I am having rust issues on my 03 with 160k Live in Maine and take pretty good care of it. The truck came from Connecticut and was in fantastic shape when i bought it. It now has rusted through the hatch in a couple of spots and the dealership recently would not inspect it because of a hole in the frame around the radiator. So I would say they did not fix what ever the issue is with the rust. My truck gets washed once a week in the winter. Do love the truck wish it was not so prone to rust.
4th gen rust?
- Thread starter 989mikelee83
- Start date
And on the topic of rust... Living in Buffalo (Where we arugable use the most road chemicals in the country), I've only had issues with rust on the hatch of mine. Other than that, my Runner is clean. I plan on moving south, so I'll probably just replace the hatch when that happens.
Call up Toyota and ask them if they will help you out on a frame replacement.
toybox
New member
I called them and they told me to bring it in and they'll look at it again and then contact Toyota. I have an appointment next week for them to look at it again.
I hope they will do it because the rest of the truck is perfect and I only have 99,9960 miles. haha, I'm not driving it until I bring it in just so it has under 100K.
before I bought my 08 UR I watched as the tech did the inspection and got under the truck. The PO did a great job of cleaning the underside, and I think he may have done an undercoating package. There was minimal rust and nothing to either of us looked suspicious. didnt drop the spare or the skidplate, though, so that is next on my list. Also having the detail guys re-spray the undercoating. I bring it inside for a few hours every week in the winter, let it thaw out, and spray the hell out of the undercarraige with a pressure washer. I am very happy I work at a dealership....
Even though I live in MN I refuse to let rust F up my vehicles!!!! Its a never ending battle hahahahaha.
Even though I live in MN I refuse to let rust F up my vehicles!!!! Its a never ending battle hahahahaha.
Hapeacres
New member
04 V8 with 175K. original owner was in Boston for 8 years and then I have had it in NH for 3 years. Rust spot above rear window on left side which for some reason a lot of other people get in the same area. In the last year- replaced rusted out transmission cooler line and pressure side power steering line. Frame is rusty but not too bad yet. I have brought it to a guy in NH who sprays the underside with heated chain saw oil to keep it at bay. I am going for a repeat application this summer. The original exhaust was replaced a year ago with cat-back Gibson stainless and pre cat pipes have been welded at the gasket joints.
Where abouts is it rusting? I know the 06-07 models had issues around the chrome trim where it would rub off the paint and rust. I'd imagine that's your issue? As soon as any paint disappears from these hatches, whether they be chips or etc, they start rusting.
jtb7777777
New member
Auto Rust Technicians - Cranston RI. Just had mine repaired (City Tire refused to align it saying it was not driveable). RH rear control arm mount practilally hanging there. LH rear shock fell off. ART took a week and $2K, blasted the entire frame, Safety Cap repaire the frame (fish plate welding) and use a special non-tar undercoat paint. Went to City Tire this week and the manager was amazed "its better than new .. that is amazing." The handling was much improved (having 4 shocks now, or just not the frame flexing). Love the 3gen. glad I did this. Highly recommend ART. Note they send Safety Cap parts world wide for you to have welded in if you like.
gooner1987
New member
Rust pictures on 2003 4Runner
Hi All,
New to the forum so had to reply to this old thread..I went and looked at a 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4Wd. 162K miles for $7k. Everything looked great until I looked at the underside of the car.. Rust on pretty much every surface underneath. I couldn't tell if was surface rust but it looked pretty bad. Posting pics here:
https://imgur.com/TdC5xc5
I wanted to take it to a mechanic I trust on Monday to take a look at it, but was denied that option to due another person driving in from a few hours away wanting to buy it. SO I walked away from it and hoping I didn't let this slip away!
Hi All,
New to the forum so had to reply to this old thread..I went and looked at a 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4Wd. 162K miles for $7k. Everything looked great until I looked at the underside of the car.. Rust on pretty much every surface underneath. I couldn't tell if was surface rust but it looked pretty bad. Posting pics here:
https://imgur.com/TdC5xc5
I wanted to take it to a mechanic I trust on Monday to take a look at it, but was denied that option to due another person driving in from a few hours away wanting to buy it. SO I walked away from it and hoping I didn't let this slip away!
Last edited:
schuler317
New member
Hard to argue walking away was the wrong idea. I feel like there are plenty 4th gens in that mileage and price range.
I know this because I’m looking too
Edit - it was me that flew in and bought your Limited! But not really...
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AuSeeker
Elite Member
Your photo is VERY small but I could still see the rust was really bad so you did the right thing walking away!
Slowgoat
New member
Too much rust. There are better ones out there.
goose17
New member
4th Gen 4Runner Frame Rust Update
I just spoke with the law firm handling the frame rust suit against Toyota. It goes to trial in November, but they said they are not sure how long it will take. You can go to their website and add your vehicle, here is the link:
Do you own a 4th generation 4Runner? - Bell Legal Group
I just spoke with the law firm handling the frame rust suit against Toyota. It goes to trial in November, but they said they are not sure how long it will take. You can go to their website and add your vehicle, here is the link:
Do you own a 4th generation 4Runner? - Bell Legal Group
thomas.william7895
New member
Currently asking around about rust removal and oil undercoatings. I have an 4th gen 06 support. The rust is bad enough that the rear passenger lower control arm bracket broke and now it's just hanging there. Hopefully I'll hear something soon from one of the shops I contacted o.o
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
I filled out the form on the link, seems they have a zoom call now and then but haven't been able to attend. The lady contacted me looking for information I don't have like past maintenance. I'll give info for what I can I guess.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
Maybe one of these to get you a couple years more? They have multiple frame sections that can be welded on.
Mid Frame Section w/ Trailing Arm Mount (ART-202-L) Driver Side - autorust.com
4 Runner 2003-2009 4th Gen Archives - autorust.com
