Amanda Antell  |  May 13, 2019

Category: Auto News

Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.

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.

Learn More

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.


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

  1. Brad Jenkins says:

    My 2001 4Runner Limited has had extensive frame rust problems. Have spent over $8,000 on welding and parts so far. Today, it is being worked on again. I continue to be afraid to drive for any distance. The vehicle has less that 145,000 miles and has been very satisfactory. The only major problem has been the frame rusting due to poor undercoating when manufactured.
    Toyota has repeatedly ignored my request for some financial help in fixing this problem.
    Also, top of rear differential housing was rusted through several years ago – that was another $3,000. again no help from Toyota. Suggest that any person considering the purchase of a Toyota..look elsewhere as they are not responsive to customer complaints – even when it is about a safety issue.

  2. John says:

    I have a 2004 with 267,000 miles. Just awesome.
    I had a transmission line replaced and the mechanic said it will not pass this coming
    January 2021. What can I do.
    Frame is rusted.

  3. Joe w. says:

    I have a 1999 4runner. 140xxx miles. 1 owner. Looks and drives like new. Garage kept, heated and dry. Still a long section of the frame rotted. May not be able to drive it much longer. Shame that it was taken care of above and beyond the norm. If the trucks were defective and replaced, so should the others

  4. Jon Gruver says:

    Toyota should be held legally responsible for a frame deterioration issue on 4 Runners which they where well aware of. Why were only Tacomas recalled? These vehicles share the damage frame. I have a 1999 4Runner which runs and drives great. Unfortunately, Ive been told the frame is severely rusted and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

  5. Ardian Subasic says:

    I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner with 140k miles the car is in great shape except the frame rail by the muffler has rusted through. I have a rust hole about 3 inches wide and over 20 inches long. What should I do?

  6. Maria A. says:

    I need help! I have discovered serious erosions and rust on unercarriage frame of my 2006 Toyota 4Runner. Given that this is a major safety issue having to do with what holds the weight of the car…I feel that the manufacturer ought to take the responsibility and cover the repair costs. I have reached out to Toyota about this matter but they told me that because the car is no longer under warranty and non recall they will not assume the cost. How is this acceptable? It seems to me that there are many owners of this model out there with the same issue to warrant a recall. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

  7. Travis Etheridge says:

    I bought a 2005 4Runner V8 4WD last summer. I was made aware of the rusted frame when I took it for its first oil change. It was still drivable, but I took short trips. Last month when I was backing into the driveway, the front axle completely separated from the rusted frame. Fluid and car parts were everywhere. I’m thankful that I was not on the road at this time as this could’ve caused a serious injury or death. The vehicle has a good motor and transmission, but cannot be driven due to a rusted frame. Please send information on how to join the class action suit. I just want the money for the value of the vehicle at this point.

  8. Gani says:

    I have a 2003 4Runner with 198000 miles on it. It runs great but there’s a lot of rust under the car just like what other owners have reported. I wonder if Toyota will have recall on these trucks just like the Tacomas.

  9. Mike Bassett says:

    Have a 2007 4 Runner w/ 90k … bottom is rusted pretty bad and I’m very concerned… was planning to own it for a long time. :(.

  10. Natan weissman says:

    How can I get Toyota to fix my frame is all rushed on my 4Runner I am very not happy

1 4 5 6 7 8 10

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. By submitting your comment and contact information, you agree to receive marketing emails from Top Class Actions regarding this and/or similar lawsuits or settlements, and/or to be contacted by an attorney or law firm to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you if you qualify. Required fields are marked *

Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.