Amanda Antell  |  May 13, 2019

Category: Auto News

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Gray truck against blue skyAccording to a recent report from Reuters, Toyota recently reached a $3.4 billion settlement to resolve allegations of defective rusting undercarriage of various pickups.

The Toyota rusted frame settlement will resolve a class action lawsuit involving numerous Toyota truck owners, each of whom alleges the undercarriage of their trucks severely rusted.

The settlement terms pertain to 1.5 million 2005-2010 Toyota Tacomas, 2005-2008 Sequoias, and 2007-2008 Tundras, but rusted undercarriages have also been reportedly plaguing Toyota 4Runner owners. Here are some frequently asked questions that Toyota 4Runner owners may have:

Has there been a Toyota 4Runner rusted frame recall?

At this point in time, there has been no Toyota 4runner rusted frame recall but owners of vehicle models 2005 to present should be vigilant for any signs of undercarriage rust. If left untreated, the rust could eventually break off and make the vehicle too dangerous to drive.

Has the Toyota 4Runner rusting problem been noticed by authorities?

Toyota 4Runner frame rust problems have been brought to the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after receiving a report stating that a 4Runner owner complained the steering and suspension system had separated due to the severe rusting on the frame.

According to CarComplaints, the NHTSA states that it will either grant or deny the petition to investigate after it reviewing over 520,000 model year 2002-2006 Toyota 4Runners.

Has there been any legal action regarding the Toyota 4Runner rusted frame issue?

While there has been no Toyota 4Runner rusted frame recall, there has been a class action lawsuit filed describing this problem. Plaintiff Gary W. alleges his Toyota 4Runner experiences severe rusting due to being made with defective rust protection, which reportedly made his vehicle “unsafe to drive and a hazard on the roadways.”

The lawsuit points out that the rusting problem affects 2005-2011 Toyota 4Runners, 2005-2010 Toyota Tacomas, 2007-2008 Toyota Tundras and 2005-2008 Toyota Sequoias.

The 4Runner Toyota rust defect class action lawsuit ultimately argues the car company knew that these vehicles were vulnerable to rusting, but allegedly failed to warn consumers.

Furthermore, the claim points out that Toyota had set up a compensation program to help owners deal with truck rust problems on other trucks, but this did not include the 4Runner.

What were the terms of the class action settlement?

Along with the $3.4 billion settlement, the terms state that Toyota will pay for all vehicle inspections and replacing frames on affected trucks. Toyota will reach out to owners by mail, will send notices to publications, and through various sources of media.

Has Toyota had previous problems with undercarriage rusting in other cars?

It is important to note that this is not the first time Toyota has encountered problems with rust in its pickup trucks with their 1995-2000 Toyota Tacomas.

Toyota also had to issue a recall for 2001-2003 Tundras for frame rust, with the recall resulting in a $25 million payout to Toyota from Dana, the company that supplied the allegedly defective frames.

One of the most recent recalls that Toyota issued was several years ago, which recalled their 2005-2011 Tacomas that had allegedly defective leaf springs that could rust or break.

The Toyota 4-Runner Frame Rust Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-03294-RMG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division.

Join a Free Toyota 4Runner Rust Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a Toyota 4Runner that has been impacted by excessive rust on its undercarriage, you may qualify for this Toyota 4Runner class action lawsuit investigation.

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112 thoughts onIs There a Toyota 4Runner Rusted Frame Recall?

  1. Frank DeCarlo says:

    2006 Forerunner. 108,000 miles. Garage kept. Frame totally rusted out and unsafe to drive. Question: Why wasn’t the Forerunner included in the class action lawsuit when the frame for the Forerunner is the exact frame used on the Tacoma, which was part of the lawsuit?

  2. AA says:

    2006 Toyota 4Runner completely rusted. Was just told during inspection that it’s not safe to drive and should get a new vehicle.

  3. jason St. George says:

    2006 4runner rear lower control arm bracket rusted off

  4. Brad B. says:

    2006 4-Runner, 78k miles stored inside garage when not in use and just found out the frame is rusted from tech. Not happy after reading more into this matter either that this was not included in the recall when it should have been as can see from here it is not just an isolated incident.

  5. v says:

    I own a 2005 Toyota 4-Runner, 182,000 miles. I have always worked from home, so only drove it occasionally during winter months. Plus, it has been garaged ever since I purchased it (new from a dealer). After two years of ownership, the trailer hitch showed extensive rust; after four years, the undercarriage started to rust badly and has gotten progressively worse over the years to the point where it is not safe to drive. Toyota refuses to stand behind its 4-Runners and likely will not have to pay any price unfortunately until someone is killed. I will NEVER buy another Toyota product again because the company has proven it does not care about the safety of its customers and is only worried about protecting their bottom line.

  6. Carol Reid says:

    Frames rusted

  7. Tyson Smith says:

    I own a 1998 4RUNNER SR5. Same problem. I have more rust than I do frame. The rear end already broke. I can’t believe how many years this has been going on. The frame on my 1999 Camry was in perfect shape and sat closer to the ground.

  8. Coty says:

    Just found out my 05 4runner with 92000 miles, that has zero body rust, needs an entirely new frame. I brought it to the Auto Rust Technicians in Rhode Island who quoted me 8900 dollars to repair. Obviously wouldn’t be worth it when a new frame is just a few grand more… unfortunate timing as my wife is 5 months pregnant and I have to put money elsewhere, especially that much. So I have to drive an unsafe vehicle for the time being. Wish they had included us in that lawsuit as I hate to junk it when it is just getting broken in otherwise.

  9. Patrick Tuchel says:

    I have a 2006 Toyota 4 Runner 4.7 V8 with extreme rust on the frame. I have heard all the news about theses frames rusting out and causing severe damage and expense to the owners. I want to know if Toyota is going to address this problem before someone gets killed

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