2002 Toyota 4runner Body & Structure Problems

Your 4Runner's frame has developed significant rust that's affecting how the vehicle handles and controls on the road. You're having difficulty keeping the vehicle stable when turning, even during normal driving conditions. The owner notes this is a known issue with this frame design (which has been recalled on other Toyota models) and believes it should have been addressed through a recall. Frame repair or replacement will likely be necessary to restore safe vehicle handling.

Your 4Runner's frame is experiencing rust and rot. This is a structural issue that can weaken the vehicle's integrity over time. Addressing frame rot typically requires professional inspection and may involve rust treatment, reinforcement, or frame repair depending on the extent of the damage.

While inspecting underneath your 4Runner, you noticed a hole in the subframe and corrosion on both the subframe and sway bar. This type of rust damage can affect your vehicle's structural integrity and suspension performance. A mechanic should inspect the extent of the corrosion and determine whether the subframe and sway bar need to be replaced or repaired.

Your 4Runner's frame is experiencing excessive rust. While Toyota issued a recall for frames made with a particular steel from Japan, that recall only covers some frames — not all 4Runners made with the same steel were included, including yours. This is a structural integrity issue that may affect your vehicle's safety and longevity.

Your 4Runner's frame has rusted prematurely despite being garaged and well-maintained with only 117,000 miles. An auto body specialist estimates it will cost $3,000-$4,000 or more to restore the rust damage. Addressing this will likely involve stripping away rusted metal, treating the affected areas, and applying protective coatings to prevent further corrosion.

Your mechanic discovered rust on your 4Runner's subframe during routine maintenance at 136,000 miles. The subframe is a structural component that supports your vehicle's suspension and drivetrain. Rust on this component can weaken it over time and may require replacement or repair to ensure your vehicle remains safe.

Your 4Runner's frame is showing excessive rust throughout, which is a known issue with this model. A repair shop has warned that the vehicle may only have about one year left before it becomes unsafe to drive. This is particularly concerning given the relatively low mileage of 100,000 miles. Addressing frame rust typically requires professional inspection and may involve rust treatment, protective coatings, or frame replacement depending on severity.

Your mechanic discovered that the frame on the passenger's side is rusting through, which could be a safety concern. This appears to be a common issue for your 2002 4Runner model year. Fixing this will likely require professional frame repair or replacement of the affected section.

Your 4Runner's frame has developed excessive rust. You may have heard about recalls on other Toyota models from the same year for similar rust problems, but the 4Runner hasn't been recalled despite experiencing the same issue. Addressing frame rust typically involves rust removal, treatment, and protective coating to prevent further deterioration.

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, ORIGINAL OWNER WITH ONLY 110,900 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT! VEHICLE HAS SEVERE RUST/ROT DAMAGE TO PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRAME. EXTENDS FROM MIDDLE CROSS MEMBER TO REAR CROSS MEMBER. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL MAINTAINED. SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY. REPAIR WILL BE NECESSARY SOON, AS I'M STARTING TO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCES OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70+ MPH). THANK YOU!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE SUBFRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS STILL PENDING. TOYOTA OF LINCOLN PARK (1561 N FREMONT ST, CHICAGO, IL 60642) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

RUST/ROT DAMAGE TO PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. EXTENDS FROM MIDDLE CROSS MEMBER TO REAR CROSS MEMBER. ALSO SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE TO REAR SHOCK MOUNTS. FAILED INSPECTION AS A RESULT. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL MAINTAINED. SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY.

VEHICLE HAS 188,400 MILES, RUNS FLAWLESSLY. BOUGHT 2005, 45K MILES,TOYOTA DEALER CERTIFIED USED SUV. ROTTED THRU REAR TRANSFER CASE 3 YRS AGO, REPLACED FROM A WRECK. SEVERE PROGRESSIVE ENTIRE FRAME RUST/ROT NOTED IN YEARLY PA INSPECTIONS, NOW CANT PASS INSPECTION & PILLARS ALMOST ROTTED THRU..UNSAFE TO DRIVE. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED CANT PULL TRAILER SAILBOAT & M'CYCLES, NOW SITS IN DRIVEWAY USELESS.

VERY EXCESSIVE RUSTING AND CORROSION ON THE FRAME NEAR WHERE THE LEADING ARM ATTACHES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HOLE HAS DEVELOPED VERY QUICKLY, ONLY IN THE SPAN OF A COUPLE YEARS. WHEN GOING AROUND LEFT CORNER >15MPH, A CLUNKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE PROBLEM AREA. VERY OCCASIONALLY A SIMILAR NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN GOING THROUGH RIGHT TURNS. VEHICLE HAS SPENT MOST OF ITS LIFE IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA, ALTHOUGH SOME TIME HAS BEEN SPENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA. REPAIR WILL BE NECESSARY SOON, AS I'M STARTING TO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCES OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (70+ MPH). THANK YOU, HAVE A NICE DAY. *TR

WE PURCHASED A 4RUNNER FOR OUR 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO DRIVE THINKING IT WOULD BE SAFE, ESP IN MN. SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE (130 MILES) AND NOTICED IT HAD A BAD VIBRATION, ESPECIALLY OVER 40 MPH. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. WE WERE OUT OF TOWN AND WHEN WE GOT BACK, BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP, ONLY TO BE TOLD THE FRAME WAS RESPONDED BEYOND REPAIR (SEE PHOTOS). NOT ONLY DOES THAT SCARE ME FOR MY DAUGHTER, BUT SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING IT A FEW YEARS AND HAD FRIENDS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILES FOR IT'S AGE AND BASED ON TOYOTAS REPUTATION OF LONGEVITY, WE NEVER EXPECTED THIS SORT OF ISSUE. WE'RE THANKFUL SHE WASN'T HURT, BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS DRIVING A VEHICLE AND NOT KNOWING IT COULD LITERALLY BREAK IN HALF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD!

THE FRAME OF THIS 4RUNNER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE RUST SINCE THE TIME I GOT IT USED FROM A DEALER. ONCE THEIR UNDERCOATING WORE OFF, MY MECHANIC REPLACED RUSTED UP BRAKE LINES BACK ABOUT 9 YEARS AGO. HE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS VERY RUSTY AND THEY DID A NEW RUST TREATMENT. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I HAVE BEEN BATTLING ISSUES RELATED TO THE FRAME. A PLATE WAS PUT IN TO STRENGTHEN AN AREA. IT ONLY HAS 164K ON IT, I REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AT 125K, AND THE BODY IS IN GOOD SHAPE. JUST THAT THE RUST IS SPREADING EVERYWHERE UNDERNEATH. WE TRIED TO GET IT ADDRESSED IN THE PREVIOUS TOYOTA FRAME RECALL BUT IT WAS NOT FOR THIS AGE FOR WHATEVER REASON. EVERY REPAIR HAS BEEN MORE DIFFICULT DUE TO RUSTING BOLTS, MUFFLERS RUSTING EARLY, BRAKE LINES BUSTING DUE TO RUST, THE TOW HITCH RUSTED THROUGH. NOW THERE IS A GAPING HOLE IN THE REAR SIDE OF THE FRAME SUPPORTING THE CAB. AFTER BEING UNDER THE CAR TRYING TO SCRAPE RUST OFF, AND TO PUT SOME RUST RESTORE/PROTECTION, I SAW THE NEW HOLE AND GOT FED UP. SO I SEE YOU ARE NOW INVESTIGATING THIS YEAR 4RUNNER TO ADD TO THEIR RECALL. PLEASE...DO! SOMETHING SERIOUS COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING IT AND IT WILL JUST STAY MOSTLY PARKED UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED. BRAKE FAILURE WHEN MY SON WAS DRIVING WAS ALREADY SCARY ENOUGH. THANK YOU.

VEHICLE FRAME HAS CORRODED, FRACTURED ESPECIALLY ON PASSENGER REAR OF VEHICLE. MANY HOLES ALONG FRAME. WAS HEARING LOUD THUNKING IN REAR OF VEHICLE TOOK IT IN FOR A VISUAL INSPECTION AND FOUND THE ISSUE.

I HAVE SEEN CLASSI. CARS FROM THE 60S WITH FRAMES IN BETTER SHAPE THAN MY 4RUNNER. THE REAR CONTROL ARMS BRACKETS ARE CLOSE TO DETACHING FROM THE FRAME. RUST IS EATING THE BACK HALF OF MY FRAME. THE FRAME RAILS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND WILL SOON NEED REPLACING. THERE ARE NUMEROUS BOLTS AND HARDWARE THAT CAN NO LONGER BE USED DUE TO RUST. THE FILL PLUG ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS RUSTED AWAY AS WELL. THE QUALITY OF THIS STEEL IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF A VEHICLE THAT HAS PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST THIS BAD ON A FRAME BEFORE.

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME SINCE 2008. TOYOTA REFUSED TO ADDRESS AFTER FILING FORMAL COMPLAINT. I BELIEVE LIKE TRUCKS OF SAME YEAR THAT HAD FRAMES REPLACED, 4 RUNNERS SHOULD BE INCLUDED

AT A STOP LIGHT, WENT TO DRIVE HEARD LOAD POP CLANK. VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND DRIVING FUNNY. LOOKED UNDER CAR AND MY CONTROL ARM ( THAT STABILIZES MY AXEL ) MOUNT RUSTED OFF. MY ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE IS RUSTED OUT. THE CONTROL ARM SHIFTED

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME. RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, ON PASSENGER SIDE NEAR MUFFLER, BY REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS. RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. LIKELY RUSTED IN OTHER PARTS THAT ARE NOT VISIBLE.

MY 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS BEEN DEEMED BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AS "UNSAFE TO DRIVE." IT ONLY HAS 180,000 MILES ON IT, THE RUST SHOULD NOT BE THIS EXTENSIVE.

MY 2002 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER FAILED MASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT ENGAGING. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP FOR REPAIR. I WAS THEN NOTIFIED BY THE SHOP THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED & UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIR TO THE E-BRAKE UNTIL THE FRAME WAS REPAIRED. I'M DEVASTATED THAT MY WELL CARED FOR VEHICLE , WITH ONLY 130,000 MILES IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO FRAME ROT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND CAUSED THE TAILPIPE TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000. ..*BF *JB

I HAVE A 2002 4 RUNNER AND PUT ALMOST $2,800.00 IN IT LAST YEAR FOR A NEW REAR END, NEW TIRES, BECAUSE I FELT IT STILL HAD A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF LIFE LEFT IN IT, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE FRAME HAS 2 HOLES IN IT FROM EXCESSIVE RUST. THE DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING FRAMES FOR 2003 - 2009 MODELS. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE 2002 MODELS, THEY STATED THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE 4 RUNNERS. MY QUESTION IS "HOW DO I FIND OUT IF THE 2002 FRAMES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH THE SAME MATERIALS THAT THE 2003 MODELS WERE MADE OF?" I REALLY WANTED TO HAND THIS CAR DOWN TO MY DAUGHTER. SHE NEEDS A CAR AND WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE FRAME, THERE IS NO WAY I CAN LET HER DRIVE THIS IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. PLEASE HELP!!!

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SO I TAKE MY 2002 4 RUNNER TO GET IT CHECKED. I NOTICED IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MIGHT BE A EXHAUST PROBLEM. THEN I GET THE BAD NEWS . THE FRAME EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS MATTER A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE .I PURCHASED IT USED IN 2003 SO MAYBE THE NOTICE WENT TO THE FIRST OWNER. I HAVE BEEN LIVING AT THE SAME ADDRESS SINCE I OWNED IT.

LEAVING WORK FRIDAY OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2018 I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS. MY CO-WORKER ALSO LOOKED, AND OBSERVED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE CAR. SINCE THE DEALER WAS CLOSE, I TOOK THE RISK TO DRIVE IT THE DEALER. THE DEALER IS HERITAGE TOYOTA IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND. THE CAR HAS ONLY 91000 MILES ON IT. THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE CAR IS RUSTED OUT. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. THE FRAME IS ALSO RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING SAFE ANYMORE. MY COMPLAINTS ARE THESE: 1. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. 2. OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS OF THE SAME YEAR ARE HAVING THEIR FRAMES REPLACED BY TOYOTA. 3. MY TOYOTA WAS SERVICED WITH ME LETTING THE DEALER DO "ANYTHING IT NEEDS". I ESTIMATE SPENDING ABOUT $15,000 AT THIS DEALER. NEVER ONCE WAS I TOLD THERE WAS A RUST PROBLEM. WITH MOUNTING REPAIRED COSTS, I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO IMMEDIATELY RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. NEVER DID THE TOYOTA DEALER WARN ME ABOUT THE RUST. 4. TOYOTA WAS COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED IN HELPING. I DID FILE A COMPLAINT #1808271490

MY FRAME IS SUFFERING FROM PREMATURE AND EXCESSIVE RUSTING, AS IS COMMONLY REPORTED AMONG OTHER EARLY TO MID 2000'S 4RUNNER OWNERS. THE MOST SEVERE AREA IS THE RADIATOR SUPPORTS. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT SO IT IS REGISTERED AMONG THE MANY COMPLAINTS RECEIVED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I'D BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION IF NEEDED, BUT I'M PRETTY SURE THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN A LOT OF REPORTS OF THIS SINCE THERE'S NOW AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ISSUE.

RUSTED THROUGH FRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHERE AXLE SUPPORT CONNECTS TO FRAME. MEASURES APPROX 2.5 FEET. REAR END FEELS LOOSE WHEN NAVIGATING TURNS.

FRAME IS COMPLETLY RUSTED OUT.

FRAME DETERIORATION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED OUT AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MAIN FRAME WAS RUSTING ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,000.

FRAME IS PERFORATED BY RUST WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT MEETS THE FRAME RAIL.

THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTING. HAD TO GET IT SPOT WELDED TO PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS. PLEASE HELP.

I HAVE OWNED MY 2002 4RUNNER SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2002. AROUND 8,500 MILES A YEAR, AND SOMEHOW MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS IS NOT NORMAL, AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA BOUGHT THE FRAMES FROM A THIRD PARTY IN JAPAN WHICH DID NOT COAT THESE FRAMES PROPERLY. WE UNDERCOATED THE CAR FOR 5 YEARS AFTER BUYING IT, AND YET RUST STARTED SHOWING UP AROUND 2009. WE HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE CAR, EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE FRAME IS PERFECT AND CLEAN. TOYOTA IS KNOWINGLY LETTING 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS DRIVERS DRIVE THEIR CARS EVEN WHEN THEY'RE UNSAFE. THEY NEED TO INSTITUTE A BUYBACK OR FRAME REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW, BECAUSE WE CAN'T DRIVE OR SELL THE VEHICLE, YET EVERYTHING RUNS PERFECTLY.

WHEN TAKEN TO THE LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOP THEY FOUND THE FRAME HAS ROTTED OUT IN MANY PARTS OF THE FRAME. CAB FRAME MOUNTS ARE ALSO ROTTED. IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE FRAME IS READY TO SNAP OFFF. THANK THE LORD THE SHOP FOUND THIS BEING THREE OF MY FOUR KIDS RIDE IN IT EVERYDAY TO SCHOOL.

FRAME RUST. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE "FRAME IS ROTTED-SAFETY ISSUE-WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION". THIS 4RUNNER HAS ONLY BEEN EXPOSED TO AREAS OF MILD SOUTH EAST PENNSYLVANIA WINTERS AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS WASHED REGULARLY AFTER EVERY SNOW AND ROAD-SALTING EVENT. 4RUNNER IS TRASH AFTER ONLY 12 WINTERS. 4RUNNER WAS IN STORAGE FOR 04/05 WINTER AND THERE WAS NO SNOW IN 15/16.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND SEVERE CORROSION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

HELLO. I PURCHASED A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED EDITION LAST FALL IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE CAR HAD PASSED THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE INSPECTION WITH PASSED VALIDATED INSPECTION TAGS IN THE FRONT WINDOW. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC, WELDER AND BEECHMONT TOYOTA (CINCINNATI OH) AND THE CONSENSUS IS THE CAR NEEDS THE CAR FRAME REPLACED. THE CAR FRAME HAS RUST HOLES AND IS RUSTED ALONG WITH A RUSTED UNDERCARRIAGE. THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAR IS COMPROMISED, BECAUSE THE CAR FRAME HAS RUSTED HOLES IN IT, CRITERIA THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED PA STATE INSPECTION. IT DOES NOT HAVE A SAFE CAR FRAME. I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT PASSED PA STATE INSPECTION AND THE CAR HAD HOLES IN THE RUSTED CAR FRAME.THE SALES GUY WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, SAID THAT THE CAR HAD PASSED STATE INSPECTION IN WHICH THE STICKER IN THE WINDSHIELD SHOWS. I RESEARCHED THE STATE INSPECTION CRITERIA AND I THINK IT IS 5A AND 5III THAT REFERENCE CHECKING THE CAR FRAME. PENDOT DID NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAILURE OF APPROVING THE STATE INSPECTION. I ASKED FOR MY MONEY BACK ($6,200) FROM THE CAR SALESMAN PLUS I HAD TO PAY ABOUT $500 OHIO TAX AND WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD PASSED PENNSYLVANIA STATE INSPECTION AND THEY WOULD NOT REFUND MY MONEY. THIS CAR HAS A RUSTED DAMAGED FRAME WITH HOLES AND NEEDS TO BE OFF THE ROAD AS IT'S DANGEROUS. I AM ASKING FOR MY MONEY BACK, AND I'LL RETURN THE VEHICLE AS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED PENNSYLVANIA STATE INSPECTION. THANK YOU. *TR

MY 2002 4RUNNER'S FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN MANY PLACES. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE YET TO RECALL THE 4RUNNERS BUT, HAVE RECALLED THE TACOMA AND SEQUOIA. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO DO THIS REPAIR. I AM BURIED IN DEBT FROM A HEART TRANSPLANT AND THIS IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. I THINK PEOPLE WILL DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE RESPOND SO I HAVE SOME INFORMATION PLEASE. THANKS, [XXX] COLUMBUS, OHIO INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES

FRAME CRACKED/RUSTED DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT THE FRAME (RIGHT REAR) WAS CRACKED.... CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

MY 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS A COUPLE QUARTER SIZED RUST HOLE ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME. LOCATED ON THE INSIDE NEXT TO THE EXHAUST MUFFLER. THE ENTIRE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION, IT'S WEIRD TO ME THAT JUST THIS PARTICULAR SPOT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND I KNOW TOYOTA SHOULD STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I READ ONLINE MOST PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME EXACT SPOT. SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT IN THE FRAME. I'M HOPING TO HAVE TOYOTA COVER THIS INCIDENT. THANKS FOR READING. BRANDON

FAME DETERIORATING PREMATURELY,SKID PLATE THAT PROTECTS FUEL TANK SHOWED SIGNS OF RUST. AFTER INSPECTING FOUND ROTTING FROM INSIDE OUT.WHEN REPLACING IN MAY OF 2014,FOUND THAT STRAP THAT HOLDS FUEL TANK RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY,TWO BOLTS FROM THE RUSTED SKID PLATE ONLY THING HOLDING FUEL TANK IN PLACE.SAME CONDITIONS EXIST OVER ENTIRE FRAME,RUST FALLS OFF IN SHEETS WHEN FRAME IS TAPPED ON WITH HAMMER.BROUGHT MY CONCERNS TO DEALERSHIP IN JAN.OF 2015 OF RUST ISSUE, THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING WOULD BE DONE.

THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS ROTTING OUT WITH RUST. THE 4RUNNER HAS NEVER BEEN IN SNOW AND HAS BEEN TAKEN WELL CARE OF AND THE FRAME IS STILL ERODING AWAY WITH RUST AT AN UNNATURAL RATE. THIS ISSUE MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR THE SAKE OF SO MANY UNAWARE OWNERS!

I VISITED A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (OIL CHANGE) AND INSPECTION OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED ON THE LIFT, THE SERVICE ADVISOR ASKED ME TO JOIN HIM AND THE SHOP MECHANIC IN THE SERVICE BAY WHERE I WAS SHOWN THAT THE FRAME / CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED THE POINT WHERE IN THEIR OPINION IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. AFTER CLOSE INSPECTION, I HAD AGREED WITH THEIR ASSESSMENT. AN ONLINE SEARCH FOR A RECALL NOTICE WAS PERFORMED, BUT NONE WAS FOUND. OTHERWISE, THIS VEHICLE IS IN METICULOUS CONDITION WITH NO BODY DAMAGE OR RUST OR ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.

FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH ON RIGHT SIDE FROM MIDDLE OF THE FRAME TO JUST OVER THE REAR AXEL. THERE ARE LARGE HOLES AND RUSTED SLOTS THAT ARE OVER 10 INCHES LONG DAMAGE STARTS BEFORE THE REAR SUSPENSHION SUPPORT AND CONTINUES TO THE OTHER SIDE AND THE SIDE WHERE THE RUST HAS CAUSED HOLES AND LONG SLOTS THE WHOLE FRAME CAN BE SQUEEZED EASILY WITH YOUR HAND.

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. THERE IS A HOLE IN FRAME BECAUSE OF RUST.

FRAME RUSTED UNDER 4 RUNNER AND ON BUMPER TOLD BY PERSON WORKING ON SWAY BAR LINKS. STATED EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME AND REAR AXLE.

FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND HAS HOLES IN PARTS OF IT. THE REST OF THE BODY AND INTERIOR ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. ENGINE RUNS WELL AND THERE ARE OTHERWISE NO MAJOR MECHANICAL ISSUES. UPON HAVING A MINOR REPAIR DONE, INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE FRAME IN THAT CONDITION AS IT IS ABOUT TO CRACK IN HALF. THIS SEEMS TO BE PREMATURELY FAILING COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.

2002 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SR5, 98,000 MILES. ALWAYS DEALER SERVICED. THIS WILL BE MY LAST STATE NYS INSPECTION AS I WILL BE UNABLE TO HAVE THE TRUCK INSPECTED IN 2015 DUE TO BODY FRAME ROT, NEED TO INCUR COSTS TO REPLACE BODY FRAME. TRUCK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRAME ROT. HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BUMPER, THE GAS TANK SHIELD AND HAVE BEEN TOLD FRONT OIL PAN SHIELD NEEDS REPLACING AS DEALER CAN NOT PERFORM OIL CHANGE, DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA WAITING FOR A REPLY. *TR

I WAS HAVING SERVICE WORK DONE AT TOYOTA ON MY 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS RUSTING THROUGH, NEAR THE MUFFLER AND THE FRAME WOULD EVENTUALLY FAIL. HE SAID WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE TOYOTA TACOMA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE TACOMA. THE RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME POSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE HAD SEEN OTHER 4RUNNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND EVEN SUGGESTED TO THOSE OWNERS THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRAILING ARM WAS CORRODED AND THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

MY 2002 4RUNNER WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM TOYOTA IN NOVEMBER OF 2001. I LIVE IN NEW YORK SO IT DOES SNOW 2 OR 3 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR. IT HAS BEEN USED AS A SECOND VEHICLE TO PICK UP SUPPLIES AND THE LIKE, OTHERWISE IT IS RARELY USED. AT THIS TIME IT HAS APPROX. 139000 MILES. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START AND I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THERE IS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE UNDERCARRIAGE, THE FRAME, THE GAS TANK, ETC. THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL PUMP BUT BECAUSE OF SO MUCH RUST, REMOVING THE GAS TANK TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS CONNECTING THE TANK TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS A SHAME THAT TOYOTA SELLS A VEHICLE THAT MAY NEED TO BE JUNKED DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST IT HAS. I UNDERSTAND THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 4RUNNER AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. I BOUGHT A 1999 CAMRY BRAND NEW PRIOR TO THE 4RUNNER AND I HAD IT FOR 12 YEARS BEFORE GIVING IT TO A FRIEND WHO STILL DRIVES IT TO THIS DAY AND IT HAS NO RUST. THE 4RUNNER RUNS GREAT ALL OF THE YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT BUT I AM BEING TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THE BODY OF MY TRUCK COULD FALL FROM THE FRAME. AT 139000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. TOYOTA SHOULD OFFER SOME KIND OF REPAIR TO THESE ISSUES. MY TRUCK LOOKS ALMOST BRAND NEW EXCEPT FOR SOME RUST ON THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS AND NOW I MAY HAVE TO JUNK IT. *TR

THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME RAILS WHICH SUPPORT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE THUS WEAKENING THE CRITICAL SUPPORTIVE COMPONENTS. THIS CREATES A POSSIBLE DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH MAY GO UNNOTICED UNTIL FAILURE OCCURS. THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED FOR THE 4RUNNERS. *TR

MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SE5 WITH 112,080 MILES. I HAVE SEVERE FRAME RUST ON THIS VEHICLE. HOLES THOUGH FRAME ON RIGHT SIDE AND FRAME TO REAR AXLE IS COMPLETELY BROKEN TO RIGHT SIDE OF ATTACHMENT AT DIFFERENTIAL AXLE. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE U.S VERSION OF THE TACOMA TRUCK WHICH IS THE SAME FRAME, ETC. AS THE 4RUNNER BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER WHICH IS MADE IN JAPAN WITH THE SAME ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND TRUTH BE KNOWN UNDRIVEABLE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA 4RUNNER FORUM IS FULL OF THESE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND ADD THE 3RD GENERATION 4 RUNNER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ON THE TACOMA, TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA VEHICLES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,500.

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AT LOWER CONTROL ARM AREA. TOYOTA HAS HAD RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS FOR RUSTED FRAMES BUT NOT ACKNOWLEDGING 4RUNNER FRAME ISSUES THAT ARE DANGEROUS. *TR

I HAVE ALREADY FILED A SAFETY COMPLAINT REGARDING MY SUDDEN ACCELERATION ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO. I NOTICED THAT TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNERS GOING BACK TO 2003. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002. BASICALLY, I'M WRITING TO URGE NHTSA TO ASKTOYOTA WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY FROM 2003 TO 2002 BECAUSE THERE IS NO DOUBT THERE WAS A MAJOR MALFUNCTION WITH MY CAR AND IF THE ASSEMBLE & PARTS MANUFACTURES IS THE SAME FROM 03 TO 02 THEN THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED. ALSO, THE OTHER MAIN REASON I'M WRITING YOU IS SO THAT THERE IS A RECORD OF ME REQUESTING MY VEHICLE BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO THAT WAY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME AGAIN WE WILL HAVE A RECORD OF IT. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA SR5 4RUNNER WITH EXTREME FRAME ROT FRAME THE INSIDE OUT. EXPERTS AGREE THAT I HAVE ONLY A YEAR OR TWO LEFT WITH THIS FRAME. I HAVE HAD REPAIRS TO PASS INSPECTION BUT THIS IS ONLY A BAND AID. I UNDERSTAND THAT I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED, BUT TO HAVE THE FRAME ROT FROM THE INSIDE OUT SHOWS A DESIGN FLAW OR INFERIOR STEEL USED FRO THE FRAME, POSSIBLY INADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION. JUST A BAD SCENARIO NOT WHICH WAY YOU PUT IT. ROT FROM THE INSIDE OUT IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

MY 2002 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER THAT IS IN EXCELLENT BODY AND RUNNING CONDITION WAS IN FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE AND THE DEALER TOLD US THE FRAME HAD A HOLE IN IT AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IT WAS INSPECTED BY TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF TOYOTA WHO SAID THAT IT IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE AND THERE ARE NO "PROGRAMS' AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOU THERE IS A HISTORY OF FRAME FAILURES WITH TOYOTA'S. *TR

2002 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN. WHEN I TRY TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR, I CAN HEAR IT UNLATCH BUT REMAINS SHUT. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE REAR PART OF THE DOOR BACK IN UNTIL YOU HEAR A CLICK, THEN YOU HAVE TO VIOLENTLY PULL THE HANDLE AND THE DOOR WILL OPEN. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT'S UNDER MY WIFE'S NAME BUT I AM THE ONE THAT'S IN CHARGE OF AUTOMOTIVE ISSUES. THE BUMPERS HAVE BEEN HANGING DOWN ON THE FRONT AND REAR. AS I DRIVE AROUND THE CITY, I'VE STARTED TO NOTICE MAJORITY OF THE 4RUNNERS IN THE SAME MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS MAKES ME THINK THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. I BELIEVE IT'S A SAFETY DEFECT ESPECIALLY SINCE BUMPERS ARE NOT JUST FOR COSMETIC REASONS, ITS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN A CRASH SITUATION. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS ALSO LINKED TO THE AIRBAG SENSORS AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT MAY GO OFF AT ANY TIME. I'VE GONE ON FORUMS AND FOUND THAT OTHERS TALK ABOUT THIS ALSO. THEY ALSO TALK ABOUT RUSTING AROUND THE BUMPER AREA WHICH IS SOMETHING I HAVE ON MY 4RUNNER ALSO. I HOPE YOUR DEPARTMENT LOOKS INTO THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY AND GET BACK TO ME ABOUT IT. *TR

LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE UNDERBODY, GAS TANK SHIELD AND FRONT BRAKES. JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED WITH 39K MILES AND HAVE BEEN FINDING LOST OF CORROSION. TRIED TO USE RUST REMOVER AND NEUTRALIZER AND WIRE BRUSH. HOPE I CAN GET IT UNDER CONTROL BEFORE THE ENTIRE THING FALLS APART. *TR