Problems · by component

2006 Toyota 4Runner suspension problems

65 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota 4Runner cite suspension, 17% of all 381 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
65
17% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the suspension

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2023Suspension, StructureODI 11529092
“My car is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. This past summer I had a tire leaking and took it to the garage for repair. The mechanic stated that the frame is rusting out in the front right, tire rod area, and saw a pinhole. Last week I took the vehicle to get a transmission oil change. That mechanic saw that there's more rust that is spreading throughout the entire frame, worse than the area found from just a few months ago. I learned online that Toyota had purposely used cheap steel for the frame and had replaced the same frame used on other trucks such as the Tacoma and Highlander but is refusing to replace the 4Runner. These rusted out frames are affecting many 4Runners. I have a 1964 Cadillac and that frame is in better condition than the 4Runner. I'm forced to pay $15,000 to replace the frame or salvage my car. It shouldn't have come to this, especially when the same frame that was replace on other trucks isn't being replaced for mine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2022SuspensionODI 11495340
“I have a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. I also have a 2005 GMC Sierra, but this 4Runner's frame is absolutely toast, while the GMC is completely fine. Toyota issued recalls on the tacoma, tundra, and the sequoia, so why not the 4Runner? My car started swaying and violently shaking on the highway. I pulled over and looked underneath, only to see the rear section of the frame had completely disconnected. This could have caused a major accident or even death if I did not catch it soon enough. This is a MASSIVE safety issue, and if people do not know what to look for with these, Toyota will be seeing a lot of wrongful death lawsuits.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2022Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11483364
“Vehicle failed inspection due to rust on the frame. Bought vehicle because it is supposedly ruggedly built and for the frame to rust out when the vehicle has 103k miles and not driven off-road for more than a few times since we owned it is ridiculous. Dealer quoted $11k for the frame alone, not including labor. The fact this vehicle shares the platform with the Tacoma which was recalled for frame does not make sense. Vehicle was inspected last year (Virginia requires annual safety inspections), so given the amount of rust discovered makes me doubt whether or not the Toyota dealership did a thorough job inspecting the vehicle last year. We don't drive the vehicle that much so it doesn't make sense that it would rust som significantly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 27, 2022Suspension, StructureODI 11462474
“Since an inspection Oct 2021 the rust/corrosive on the frame has become. Dangerously close to rotting thru the entire frame! It’s not driven in the winter months when snow or ice melt (salt) is on the roads to prevent situations like this. With only 75,000 miles always garage kept and maintained like it’s brand new this vehicle might be able to be saved for a model in a shop class to practice welding. Something needs to be done because this ifvvjj”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2022Suspension, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11458405
“The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. - In May 2015 I struck a deer with the vehicle travelling on a US Trunk Hwy and the rust problem was reported as being severe by the body shop who repaired the front end damage. Note: The corrosion, in my opinion, did NOT cause the accident with the deer.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 8, 2021Steering, SuspensionCrash reportedODI 11443177

Showing 6 of 65 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2006 4Runner problem areas