2004 Toyota 4Runner problems

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Frame, Suspension, Airbags / Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: Safety was put at risk due to frame & suspension failure due to severe rust. Also due to failure of deployment of AirBags. Rusted Frame Failure subsequently caused safety of Injured Party and other motorists to be at risk due to the Injured Party’s 4Runner to dart across oncoming lane of traffic with no warning other than a swaying motion felt immediately before losing control. Once the Injured Party lost control of the 4Runner it crossed into oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure.…”

“Rusty frame undercarriage. It’s not going to get any better due to the fact I have to drive on hwy 80 with all the construction, that’s a hazard itself, potholes everywhere that puts stress on your frame and the salt every winter.”

“UNKNOWN: Excessive frame rust. frame is excessively rusting to the point where the brakes and suspensions is connected to the frame has been compromised. brake lines rusted to the point of failure, thus almost causing a wreck. Vehicle is now parked due to safety concerns involving the excessive rusting that is happening to the frame and any components that is attached to the frame.”

“The contact owned a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner. The contact stated that the driver’s and front passenger air bags failed. The contact stated that when at complete a stop at the red traffic light, the vehicle in the rear failed to stop and crashed into the contact's vehicle rear-end, pushing the vehicle into the roadway. The driver’s and front passenger air bags failed to deploy and caused the front passenger's head to hit the dashboard, suffered injuries to the head, six broken back vertebrae, three broken ribs, head concussion. The contact was the driver and had no injuries to report. The front passenger who was her husband was airlifted to the hospital. The State Trooper mentioned that the other driver might have been on their phone however it was unknown due to them suffering fatal injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The contact advised that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 238,000.”

“2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - Frame rust: currently not drivable due to complete breakage from the rust. Driving 2 hours home on the highway I almost lost control, pressing/releasing the brake and/or gas pulls the steering side to side and sways the truck (fish tail) due to damage from the frame rust/breaking. There is no control of the rear end. Truck was in great condition prior to the frame snapping. Vehicle has been inspected by multiple mechanics (including Firestone, Welding/fabricating Auto Repair shops and small owned mechanic shops), possibly won’t be able to weld due to the amount of rust. Firestone won’t perform any service if the vehicle needs to go in the air (tires, oil..etc) due to frame rust. This has been a huge problem with Toyota, they addressed other models around the same year but excluded the 4Runner for unknown reasons. The dealership will not address the issue unless instructed by corporate. This problem jeopardized my safety and the safety of others around while I was driving at highway speeds, there was no warning when it occurred. Vehicle is available for inspection any time, as it currently is not going anywhere without a tow.”

“THE FRAME HAS SO MUCH RUST ON IT AND OTHER AREAS OF THE UNDERCARGO THAT IT HAS CAUSED MY SPEED AND ABS SENSORS TO WORK IMPROPERLY. SPEEDOMETER WILL JUST QUIT WORKING AND ABS LIGHTS WILL COME ON WITH THE VCS TRAC, VCS OFF, AND ABS LIGHTS ALL COMING ON, THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME. THERE IS ALREADY A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME AND MECHANIC SAID IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE.”