Toyota 4runner frame rust being looked at by feds

[cb1111]

Yes. I would say there is almost zero chance given your rig is over 20 years old. Not to mention while they include 2002 in the years included, it's pretty much specific to the 4th gen.

It applies to 3rd and 4th generation vehicles. Here is the investigation from NHTSA:

August 17, 2018 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP18002 OPEN INVESTIGATION
Frame Corrosion

NHTSA Action Number: DP18002

Components STRUCTURE

Opened From: August 17, 2018–Present

Summary

On August 13, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated August 7, 2018, petitioning the Agency to investigate frame corrosion in model year (MY) 2002 through 2006 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that while he was traveling on a two-lane highway in his 2005 4Runner "without warning, the steering/suspension system separated from the frame due to excessive frame corrosion," resulting in difficulty controlling the vehicle. The Petitioner initially reported the failure to NHTSA in a May 26, 2018 complaint (VOQ 11098055).

The petition alleges that the incident he experienced resulted from excessive and premature corrosion and cites as evidence: 1) other complaints of "premature and excessive frame corrosion" in 2002 through 2006 4Runner vehicles that he identified in NHTSA's on-line complaint database; and 2) a recent class-action settlement involving "1.5 million Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia trucks also built on a frame," which he alleges did not include the 4Runner vehicles "simply because there were insufficient complaints known to the counsel representing the class at the time it was formed."

The petition scope includes third (MY 1996-2002) and fourth (MY 2003-2009) generation Toyota 4Runner vehicles. A preliminary analysis of available complaints and field reports by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified no crashes or injuries related to corroded frame or suspension components in these vehicles. ODI will evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision.

 

[T4R2014]

The genius who filed that petition probably doesn't even understand why the Tundra, Taco, and Sequoia were recalled.

Just because the scope includes two gens doesn't mean 96-01 and 07-09 are covered. Since it is covering 4th gens you might as well include 5th gens since the frames are damn near the same. While we are at it let's throw in the 2nd gens!!

 

[cb1111]

The genius who filed that petition probably doesn't even understand why the Tundra, Taco, and Sequoia were recalled.

Just because the scope includes two gens doesn't mean 96-01 and 07-09 are covered. Since it is covering 4th gens you might as well include 5th gens since the frames are damn near the same. While we are at it let's throw in the 2nd gens!!

Here is the actual petition(PDF). It even includes a fancy looking chart that means nothing.

 

[T4R2014]

Here is the actual petition(PDF). It even includes a fancy looking chart that means nothing.

Oh great, filed by good ol Gary - the only guy in South Carolina with holes in his frame and no apparent saltwater exposure.

 

[02SE]

Sigh.

I'll just say that I recently sold my non-neglected 3rd gen, which was operated for 22 years on salt encrusted roads in the winter, and salt flats during the summer.

I bought a 5th gen to replace the 3rd gen. My 3rd gen was rust-free when I sold it. Being rust-free wasn't an accident. It took some effort to keep it that way, as is spelled out in every owners manual about operating the vehicle in a highly corrosive environment.

Boy, I sure hope my 5th gen doesn't rust...

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Rusty Frames

There were 3 old semi-rusty frames stacked behind the Toyota dealership in Pompton Plains yesterday. Next to them was a stack of new frames.
Now I guess I know the reason why.

Rich in Ridgewood

 

[NVSmythe]

Very curious,
My 03 has a ton of rust especially where the radiator support meets the frame.

 

[Flighht2k]

Love how the feeds hold Toyota to a high standard but turn blind eyes to domestic crap.

 

[cb1111]

Love how the feeds hold Toyota to a high standard but turn blind eyes to domestic crap.

Ford, GM and FCA say the exact opposite...

 

[stewtopia]

Wonder how long this will take.

 

[Drama1]

Okay. Went to my dealer because of roaring sound coming from the back of my 2005 4th Gen. Runner. Dealer calls me back and says they would not do any more work on the truck because the the frame is rotting and would suggest getting rid of it next summer. They won't repair the rust because of liability issues. I looked at my frame and most of it looks good, but the left front actually has a hole completely rusted through. My question, has anyone ever heard of a 4th Gen Runner collapsing because of frame rust? I'm just worried about safety.

 

[cb1111]

Okay. Went to my dealer because of roaring sound coming from the back of my 2005 4th Gen. Runner. Dealer calls me back and says they would not do any more work on the truck because the the frame is rotting and would suggest getting rid of it next summer. They won't repair the rust because of liability issues. I looked at my frame and most of it looks good, but the left front actually has a hole completely rusted through. My question, has anyone ever heard of a 4th Gen Runner collapsing because of frame rust? I'm just worried about safety.

File a complaint with NHTSA and open a case with Toyota.

Even if it doesn't fall apart while driving, it could certainly cause major issues in an accident.

 

[drew_351]

looking forward to knowing what is happening

This past fall I found significant rust on my 2005 4Runner with 95k miles on it. After taking it to the dealer and they confirmed that it wasn't safe to drive, I parked it. Praying that something comes out of this investigation to help me out. My wife and I are trying to squeeze by until then as we can't afford a different vehicle.

The whole rest of our 4Runner is in great condition, the frame is practically the only thing with rust on the whole car. I can put my hand through some of the rusted areas where metal used to be into the middle of the frame. I can squeeze the frame with my hand and watch it flex. Not good. Never seen a frame look so bad in my whole life. The dealer even said that they would give me over 10k for it on trade if the frame was good, but instead only would give a couple grand. Really need Toyota to make this right.

 

[cb1111]

See my advice in the post directly above yours. You may also want to contact a lemon lawyer that deals with Toyota.

While this clearly does not fall under the lemon laws, most lemon lawyers also deal with all sorts of other car related claims.

 

[Drama1]

I just traded in my 2005 4R because of frame rust. Although I did have 227,000 miles on it. I HATED to get rid of it because it ran like a top. Toyota would not work on it due to liability issues. The vehicle was 15 years old. I'm not willing to risk getting in an accident with a frame that was so badly rusted, so I decided to trade it in. Only got a couple grand for it. I wouldn't hold my breath for any class action lawsuit. I'm learning to like my 2020 4R, but I sure do miss the pick-up and MPG of my old 2005 though.

 

[Montego Murph]

I see a lot of posts about people buying older Gen models and concerns with rust on the frame. My question is should this be something 5th Gen owners should also be concerned with and take protective measures as necessary? Or has Toyota better mitigated this issue?

They would be very wise to be proactive. At the very least, they should be washing the undercarriage as often as possible, especially in early spring after a salty winter.

Something I've always done in the springtime is waited until the second or third big rainstorm and driven through it on the highway. By then all the salt is washed off the road, and the high speeds help rinse the salt off underneath until I can get under there properly with a hose.

 

[drew_351]

I just traded in my 2005 4R because of frame rust. Although I did have 227,000 miles on it. I HATED to get rid of it because it ran like a top. Toyota would not work on it due to liability issues. The vehicle was 15 years old. I'm not willing to risk getting in an accident with a frame that was so badly rusted, so I decided to trade it in. Only got a couple grand for it. I wouldn't hold my breath for any class action lawsuit. I'm learning to like my 2020 4R, but I sure do miss the pick-up and MPG of my old 2005 though.

Definitely not holding my breath for the lawsuit, but hey it happened on their trucks so it could and should happen for the 4Runners. What do I have to lose at this point? I can wait to sell it or drive it into a field and use it for target practice, or I sell it now which would probably guarantee that Toyota will need to recall it!

I would expect sometime this year the NHTSA will be done with their investigation and I can always trade it in at that time for about the same that I can right now. Unless the frame rots away to nothing while being parked in the corner of my driveway.

 

[PaulsTrail]

Came across this this product from the Eastwood Company which looks like a good preventative measure.

 

[Yachts On The Reg]

Holy crap! your 4R is toast!

Rust? what rust? Fingers crossed

:wow:

 

[SWEED]

Update on 4Runner Class Action

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?