Rose Ann

[Rose Ann]

My husband and I just took our 2000 4 Runner in for servicing. We are original owners and have the truck serviced every 6 months. We just had it serviced and inspected about 6 months ago no one ever mentioned anything about this until today when we brought it in for a rear light replacement and service.

The mechanic called tonight and said that the sub frame is rusting out and it's a safety hazzard. He said it probably started happening 1 to 2 years ago, and it cannot be repaired. I have been reading that this problem is happening to others. I did not contact Toyota yet. Has anyone had any success in getting their 4Runner repaired or any compensation at all?

Also, does anyone know how dangerous this is? What can happen if we continue driving it.

Appreciate any feedback.

 

[Run 4 Fun]

My husband and I just took our 2000 4 Runner in for servicing. We are original owners and have the truck serviced every 6 months. We just had it serviced and inspected about 6 months ago no one ever mentioned anything about this until today when we brought it in for a rear light replacement and service.

The mechanic called tonight and said that the sub frame is rusting out and it's a safety hazzard. He said it probably started happening 1 to 2 years ago, and it cannot be repaired. I have been reading that this problem is happening to others. I did not contact Toyota yet. Has anyone had any success in getting their 4Runner repaired or any compensation at all?

Also, does anyone know how dangerous this is? What can happen if we continue driving it.



Appreciate any feedback.

Hard to say without seeing pictures. You'll get better answers if you snap a couple photos and post them here.

 

[IBallEngineer]

My husband and I just took our 2000 4 Runner in for servicing. We are original owners and have the truck serviced every 6 months. We just had it serviced and inspected about 6 months ago no one ever mentioned anything about this until today when we brought it in for a rear light replacement and service.

The mechanic called tonight and said that the sub frame is rusting out and it's a safety hazzard. He said it probably started happening 1 to 2 years ago, and it cannot be repaired. I have been reading that this problem is happening to others. I did not contact Toyota yet. Has anyone had any success in getting their 4Runner repaired or any compensation at all?

Also, does anyone know how dangerous this is? What can happen if we continue driving it.

Appreciate any feedback.

Not sure you it was a communication issue, but 4runners don't have a SUB frame, they have a full frame.

As for Toyota paying out, I doubt they would pay out on anything over 8-10 years old. Frames don't rust to the point of being unsafe in 6 months, either this mechanic is wrong, or the previous mechanics were not looking closely.

Good luck!

 

[SweetWaterSurprise]

Please Search Frame Rust and read until you have gotten sick. It's a VERY common issue and well known by Toyota, but NO they will not help you or anyone else with this issue with a 3rd Gen. Not for free or under any type of warranty anyway. Depending on how bad the damage is it can at times be repaired. It's been done by countless members. Worst case you need a new frame, but good luck.

 

[thebrandon]

My husband and I just took our 2000 4 Runner in for servicing. We are original owners and have the truck serviced every 6 months. We just had it serviced and inspected about 6 months ago no one ever mentioned anything about this until today when we brought it in for a rear light replacement and service.

The mechanic called tonight and said that the sub frame is rusting out and it's a safety hazzard. He said it probably started happening 1 to 2 years ago, and it cannot be repaired. I have been reading that this problem is happening to others. I did not contact Toyota yet. Has anyone had any success in getting their 4Runner repaired or any compensation at all?

Also, does anyone know how dangerous this is? What can happen if we continue driving it.

Appreciate any feedback.

Depending on the severity you could kill yourself or someone else, or just end up stranded on the side of the road.

 

[KidVermicious]

The tech is wrong that it can't be repaired. What he means is he won't repair it, because he's a dealership wrench monkey and doesn't know how.

Post up some good high res pics showing the damage and we can give you some advice about your next move, which could be anything from "pfft, that's nothing, don't worry about it" to "have your truck towed to the nearest cliff and push it off".

 

[02SE]

Here's what I posted in another frame rust thread:

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.

 

[fourwd1]

Another satisfied Toyota owner with the factory rust package.

The frame on my 83 got so bad I had to put another frame under it.

 

[Nervo19]

Find out if there are any welding shops in your area that specialize in "boxing" rusty frames. You live in a rust prone area and I would think there are some people who specialize in rust repairs.

I don't think you have much claim against Toyota. I have a 2000 also and it is now 15 years old. Most American cars used to rust out in four years or less. I live in an area where it does snow but it melts. I always go to the carwash and have the underside washed. Still not rusty.

 

[Scramble]

My husband and I just took our 2000 4 Runner in for servicing. We are original owners and have the truck serviced every 6 months. We just had it serviced and inspected about 6 months ago no one ever mentioned anything about this until today when we brought it in for a rear light replacement and service.

The mechanic called tonight and said that the sub frame is rusting out and it's a safety hazzard. He said it probably started happening 1 to 2 years ago, and it cannot be repaired. I have been reading that this problem is happening to others. I did not contact Toyota yet. Has anyone had any success in getting their 4Runner repaired or any compensation at all?

Also, does anyone know how dangerous this is? What can happen if we continue driving it.

Appreciate any feedback.

Howdy neighbor, I'm an original owner from NY too. (down by Greenwood Lake) You have to bring it to the car wash after every snow storm. The road salt eats these trucks away. Also if you park on grass, dirt or a gravel driveway the moisture from the ground will rust away the frame. My driveway is blacktop & I parked on the street when I lived on L.I. Mine has less rust than my GF's '08 Nitro. We're selling her truck ASAP & getting her a 4runner.