehicle was extremely hard to control causing a rollover accident.

The local toyota dealership informed me that my vehicle has a hole in the vehicle frame of the same nature as the same year toyota tacoma trucks which have been the subject of a recall.