Problems with 2000 Toyota 4Runner SUSPENSION

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

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

Safety issue do to frame rot.. common issue with 3rd gen toyota runners. bought the truck new, and now my investment is at risk because toyota makes vehicles with poor steal and the us dot will not step up and force them to correct the issue. *js

While having an oil change done my mechanic noticed sever fram rust, some spots go right through fram. i know toyota recalled many vechiles for this so i call toyota and they said they can do nothing for me, they didn't even want to look at it. they said if i wanted it looked at i would have to pay! sounds like they know they have more problems but they are not going to do anything about it. *js

I was driving on the highway and the car started rocking violently back and forth.i applied on the brakes gently and the car started to slow down but would not stop shaking, almost causing the vehicle to flip over on its side. as this was happening my head was smashed against the side window multiple times, causing a concussion and cuts to my head and body. i was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident.when i came to a stop after nearly being hit by on coming cars i managed to pull the car over to the shoulder, while hitting the guard rail as i came to a stop. after i gathered my thoughts and when it was safe, i got out of the car to see what had happened and the rear control arm became completely severed from the frame due to excessive amounts of rust on the frame. i looked on the internet for similar issues and found that the toyota tundra, toyota sequoia, and various other toyota vehicles manufactured in the same year that share the same frame as my car had been recalled by toyota due to excessive rust on the frame that could potentially fail and cause serious injury or death. i called toyota explain the problem and they stated they could do nothing about it because my particular vehicle was not recalled. since my car shares the same frame as the other toyota vehicles that were recalled wit the same frame as mine and it's failure has caused myself physical harm and the potential for others to occur. furthermore,since the car is now undrivable and unsafe without the frame replacement that it needs from toyota, i feel that the toyota 4runner should be included in the same recall because the same threats human life are currently present to others and the defective design is known by toyota and they refuse to acknowledge it. *js

While driving today the steering became unstable, erratic, and the car lurched out of my lane into oncoming traffic. a new noise appeared to be coming from rear left tire. when i safely pulled over and inspected vehicle i noted the frame was severely rusted and that the forward welded mount for the lower suspension arm had fractured along the factory weld and was dangling down. this car has never been wrecked. it has been inspected and passed pa state inspections yearly since 2002. *tr

Rear differential housing is rusted very badly leaking gear oil. rust is extremely thick. huge flakes more like chunks. leaking from rear of housing where rust has penetrated far enough to cause a slow leak. rest of 4runner is in good shape. *tr

Frame is rusting through causing instability concerns. *tr

2000 toyota 4runner frame rusted threw at area that holds rear axel in place rear drivers frame rail had rusted through where it mounts the lower control arm. when frame failed vehicle was hard to control and swaying to the point of immediate danger to passengers and other vehicles on highway this vehicle is well maintained and is in excellent condition. frame failure on this age vehicle should be unacceptable and should be addressed. *tr

Extensive frame rust-through and failure. left and right rear halves of frame cracked. rear control arm brackets cracked at welds.

Rear axle seals leaking gear oil from rear differential into rear brake drum housing covering brake shoes, drums, and braking components in gear oil. loss of gear oil in rear differential can cause differential failure as well as failure in rear braking. a notorious issue with 3rd generation toyota 4runners due to poor engineering of rear axle seals and retainers, therefore failing to properly seal components. seals begin to leak again soon after; even when repaired, due to poor mating of seal and retainer on axle within the axle housing. *tt

Frame rusted in front of both rear tires load bearing area. toyota refuses any warranty or acknowledgement of this safety problem on truck frames used on suv's. tacoma frames all recalled for same reason. toyota still states not to undercoat when purchase is new or to rust prevent at any warranty/preventive maintenance inspection. consumer put at risk to a problem only observable from a lift,and told to spend thousands of dollars in repairs or total loss,and will not sell the frame even at five thousand dollars. upon reading blogs of 4runner owners this is a common frequent increasing safety problem with all 4runners. *tr

While having my 2000 4runner serviced recently, my mechanic advised me that my carriage frame was cracked and rotting. i took it to toyota dealer in bristol ct, who put vehicle on hoist and confirmed the problem. i was advised there was no recall or tsb on my suv, and probably nothing they could do. they said they would send info & pictures to district office for review and advise when they heard back. i asked them about fixing it in the meantime, but they said they couldn't accept the liability? i can email pictures if you want to review these as well. i am having it welded in the meantime, as the crack was rather severe. my mechanic and toyota both advised that if the crack broke thru while driving, the rear axle would come loose from the frame. the estimate to fix my suv is apx. $1,500, which includes replacing the gas tank under-shield, which looks like a chunk of swiss cheese as well. please advise of any recourse i may have. *tr

My 17 year old daughter was driving car and pulled severely to left. she was able to control car and slow down, drive car home. i had mechanic look at it and said frame had rooted and stabilization bar broke loose car can not be fixed and is to dangerous to drive. this seems to be a common problem with this year 4 runner toyota is aware of it and refuses to take any responsibility. very dangerous. if my daughter was traveling any faster vehicle could have flipped over. *tr

Frame has severe rust that has caused the frame to become weak and unsafe. multiple holes in frame have developed. vehicle has been washed regularly and stored indoors for years but has severe frame rot. toyota will not repair because they say there was never any problem with the 4runner frames just the tacoma and tundra had issues. the frame on the 96-02 4runners are the same as the tacoma, only difference is the rear suspension setup. they appear to have the same rust issues. *tr

The rear axle housing has rusted through such that differential fluid was leaking through a hole in the metal and dripping onto the roadway. the metal was so thin, like paper. this is a safety issue since all of the rear axle fluid could leak out, allowing the rear differential to freeze or seize up, causing a loss of control of the vehicle and creating a possible accident. it could also cause other vehicles to lose traction on road due to gear oil leaking onto roadway. we had no choice but to have the car repaired by an independent repair shop who had to replace the entire axle housing. research on the internet supports this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. i think the nhtsa needs to step in and make toyota issue a recall for these faulty differentials. it is obvious that toyota used inferior metal to manufacturer these parts. *tr

When getting the left/rear wheel bearing repaired (due to heavy rusting of the differential housing, causing fluid loss), the technician reported extensive frame loss also due to corrosion. affected vehicle (otherwise in good condition) was/had to be junked for safety reasons, thus forcing me to purchase a new vehicle sooner than anticipated. in n.e. (north east) usa, toyota tacomas (frames manufactured in the usa) were recalled for this condition but not toyota 4runners (frames manufactured in japan). both my 4runner corrosion conditions are not unusual in n.e. usa! (photos available upon request). should toyota be allowed to continue doing nothing about this dangerous condition? *tr

Suspension system rusted apart causing the rear shocks to become disconnected from the frame. the vehicle also has severe rust on the frame that is characteristic of the problems other are experiencing with frame rot. there are nearly 200 complaints on here for this issue...it should be recalled and repaired. i cary my 2 year old around in this car on a daily basis. surprised to find such a poor quality car from toyota and that they aren't doing anything about it when they did something about it on other vehicles with the same frame and same problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while driving approximately 50 mph, a loud clunking noise sounded outside of the vehicle and suddenly the rear wheels locked which caused the rear end of the vehicle to skid across the road approximately twenty feet. in addition, fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the rear differential would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

I own a 2000 toyota 4runner. i took my car for state inspection. my mechanic told me that the frame is rusted out an is a major safety problem. the 2000 $runner has the same frame as the 2000 toyota tacoma in which toyota bought back the tacomas from the owners for 150% of the kelly blue book value. if toyota knows that there is a problem with one model (tacoma) and fixes then they should also fix the 4runner. *tr

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

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

Today, observed significant rust on the passenger side longitudinal frame member. the frame rail was perforated for ~24 inches on the bottom, inside of the rail, next to the muffler and up to and including the mounting point for the rear wheel lower control arm. the rail was perforated to a width of up to ~1 inch. i am concerned about the structural integrity of the frame and am reporting it as it could be safety issue. i have reviewed descriptions and pictures of this issue on www.toyota-4runner.org forum and found that there are multiple occurrences of frame perforation in this exact location on 3rd generation 4runners (search "frame rust" or i can provide links). i called the toyota customer experience center and informed them of the issue (case#110-621-0707) and they indicated that toyota does not have an ongoing program to address this issue.

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

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

Severe frame rot on otherwise very well cared for vehicle. will certainly result in catastrophic failure. *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 4 runner. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a loud grinding noise and the vehicle began to shake. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer where they both informed the contact that the rear differential fractured due to rust. the vehicle was repaired by the authorized dealer. the manufacturer was notified and they provided financial assistance towards the repair. a few months after the repair, the vehicle failed to pass state inspection due to excessive rust throughout the frame and rear differential. the approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

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.

Toyota 4-runner 2000, axle center was totally broken. *bf while driving, the consumer suddenly felt the vehicle bend to the right and lost control of the vehicle. *jb

Toyota 4-runner 2000, axle center was totally broken. *bf while driving, the vehicle started to fell abnormal, the consumer lost control of the vehicle and hit a divider. *jb

My 2000 toyota 4runner shakes at speeds above 60mph. it also does this while braking. it is visibly noticeable in the steering wheel, but all passengers in the car can feel the shaking and vibration. it becomes almost violent and alarming around 70mph. i have taken it to several repair shops and no one can find a solution. i have read hundreds of posts about this problem that ranges from 96-08 models. *tr

Bouncing of vehicle from rear end. *ak

I was driving on the highway at about 45-50 mile per hour in slight rain. all of the sudden the vehicle starts to slide to the left and hit the middle guard rail and and rolled over. this was not happened for the first time. it has happened before when the vehicle only a month old(1500 miles). i took back to the dealer and was told that it 's just out of specs and on the repair statement did not shown that it has been fixed or not.*ak