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. Rodney Tallman says:

    2006 left side completely rusted can I join?

  2. Keith. Reynolds says:

    Mines a 2000 sport 125000 miles runs looks great but when you look at underside both trailing arms have broken loose shocks mounts gone frame what frame 3rd owner makes me ill thinkin i bought this thing for my wife could of killed her and others

  3. Tom Boyd says:

    ‘06 4Runner Sport; severely rusted frame

  4. Carole Marcoux says:

    I have a 4 runner 97. Works perfect. Except that the rust kill it. Compression of the motor is 180 perfect condition . Can I join the lawsuit? I out a lot ok f money to keep it in good shape and safe to drive. I am so dessaponted.

  5. Paul Wurtz says:

    I just bought a 99 4 runner. Tranny crapped and the mechanic said dont fix it. Not safe due to the excessive frame rust

  6. JOHN DARGUZAS says:

    Same problem with 2004 4Runner. Filed complaint with NHTSA in March 2019. Can the suit be expanded to include that year, and how can I join the suit?

  7. Elijah Kees says:

    How can I join this lawsuit??

  8. Collette says:

    I own a 2007 4Runner and was just told by my local auto mechanic that he cannot pass my vehicle for inspection due to a hole in the frame. I also had purchased the extra undercoating of the undercarriage when I purchased this vehicle brand new the was done by the dealership. I will be calling the dealership today. But please let me know more about this class action lawsuit. Thank you .

  9. Robert Rosario says:

    How can I join the lawsuit. I own a 2006 4runner

  10. Lois Aguilar says:

    Please add me

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