Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 10/04/2012 | 95315 | 1 | |
| Vehicle was taken to dealer for scheduled 95k mile service. i was contacted by the dealer and told that the vehicle was not worth working on because the entire frame is rotted and this is a safety hazard. the vehicle should not be driven. the vehicle has been well maintained and is excellent condition in all other aspects. i see many instances of this happen in other on-line sites. toyota has recalled other vehicles in the same model year (2000 tundra) for a similar problem yet this one has been ignored. *tr | |||
| 11/05/2010 | 136000 | ||
| Took 2000 4runner in to get muffler replaced. they discovered extensive frame rot/corrosion where the rear suspension trailing arm mount ties into the frame. the welded seam of the box tubing has rusted out. they wanted to let us know, because they feel the vehicle is unsafe to drive. and, they suggested we contact toyota to see if there was a recall or if sub-par metal was used, because the frame shouldn't be in such a terrible condition for a vehicle its age. the rest of the vehicle is in very good shape. there is no recall for the 2000 4runner, although there are recalls for similar problems on other toyota vehicles. we do not feel comfortable driving the car, knowing that the structure is compromised. and, we certainly can't sell the vehicle in this condition, knowing that it is a safety hazard. | |||
| 06/11/2010 | 66000 | ||
| 2000 4runner limited rusting on body with 66,000 miles. frame and underside also rusting. live in utah, they use salt on the roads | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 01/15/2013 | |||
| I had an issue with the 4wd so i brought the car in the my local shop. while investigating the issue, the auto shop discovered some major frame rot towards the back right wheel that extended into the arm that holds up the back wheels. i was told that the car is unsafe to drive and there is no telling what would happen in an accident or if i simply went over a bad pot hole. i was also told by a separate auto person that the 4wd issues i had been experiencing may also be the result of the frame rust which most likely warped the frame and messed with the gears involved in 4wd. i brought my car to the local toyota dealer for a second opinion on the safety of the vehicle. the dealer refused to take a look and instructed me to call customer service. i called customer service and they offered no assistance. this issue is very similar to the toyota tacoma recall and should be addressed in a similar fashion. i was told by customer service that they do not consider them similar because the tacoma frames were made in america while the 4runner frames were made in japan. i don't know why that takes away their liability for a poorly made vehicle with clear manufacturing issues. i have read about this problem with other 4runner owners and know that it's not just my problem, this is an owner-wide issue and clearly something that can be traced back to toyota's manufacturing process of this vehicle. now i am stuck with an unsafe vehicle that i cannot drive with a clean conscience nor sell with a clean conscience. toyota's poor manufacturing has left me liability issue that i think should be addressed. i would at least like to trade in the vehicle for a new one with a sound frame! | |||
| 01/16/2012 | 146000 | 1 | |
| Exstensive frame rust. *tr | |||
| 01/16/2012 | 146000 | ||
| Exstensive frame rust | |||
| 12/03/2012 | 150000 | 1 | |
| Brought vehicle into dealership for general maintenance. service tech indicated that the frame was rusted through so bad that the vehicle might not be safe to drive. service tech was concerned even lowering it from the lift. he indicated that he has seen this issue on a fair number of other toyota vehicles that share the same frame design. i'm now left with a car that would be very drivable if it wasn't for the defective frame. *tr | |||
| 12/03/2012 | 150000 | ||
| Brought vehicle into dealership for general maintenance. service tech indicated that the frame was rusted through so bad that the vehicle might not be safe to drive. service tech was concerned even lowering it from the lift. he indicated that he has seen this issue on a fair number of other toyota vehicles that share the same frame design. i'm now left with a car that would be very drivable if it wasn't for the defective frame. | |||
| 01/10/2012 | 108000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame exhibited a large amount of rust. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 108,000. | |||
| 01/10/2012 | 108000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame exhibited a large amount of rust. the manufacturer and dealer were not notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 108,000. kmj | |||
| 01/10/2012 | 108000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle had a large amount of rust. the manufacturer and dealer had not been notified. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 108,000. dt | |||
| 10/26/2012 | 82000 | 1 | |
| While driving on the nys thruway in the vicinity of harriman, ny, the steering began to wander, and the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. i was able to drive a short distance to an auto repair shop, which inspected the 4runner and found extreme rust damage to the undercarriage frame such that it should not be driven again, and could only be scrapped. they observed that the right rear wheel was close to breaking off, which would have resulted in a serious accident where we could possibly have been killed. we were shocked that such a dangerous rust condition could develop in a toyota 4runner that was only 12 years old, was built and intended for heavy duty use, and had been maintained in strict accordance with the owner's manual. this vehicle had never been driven off-road. we notified toyota by telephone and letter of this occurrence, and were informed that there had been no recall of this model, and that there was nothing that they would do. a search of the internet showed many reports of similar occurrences for this year and model. we strongly believe that a safety recall needs to be considered. *tr | |||
| 10/26/2012 | 82000 | ||
| While driving on the nys thruway in the vicinity of harriman, ny, the steering began to wander, and the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. i was able to drive a short distance to an auto repair shop, which inspected the 4runner and found extreme rust damage to the undercarriage frame such that it should not be driven again, and could only be scrapped. they observed that the right rear wheel was close to breaking off, which would have resulted in a serious accident where we could possibly have been killed. we were shocked that such a dangerous rust condition could develop in a toyota 4runner that was only 12 years old, was built and intended for heavy duty use, and had been maintained in strict accordance with the owner's manual. this vehicle had never been driven off-road. we notified toyota by telephone and letter of this occurrence, and were informed that there had been no recall of this model, and that there was nothing that they would do. a search of the internet showed many reports of similar occurrences for this year and model. we strongly believe that a safety recall needs to be considered. | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 173916 | 1 | |
| Frame rust-through - vehicle's frame has prematurely rusted through from the inside-out along passenger side in area of muffler assembly. *tr | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 173916 | ||
| Frame rust-through - vehicle's frame has prematurely rusted through from the inside-out along passenger side in area of muffler assembly | |||
| 09/24/2012 | 127000 | 1 | |
| I hit a pot hole traveling at 25 mph and broke the frame of my 2000 4runner. i brought the car to my mechanic and he said the frame has rusted from the inside out and is non-repairable and was very dangerous to be driving. the truck is in otherwise good condition mechanically and the body has no rust. *tr | |||
| 09/24/2012 | 127000 | ||
| I hit a pot hole traveling at 25 mph and broke the frame of my 2000 4runner. i brought the car to my mechanic and he said the frame has rusted from the inside out and is non-repairable and was very dangerous to be driving. the truck is in otherwise good condition mechanically and the body has no rust. | |||
| 07/26/2012 | 121000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the failure and current mileages were 121,000. | |||
| 07/26/2012 | 121000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the failure and current mileages were 121,000. sm. | |||
| 07/26/2012 | 121000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4 runner. the contact stated while checking his vehicle he notice that under the vehicle it was rushing. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the vehicle was not under recall. the failure and the current mileage was 121,000.jp | |||
| 03/17/2012 | 104000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 104,000. | |||
| 03/17/2012 | 104000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 104,000. kmj | |||
| 03/17/2012 | 104000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. while inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 104,000. ds | |||
| 01/12/2012 | 140000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised that there was excessive rust on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the rust and the manufacturer suggested to the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer took pictures of the rust failure and sent the pictures for the manufacturer to review. the dealer deemed the vehicle non-repairable and un-drivable. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000. | |||
| 01/12/2012 | 140000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic advised that there was excessive rust on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the rust and the manufacturer suggested to the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer took pictures of the rust failure and sent the pictures for the manufacturer to review. the dealer deemed the vehicle non-repairable and un-drivable. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 140,000. kmj | |||
| 01/12/2012 | 140000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic notice excessive rust build on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the rust and the manufacturer suggested to the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer took images of the rust and sent the pictures to the manufacturer. the dealer deemed the vehicle unrepairable and un-drivable . the failure mileage was 140,000. jo | |||
| 01/13/2012 | 167200 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine inspection when she was informed that the frame was severely corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. the failure and the current mileages were approximately 167,200. kmj | |||
| 01/13/2012 | 167200 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that after taking her vehicle in for inspection they had informed her that the frame was severely corroded. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised her that they were unable to assist her. the failure and current mileages were approximately 167,200. tb | |||
| 12/29/2011 | 245000 | ||
| Pass side rear frame rusted through! | |||
| 12/05/2011 | |||
| Passenger side frame rail is rusted through on the inside of the rail. | |||
| 10/14/2011 | 141230 | ||
| I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. toyota has declared the vehicle to be unsafe to operate, yet will do nothing to compensate for or correct the problem. | |||
| 07/06/2011 | 100000 | ||
| My 2000 4runner went in for pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. as this is my only means of transportation i was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. the whole underneat of my 4runner is rusty and i believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. my rear differential is also almost rusted through. i believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. i realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. i have tried calling toyota corporate to no avail. i feel like logging a complaint is all i can do. toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in japan but when i see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does i'm inclined to say that toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. i would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure. | |||
| 12/23/2010 | 138000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 07/06/2011 | 100000 | ||
| My 2000 4runner went in for pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. as this is my only means of transportation i was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. the whole underneat of my 4runner is rusty and i believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. my rear differential is also almost rusted through. i believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. i realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. i have tried calling toyota corporate to no avail. i feel like logging a complaint is all i can do. toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in japan but when i see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does i'm inclined to say that toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. i would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure. | |||
| 12/23/2010 | 138000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 07/06/2011 | 100000 | ||
| My 2000 4runner went in for pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. as this is my only means of transportation i was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. the whole underneat of my 4runner is rusty and i believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. my rear differential is also almost rusted through. i believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. i realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. i have tried calling toyota corporate to no avail. i feel like logging a complaint is all i can do. toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in japan but when i see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does i'm inclined to say that toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. i would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure. | |||
| 12/23/2010 | 138000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 07/06/2011 | 100000 | ||
| My 2000 4runner went in for pennsylvania state inspection and failed due to the frame being rusted out. as this is my only means of transportation i was forced to pay for the spot where the hole was to be cut out and welded with new metal. the whole underneat of my 4runner is rusty and i believe there are other parts of the frame that are to the point of possibly needing to be replaced. my rear differential is also almost rusted through. i believe this is a major safety issue especially in light of being in a crash and having a brittle frame that could break in half easily. i realize that in cold weather states there is the threat of salt and calcium chloride causing oxidation but my wife has a 2000 nissan that has seen the same exact winters and roads and is in 10 times better shape underneath than my 4runner. i have tried calling toyota corporate to no avail. i feel like logging a complaint is all i can do. toyota says they didn't have problems with 4runner frames because they were made in japan but when i see domestic vehicles and other import vehicles like my wife's not looking like or having the rust issues mine does i'm inclined to say that toyota is either lying or doesn't know the full extent of the problem. i would like to see some action on their part before somebody gets injured due to frame failure. | |||
| 12/23/2010 | 138000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 05/28/2005 | |||
| I have a 2000 4runner which has always been maintained. there is excessive rust underneath the carriage/frame to the point where tire tech would not try to remove the spare. the power steering wheel fluid is now leaking from the line due to the rust. toyota has recalled 2000 tacomas and tundras for rust problems in their frames but not 4runners of same year. i have called the dealership and was told since there is no recall on these vehicles they will gladly inspect my frame for a charge. my rusted spare tire mount is a safety hazard itself let alone the other problems developing. | |||
| 06/11/2010 | 66000 | ||
| 2000 4runner limited rusting on body with 66,000 miles. frame and underside also rusting. live in utah, they use salt on the roads | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 05/25/2012 | 120000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4 runner. the contact stated after inspecting his vehicle there was rust and corrosion on the frame. the dealer was notified and stated there were no recalls or related warranties; however, they agreed to repair the vehicle for $1200. the manufacturer was notified and stated there were no recalls or warranties. the failure mileage was 120,000. | |||
| 08/22/2011 | 163000 | ||
| My 2000 toyota 4runner (163k miles) failed nh state vehicle inspection today due to excessive frame corrosion. i was shown a rust hole the size of a silver dollar in the rear portion of the vehicle's structural frame. i immediately took the vehicle to a local body shop for a repair estimate. i was told that the frame could not be fixed via welding, due to the extent of the rust on the inside of the boxed frame. instead, the frame would need to be completely replaced to address issue properly, safely and cost-effectively. i was informed that toyota motor corp. acknowledges and remediates similar rust issues with its tundra and tacoma models of similar model years, but does not support rust issues with its 4runner model. | |||
| 03/26/2011 | 180571 | ||
| 2000 toyota 4runner failed new hampshire state safety inspection due to excessive frame rot/rust, most evident at right rear trailing arm mount. contacted toyota customer service and was advised there was nothing they could do because there was no warranty or a recall for this issue. this is a major safety issue. this frame rot is the same issue toyota faced with the tacoma model that utilizes the same frame as the 4runner. per the toyota news release of 3/7/08 toyota provided tacoma owners an extended frame corrosion warrantyup to 15 years to provide goodwill assistance to owners who have experienced, or may encounter, frame problems as a direct result of rust perforation. i was told by toyota customer service that the 4runner frame is only covered by the comprehensive warranty of 3years/36,000 miles. toyota will not recognize that the same issue is occurring to 4runner owners with the same frame. toyota has recognized there is an issue with these frames, established a precident regarding replacement, yet will not include the 4runner in their offer of an extended frame corrosion warranty. the body of my particular vehicle is in mint condition with no rust, including the underbody, but the frame has failed under it! toyota must include 4runners in their extended frame corrosion warranty! | |||
| 12/15/2010 | 140000 | ||
| 2000 toyota 4runner with the frame rotted by the muffler . the rot goes about 3 feet in lenth by 1 1/2 inch. right where the lower rear axle hooks up to the frame. the rear axle has rotted out and all the fliud leaked out causing the gears to get chewed up. imagine that happening at 65 mph and the rear wheels locked up. disaster. if you would like pictures on how bad it looks i have them. this is a clean truck with no dents anywhere. | |||
| 01/18/2011 | 140000 | ||
| I have a 2000 toyota 4runner; the right side frame area approximately 4 feet of the frame near the muffler area is rusted out. i understand the toyota tacoma has a frame recall up to year 2000. isn't the tacoma frame and the 4runner frame the same. this should be address as a safety issue. there are numerous stories about rusted frame on the 2000 4runner rusted frame. | |||
| 12/15/2010 | 140000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4 runner. while parked the contact noticed the right side frame near the muffler was corroded 3 feet long and about 1 1/2 inch wide. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated to contact the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted and they informed the contact there are no recalls on the vehicle and they would not cover the cost of repairs. the approximate failure was mileage 140,000. ds | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the vehicle was parked when the contact noticed the entire frame under the vehicle was severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 130,000. sm. | |||
| 12/15/2010 | 140000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4 runner. while parked the contact noticed the right side frame near the muffler was corroded 3 feet long and about 1 1/2 inch wide. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated to contact the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted and they informed the contact there are no recalls on the vehicle and they would not cover the cost of repairs. the approximate failure was mileage 140,000. ds | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the vehicle was parked when the contact noticed the entire frame under the vehicle was severely rusted. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 130,000. sm. | |||
| 12/08/2010 | 116000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when taking her vehicle to a dealer for inspection she was informed that the frame was rusted and advised her that it was too dangerous to drive. the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the extreme corrosion on the frame. the failure mileage was approximtaely 116,000. tb | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 91000 | ||
| Tl. the contact own a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated while having the vehicle inspected the vehicle failed inspection due to excessive frame rust. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the frame rust and the manufacturer stated there is nothing they can due because there is no warranty or a recall. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic but no mechanic will weld the vehicle due to the excessive rust. the contact stated this is a major safety issue that can cause a crash. the failure mileage was 91,000. jo | |||
| 12/08/2010 | 116000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when taking her vehicle to a dealer for inspection she was informed that the frame was rusted and advised her that it was too dangerous to drive. the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the extreme corrosion on the frame. the failure mileage was approximtaely 116,000. tb | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 91000 | ||
| Tl. the contact own a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated while having the vehicle inspected the vehicle failed inspection due to excessive frame rust. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the frame rust and the manufacturer stated there is nothing they can due because there is no warranty or a recall. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic but no mechanic will weld the vehicle due to the excessive rust. the contact stated this is a major safety issue that can cause a crash. the failure mileage was 91,000. jo | |||
| 12/08/2010 | 116000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when taking her vehicle to a dealer for inspection she was informed that the frame was rusted and advised her that it was too dangerous to drive. the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the extreme corrosion on the frame. the failure mileage was approximtaely 116,000. tb | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 91000 | ||
| Tl. the contact own a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated while having the vehicle inspected the vehicle failed inspection due to excessive frame rust. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the frame rust and the manufacturer stated there is nothing they can due because there is no warranty or a recall. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic but no mechanic will weld the vehicle due to the excessive rust. the contact stated this is a major safety issue that can cause a crash. the failure mileage was 91,000. jo | |||
| 09/18/2010 | 145000 | ||
| I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. the source of the worst rusting appears to be condesation from the ac unit dripping onto the frame and running along it. toyota has declared the vehicle to be unsafe to operate, yet will do nothing to compensate for or correct the problem. | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 91000 | ||
| Tl. the contact own a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated while having the vehicle inspected the vehicle failed inspection due to excessive frame rust. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the frame rust and the manufacturer stated there is nothing they can due because there is no warranty or a recall. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic but no mechanic will weld the vehicle due to the excessive rust. the contact stated this is a major safety issue that can cause a crash. the failure mileage was 91,000. jo | |||
| 09/18/2010 | 145000 | ||
| I am writing to report a defect in the frame of my 2000 toyota 4runner. the frame exhibits extensive rusting. the frame has holes and has separated along the bottom weld. the source of the worst rusting appears to be condesation from the ac unit dripping onto the frame and running along it. toyota has declared the vehicle to be unsafe to operate, yet will do nothing to compensate for or correct the problem. | |||
| 09/15/2010 | 126000 | ||
| We own a 2000 toyota 4 runner whose frame has corroded to the point that a toyota dealer and an independent (second opinion) vehicle repair shop advised that it was and had been completely unsafe to drive. my son, who drove it 600 miles to college, was put in serious danger. we took a total loss on the car after having had it dealer serviced since buying it new in 2000. this is a safety issue according to the toyota dealer. it is precisely the issue toyota faced with the tacoma and tundra models, which they recalled and stood behind through repairs/replacement/dollar credits. we and the dealer contacted toyota directly several times and the company refuses to stand behind the 4runner with the same frame corrosion problem as those models. | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 170000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be inspected, he was informed that the frame was rusted and had holes in it. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000-bk | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 143000 | ||
| 2000 toyota 4 runner sr 5 with 143,000 miles per toyota dealer the frame is rusted through and unsafe to drive. unlike toyota tocoma, no 4 runner recall. | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 170000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be inspected, he was informed that the frame was rusted and had holes in it. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000-bk | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 143000 | ||
| 2000 toyota 4 runner sr 5 with 143,000 miles per toyota dealer the frame is rusted through and unsafe to drive. unlike toyota tocoma, no 4 runner recall. | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 170000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2000 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when he took his vehicle to be inspected, he was informed that the frame was rusted and had holes in it. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000-bk | |||
| 09/14/2010 | 143000 | ||
| 2000 toyota 4 runner sr 5 with 143,000 miles per toyota dealer the frame is rusted through and unsafe to drive. unlike toyota tocoma, no 4 runner recall. | |||
| 08/17/2010 | 1000000 | ||
| Heard a noise in back of car..got my tires rotated, while up on the rack i noticed the back passenger bracket that holds my axel on was rotted in half, called toyota, made an appointment with local toyota garage. they told me it was not safe to drive! axel could fall off, could lose breaks, drive shaft could fall out plus there is a hole in my frame. frame rot again! would not do anything about it, told me there is no recall on this yet! they deemed it unsafe to drive...what the hell?? | |||
| 06/11/2010 | 66000 | ||
| 2000 4runner limited rusting on body with 66,000 miles. frame and underside also rusting. live in utah, they use salt on the roads | |||
| 10/20/2009 | 120000 | ||
| 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 realised 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? | |||
| 01/13/2010 | 1 | ||
| My wife and i own a 2000 toyota 4runner and we recently discovered that the frame has rusted through. toyota had a recall on tacoma and tundra models from the same year with similar issues and was able to help consumers. because there have not been enough complaints on the 4runner, they have neglected my concerns. the frame is not safe and further damage to the frame could result in severe injury to my family or others. i ask that toyota be forced to expand the recall to other vehicles. in addition, it has come to my attention that the frames all came from the same manufacturer. the metals used to make the frames were not of the highest quality, which is resulting in this deterioration of the frame. *tr | |||
| 10/22/2009 | 1 | ||
| I'm the original owner of a 2000 toyota 4 runner suv which is the non-truck version of the tacoma which is currently being investigated by nhtsa for rust and corrosion problems. since the 4 runner and tacoma are built the same, except one is a truck and the other a suv, isn't there the same problem of rust and corrosion? one example is that the spare tire is located in the same place on both types of vehicles! *tr | |||
| 12/19/2008 | 88624 | 2 | |
| We have a 2000 toyota 4runner, purchased brand new from a maine dealer. this vehicle recently failed state inspection due to rust holes in the frame. the mileage read 88,600 and it was declared unsafe for the road by our local garage and the local toyota dealership, shepard toyota, rockland, maine. we called toyota and inquired about a buy back program for 4runners, as it has the same frame as a tacoma. tacomas have been recalled for frame rust. toyota informed us that the 4 runner was not part of the recall program,and that they would not help us resolve this safety problem. we scheduled it for repair at shepard toyota. the repair consisted of a tack welding of a steel plate over the rust holes to conceal them, and then something black was sprayed over it. the steel repair plate does not have a continuous weld completely around it. this oversight might allow accelerated corrosion by trapping moisture and road salt behind it. shepard toyota deemed the vehicle safe and it passed the maine safety inspection. we charged $166.50 for this safety defect repair. we chose the 4 runner was for its ability to tow. we have explained to toyota that this vehicle is not safe and that we tow heavy trailers on a regular basis. the trigger to allow a tacoma owner to participate in the buy back program is when rust holes appear in the frame. even though our 4 runner has 2 (now hidden) rust holes through the frame, and possible holes concealed behind other components such as the fuel tank, toyota is not concerned with this safety issue. we are also wondering if toyota uses less corrosion protection on vehicles with california emissions. our 4runner was retrieved from another toyota dealer in another state as our original dealer did not have one in stock. is it legal for a maine toyota dealership to sell a vehicle with california emissions? we would like nhtsa to investigate our issues and have toyota take our safety concerns seriously and take action. *tr updaed 04/01/10.*jb | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS | |||
| 02/24/2013 | 160000 | 1 | |
| My mechanic informed me that my well maintained 4runner has holes in the frame from rot and is junk. the rest of this vehicle is in beautiful shape. i am really upset. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2010 | 130000 | 1 | |
| Severe frame rot on otherwise very well cared for vehicle. will certainly result in catastrophic failure. *tr | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 171000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2000 4runner sr5 sport that has lived its life in new england. the car is in good shape and the frame of the car appears to have some surface rust. i had the exhaust replaced last week and they found that the inside of the frame had totally rotted out from the inside, so that the there are only three sides to the four of the tube frame left. i heard that toyota has had issues with frames rusting. i have two children i drive around in this car and i feel this is a serious safety issue toyota should address before someone gets killed. *tr | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 173916 | 1 | |
| Frame rust-through - vehicle's frame has prematurely rusted through from the inside-out along passenger side in area of muffler assembly. *tr | |||