Toyota 4runner frame rust being looked at by feds

[T4R2014]

We get it, you think everyone with a rusty frame neglected their vehicles and deserves it.

And we disagree, and think there should be a recall.

You are wrong. I do think Toyota could do a better job at undercoating from the factory. They are cutting corners that make it just past the 10 year line all while everything else lasts far longer. With that said, this case appears to be the only guy in South Carolina that has a rusted frame on his 4th gen. As a matter of fact, this 4th gen has a worse frame than many NE vehicles. Only possible scenario I can point to is excessive saltwater exposure. I do hope that you inspect your next used vehicle purchase more thoroughly though.

 

[bsa70]

If you can get the feds to help get you money on a vehicle that old, Lots of luck...

 

[Sporin]

Toyota opened this door with the Tacoma frame recalls. They let the genie out of the bottle so any nitpicking now is beside the point.

I think this is a long shot but I’d be all over it if it happens.

 

[T4R2014]

Man, what a great read..

16. The frames on the 2005-2011 Toyota 4Runner and the other Toyota Vehicles are materially
the same for purposes of this lawsuit and suffer from the same defect. All of the frames were
manufactured by the same corporation (Dana Holding Corporation) pursuant to the same
defective process.

Someone definitely did their research on Toyota truck frames.

Also,

33. On or about July 17, 2017 was the first date that the Plaintiff was aware of Toyota’s
Customer Support Program addressing frame corrosion and the first time that he had notice that
his rust issue was not related to living at the beach or another cause

:lmao: Lovely point to make clear.

Looks like you guys with 03-04 models are screwed btw.

 

[SR5Bart]

IF anything happens it will take years. Most likely nothing will happen with the 4R.

On the other hand we do make good money on the frame swaps on tacos, tundras and sequoias. Worst part is when we tell people to put new bushings on that will cost them just the parts and they say no then come back because they have noises. Well hmmmmm a 15 year old truck with a new frame and old parts all swapped over

 

[Northern 4Runner]

If you live in an area that uses salt in the roads you need to use fluid film, rust check or something similar or anything will rust. Some worse than others.

 

[schwein]

Man, what a great read..



Someone definitely did their research on Toyota truck frames.

Also,



:lmao: Lovely point to make clear.

Looks like you guys with 03-04 models are screwed btw.

I wonder who built the 03-04 frames... and why they have just as much of an issue as the 05-11's lol... not banking on a new frame regardless but would sure like to know where the first series of frames came from.

 

[T4R2014]

I wonder who built the 03-04 frames... and why they have just as much of an issue as the 05-11's lol... not banking on a new frame regardless but would sure like to know where the first series of frames came from.

They're the oldest. They will all rust if exposed to salt and brine. All of them. Any box frame. It's one of the reasons you don't see so many Troopers, Monteros, Rodeos, etc. They all have box frames that rot out. You don't hear about them because no one gave a shit about them compared to a Toyota.

If it's worth anything, I think F150s rust worse. I've seen multiple 09-11s with rotted frames. No bs. These weren't DPW/DOT trucks either. I'm talking trucks daily driven by the little league coach that used it to launch his son's seadoo in a lake every summer.

 

[swampdodo]

Like this?

YouTube

 

[Ausumm]

Looks like you guys with 03-04 models are screwed btw.

Why is that?

 

[BRUIN8124]

My 03 just failed inspection for this. I am having a welder patch it in a few places so it is passable. I hope to get at least 1 more year. Id love it if this frame recall or whatever goes through. Maybe I will be lucky and 03 will be included.

I have serious doubts though...

 

[jw256]

new buyer

Hi I am new to the T4R world and looking to buy my first soon. I was looking at either 2019 SR5 premium or TRD Off-Road Premium. Any advice? any major problems in recent gens I should know about?

I do like trails and exploring and do a lot of personal driving for hunting, fishing and camping, etc. Anyone recommend a dealership near north Alabama? thank you for any help.

 

[Ghostrider]

Welcome to the forum.. You may want to check out the 5th generation forum for some of your questions.
Can't help on dealers - bought mine in Texas before moving back to Huntsville. However I have found that you need to expand the territory you look at in terms of dealers. From Huntsville I would contact the internet sales at all the dealers from Nashville to Birmingham and have them provide out the door prices on what you want. Obviously you need to do research first to figure out what a good price is. There is a thread on the 5th gen forum discussing pricing. Good luck

 

[Last Man Standing]

Pretty sure they have salvaged steel from shipwrecks under the ocean that have looked better.

Let this thread be a warning for all those rust-free 4Runner owners out there. Spray on fluid film once a year. Keep her looking good.

Thanks, this is the question I have been pondering about buying a somewhat rust free 4Runner. Does anyone have thoughts about applying to the inside of the frame if possible? What does this film cost to do annually?

Regards,

LMS

 

[AntleredRuin]

I'm from Texas and have minimal rust, so my opinion is probably moot.

BUT...do the Toyotas actually have worse frames than other manufacturers? Like *THAT* much worse? Maybe they could have been better coated, sure, but still.
I've seen pictures of so many vehicles, all brands, all years, etc, that have absolutely horrible frame rot, all due to lack of maintenance.
Any frame from any vehicle will rust if not maintained.

I understand that a lot of people here are not the original owner, so the frame may have not been maintained earlier, which is not their fault. However, it's the buyers responsibility to check the frame beforehand, and if it doesn't meet their standards, they should move on to the next truck. Don't 'jump on a good deal' with a bad frame, and then complain about it.

Skimming through this 8 page long thread, it seems that anyone who maintains their frame yearly(even living where it's salty) doesn't have frame issues. And anyone who had minor issues and properly treated them (sandblast, paint, etc) came out just fine.

Now, if Toyota does actually honor this recall/warranty on 15+yo vehicles, then more power to you guys, but you all got lucky.

 

[thennen]

Frames

Had 10,000-mile service on my 4Runner this morning. Looped around the back of the dealership - WOW. At least 20 frames back there, for Tacomas I assume. At least they're serious about fixing these. I wonder if any other automakers have gone through the same thing.

 

[T4R2014]

So did the FBI come and get Mr. Toyota yet

 

[L8Shift]

So did the FBI come and get Mr. Toyota yet

Well.......

In a motion to dismiss the 4Runner rusted frame lawsuit, attorneys for Toyota argue the plaintiff fails to establish any legitimate claims against the automaker.

:shocked:

Toyota Says 4Runner Rusted Frame Lawsuit Should Go | CarComplaints.com

 

[T4R2014]

Well.......

In a motion to dismiss the 4Runner rusted frame lawsuit, attorneys for Toyota argue the plaintiff fails to establish any legitimate claims against the automaker.

:shocked:

Toyota Says 4Runner Rusted Frame Lawsuit Should Go | CarComplaints.com

I don't even think you need to be a lawyer to see how foolish Weinreich's claim is. Maybe a recall could happen, but it won't be because of him.

Remember to hose down your vehicle after exposing it to saltwater people.

 

[T4R2014]

Weinreich v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc et al, No. 2:2018cv03294 - Document 28 (D.S.C. 2019) :: Justia