Frame rust damage picture

[MrRoo]

Here is the frame rust on the 2001 limited my brother just bought. I'm kinda pissed the dealer sold it to him like this. I'm sure it's fixable. But they said it had no rust damage on frame. He's gonna go back and see what they will do. Probably nothing as Toyota won't do anything about the frame rust issue. Shame on you Toyota. It's too bad cause the test of the 4runner is absolutely spotless.

 

[SweetWaterSurprise]

So he didn't get under the truck himself to look for rust damage? He just took the dealers word for it?

 

[MStudt]

Contact the dealer and threaten them. If it's stated as no rust on their paperwork, they should stand behind it. I also wouldn't trust them to fix it though. I'd make sure they foot the bill for it!

It's not that hard of a fix, and I've done it to mine. It's a little time consuming, but easy work if you have access to the tools.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Is that a mushroom in the frame? Yikes.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Does Michigan have a lemon law? I guarantee that vehicle can't pass inspection, and some states have a law that says a dealer can't sell a car that can;t pass inspection.

If you have a lemon law, the I'd say return it for sure. Michigan's gotta have something, being so auto focused.

You might even be able to threaten them with selling you a dangerous vehicle. That would of course be a last resort, after they have refused to do anything about it.

If they don't do anything about it, hit up the BBB for sure. This is the kind of stuff the government should be protecting consumers from.

 

[T4R2014]

Why are you blaming Toyota? This is 100% on the dealer! Go after the idiots.

 

[Run 4 Fun]

If they don't do anything about it, hit up the BBB for sure. This is the kind of stuff the government should be protecting consumers from.

Just as an FYI, the BBB has no affiliation with the government. The BBB is a private organization. Like Fedex or the Federal Reserve.

Companies can actually pay the BBB to get a better score, in fact you can't get a top rating on the BBB unless you pay for it. In my opinion the BBB is just another scam site where a crap company can still have a good rating if they're willing to pay for it.

I would file a complaint with the state attorneys general where the dealership resides if they absolutely won't do anything for you. Only as a last resort though.

Nelsonmd mentioned the Lemon Law which MI does have one. I would read up on it.
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-17337_20942-252777--,00.html


For disputes

Consumers may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at:



Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909

517-373-1140
Fax: 517-241-3771

Toll free: 877-765-8388

www.michigan.gov/ag (online complaint form)

To clarify, I would do whatever you can with the dealership first before considering filing any complaints. Maybe there was a misunderstanding and they will make good on it.

 

[MStudt]

Why are you blaming Toyota? This is 100% on the dealer! Go after the idiots.

Because it's an issue that Toyota should be dealing with. Just like they're dealing with the Tacoma frame rust issues. At this point in time there isn't a campaign on file with Toyota to even start addressing these issues. Toyota is well aware of the 4runner frame rust issues, and hasn't stepped up the do anything about it.

 

[MrRoo]

Update. My brother went back to the dealer a little bit ago. Showed them the damage. They said they will 100% make it right. They admitted they have done lots of 3rd gen frame repairs. He talked with the body shop and sales manager to make sure it will be fixed correctly. They even are giving him a loaner car. The dealer was very apologetic about it. My brother could not get under the truck 100% to look for the spot that is damaged due to the weather. He had to "believe" what the service department was saying. Well they didn't even look at it when asked to. So. In the end, they are standing up and fixing the problem. Kudos to Crown Toyota for doing this. I will update after it's fixed.

 

[T4R2014]

Because it's an issue that Toyota should be dealing with. Just like they're dealing with the Tacoma frame rust issues. At this point in time there isn't a campaign on file with Toyota to even start addressing these issues. Toyota is well aware of the 4runner frame rust issues, and hasn't stepped up the do anything about it.

Because they passed on their problem to his brother.

Update. My brother went back to the dealer a little bit ago. Showed them the damage. They said they will 100% make it right. They admitted they have done lots of 3rd gen frame repairs. He talked with the body shop and sales manager to make sure it will be fixed correctly. They even are giving him a loaner car. The dealer was very apologetic about it. My brother could not get under the truck 100% to look for the spot that is damaged due to the weather. He had to "believe" what the service department was saying. Well they didn't even look at it when asked to. So. In the end, they are standing up and fixing the problem. Kudos to Crown Toyota for doing this. I will update after it's fixed.

It looks like they aren't such bad guys after all. Are the fixing it for free?

 

[MStudt]

Because they passed on their problem to his brother.

It's not only his brother with these problems. It's bigger then that and Toyota knows it. Yet Toyota refuses to do anything about it. I've had to deal with this exact issue, and in the exact spot. Toyota needs to step up to the plate, and take care of it. They're taking care of Tacoma's that have the same issues, but not 4runners?

 

[Irhmsd]

It's not only his brother with these problems. It's bigger then that and Toyota knows it. Yet Toyota refuses to do anything about it. I've had to deal with this exact issue, and in the exact spot. Toyota needs to step up to the plate, and take care of it. They're taking care of Tacoma's that have the same issues, but not 4runners?

Lots of members on this site. My recommendation is we write a template letter about the rust issue and flood Toyota with letters. But everyone on here would need to commit to sending the letter in at one time or it would not be worth it.

 

[MStudt]

Lots of members on this site. My recommendation is we write a template letter about the rust issue and flood Toyota with letters. But everyone on here would need to commit to sending the letter in at one time or it would not be worth it.

You can call in and do the same thing. They'll take down all your information, VIN, address, and phone number. Then tell you they'll contact you should anything happen. People have been doing this for years, and still hasn't gone anywhere. It's most likely going to take a group of people hiring a lawyer, and that might not even work.

 

[ironhippy]

I've posted about this in another thread.

That is bad, that frame is unsafe and needs to be fixed, however that is not nearly as bad as the tacoma frames, toyota will not recall the 4runner frames

 

[SweetWaterSurprise]

Please put up the Post repair shots when it's done.

 

[MrRoo]

I'll keep this thread updated. We did contact Toyota also. Wait and see if and what they even say. It goes in the 1st of December to get repaired at the dealer body shop. They are going to cut and patch frame as of right now. They will drop fuel tank also and see if it's bad on that side.

 

[02SE]

Why are you blaming Toyota? This is 100% on the dealer and the previous neglectful owner(s).

Fixed.

I've said this before on here in these frame-rust threads.

I have owned my '97 4Runner since I bought it new off the Dealer lot. It has spent every winter on heavily salted roads. My frame is in great condition. The reason? as needed, all winter long, I thoroughly wash the salt off the undercarriage. That could be several times a week.

Is it a pain?, you bet. But having seen what salt can do to any frame, from any manufacturer, I knew that if I wanted to keep my 4Runner rust free, it would take a lot of concerted effort on my part.

It states right in the owners manual that extra care is needed to prevent excess corrosion from occurring, if the vehicle is operated in conditions that promote corrosion.

I have a neighbor that had a Mercury Mountaineer, (Ford Explorer) which was the same year as my 4runner. He would give me a hard time about washing my 4Runner several times a week in below freezing temps., all winter long. I would just laugh and say we'll see whose vehicle lasts longer.

Needless to say that in addition to the typical Ford problems (transmission rebuilds, etc.) his Mountaineer became a rusted-out hulk, and was hauled off to the junkyard 8 years ago.

Meanwhile, my 4Runner still runs and looks nearly as good as the day I drove it off the lot.

The bottom line: Take care of your vehicle, and it will last a lot longer than one which is neglected.

 

[T4R2014]

Fixed.

I've said this before on here in these frame-rust threads.

I have owned my '97 4Runner since I bought it new off the Dealer lot. It has spent every winter on heavily salted roads. My frame is in great condition. The reason? as needed, all winter long, I thoroughly wash the salt off the undercarriage. That could be several times a week.

Is it a pain?, you bet. But having seen what salt can do to any frame, from any manufacturer, I knew that if I wanted to keep my 4Runner rust free, it would take a lot of concerted effort on my part.

It states right in the owners manual that extra care is needed to prevent excess corrosion from occurring, if the vehicle is operated in conditions that promote corrosion.

I have a neighbor that had a Mercury Mountaineer, (Ford Explorer) which was the same year as my 4runner. He would give me a hard time about washing my 4Runner several times a week in below freezing temps., all winter long. I would just laugh and say we'll see whose vehicle lasts longer.

Needless to say that in addition to the typical Ford problems (transmission rebuilds, etc.) his Mountaineer became a rusted-out hulk, and was hauled off to the junkyard 8 years ago.

Meanwhile, my 4Runner still runs and looks nearly as good as the day I drove it off the lot.

The bottom line: Take care of your vehicle, and it will last a lot longer than one which is neglected.

I thought about adding that, but didn't feel like opening that can of worms for the millionth time.

I agree with you here. I've done the same thing over the years and it has works. The owners manual states to do this as well.

Ditto on the Exploders. My friend's 98' Exploder Sport's frame is totally orange and his rear shackle mounts are on the verge of collapsing. The rockers look like they will fall off if you step on them while getting out too. Nobody is crying to recall those despite the fact that they are more abundant than some new cars even after 20 years. It's all about the prior maintenance.

 

[Jdog]

Glad the dealer is stepping up to get the truck fixed.
I am curious though I have noticed that 4r are a little cheaper up in the Michigan area is this rust/rot issue why?

 

[MrRoo]

Glad the dealer is stepping up to get the truck fixed.

I am curious though I have noticed that 4r are a little cheaper up in the Michigan area is this rust/rot issue why?

I feel after watching the price of 4 runners for a few years, Michigan is priced high as the demand for 4wd vehicles is high. Knock on wood. My 97 frame is decent. Has surface rust but no rot yet. Where my brothers spotless garage kept with very few winters on it has the frame rot.