2004 Toyota 4Runner Complaint Log

MY FRAME FOR MY 2004 4RUNNER ARE ROTTING AND RUSTING AWAY MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE.

SINCE BUYING MY FORERUNNER USED IN 2015 I HAVE ONLY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE BED INSPECTIONS WITH TOYOTA PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS. UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS SHOCKED AND UPSET AS I'VE ONLY USED A TRUSTED TOYOTA PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS AND SOMEHOW THEY SEEM TO HAVE OVERLOOKED A FRAME THAT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTING OUT AND THEREFORE PUTTING MY LIFE AND MY CHILDREN'S LIVES IN HARMS WAY. I CONTACTED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS TO NO AVAIL, THEY CLAIMED THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO AS THERE ARE NO RECALLS. HOWEVER I FEEL THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS OVERLOOKING SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE BUT YET HAVING NO PROBLEM WITH ME CONTINUING TO PUT MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE AS I PLANNED ON OWNING IT FOR QUITE SOME TIME. AFTER THE FRAME RUST WAS POINTED OUT MY STEERING THEN SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING HOME BEING A SINGLE MOTHER AND HAVING ONLY ONE VEHICLE I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TRY TO DRIVE IT I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AND THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE

MY NAME IS [XXX], I AM HERE BECAUSE OF RUSTED FRAMES I WAS JUST TOLD TODAY BY AAA MECHANIC CENTER IN SKOKI ILLINOIS THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE MY 4RUNNER HOME BECAUSE ISN'T SAFE FOR DRIVE, AND THEY SHOW ME THE FRAMES BOTH SIDES ARE RUSTED AND I TOOK THE CAR TO 6042 N WESTERN AVE CHICAGO IL 60659 (773-728-5000) CHICAGO NOTHSIDE TOYOTA AT WESTERN AVE AND PETERSON IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS TOLD ISN'T ON RECALL. I CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS ALREADY AND I WILL GO TO SECRETARY OF STATE ON MONDAY WITH THE PICTURES TO ALERT OTHER OWNERS. I WILL DRAFT A LETTER TO SEND WITH THE PICTURES TO THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THIS NEED IMMEDIATELY ATTENTION. THIS SUV IS BEAUTIFUL IN AND OUT BUT WHEN THEY LIFTED THE CAR UP I WAS SCREAMING BECAUSE BOTH FRAMES WAS RUSTED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

WE PURCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IN MAY OF 2017. THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT HIS MECHANIC HAD CHECKED THE VEHICLE OVER AND WAS IN GOOD SHAPE AND SHOULD LAST US A LONG TIME. ON AUGUST 14, 2018 I DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AWAY TO HAVE DIAGNOSTICS RUN ON IT FOR AN ISSUE WITH THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE. AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT AND CHECKING IT OUT, HE HAD US STEP INTO THE SHOP WITH THE VEHICLE STILL ON THE LIFT TO SHOW US WHAT HE FOUND. THE FRAME HAD MULTIPLE RUST HOLE THROUGH THE FRAME AND ONE RUNNING VERTICALLY ALONG THE TRANSMISSION FRAME BRACKET. IT WAS SO BAD HE MADE US SIGN A WAIVER RELEASING THE DEALERSHIP FROM LIABILITY BEFORE HE WOULD LET US LEAVE WITH IT. THIS IS A LIMITED EDITION, 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH A LITTLE OVER 156,000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL THAT TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AS APPARENTLY THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES. WE HAVE HAD OUR GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE FRAME COULD HAVE COLLAPSED AT ANYTIME CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY TO ANY OR ALL OF US. WE BOUGHT IT BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S REPUTATION WHICH AT THIS POINT IS NOT WORTHY OF ANYTHING WHEN THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND IT. THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BEFORE THE FRAMES REACH THIS POINT OF BEING BEYOND REPAIR.

AFTER WASHING THE CAR ONE DAY, AND SPRAYING OFF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED A QUARTER SIZED HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. IT LOOKS TO BE RUSTED. I FURTHER EXAMINED THE CAR AND FOUND FURTHER PREMATURE RUST THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE.

SEVERE FRAME RUSTING, WITH HOLES, SOME AS LONG AS 6", AND WOULD NOT PASS PENNSYLVANIA INSPECTION. HAD TO HAVE WELDED IN 6 DIFFERENT SECTIONS.CENTER FRONT TOE, LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT HARNESS, LEFT AND RIGHT FRAME CENTER, AND LEFT REAR FRAME END. THE GARAGE AND AUTOBODY SHOP SAID TOYOTA SHOULD BE RECALLING THE 4 RUNNERS FOR FRAME RUST, NOT JUST THE TACOMA, TUNDRA AND SEQUOIAS. THEY HAVE SEEN THE SEVERE RUSTING OF THE FRAME IN THE 4 RUNNERS. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE 4 RUNNER FRAME RUSTING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION!!! IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

RUST ON THE FRAME INCLUDING THE REAR BUMPER, CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD FROM DRIVERS SIDE OVER TO THE CENTER OF CAR. DRIVERS SEAT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT AT ATTACHMENT BETWEEN SEAT BACK AND BASE ON EXTERNAL PORTION OF SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT VARIOUS TIMES WHEN INSPECTED. REPAINTED RIMS THAT PAINT HAD FLAKED AND PEELED.

THE FRAME IS RUSTED REALLY BAD. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARE HAS RUSTED OFF MAKING ME TIE IT UP AND MAKING IT USELESS. THE FRAME HAS SEVERAL PLACES THAT THE RUST HAS ATE LARGE HOLES IN IT. IF YOU NEED ME TO I CAN MAIL PICTURES TO YOU. I BOUGHT THIS 4RUNNER BRAND NEW. I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED BUT THAT IF I BOUGHT A NEW TOYOTA THEN THEY WOULD GIVE ME A 1000 DOLLAR REBATE AS A GOODWILL GESTURE. I DO NOT WANT THE 1000 DOLLAR GOODWILL REBATE, I WANT MY 4RUNNER FIXED.

MY 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS NOT ABLE TO GET A BRAKE JOB BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED, REAR TRAILING ARM BRACKETS BROKEN OFF, DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING ON BOTH SIDES BROKEN, HOLES IN FRAME RIGHT SIDE. TOTALLY RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

I JUST DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER IS SEVERELY RUSTED DUE TO LOW QUALITY STEEL. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE OBSERVED THE FRAME AND ALL OF THEM HAVE TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER AND ITS FRAME IS IN GREAT CONDITION. BOTH CARS HAVE BEEN GARAGED AND OPERATED IN THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE FRAME RUST IS SO BAD, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR UP ON A LIFT TO PERFORM OIL CHANGES, ETC. THE MAIN CONCERN IS SAFETY. IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY PROTECTION FROM A SIDE OR FRONT IMPACT.

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A REPAIR RECENTLY AT A TOYOTA DEALER UPON TEAR DOWN THEY TOLD ME THAT MY 2004 4RUNNER'S FRAME AND MANY OTHER STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS FOR THE ENGINE AND MOUNTS ARE NOT STRUCTURALLY SOUND DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THEY FOUND HOLES IN THE FRAME AT ENGINE CROSS MEMBER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO FOUND BOTH REAR BODY MOUNTS AND LOWER RADIATOR SUPPORT EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. THEY DECLINED THE REPAIR WORK AND TOLD ME THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF THE VEHICLE AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO THE ORIGINAL PAINT IS STILL GLOSSY NO RUST ON THE OUTER BODY BUT EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND UNDERBODY. I AM GREATLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST BECAUSE OTHERWISE THE VEHICLE RUNS WELL BUT OF COURSE IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA DEALER.

2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH SIGNIFICANT RUST ON THE UNDERBODY INCLUDING FRAME. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY BUT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO FRAME DAMAGE. IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND THERE ARE NO OTHER ISSUES ASIDE FROM SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE.

THE 4RUNNER WAS WELL CARED FOR AND THE FRAME HAS ROTTED TO NOTHING IN UNDER 15 YEARS. IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND IS THE SAME ISSUE PRESENT IN THE TACOMA'S AND OTHER TOYOTA FULL FRAME VEHICLES. THE RUST DEVELOPS EARLY AND IN THE SAME SPOTS ON ALL MODELS. IT SPREADS RAPIDLY AND COMPROMISES THE ENTIRE FRAME MAKING HE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS SHOWN A PATTERN OF NEGLECT REGUARDING THE MANUFACTURE OF THEIR VEHICLE FRAMES AND THE 4RUNNER IS NO EXCEPTION.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR WENT OUT OF ALIGNMENT DUE TO A ROTTEN TORSION BAR MOUNT. THE ENTIRE FRAME ALSO HAS LOTS OF ROT

FRAME IS RUSTED AND WARNED WILL LIKELY NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION WHEN RENEWAL IS REQUIRED IN JUNE 2019 BY SEVERAL MECHANICS

THE FRAME AND STRUCTURE HAVE RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT TO AN ALARMING DEGREE. SPECIFICALLY AT THE FRAME WELD POINTS IN MIDSECTION AND THE REAR ATTACHMENTS TO AXLE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IT HAS RUSTED FAR MORE QUICKLY AND DRAMATICALLY THAN ANY OF THE OTHER COMPONENTS. NONE OF MY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE DETERIORATED IN THIS WAY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V065000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN TOYOTA DEALER LOCATED IN UPATOI, GA WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

MY 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE FRAME RUSTING. I HAVE ROUTINELY MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING ROUTINE WASHING UNDERNEATH ON THE FRAME. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY DECLARED THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, NO RUST. THE ENGINE WORKS PERFECTLY. THE TOYOTA DEALER KEPT PICTURES OF THE FRAME. THEY STATED THAT TOYOTA HAD RECALLED TACOMA, TUNDRA, SEQUOIA FRAMES FOR THE SAME REASON.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, CRACKS WERE SEEN IN THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER (ZT MOTORS OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N BEAL PKWY NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TT UPDATED 9/26/18*JB

A THIN METAL SUPPORT PLATE WELDED TO REAR AXLE CONNECTS UPPER CONTROL ARMS TO REAR AXLE. BOTH SUPPORT PLATES TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED FROM RUST. THESE PLATES ARE A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. WHEN THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS FAILED FROM FAILED SUPPORT PLATES, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE BRAKE LINE HAD BEEN DAMAGED MOST LIGHTLY FROM BRAKE LINE BEING HIT BY CONTROL ARM. THE MOTION/LOUD NOISE OF DETACHED CONTROL ARMS CONTACTING METAL AXLE WAS FOLLOWED BY BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON. WITHIN 2 YEARS OF PURCHASE OF AUTOMOBILE CHASSIS RUST WAS NOTICEABLE AND COMMENTED BY MECHANICS. WHEN CONFRONTING TOYOTA, THEIR SAME COMMENT OF NOT BEING UNDER WAURANTY PREVAILED. THE LAST TIME I CONTACTED THEM I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THEIR ENGINEERS BECAUSE I FELT THE SUPPORT PLATE DESIGN IS UNSAFE AND TO THICKEN THE PLATE WOULD BE A SMALL EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE SUPPORT PLATES FRACTURED. THEY TOLD ME I COULD TALK TO ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN THEIR SUPPORT LINE AND THAT THE PLATE WOULD NOT BE CHANGED. I AM A DEGREED ENGINEER WITH A BACHELORS AND TWO MASTERS IN ENGINEERING AND AM DISAPPOINTED IN HOW THEY VALUE PENNIES OVER AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. BEST REGARDS MY NAME AND PHONE ARE (XXXX) PHONE (XXXX) IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2004 V8 4 RUNNER WITH ONLY 62,000 MI.,FRAME FRACTURE RIGHT REAR @ LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT POINT. LEFT REAR OF FRAME MISSING TWO SIDES @ WHEEL WELL AND LARGE HOLE AT LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT. ADVISED BY MECHANIC NOT TO DRIVE THE TRUCK. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE TOYOTA HAD WITH THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA TRUCKS OF THE SAME YEARS. THE FRAME IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE SUSPENSION THAT ATTACHES TO IT WILL FALL OFF. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE HAS NO RUST AND RUNS PERFECTLY.. IT WAS NEVER IN ANY ACCIDENT AND THE PAINT AND BODY ARE LIKE NEW, BUT THE FRAME MEMBERS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IF WASN'T FOR MY MECHANIC FINDING THIS DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.VISIT.

EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF CORROSION AND RUST ON THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. FRAME WELDS ARE RUSTING THROUGH IN VARIOUS SPOTS. I ONLY HAVE 112K MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS AMOUNT OF RUST AND CORROSION IS UNACCEPTABLE.

TOTAL VEHICLE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE FRAME IS WELDED TOGETHER. THE CHICAGO NORTHSIDE TOYOTA DEALER FOUND IT WHILE DOING WORK ON MY VEHICLE. IT IS ABOUT A 3 INCH HOLE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME AND THERE IS ALSO A RUSTED HOLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE NEAR THE BRACKETS. PLEASE SEE PICTURES ATTACHED. THEY TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY TRIED TO GET TOYOTA TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND WERE RECALLED. HOWEVER TOYOTA DECLINED.

FRAME IS PREMATURELY FAILING. THERE ARE HOLES RUSTED IN THE FRAME. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH OTHER TOYOTA MODELS WHICH UTILIZE THE SAME FRAME. TOYOTA DID A RANDOM "INSPECTION" WHERE THEY IDENTIFIED AND FIXED ON PIECE OF THE FRAME BUT HAVE FAILED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE CAR IS NOW UNSAFE AS IT HAS FAILED A VERMONT STATE INSPECTION.

PREMATURE RUSTING IF THE FRAME AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVING COULD BE OR TURN INTO A SAFETY HAZARD.

I'VE HAD THIS 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SINCE 2004 I BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. THE BODY STILL LOOKS GREAT, NO RUST ON BODY JUST HAS 94000 MILES ON IT. BUT THE UNDER SIDE IS AWFUL THE FRAME HAS HOLES RUSTED THROUGH AT HIGH PRESSURE POINTS LIKE SUSPENSION POINTS, CROSS MEMBERS FOR TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE RUSTED THROUGH, ITS TO POINT THAT ITS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA SERVICE REP THAT THE FRAME HAS A FIFTEEN YEAR WARRANTY ON THEM BUT TOGETHER ARE SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX OR PLACE IT AND IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT ALONE ON THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA SHOULD STEP UP AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT ESPECIALLY IN SAFETY ISSUES. THEY WERE FORCED TO REPLACE FRAMES ON THE TACOMA'S. WHAT'S FUNNY I'VE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA REPS ALSO THAT THE 4RUNNER HAS THE VERY SAME FRAME AS THE TACOMA'S. SO IF THAT'S SO WHY CAN'T THEY REPLACE THESE ALSO? I THINK THIS IS REALLY BAD, YOU PAY A LOT FOR A VEHICLE AND IT STILL LOOKS LIKE NEW BUT HAVE TO CONSIDER PARKING IT BECAUSE YOU FEAR FOR YOUR FAMILIES LIVES. IT'S GETTING TO POINT YOU CAN'T TRUST IT ON THE ROAD. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

FRAME IS RUSTING OUT CREATING A DRIVING HAZARD WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO DRIVER AND OR PASSENGERS

I have. Toyota 4Runner the frame is very rusty I ask the. Dealer few times for recall and he said no. Recall. It is very dangerous to drive. The buddy is very nice just the frame is very rusty. Want ca I do need help

MY 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WILL NOT PASS IT'S NEXT INSPECTION DUE TO A HOLE FROM CORROSION IN THE FRAME. THE HOLE IS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. THE CAR IS ALWAYS KEPT IN THE GARAGE, IS WASHED REGULARLY AND ALL MAINTENANCE WORK HAS BEEN DONE BY A TOYOTA DEALER

MY 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WILL NOT PASS IT'S NEXT INSPECTION DUE TO HOLES FROM CORROSION IN THE FRAME.

WAS THERE A RECALL OR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT ON 4RUNNERS WITH CRACKED DASHBOARDS??? MY MOTHER OWNS A 2004 4RUNNER (VIN #[XXX]) AND WE JUST LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT/RECALL THAT COVERED THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS ITEM HOWEVER, SHE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL ADVISING OF SUCH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

UPON PRE-INSPECTION OF MY PERSONAL VEHICLE FOR PURCHASE I FOUND THAT BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE FRAME WERE TOTALLY ROTTED OUT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, AFTER REMOVAL OF THE REAR BUMPER, IT TURNED OUT THAT THE RUST EXTENDED ALMOST ENTIRELY THROUGH THE CORNERS OF THE FRAME. THERE WAS ALSO A MAJOR HOLE IN THE FRAME WHERE THE FACTORY WELDS WERE CONJOINING PIECES OF THE FRAME RIGHT WHERE THE EXHAUST BRACKET MOUNTS TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE INTERIOR FACING OF THE FRAME. ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A MASSIVE RUST HOLE EXTENDING ALONG THE RIGHT FRONT FACTORY WELDS CONNECTING THE RIGHT FRONT BODY MOUNT TO THE FRAME. THE REAR ROTTED CORNERS OF THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE BUMPER AND RIGHT FRONT BODY MOUNT WERE REPAIRED AT MY FATHER'S AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATION BY MY DAD WHO HAS MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. WITH A VERMONT STATE INSPECTION LICENSE IT WAS CONCERNING TO HIM TO SEE THE ROTTING AND RUSTING CENTRALIZED AROUND THE FACTORY WELDS, AND OCCURRING WHERE THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME AND THE REAR BUMPER IS PREVENTING SERIOUS INJURY FROM IMPACT DUE TO A POTENTIAL COLLISION.

MY 2004 WELL-MAINTAINED TOYOTA 4RUNNER'S, WITH 170,000 MILES, FRAME RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT WOULDN'T PASS THE NYS INSPECTION. THE FRAME ON THIS SUV IS THE SAME FRAME AS THE RECALLED 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA'S, WHICH WERE ABLE TO HAVE THERE FRAMES REPLACED DUE TO RUSTING ISSUES.

FLAKING RUSTY FRAME. ANY UNDERCARRIAGE SCRATCH IMMEDIATELY RUSTS

I'VE PUT A DOWN PAYMENT OF 1200 AT PREMIER AUTO SALES . IN VICTORIA TX I LEFT FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT THE VEHICLE . THE SALES MAN TOLD ME AS SOON AS THEY GET A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT . IT DIDN'T HAVE AN INSPECTION EITHER . SO I TOOK IT TO P&H ALL THEY DID WAS RIGHT IN A PAPER AN SENT IT BACK WITH ME TO THE CAR LOT AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM IT BEING DEAD THE BATTERY TERNINALS WHERE HORRIBLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE OIL LIGHT AFTER A BRAND KNEW OIL CHANGE KEPT SMOKING SO TOOK IT BACK SO THEY COULD LOOK AT IT TO FIND OUT THEY JUST CLEARED THE CODES . PICKED IT OUT HE FOLLOWING MONDAY WELL THE VEHICLE SMELT LIKE IT WAS BURNING HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP . CALLED THEM AND THE SALES LADY IN THE FRONT SAID IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM STILL WITHIN THE 30 DAY PERIOD SO TOOK IT TO THE BRAKE PLACE DOWN THE ROAD FROM THEM MY BRAKES WERE SO BACK THEY HAD TO CHANGE EVERYTHING HE SAID I COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK BECAUSE OF THEM BEING SO WORE DOWN . I CALLED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT WITH THEM AND THEY WERE JUST BEING UGLY ABOUT THE SITUATION OVER ALL . I'VE TRIED TO BE NICE AND DO THE RIGHT THINK THIS WAS UNSAFE FOR ME AS WELL AS MY CHILDREN .

ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018, I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 4RUNNER IN A SNOWSTORM IN 4WD HIGH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN, CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO START SLIDING AND PUTTING ME ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA DESIGNED ITS VEHICLES TO SHUT OFF THESE CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURES WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I SUGGEST THAT TOYOTA BE REQUIRED TO DEVELOP A SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND VOLUNTARILY RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE FIX. I WROTE TO TOYOTA ON FEBRUARY 13, 2018 (SEE ATTACHMENT) EXPRESSING MY CONCERN. THREE AND A HALF MONTHS LATER, I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE EVEN A CURSORY RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. THEREFORE, I FEEL I MUST NOW NOTIFY NHTSA OF MY CONCERNS.

MY 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME/CHASIS IS RUSTED THROUGHOUT. EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT PLASTIC OR RUBBER ON THE CHASIS IS RUSTED OUT. THE SKID PLATE IS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED OR REPLACED BEFORE IT FALLS OFF. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED VEHICLES IN THE PAST AS WELL AS REPLACED CHASIS ON ALL BUT THE 2004. TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THE 2004'S. THE BODY IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH NO RUST.

MICHELIN GREEN X TIRES, SIZE 265/65/17. WITH LESS THAN 35,000 MILES, THE TIRES ARE SPLITTING ON THE SIDE WALLS AS WELL AS BETWEEN THE TREADS. I'VE BEEN USING MICHELIN TIRES SINCE THE EARLY 90'S AND THESE ARE THE WORST TIRES I HAVE EVER USED. MAKES ME THINK TWICE BEFORE I BUY ANOTHER SET. THE TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN MARCH 2012 AND USED SEASONALLY DUE TO THE LOCATION AND SNOW TIRE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED WHILE SERVING OVERSEAS. I WAS ADVISED MY MECHANIC THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR THEY WOULD NOT PASS PA SAFETY INSPECTION.

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT I BELIEVE IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO THE SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME. I HAVE ATTACHED SOME PHOTOS TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TWICE TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THEY COULD DO AND THERE WAS NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. ALSO I HAVE HAD CARS LONGER THAN THIS TRUCK THAT HAVE NO FRAME RUST AND I LIVE IN THE SAME AREA. THEREFORE IT CAN'T BE CAUSED BY THE AREA I LIVE IN.

VEHICLE FRAME HAS HOLES AROUND HIGH STRESS AREAS FROM SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION.

TOYOTA DASHBOARD CRACKING / MELTING AFTER TOYOTA EXTENDED WARRANTY ZE6 CLOSED OUT. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL I HAVE SEEN DASHBOARDS THAT HAVE MELTED AND CAUSE WINDOW GLARE. WHICH AFFECTS DRIVES ABILITY TO SEE.

DASHBOARD CRACKING NEXT STAGE IS MELTING WHICH WILL CAUSE GLARE ON WINDSHIELD REDUCING VISIBILITY.

FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT FRAME EXTENSION BRACKETS RUSTED OUT AND ROTTING. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

THE VSC AND TRAC OFF WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON AL THE TIME THE ENGINE IS ON. THE VSC BUTTON DOES NOTHING.

THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IS EXTREMELY RUSTED, INCLUDING FRAME, FRAME BRACES UNDER RADIATOR AND SEVERAL OTHER AREAS. I DO NEED HELP FROM TOYOTA TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.

UPON VISUAL INSPECTION FRAME FOUND RUSTED THROUGH ON RIGHT SIDE JUST FORWARD OF REAR AXLE AND APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED FROM INSIDE. SUSPECT LOW QUALITY STEEL WAS USED. EXCESSIVE RUST ON ENTIRE FRAME. BODY AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ARE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE WITH 120,000 MILES. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS AS FRAME SHOULD LAST FOR 20 YEARS.

RECENTLY BECAME THE OWNER OF 04 4RUNNER WITH WHAT WE THOUGHT AT FIRST GLANCE WERE NEW TIRES. AFTER POOR DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CHECKING THE TIRES WE FOUND BOTH FRONT TIRES WITH TREAD CHUNKING OFF IN MEDIUM PIECES AND ARE UNSAFE. BOTH REAR TIRES ARE FINE. WE LIVE ON A PRETTY SMALL ISLAND WHERE DAILY DRIVES ARE AT MOST PROBABLY 50 MILES MAX IF THAT. THESE TIRES ARE COMPLETE CRAP AND NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I WILL NEVER RUN A MICHELIN TIRE AGAIN DUE TO THIS. OBVIOUSLY THE COMPANY CARES MORE ABOUT PROFIT THAN LIVES. P165 70R17 LATITUTE TOUR DOT B7KP 004X 1014

SIGNIFICANT RUST THROUGHOUT FRAME, AS WELL AS MANY COMPONENTS AROUND THE ENGINE.

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME. DETERIORATED STRUCTURE NEAR RADIATOR AND SKID PLATE.