Oregon law allows certain protections for consumers who purchase used cars, and a woman’s claim that her 2000 Toyota 4Runner had a severely rusted claim fell under this law. Happily for her, the auto dealer took the car back. Happily for other consumers, her success could provide a road map for other such 4Runner rust claims.
Catherine S. says that she purchased a 2000 Toyota 4Runner last October from The Dalles Auto Sales Inc. Reportedly, the vehicle was a trade in from an earlier customer. She says that though the dealership tried to sell her a newer car, she went for the 4Runner and was told the car was a “mechanic’s special.” However, reference to the special did not appear in her contract when she purchased the car.
She made the purchase after being assured to its quality, though the vehicle did have around 270,000 miles on it. She says she paid $6,995 for the vehicle.
Catherine says she found out only after the sale that “the frame was completely rusted through,” according to The Dalles Chronicle. Allegedly, these holes were discovered by Catherine’s boyfriend when he drove the truck and got stuck in the mud because the vehicle’s four wheel drive didn’t work.
He looked under the vehicles to inspect the situation and noticed holes in the frame, Catherine says. He says that he pushed on a weak area in the frame and it broke under the pressure.
Catherine says that she then tried to take the car back to the dealership, which refused to take it back, because allegedly, the four-wheel drive functioned when she bought it. So, she sought legal action.
Her legal action was successful, calling upon Oregon consumer protection laws that protect even customers who purchase vehicles “as is.” In most cases, people who purchase such vehicles do not believe that they have legal recourse, so even if they purchase a car that is in terrible condition, they lose money on it.
However, Oregon laws say that requires that dealers “disclose any material defects they knew about.” Allegedly, if dealers fail to disclose the defects, “the consumer has the right to return the vehicle and get their money back.” The law allows customers a one-year window in which they can take legal action if they believe their rights under the state law have been violated.
Catherine’s lawsuit against The Dalles Auto Sales Inc. was successful — she received compensation for what she had already paid for the car in the in-house loan, as well as attorneys fees. In total, the car dealership paid $4,158.99.
Catherine isn’t the only customer to experience problems with rust in a Toyota 4Runner. Forbes reports that other drivers filed a class action lawsuit claiming that the 2002 through 2011 4Runners possess a defect that cause them to rust prematurely. Allegedly, this rust can be so severe that the vehicles can become dangerous to drive.
The lawsuits claim the defect occurs because the frames were not properly prepared and treated against rust corrosion during the manufacturing process.
Numerous online 4Runner complaints report the problem, and indicate that consumers may have purchased the vehicles without knowing that the vehicles possessed a possible defect.
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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7 thoughts onToyota 4Runner Driver Gets Refund From Used Car Dealer After Discovering Rusted Frame
I have a 2005 4runner SR5. I like many others got the call from my mechanic to bring to my attention the rust problem to the frame. Both the drivers and passengers side front of the frame is rusted out with sections completely missing. The tow hooks in the front could be pulled off by hand. My mechanic stressed do not ever use these because they will pull right off and bring the radiator with it. The main frame that runs under the passenger side is rusted to the point that you can see through it. I paid $9k
not long ago because I know the engines go along time to have just been told I have one year and the truck will no longer be safe. I cant believe it.
I have a 2003 4Runner that just hit 93,000 miles. The truck is in mint condition (well the body and interior is ) except for the undercarriage which I had to have the frame cut out and replaced from the passenger side front door to the rear door. Cost me $1,200.00. Also, the guy had to put some metal around the wheel well area and rear wheel well. Also, I am waiting for another frame part to come in the mail (sub frame crossmember. Part # 51021-35071). That part holds up the radiator.
*I replace the dust shields, brake lines, calipers, and naturally the pads and rotors. All rusted out.
* had to have the rear shock mounts welded because that part of the frame was rotted out.
* Had to have the steering rack replaced.
Had the Left/Right Front hubs replaced as well. Rusted!!
* Replaced the Transmission lines due to they were rusted out.
* Replaced the Transmission because the lines were rusted out and it caused slippage. So glad my Dad had a warranty policy which covered the replacement.
* Had to even replace the Transmission brackets that hold up the Transmission- RUSTED (That cost was $4300. But the deductible was only $250).
* Replace the upper and lower control arms. The originals were so rusted that you can see it starting to pit.
Overall, I put about $3,000 into the truck but it really needs to have the frame replaced.
It’s the never ending fight against rust. But I will not let the truck go. It has sentimental value to me. It was my mom’s. And yes it was hardly used but it was garaged. But from the looks of the frame, it looks like it sat in salt water.
Getting back to the Frame recall. Here’s what I was told by Toyota: Toyota won’t replace it because all the 4Runners were MFG in Japan. Unlike the Tacoma’s which were MFG in the States. So There will be no recalls on the frame at all. Both vehicle frames were MFG by Dana. So why hasn’t anyone gone after Dana???? Toyota should take ownership!!!
I have a 1999 Toyota 4runner SR5 and the whole under carriage is rusted out like it was sitting in the bottom of the ocean. There is one large horizontal crack maybe 2inches wide and a 2 feet long running down the right side bottom frame. I did not know any of this until my mechanic called me and said ..”He didn’t want to go any further with other repairs because the rust damage under the truck was so extensive it wouldn’t be worth it and it was a basically a safety hazard . When he show me the damaged ,I was floored and speechless . I never seen rust like that on a vehicle unless it was sitting 20-30 years in a junkyard.. It really hurts and I have been contemplating to either fix it or just sell it as is.. Frustrated beyond words, Toyota has lost my business for sure.
My 1999 Toyota 4Runner runs like new, but is rusting out from the bottom up. Looking to see if there are any programs or supoport from Toyota.
My 2003 Toyota 4 Runner has rusted through the frame all down the passenger side of the vehicle. The body is currently sitting on the frame and is unsafe to drive.
Same here. 2004 4runner, runs and looks great, frame rusted looking to have replaced or repaired.
My mother is currently going through this now with her 2000 toyota 4 runner. Shes had it for a while now though and it runs completely fine just finding out there’s excessive rusting under the truck now.