Toyota 4Runner Undercarriage Rust Problems

Toyota 4Runner undercarriage rust problems may make the vehicles dangerous to drive, according to class action allegations.

What are the Toyota 4Runner undercarriage rust problems?

Recent customer allegations claim that the undercarriage in Toyota 4Runner vehicles is defective. Normal surface rust occurs on metallic surfaces after years of usage and exposure, but the rust problems found in the 4Runner vehicles allegedly result from a manufacturing defect.

When the vehicle frames for the 4Runner are manufactured, they allegedly are not treated properly to prevent the formation of rust. Most modern vehicles utilize specialized sealant and undercoating to ensure that their components do not rust. However, the 4Runner frame is allegedly not treated in that way.

How do Toyota 4Runner undercarriage rust problems affect the vehicle?

When rust forms on the frame and undercarriage of Toyota 4Runners, it can lead to a variety of problems including:

• Alignment
• Uneven tire wear
• Unusual noises
• Shaking
• Uneven shock
• Suspension wear

Additionally, the vehicle frame can become cracked or otherwise damaged. This may lead to serious safety risks in SUVs. If consumers continue to drive their vehicles with a damaged frame, the frame may be at risk for bending or breaking.

Some Toyota 4Runner customers have reported a “death wobble” in their vehicles, characterized by excessive shaking and loss of control of the vehicle. This is only one example of the dangerous damage that a rusted frame can do to a vehicle.

Even if the vehicle is not too dangerous to drive, the repair of frame related issues can be difficult and expensive. In some cases, the damage may be too far gone to repair.

Have customers taken legal action against Toyota for the 4Runner undercarriage rust problems?

In late April 2019, a 4Runner class action lawsuit was filed in North Carolina accused Toyota of concealing undercarriage rust defects in their vehicles. Plaintiff Gary Weinrich claims that the problem affects 2005-2011 Toyota 4Runners, as well as 2005-2010 Toyota Tacomas, 2007-2008 Toyota Tundras and 2005-2008 Toyota Sequoias.

Weinrich reportedly experienced the issue in his 4Runner that he had purchased in June 2005. In April 2011, his mechanic reportedly noted that his vehicle had “severe and excessive” rust in the undercarriage and drive shaft transmission. By October 2013, Weinrich says the mechanic noted that the rust had spread to include the undercarriage, splash shields, exhaust, and shocks. By July 2017, Weinrich says he was informed that his vehicle suffered from “excessive frame corrosion”.

Toyota previously settled claims about the rust issue in frames used in Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra trucks. The company promised to pay $3.4 billion in 2016 to resolve the class action claims, but now faces similar allegations over their vehicles’ undercarriages. The undercarriage rust settlement benefited owners or leasers of 2005-2010 Toyota Tacomas, 2007-2008 Toyota Tundras, and 2005-2008 Toyota Sequoias.

However, in resolving these claims, Toyota failed to address similar concerns about their 4Runner vehicles. Weinrich was allegedly forced to pay for the rust damage himself despite Toyota having a program set up for similarly aged Tacomas, Sequoias, and Tundras with the same problem. In his recent Toyota class action, Weinrich seeks to rectify this failure and resolve defects which may endanger drivers and their passengers.

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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