Toyota 4runner frame rust being looked at by feds

[LandCruiser]

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.

 

[sledride]

Crazy they addressed the Tacomas and not the 4Runners.

 

[akaye]

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

 

[drew_351]

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?

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.

 

[BoomsT4R]

Class Action Update

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

 

[whyzee125]

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.

 

[Drama1]

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 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.

 

[SWEED]

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.

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?

 

[Montego Murph]

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.

 

[T4R2014]

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

 

[AuSeeker]

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

I'll finish your post...."....and then you hear on the news that Toyota loses a class action case for rusted out 4Runner frames and has to replace all the rusted 4Runner frames in the USA....except those on islands off the coast of New England."

 

[T4R2014]

I'll finish your post...."....and then you hear on the news that Toyota loses a class action case for rusted out 4Runner frames and has to replace all the rusted 4Runner frames in the USA....except those on islands off the coast of New England."

I'd say it was complete. I would accept your alteration if we include Land Cruisers 1958-present, Lexus LX 1996-present, 4Runners 1984-present, Lexus GX 2003-present, and any form of Pickup from 1964-present in that recall. Let's be realistic, boxed frames are a massive design flaw. I will accept nothing short of book value or a full frame replacement that includes a redesigned c-channel frame. Then we can call this issue fixed.

 

[drew_351]

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.

I am signing up also. Can't hurt I figure. Hope that Toyota offers to do something like what happened with the trucks that didn't get the frames swapped - offering 150% of the KBB top value. Now I think they offered that for buying a new Toyota which to be honest I don't have much interest in, also don't have much extra money to pay for the difference. But either way, it would be nice to be offered something reasonable.

I do think I would let them replace the frame if it was an option, I just fear all the additional cost for parts that should be replaced along with the frame. That is where I think it would become pretty expensive. But...to have a pretty much new 4Runner again would be awesome. Well, mine has 94k miles on it, but still that 4.7 v8 was just getting broken in!

 

[newt0n]

Now that's interesting, never seen something like this before!