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According 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?
Have a 2000 4 Runner Limited. Knew the frame had some rust, but my mechanic said not to worry about it. Last week, started feeling funny. Applied the brakes, and it felt like I was on marbles. Bracket on rear suspension partially broke loose causing rear end to move back and forth. Truck has 224,000 miles, but I expect more from Toyota. I have been a Toyota man since 1977, but that’s changed. The 2 Nissans in my driveway will tell you that. A disgrace that Toyota should be held accountable for. Will never buy another Toyota.
I have 2004 4Runner sport bought it new, only owner. It was kept in and out of my garage so I missed the time limits on the dash recall by a week. Just came back from a dealer oil change and was told my frame has a hole rusted through the frame and I should think twice before investing any money into maintenance or repairs. I’ve brought this vehicle to the same dealership since i purchased it, they have never mentioned anything about the frame until today. Great looking truck well maintained, if there is a class action suit count me in. I will provide any pictures or paperwork requests.
I have a 2005 4runner with 170,000 miles and there is zero rust on the underbody frame?
Good for you you work for Toyota?
2006 toyota four runner limited. 186k miles look new all over except for the under carriage. Completely rusted out! Everything.
Matthew, I just learned that my 2007 4-Runner has a rusted frame and won’t pass Va. state inspection. The frame support under the front suspension.is rusted through and hitting a pothole could cause the suspension to separate from the frame causing a crash. Inspector said the car is a total loss.
We purchased a 2006 4RUNNER for our son about four years ago from a independent used car dealer. Had my wife and son take it to a Toyota dealer and paid for inspection before buying it. The inspection report said ‘some rust spray painted over’, the person who did the inspection told them it was minor and ok. Less that two years later it was unsafe to drive and had to replace the frame. Couldn’t even be safely welded!
How much was the frame replacement?
Is a frame corrosion settlement on 2005 4 Runners being pursued by any party? My son owns one. Good looking vehicle unless you look underneath.
2005 4Runner V6 SR5 – I am probably the third owner, after purchasing in 2017. This vehicle has an extremely rusty frame that I did not notice earlier. The used car dealer we purchased from obviously spent time spraying black paint over the outward facing surfaces and it looked great initially.
I should have researched things better at the time, but like many, I inherently trusted Toyota to get something as simple as this right, and it never entered my mind that these cars have a pattern of failure in this area.
I was changing the radiator this week and took a close look at the front suspension attachment points after having removed the front skid plate. The appearance was NOT encouraging. The welds and overall texture of the metal make it look like the suspension could break loose and fail at any time.
I plan to take the vehicle in for a safety inspection as soon as I can. I really like everything about this car otherwise, but may need to sell to an off-roader or parts collector to avoid the chance of a dangerous failure while driving at normal road speeds.
My 2005 4runner, which only has 98,000 miles on it went to Toyota dealership for rear differential issue. The mechanic said it is not worth repairing it, because the chassis is rusted so badly that it can break if I go over a pothole with it. He said it is a total loss. This was the family’s main car. Toyota should take responsibility for it. Only 98,000 miles!!!
2005 4Runner, frame rusted out .. won’t pass inspection. No recall. Guess Toyota is ok with the individual lawsuits and people getting hurt. I once swore by them. Will not make that mistake again.
I feel your pain Steve as I am in the same boat as you. I live in Pennsylvania and own an otherwise gorgeous 2005 4Runner which, like yours, won’t pass inspection. 106,000 miles!!
I am in the same boat am living in Pennsylvania too, have had a 2004 Toyota 4 runner sr5 sway bar broke off causing the it to go left and right, very very dangerous to drive it, just bought a 2006 4 runner sr5 had the dealership to repair it the rust and cracks on the frames took them 5 days and I looked underneath where they wielded, its not a good wield but how long will it last?
I have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner limited V8 4×4 that I have just been notified is completely rusted out and in danger of cracking in half if driven. Toyota I do not love what you do for me!
2003 Toyota 110,000 miles failed inspection. Framed rusted out. No recourse? Bull crap. Hate Toyota.