Problems with 2001 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

I just purchased a 2001 toyota 4runner. all seemed fine .but when i went to get it inspected they would not pass starting it had frame rust through. i called toyota customer service who said and i also read online that thousands of toyota trucks have a frame recall but mine does not. and they are not willing to do anything. others had the frame replaced, repaired or bought back. hopefully you can help me.

Dealer decline to do a transfer case repair because the vehicle frame is severely rusted to the point that the trailing arm mount is almost gone. dealer advised me that the vehicle is unsafe and the frame will break through. i will need to buy a new vehicle

I noticed a pretty distinct wobble when driving my 2001 $runner on the highway recently. i took it to a mechanic who informaed my the frame has a 1 inch wide 18 inch long hole from rust. the mechanic says they can weld it to possibly give it some more time to live but that it is a ticking time bomb. there very well could be rust on the frame hidden behind the gas tank, but i am unable to look behind it. toyota needs to take responsibility for their mistake when not properly coating these frames. they recalled other models for this same issue but failed to address the issue with the 4runner.

Frame rust on multiple locations. suspension shot right through rotted frame. frame has structural damage as a result of rust. car is not safe to drive! i almost killed myself driving the car when the suspension penetrated right through the rotted rusted frame.

Extreme frame rust. husband says vehicle is unsafe to drive. even though the body looks great, the frame, where we can see it, is in terrible condition, with holes rusted through the metal. no accidents yet, but it's ominous to know in a collision this vehicle would crumple like paper. there are many other complaints of serious frame rust for other years of toyota 4runners. please add my vehicle and safety concern to the growing list of other toyota owners facing the same frame disintegration.

Took my vehicle for oil change and was advised that the frame was badly rusted and should take vehicle to toyota immediately. toyota indicated that no recall was issued for this year model vehicle and nothing could be done. so i have a mechanically good vehicle that i can not use due to rusted frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was taken to northway toyota (727 new loudon rd, latham, ny 12110, (888) 885-1583) and the contact was informed that there was no recall to cover the repair. the manufacturer echoed the dealer's statement and issued case number: 1809211044. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Went for inspection for 2001 toyota 4 runner. frame is rusted and too bad. mechanic said unsafe to be on the road. what a shame everything runs good. now i am without a vehicle. the toyota 4 runners should have been recalled just like the tacoma's and sequoias.

The frame on my 2001 rotted very quickly from the inside out. it is the same exact frame used on the tacoma (which was recalled) and on the 2002 4runner, which is currently under investigation. if i didn't get the necessary frame repairs it easily could have cracked in half when on the road. the main areas of rot are located at the rear control arm (which i had professionally repaired), and up front near the suspension and axle. my brothers 1997 4runner axle and suspension completely fell apart when he was driving on the road. he was lucky to not be on the highway. someone definitely needs to look into this issue. i purchased the vehicle from the south four years ago (2014) with a spotless rock hard frame. four years later the rear control arm areas mentioned above completely rotted through. this should not happen! i love my 4runner, but i can't believe how these truck frames weren't recalled along with the tacoma frames. it is the same exact frame...

Frame of vehicle has severe rust damage throughout, told by state safety inspector that it is beyond repair. appears to have occurred slowly over the course of many years.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. the technician advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because the frame was severely rusted. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was 256,518.

Takata recall my 2001 toyota 4runner frame is rusted out and won't pass state inspection.

I was driving my truck on a city street in brooklyn, new york ( flatbush ave) when i suddenly smelled smoke followed by fire coming from the hood. i did not hit any bump and was not involved in any accident. by the time the fire department came, the entire front compartment of the truck was on fire.

I was at the toyota dealership having my brakeline on the front leftside repaired, after hitting a pothole; and i was told by phone, my frame is badly rusted through in multiple spots.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. while driving 40 mph, the frame failed without warning and caused the vehicle to wobble. the vehicle was driven home where it was pieced back together. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 180,000. updated 11/13/17 *bf the consumer stated the frame rusted. updated 11/16/2017*js

Frame rusted through in several places. unsafe to drive.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance. the mechanic noticed severe rust under the vehicle and pieces of metal falling out by chunks, including the frame. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

My frame has rusted out. i have kept it very clean and protected but still is rusting.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear passenger side subframe displayed excessive corrosion. the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 125,063.

Frame rusting out. exterior of truck has no rust 170k miles on 4runner

The frame is rotting and the 4runner is unsafe.

The issue with my toyota is a rusted frame...rusted to the point that i was advised to park it and never drive it again without a new frame. although it is a 2001 with 193,000 miles, it mechanically is in great condition. exterior and interior in good condition, as well. i first noticed the vehicle had a floating sensation on the highway, at times feeling like i had no control with the steering wheel. after another 1-2 hrs of driving, i noticed that when driving over bumps or dips in the road, the truck would rock slightly side to side. it was significant enough that items in my back seat rocked, as well. after several more days and hours of drive-time thereafter, the rock advanced to the point where my entire vehicle was rocking so violently when crossing a bridge @40mph, i had no control over the vehicle. even braking did not immediately stop the rocking. after that incident, i stopped driving the vehicle until i had it scheduled to take in to the mechanic. the problem with the rusted frame was identified almost immediately. i was told that the holes and rust were so extensive, that it was only a matter of a short amount of time before the frame would not only break apart, but break into several pieces. i was told that it was unsafe to drive and that the only solution was a frame replacement. i understand that toyota had a recall on their taucoma frames for that same year, but will not correct the identical problem with the 4runner frame. i have an otherwise wonderful vehicle sitting in my driveway that is too dangerous to drive because of toyota's known, faulty, unsafe frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. while replacing the shocks on the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame and a hole approximately 3 and 1/2 inches wide under the driver side. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

While changing my oil, i noticed a few nice size holes in the frame, in front and besides the muffler. i wondering is it safe for me and my family to drive on a regular basis.

Massive rust and deterioration along inside panel of frame on passenger side revealed once exhaust system was removed for replacement. deteriorated section was about 24" long from rear axle mount to center stabilizer bar. unknown deterioration on driver side due to location of fuel tank.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. while performing an oil change, the technician noticed that the rear passenger side of the frame was completely corroded. the technician stated that the frame had to either be re-welded or replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 160,000.

The gram has rust perforation in which the left rear control arm has separated from the frame. while i was driving a heard a pop and started to lose proper control in steering vehicle.

Massive rust corrosion and pieces breaking away located underneath entire vehicle. the rust with breakage has intensified greatly in the last couple of years and required welding this year to pass inspection because the vehicle was unsafe. the welding consisted of welding the frame rail where the rear suspension mounts and a new bracket had to be welded on the axle housing that holds an upper rear strut rod because it rusted off. both were on the passenger side of vehicle. this vehicle only has 101,000 miles and is washed and waxed on a regular basis.

Vehicle frame corrosion/rot.. bad frame (just like the tacoma i had recalled due to bad frame)

My 2001 toyota 4 runner was up on the lift for regular oil change. a service tech brought me to the service bay and informed me of a considerable amount of rust failure of the frame. not surface rust, but rust that is causing the frame to separate causing visible cracks to appear. he advised me of the potential danger. he advised me that toyota has addressed this issue on tundra's, tacoma's and sequoia's but offers no relief for 4runner owners. the vehicle has 137,000 miles on it. my guess was that i had another 20-30,000 more to go as it doesn't travel many miles on a daily basis. seems hard to reason that toyota has had replacement plans in place for other models with the same problem but not for the 4runner.

Since i got the car, the ignition key does not get in properly and sometimes does not start the car. the movement of the wheel helps sometimes. there have also been leaking engine covers that needed to be replaced. the structure gets rusty and there is problem with transmission.

These vehicles are notorious for frame rust/rot. the tacoma of the same time period used the same frame as the 4runner and the tacoma has had a recall.

Left side frame rotted out. *tr

The frame on my 4runner will not pass inspection due to rust, which i need to repair. the vehicle does not have much miles on it and should not rust like it did from the inside. the rust is from the inside, which makes it very dangerous to have on the road especially in states where an inspection is not required. it could easily go unnoticed until it is too late, and somebody could get hurt or killed when the frame fails. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the vehicle experienced severe corrosion underneath the frame adjacent to the muffler and subframe. the mechanic diagnosed that the frame and subframe had severe corrosion. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. ma 10/22/2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while having maintenance performed, the technician notified the contact that the frame was rotted due to excessive corrosion. the dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 204,507.

The body of my 2001 toyota 4runner is completely rusted out. recently, i brought the vehicle to a toyota service center who suggested that the vehicle no longer be driven due to safety concerns associated with driving the 4runner in its current condition. i was told the frame was completely rusted through, compromising the integrity of the frame. *tr

On routine check and inspection, toyota arlington and toyota schaumburg called my attention regarding a premature rusting on the underbody frame and resulted in a linear hole by the rear left and right portions of the vehicle. this according to the service advisors of both toyota dealerships may make the vehicle unsafe to operate and may result to uncontrolled stability during driving. *tr

Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended

Vehicle frame is rusting to the point of perforation. i discovered today two holes, one on each the driver and passenger side, inner frame rails just behind the rear crossmember. my concern is it may be rotting from the inside out. is the manufacturer going to issue a recall on these frames as they have done on tacomas and tundras? this car is in excellent condition otherwise and i had planned to drive it for much longer due to its handling and safety. *tr

Frame rust issues. my frame has been rusting away for the entire time i've owned it, and it isn't getting any better. the passenger inside frame rail is rusted from the rear lower control arm mount to the cross member mount midway down the frame. the driver inside frame rail is rusted at the lower control arm mount as well, and slightly in front of it. when i purchased the vehicle i noticed a slight pit, and didn't think anything of it. over the next year that pit got bigger until there was a large opening that you could fit two hands inside of.

Frame has rusted through the frame rails in multiple areas. issue was not disclosed when the vehicle was purchased 01/13/2015, yet i found a repair order from 09/24/2014 that stated there were rust holes in the frame. dealer is currently inspecting the extent of the frame damage and will recommend a resolution. i have several photos, but currently do not have them handy.

The 4runner has developed surface rust on the frame underneath the car. the rust is also apparent on suspension components and brakes. *tr

The chasis rusts and is damaged on the passenger side about 18 inches.

Took vehicle to local toyota dealership for safety and mechanical inspection after purchasing used; mechanic notes that frame is rusted through on passenger side, near lower trailing arm bracket and on drivers side near fuel tank skid plate. damage appears to have originated on the inside of the frame and has eaten its way to the outside. mechanic advised that vehicle may not be safe to drive, no recall by toyota on 4runners despite similar issues with same year tacoma. *tr

Vehicle failed state inspection due to rusted frame. with the exception of rust on the bumpers (which is also a common problem for this generation 4runner) the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape and mechanically very reliable. inspection station suggested that i contact toyota since they were aware of recalls for rusted frames on other toyota trucks (tacoma, sequoia for example.) toyota stated that there are no recalls for 4runners but offered a $500 customer loyalty rebate if i were to purchase a new or certified used toyota vehicle. i believe this is a potential safety issue since the rusted frame problem would only be identified by a very thorough inspection of the underbody of the truck. it is possible that there are many other 4runners of this generation that are on the road with an undiagnosed rusted frame problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that during an inspection she was notified that the right side of the frame completely corroded. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician confirmed the failure and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 161,213.

Vehicle failed inspection in may 2014 due to excessive frame rust and perforation. the frame was rusted so badly that the service advisor at new rochelle toyota advised "due to excessive frame perforation do not let customer drive vehicle." *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when he was advised that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection where they confirmed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 92,000. updated 7/16/14*cn

Extreme rust on frame and surrounding components. the 4runner only has 115k miles on it. *tr