Problems with 2004 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

the frame of my family's 2004 toyota 4runner is badly corroded, with only 120k miles on it. it did not pass a recent inspection and is unsafe to drive. two different mechanics told me that if we hit a hard bump, the frame could split. there is an investigation, but toyota needs to recall these cars and fix them, or replace them. i can't afford to junk the car and buy a new one, but i can't drive my young children in it either. thank you.

Frame is severely rusting. holes present which had to be patched numerous times for it to pass inspection. if something is not done soon, i will be forced to get rid of the vehicle because of safety concerns and it not being able to pass pa inspection. this has to be addressed now. for years, toyota dealerships have been supposedly taking pictures and sending them to toyota. they know it is a problem and nothing is being done about it!

The frame of the 2004 4runner is rusting out and there are visible holes in the frame that support the vehicle. this appears to be a very common problem according to the dealership with several of the 4runner and tacoma models being affected.

Severe rust on frame and suspension attachment points. rust is not superficial but rusting from inside of frame tubes.

2004 toyota 4runner with 110k miles with rusted frame. the car is otherwise in perfect shape and well maintained. the frame rust makes the vehicle unsafe to drive all other toyota models with the same issue with frames from the same factory were recalled. the 4 runner was not addressed

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to a tire shop for scheduled maintenance. the mechanic found that the frame was severely corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was notiified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to temecula valley toyota (located at 26631 ynez rd, temecula, ca 92591, 951-319-7911) for inspection. the dealer informed the contact that the undercarriage was completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls. the approximate failure mileage was 166,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine alignment by an independent mechanic, it was noticed that the frame was corroded all the way through. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the frame failure became worse. the contact referenced a nhtsa action number regarding the structure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 137,000. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the front passenger side to the rear subframe showed extensive corrosion. the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was informed that the vehicle would be unsafe to drive for much longer. brown's toyota of glen burnie (7167 ritchie hwy, glen burnie, md 21061, (410) 761-9000) was contacted the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 115,800. *ln

I bought this vehicle at dealership may 2018, frame components completely rotted through i will include photos vechicle unsafe to drive transmission lines rotted when i looked closely i saw frame rotted. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing state inspection, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. a dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 188,711.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the subframe was rusted and corroded. the mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. the local dealer was not notified. the failure mileage was 160,095. the vin was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the entire undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted. the contact discovered that part of the frame that held up the fuel tank was dragging on the ground while the vehicle was in motion. the manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. the dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Frame has rusted through, leaving several holes, some very large, presenting a significant safety hazard.

There is an unreasonable amount of rust on 4th generation 4 runner. seems to be a common problem and makes the car unsafe.

Local toyota dealer inspected frame found multiple holes in the frame , estimate given of $17,793.54 for new frame all parts needed with the frame parts and labor. contacted toyota and they will do nothing to correct the faulty frame issue

I own a 2004 toyota 4runner with significant rust on the frame that has nearly rusted through in some areas. through my research i determined that this has been an ongoing issue for many toyota vehicles close to the 2004 model year. apparently the frame was not properly coated and rust has grown on my vehicle as well as many others at a much faster rate than is typically expected. i am worried about the safety of my vehicle as a result.

Takata recall, the radiator mount and frame supports are rusted out, also the rear shock and air suspension mounts are rusted out. vehicle was in motion when shock mount broke.

The body/frame of the car is suffering from severe corrosion/rust. the rust has started eating through the frame. this appears to be a common problem in toyota 4runners from 2003-2007 model year. in my case my vehicle is a 2004 model year. this is a serious risk and hazard.

Frame is rusted so bad it is about to break in half. mechanic said he has never seen anything like this before. frame should hold up better than this. afraid to put frame up on lift to rotate tires because thought it would break in half. frame is rotting before our eyes. vehicle still runs good. it is a shame the frame is wearing out before the vehicle does. vehicle is drove everyday. hopefully frame will not give way while drive on the road.*dt consumer stated vehicle was taken to the dealer on 08-01-20.*jb

The frame on my 4runner is rotting. it has a few holes in it and the rust is everywhere. i do not understand how it could be so rotten so quickly, especially where i live. there are a lot of other 4runners close in age that are experiencing the same issue. toyota needs to replace the frames on the 4runners like they did on the tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's. i drive my 4runner everyday on the highway and am starting to feel unsafe using it anymore.

Excessive rust has appeared in a number of structural areas in the frame of my 4runner. complete rust through has occurred in many areas of the frame and in key stress points. the rust appears to be coming from the inside out so it is tough to identify additional areas that rust is affecting and further degrading the safety and strength of the frame. the rust was identified during a normal visual inspection of the underside of my vehicle based on recommendations from other owners with similar issues.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. during a state inspection, the inspector diagnosed that the frame on the front driver's side, just before the rear wheel, was rusted and had holes. the contact was informed that the failure needed to be remedied. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done. the dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 333,000. *tt the immediate rusted frame area which caused the vehicle to fail nys inspection was repaired on july 18,2019. the vehicle has not been re-inspected yet to see if the repair will meet nys inpection requirements. other areas of frame are also starting to rust through.*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while operating the vehicle, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear passenger side braking mechanism. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the subframe experienced severe rusting and corrosion. also, the rear passenger side brake caliper and brake line were rusted. the cause of the failures was not determined. the manufacturer and atlantic toyota (193 sunrise hwy, west islip, ny) were notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 34,000.

Upon bringing my car to toyota for service, they have been noticing more and more rust perforation on my chassis, last year trying to fix a flat the jack went right thru the chassie rail due to being all rusted out and flaky. today i went for an oil change and multi point inspection found rear shock broken on pass side and more rust at all seams of welding as well as holes and weak thin spots of metal. mechanics advised me of numerous other models from toyota with same issue, upon calling their headquarters they deny any issue with 4 runners when i told them the are all same period and obviously same manufacturer making your chassie parts which are defective.

Vehicle did not pass va state safety inspection due to a corroded hole in the frame. similar to recall in place for toyota tacoma

Frame left side - drivers front close to wheel well area is rusted through approx size of 8" x 5" during inspection notified this will be a hazard to driving if not addressed since this is part of the frame and can cause serious damage if not addressed. vehicle is inspected yearly and this is the first time we saw the rust of this magnitude. according to the public database there is an ongoing investigation on this type of complaint and safety claim - i want to be added to this claim. vehicle was in possession of dealer service dept when the issue was noted.

I brought my 4runner in to have the brakes looked at and the mechanic was not able to put it up on a lift because of the extensive amount of rust on my vehicle, they were concerned that it wouldn't hold. i need this vehicle to get around for work and my company, and i am now terrified it is not safe for me to be driving.

I have 2004 toyota 4runner v6 4.0 sr5. milage 130.000. the frame has a lot of rust. especially the passenger side thru whole that side. the front radiator mounts are also corroded. back side of the vehicle frame is also corroded. basically whole frame is very rusty. if i touch the frame the pieces start to fall down. everything is ok with vehicle only the frame is very rusty. i do not know how long i can drive like this. hopefully more people will get involved and toyota will solve that issue. 4runner is a great vehicle. i would like to drive it at least 5 more years. unfortunately i think i will not be able to drive it because of rusty frame. driving will no longer be safe. i hope more 4runners 4th generation owners will complain and toyota will replace the frames.

Truck frame rusted through

Frame is severely rusted with large holes throughout. these vehicles are no longer safe to drive. toyota has had issues with rusted frames with many trucks and apparently the 4runners is no exception.

I started hearing a noise like friction coming from under the car and feeling it through the steering while driving. it would come and go and within a week the car was undrivable. just after exiting the interstate and on a side road, my brakes went out and there was an incredibly loud metal on metal grinding noise. i pulled over immediately and had the car taken on a rollback to my mechanic. when he put it on the lift he said that the frame was so rusted that it was undriveable. most everything that was atteched to the frame was coming loose, like the brake calipers, cover over the gas tank, axles, etc. the frame is so rusted that he could literally put his hand through it. this could have been a very bad outcome if i had still been on the highway when it all broke loose.

Writing a complaint due to excessive corrosion of the frame of toyota 4 runner. got vehicle inspected last year, no recommendation of the frame needing repaired. now, wont pass inspection this year due to a crack in the welding plate above drivers side rear and severe corrosion. drivers side frame has completely started to erode and cant find a mechanic willing to weld to pass inspection. mechanic stated that body is in great condition, just only the frame is completely shot. have not had an accident in the past year. had there been anyone to suggest frame needed work a year ago, would have happily done so, that's just how much has corroded since last inspection.

Frame has multible holes in frame and many areas frame week gas tank straps rusted out will not pass inspection

Toyota 4 runner in motion, driving the highway and local when noticed noise coming from the back of the vehicle. it was moving unstable like wiggling and slowed down. my husband checked under the car. he found out the chassis was broken.

Rust crack in frame right front at core support. cracks in dashboard.

This is an addendum to my original complaint submitted on 12/5/2018. after a more thorough inspection of my vehicle's frame, toyota westborough (ma), has identified an area that is significantly compromised. the size of this hole exceeds the threshold used in the related toyota tacoma frame recall several years ago. i believe this is further evidence that 4runners of the same vintage should be considered for a similar recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the frame was corroded through. the contact called buchanan's auto sales at (423) 282-5515 (located at n roan st, johnson city, tn 37601), but was not assisted. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and corroded. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 186,000. the vin was invalid.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was extensively rusted and corroded. suburban toyota of farmington hills (35200 grand river ave, farmington hills, mi 48335, (248) 699-7100) was notified and indicated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the dealer stated that an appointment needed to be scheduled for diagnostic testing and repair. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Frame is rusting ,toyota dealer said dangerase to drive,dealer said they are thuosands of these out there but no recalls!!!! whey do people need to die before toyota does something? i ,m losing thousands of dollars for there mistakes,this suv has less than 100,000 on it!!! sad!!!!

Frame and underneath of vehicle excessively rusting with holes completely through entire frame like swiss cheese. will not pass inspection because of this problem. deemed unsafe to use vehicle any more.

Rear frame rusted through. i was driving and a piece holding the suspension together rusted off the frame. the vehicle was in motion and it felt like it was going to tip over. it also felt like the front and back wheels were going in different directions. apparently a very common issue.

Excessive frame rust i have a 2004 4runner that has so much life left except for the frame. the vehicle runs impeccably, but the frame, the very foundatiln on which it sits, is crumbling. the frame of my 4runner has rusted to the point where my mechanic recommended i replace the frame before towing anything with the vehicle. the driver side rear corner of the frame was completely gone (no 90 degree angle to the frame there - the whole corner had rusted away). my mechanic fabricated a new corner, but then told me he wouldn't tow even the smallest of trailers because he would expect the frame to be ripped off the car under any load. he showed me the rear-most section of frame extending from the left to right that the hitch sits against and it's falling apart as well, and then from the rear corners of the bumper, the first 18 inches of frame going towards the front of the vehicle are rusted through and separating. the cross-member near the rear of the vehicle is so fragile from rusting, i could tear if off with my bare hands. 1/3 of the way from the front of the vehicle heading toward the rear is another part of the frame that's rusted all the way through. the mechanic said if the frame isn't reinforced, it needs to be replaced in its entirety. no incident occurred because the vehicle was inspected before use, but if i hadn't inspected it and went through with my plans to give the car to a friend for him to tow a trailer with furniture from pa to ky, who knows what tragedy may have occurred.

The frame is extremely rusted resulting in near separation of different parts of the frame. the car has been to the toyota dealer many times but this was not pointed out. a local car repair shop pointed it out.

My 2004 toyota 4runner frame has holes and have seen dozens of others with the same or worse frames. i work at a toyota dealership and all the truce that have frames except the 4runners have recalls for the frames. when i asked toyota why that is the case they said it was because the trucks were built in japan. what i don't understand is if the 4runner were built in japan and have worse frames than the tacomas tundras or sequoias, why aren't the 4runners covered. its a huge safety concern and when i asked toyota if they would help me with this issue they essentially said that its not there issue and might start a case. i am very unhappy with this result and believe that if all the truck frames are rotting, some worse than others, why aren't all the frames being covered. please help me.

Excessive rust is compromising steering control.

I took vehicle in for brake repair, the mechanic noted excessive frame rust and cautioned that it may be unsafe to continue to operate the vehicle with out remedy. recommended thousands of dollars worth of repair work. i am the second owner of the 4runner, but the suv spent most of its life in arizona, away from harsh winters and salted roads. loyal toyota customer, but very disappointing because i planned to keep this suv until it was vintage, but now i am afraid to drive it or sell it to someone else.

My 16 year old daughter was driving on a city street and was turning into a driveway and the lower control arm on passenger side broke and i was told it was because the frame is rotted. not sure if i am able to fix due to the frame. i am new to the northeast and was not aware of rotted frames out here.

Excessive rust and corrosion on frame and suspension components. my mechanic, who sees plenty of late model vehicles across numerous makes, was aghast when he saw how much rust and corrosion there was here during a recent transmission repair job. he said it's to the point that he'd recommend taking it to a body shop for a full inspection. i purchased this vehicle new and have taken good care of it. the truck spent most of its early life down south and in colorado where salted roads are rare. it was also garaged during two year-long deployments. the latter half of its life has been here in new england, but i see lots of previous generation 4runners around that presumably haven't rusted out...