2004 Toyota 4Runner steering problems

“Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.”

“I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what’s happening and they don’t seem to know why it’s doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can’t figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don’t seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.”

“My 4 runner only has 147,000 miles and is a great running vehicle but my frame is rotted badly. I have large holes throughout, the front crossmember under radiator with tow hooks has completely rusted off, and now I found where my rear lower drag link bolts to frame is about to come off. I have had to repair rusty brake lines multiple times. My rear axle carrier just sheds large flakes of rust. I love this truck but now it is almost too dangerous to drive and with all the inflation lately I cannot afford another vehicle.”

“My steering became very loose with a lot of movement in the steering wheel. The universal joint in the steering column shaft was bad. Upon further investigation, both lower control arms on the front wheels were rusted through, (from the inside out), with one of them bent because of the lack of metal support that rusted away, which caused my wheels to be misaligned and hard to control. Upon additional inspection, the frame has rusted out in multiple places which could allow it to break in half. (pictures of one portion of the frame are attached.) I have had the steering column and lower control arms replaced but multiple body and frame shops state the frame is rusted too much to repair. I know Toyota recalled several models for frame rust issues but have not included the 4Runner, which I cannot understand. This rust has been noticed for several years on my vehicle with attempts to keep it clean and rust free. However, the rusting process is occurring from the inside of the frame toward the outside, so you can't tell how bad it really is until you see the holes protruding through the frame. This model should be included in a class action suit requiring Toyota to…”

“SEVERE FRAME RUST ON 2004 4RUNNER SR5 SPORT. SUSPENSION RUST, STEERING COMPONENTS RUST. HOLES IN VEHICLE FRAME DUE TO RUST. I WENT TO TWO MECHANICS THAT TOLD ME THAT THIS RUST WAS BEYOND REASONABLE FOR NORMAL RUST ON FRAME, THEY BOTH STATED IT MAY BECOME DANGEROUS AND TO CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY. THE VEHICLE IS BECOMING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLY OF FAILING COMPONENTS AND OR FRAME.”

“PICTURES SHOW SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT BACK FRAME NEAR THE MUFFLER. DEALERSHIP STATED IT WOULD COST $14,000 TO REPLACE THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY THE CAR HAS 125,000 MILES. VIN UNKNOWN *LN*JB”