Tailgate jam rust - Toyota 4Runner Forum

tchfall15 · 02-20-2023, 12:18 PM

Hi all, I have an issue with the tailgate doorjam rusting from inside out. I have talked with Toyota corporate and they will not do anything on their end. A independent body shop would fix it but they even say the vehicle should not do this since it’s only 10 years old and 85k miles. Anyone have other ideas about seeking assistance from Toyota about the issue?

This is my 2nd Toyota and always thought I would be a Toyota lifer but this is making me think again about buying another Toyota vehicle.

rigtec · 02-20-2023, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchfall15

Hi all, I have an issue with the tailgate doorjam rusting from inside out. I have talked with Toyota corporate and they will not do anything on their end. A independent body shop would fix it but they even say the vehicle should not do this since it’s only 10 years old and 85k miles. Anyone have other ideas about seeking assistance from Toyota about the issue?

This is my 2nd Toyota and always thought I would be a Toyota lifer but this is making me think again about buying another Toyota vehicle.

Hi tchfall15,

You can take your truck to a reliable body shop and have that tailgate fixed, and... the undercarriage under-coated "Professionally!" But as far as that happening; it's NOT just your truck, it's the 5'th Gen 4Runners in general!

Watch this video "By Master Toyota Dealership Service Technician", and see that it's a very common problem; especially where you live, in the salt-belt Chicago IL USA! Even my Limited Runner is subject to Rusting Brakes, screws and typical bolts underneath the truck, here in NJ!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0C4vFfFYV4&feature=youtu.be

~rig~ Best to you tchfall15!

tchfall15 · 02-20-2023, 08:08 PM

Yea I get it but I’ve had several older cars, twice the age, that have not rusted at all. If it started on the outside, I get it. But this rusted from the inside out. This will be my last 4runner!

Humble Leader · 02-21-2023, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchfall15

Yea I get it but I’ve had several older cars, twice the age, that have not rusted at all. If it started on the outside, I get it. But this rusted from the inside out. This will be my last 4runner!

thats horrible. that amount of rust I would expect on a 20+ year old car, maybe even older. even up here in Canada where we have roadsalt and snow like you do down in Chicago. I have a 2012 , 160k miles and there's no rust.

what you can do is spray some fluid film using the straw in those drain holes along the bottom of the hatch and even paint some on that rust spot and spray the latch. fluid film will stop rust from progressing. I use it in all my doors inside and along the pinch welds. you won't be able to get all the rust inside there with fluid film but it will help slow things down. I don't blame you for not wanting another 4runner after this though, I'd have the same view

TrailRunnin14 · 02-22-2023, 10:26 AM

I have a 2014 with the same issue. I used some POR 15 on it and that has helped quite a bit but the rust is coming from the inside out. I will probably just replace the hatch once it gets bad enough. I’m not sure there is much else you can do with it.

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wsgoat · 02-22-2023, 03:13 PM

I wouldn't even try to save that tailgate. Pull another tailgate off a parts 5th gen and call it a day.

LeekT4R · 02-22-2023, 04:41 PM

Buy a tail gate off a wrecked 4runner, get it painted, throw it on. Move on with life.

You live where they salt the roads heavily. Rust is going to happen if you don't plan ahead. Its not a huge deal.

Toyota will not notice you missing as a customer.

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