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

  1. Stavros Gavrilis says:

    Just discovered my 2003 has holes in the frame. Part that pisses me off the most is the Toyota recalled the Lexus GX430 frame and its the same exact frame as the 4runner. Now i am going to be out thousands of dollars. Something needs to happen and quick.

    1. Dale Wright says:

      Just found out 2006 Toyota Trundra Truck the frame is severely rusted.

  2. SL says:

    Please let me know how to join. I bought a 2004 last month. Took it to the dealership today and they showed me how the undercarriage is completely rusted over…some of the frame has even broken off. This is a vehicle that spent its life in Arizona!

  3. Damon says:

    Bought a 2004 4 runner with 177k miles a couple months ago…these vehicles are “supposed” to run 300k, right? well, took it to my mechanic as shortly after I bought it it needed a transmission oil cooler line… He told me he is afraid to even touch the vehicle as there is so much corrosion and frame rot that parts “crumble” as he is trying to fix… and vehicle is most likely dangerous to drive!

  4. Bill B says:

    I had purchased a 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, when I had my mechanic inspect it he was surprised at the extent of the frame rust. He made repairs on the passenger side, and before I could get back to have the driver side repaired, the control arm ripped itself off of the frame at 45 miles an hour and that nearly caused a major accident!

    After much research through the Internet and Toyota dealerships, I discovered that there are many Toyota models covered under a recall but not the 4RUNNER… how could Toyota leave us all exposed to danger like that?

  5. Sandee Kimmins says:

    We have a 2015 Toyota 4Runner. My husband was waxing it this week and found two rusty spots on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle only has about 47,000 miles and we keep it in the garage most of the time when it is not being driven. Has anyone had issues with rust on the body of the vehicle?

  6. Karen Lohin says:

    I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner and I was told that my frame was rusted that bad it would not pass inspection. I had it repaired even though most people wouldn’t touch it, and said it was beyond repair. Can’t afford to buy a new one, so hoping they have a recall because I was told the frame repair I had done would only last about 2 years.

  7. Collette S. says:

    Update on my 2007 4Runner. I posted a comment back here on July 5. Talked to the Dealership and they said they can not do anything because there is no lawsuit on the 4 runner. Most recently I had the one piece on the frame welded and they found more in the back that is even worse. Been to 2 shops now and they will not fix
    due to a liability issue. This is my everyday work vehicle. I am praying everyday nothing happens while I am driving. But this must be serious since no one will fix the issue. Will go back to the dealership this weekend so they can see this more serious issue with the trailing arm that is completely separated from the frame bracket. I would like to know more on how to file a law suit. This is taking a lot of peoples lives at risk each and every day. I would really like it if someone would contact me on the next step.

  8. Joe. Jenca says:

    Help
    I have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner
    I’m told my frame is rusted & is condemning my ride because of it. I have a lot of miles on it, but they are all highway. I been very adamant about preventive maintenance. I love this vehicle
    It runs beautifully.

  9. Cindy Forgit says:

    I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner that the Rear end sway bar stabilizer rotted right off the frame. What are my options?

  10. Kimberly Crisp says:

    I have a 2002 4-Runner that the rails have rusted into. What are my options?

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