They would be very wise to be proactive. At the very least, they should be washing the undercarriage as often as possible, especially in early spring after a salty winter.

Something I've always done in the springtime is waited until the second or third big rainstorm and driven through it on the highway. By then all the salt is washed off the road, and the high speeds help rinse the salt off underneath until I can get under there properly with a hose.

Definitely not holding my breath for the lawsuit, but hey it happened on their trucks so it could and should happen for the 4Runners. What do I have to lose at this point? I can wait to sell it or drive it into a field and use it for target practice, or I sell it now which would probably guarantee that Toyota will need to recall it!

I would expect sometime this year the NHTSA will be done with their investigation and I can always trade it in at that time for about the same that I can right now. Unless the frame rots away to nothing while being parked in the corner of my driveway.

Came across this this product from the Eastwood Company which looks like a good preventative measure.

Holy crap! your 4R is toast!

Ok, it is now February 2021. Any update on the Class Action lawsuit on the 4Runner frame rust? Those of you with rust, are you joining the Class Action? We have a 2005 SR Sport with 108,000 miles. Runs great and the body is in perfect condition but body shop says way too much rust to repair. What can I expect to get on trade in? Has anyone just paid for a new frame themselves?

I think 2 to 3 years from now you’re going to get a check from some shady law firm for $75.

Meanwhile, you’ll get literally raped on the trade in value.

I think that Toyota has learned their lesson with the Tacoma rust recall that they are not going to be replacing entire truck frames ever again.

By the way, I feel your pain. My 2013 would be in perfect condition if it wasn’t for the Colorado rust.

Crazy they addressed the Tacomas and not the 4Runners.

Wow interesting.. even more reason to purchase one on the west coast I guess!

Did you decide to do anything with yours? What trade in value were you offered?

I am still trying to figure out what to do with mine. A year ago one dealer didn't even look under it and said they would give me $5k trade in value. Another dealer did look under it and said $1500 max. Mine only has 98k miles on it and it kills me to not be driving it. I just don't feel like it is safe for my family based on the amount of rust. Been hoping I would be surprised one day and the investigation would be over and Toyota would give 150% blue book value to a different vehicle as they did so many of the trucks. Not holding my breath, but based on trade in value I feel like it may be worth still waiting to see what happens.

Second rusted frame issue Ive dealt with on Toyota trucks in the last 10 years and this one has me more sideways than my rusted 2008 Sequoia frame . My 2007 4Runner rust issues metastasized with alarming speed over the last 18 months and now I have a mechanically perfect car that Toyota advises not to drive due to it being unsafe. Not acceptable . These were thin box frames and details are coming out regarding the quality control during the manufacture of these frames done by the frame suppliers subcontractor. The judge has thrown out Toyota's request to have the case dismissed and its moving to the next stage . This problem pervades the entire 4th gen history and even though the Iron Curtain is up when you call corporate and request a case number, I'm hearing from dealers that this issue is getting hot and gaining significant attention at Toyota corporate .

If you are having rust issues on a 4th gen , call and have your complaint registered with the group handling the class action :
Bell Legal Group
843-546-2408

I'm not saying 4th gens aren't especially prone to it, but guys, use fluid film.

ANY car up north will rust if not properly maintained. It's just the science of what repeated salt exposure does to metal. Use fluid film every winter and wash your under carriage when you can and your frame will not rust.

I had the EXACT same thing happen to me. My 2005 4th Gen ran like a top, but Toyota would not work on it due to liability issues involving the frame rust. I traded it in for a 5th Gen. Sorry, but I'd much prefer to have my 4th back.

Still in 4Runner limbo. Check car buying sites like Carvana. I was quoted 4,611 and they did ask about the frame. Did you sign up for the Class Action lawsuit?

I went ahead and signed up for the Class Action mentioned here. I'm not sure what will come of it, but I figured it would be worth the gamble.

There's a part of me that expects it to be like any other class action I've participated in -- The court will rule on the side of the consumer, Toyota will be ordered to pay 28 Billion dollars in restitution, and the 4Runner owners will get a coupon good for 20% off any dealer-installed accessory.

Still, I figured it was worth the 10-15 minute phone call for the off chance it works out.

Imagine living on an island off the coast of new england and wondering why your Toyotas keep rotting away.