Structure. Review the 143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports15 injury reports

Structure complaints

143 reports

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157,000 miles · Nov 22, 2016

Structure

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I CURRENTLY OWN A 2006 TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER THAT IS NOT CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN A TOYOTA RECALL FOR EXCESSIVE RUST. MY VEHICLE IS AT A TOYOTA DEALER, A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA HAS BEEN FILED, AND PICTURES OF DAMAGE ARE BEING TAKEN PER MY CLAIM. I JUST RECEIVED A CALL FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT TELLING ME THAT MY TOYOTA IS NOT UNDER RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE EXCESSIVE ROT (NOT RUST) THAT HAS EATEN THROUGH MY VEHICLES REAR CROSSMEMBER. CURRENTLY MY VEHICLE IS UN DRIVABLE DUE TO THIS ISSUE, MY REAR AXLE IS ONLY HELD ONTO THE VEHICLE BY TWO OUT OF THE FOUR ANCHOR POINTS THIS POSING A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF THE REAR AXLE BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE FRAME. THE FRONT TWO MOUNTS (THAT ARE WELDED TO THE REAR CROSSMEMBER) ARE TORN COMPLETELY FROM THE REAR CROSSMEMBER, TOYOTA SAYS THE BODY OF THE TRUCK WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE CHASSIS IN ORDER TO SLIDE THE NEW CROSSMEMBER IN BUT THEY REFUSE TO COVER THIS REPAIR. AS I'M SURE YOU'RE AWARE BUT THE 2004-2010 TOYOTA TACOMA ARE CURRENTLY UNDER RECALLS FOR THIS TYPE OF ISSUE AND THE FOUR RUNNER SHARES THIS TYPE OF FRAME, AND MANY OTHER PARTS BECAUSE IT IS ASSEMBLED ON A TACOMA FRAME, BUT BUILT IN JAPAN NOT IN THE US. TOYOTA SAYS THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERS US MADE VEHICLES AND JAPANESE BUILT UNITS LIKE THE FOUR RUNNER, ARE NOT COVERED. PLEASE ADVISE AS I CURRENTLY OWN A VERY EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT AT THIS TIME AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE UNITS INTEGRATED INTO THE TACOMA RECALL PROCESS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA ODI #10927555

73,400 miles · Nov 15, 2016

Structure

ON MY 2006 4RUNNER, I HAVE BEEN NOTICING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST BUILD-UP ON THE FRAME AND MANY OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE PARTS. THIS 4RUNNER HAS SPENT IT'S WHOLE LIFE IN COLORADO, WE DON'T SEE RUST PROBLEMS HERE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE HAVE THIS KIND OF RUST. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY AND INTEGRITY OF IT!

NHTSA ODI #10926125

95,000 miles · Nov 1, 2016

Structure

THE FRAME BROKE ON MY 4 RUNNER WHEN I WAS BACKING UP AND FRONT TIRE FELL INWARD. THE TRUCK HAD JUST UNDER 100,000 MILES. I SPENT APPROXIMATELY $7,000 FOR A BODY SHOP TO REPLACE THE BROKEN FRAME WITH A USED FRAME. TOYOTA MUST NOT HAVE USED A SUFFIENTLY HARD ENOUGH METAL OR DID NOT TREAT THE METAL WITH THE PROPER FINISH FOR FRAME …

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NHTSA ODI #10920601

42,813 miles · Sep 4, 2015

Structure

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NOTICED RUST ON GARAGE FLOOR,HAD DEALER INSPECT THE FRAME WAS TOLD THAT , ONLY FOUND SURFACE RUST NO HOLES. AT WHAT POINT DOES THIS TURN INTO A SAFETY PROBLEM, MY HUSBAND AND I ARE VERY CONCERNED ! THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND WAS ALWAYS PARKED IN A INSULATED ATTACHED GARAGE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 45,000 MILES, THE BODY IS IN GOOD SHAPE.TOYOTA HAD PREVIOUS FRAME RUST ISSUES,WE WOULD HOPE TOYOTA WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME OR BUY THIS VEHICLE FROM US ,IF WE TRADED IT IN WHO WOULD WANT TO BUY IT WITH THIS RUSTY FRAME AND ,WHAT WOULD WE GET FOR IT?

NHTSA ODI #10761543

105,000 miles · Sep 26, 2014

Structure

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THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE MAIN FRAME UNDER THE VEHICLE BROKE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. AS FAR AS I KNOW TOYOTA HAS A LARGE RECALL NOW ON RAV 4S AND LEXUS VEHICLES DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST BUT THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL ON 4 RUNNERS. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY CONCERN IN HOPES OF LEADING TO A RECALL ON 4 RUNNERS BUILT DURING SIMILAR TIME PERIOD. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA THEY SAY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THEY ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS. BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO RECALL THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE DANGEROUS. WHEN THE FRAME BREAKS, THIS IS A DEADLY SITUATION WHILE DRIVING. TOYOTA OFFERED ME NO FORM OF REIMBURSEMENT WHEN I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE(TOYOTA CASE #[XXX]) FILED WITH TOYOTA OVER PHONE ON 9-25-14. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639414

94,000 miles · Jun 25, 2014

Structure

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HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA WITH 94000 MILES ON IT. TOOK IT IN FOR A RECENT RECALL AND TOLD THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AND BACK OF VEHICLE COULD JUST FALL APART WHILE DRIVING. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT TOYOTA HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WITH FRAMES RUSTING ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ONLY RECALLED A FEW OF THEIR MODELS. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT FOR SERVICE AND NO ONE HAS EVER MENTIONED ANY RUST PROBLEM UNTIL NOW WHEN IT IS APPARENTLY TO LATE AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE OR DRIVABLE. I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT MY CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN IN THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE FRAME GAVE OUT. TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I AM TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY TO ASSIST US. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605823

50,000 miles · May 27, 2014

Structure

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IN 2011, I NOTICED MY 2006 4RUNNER WAS RUSTING SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO LOOKED AT IN AND SAID NORMAL WEAR. NOW IN 2014, PARTS OF MY 4RUNNER ARE FALLING OFF, ONE HEAT SHIELD FELL OFF AND THE OTHER ONE IS RATTLING LIKE CRAZY, THE SCREWS HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. THERE IS SEVERE RUSTING, THE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE, THE LATCH TO CLOSE THE REAR DOOR, THE BRAKES,THE GAS TANK, THE BODY HAS BROWN SPOTS, THE TIRE RIMS, THE ONLY PARTS NOT RUSTED ARE THE PLASTIC PARTS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY 4RUNNER. I HAVE HAD TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON REPAIRS SO FAR ON A VEHICLE BOUGHT BRAND NEW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594166

12,000 miles · Jan 21, 2014

Structure

WE HAD THE 4 RUNNER SERVICE FOR OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION WHEN THEY FOUND THE FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND NONE REPAIRABLE WE STILL HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560884

45,000 miles · Aug 17, 2013

Structure

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IN SEPTEMBER 2012 I NOTICED PAINT BLISTERING ON THE TAILGATE OF MY 4RUNNER. I NOW (8/13) HAVE RUST THROUGH ORIGINATING FROM THE INSIDE MIDDLE OF THE TAIL GATE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 06 4RUNNER. IT WAS CAUSED BY A SOUND DEAFENING MATERIAL ON THE INSIDE OF THE GATE. "THE MATERIAL GETS WET AND HOLDS THE MOISTURE CAUSING BODY ROT". THIS SHOP HAS REPAIRED OTHER 4RUNNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO OWN A 1994 ISUZU TROOPER WITH NO BODY RUST THAT SITS NEXT TO IT IN MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS TOLD BY THE TOYOTA REP (OAKDALE TOYOTA IN NY) THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I ALSO HAVE EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10535898

58,000 miles · Jun 20, 2012

Structure

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CORROSION AND RUST ON THE MAJORITY OF THE FRAME. THERE WERE ALSO TWO AREAS WHERE THE FRAME HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY WELDED AND EXHIBITED HOLES. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEFECT WAS AS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10462366

Official recalls

16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler

Jun 2, 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

16V065000 · Air Bags:side/window

Feb 5, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

11V113000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Feb 24, 2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

DP18002 · Frame Corrosion

Opened Aug 17, 2018 · Closed Mar 18, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members

On August 7, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Gary Weinreich alleging premature frame corrosion failure in model year (MY) 2002 - 2006 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The petitioner based his request upon a corrosion-related front suspension failure he experienced in his MY 2005 Toyota 4Runner, a class action lawsuit settlement involving other Toyota products, and other complaints of underbody corrosion in Toyota 4Runner vehicles that he found in NHTSA?s online complaint database. The petitioner submitted a complaint to NHTSA documenting his experience (NHTSA ID 11098055). On August 17, 2018, ODI opened DP18-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI?s evaluation included information provided by the petitioner regarding his vehicle, facts related to the class action lawsuit cited by the petitioner, and consumer complaint data received by NHTSA regarding underbody corrosion in third and fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner vehicles.The undercarriage of the petitioner?s vehicle exhibited severe corrosion damage indicative of seawater immersion. The vehicle?s service history shows that concerns with underbody corrosion were first noted by a Toyota dealer in a multi-point vehicle inspection performed on April 28, 2011. The invoice for that inspection noted ?severe and excessive amount of rust on the undercarriage and on the drive shaft transmission.? Two years later, on October 21, 2013, another multi-point inspection by a Toyota dealer observed further progression of underbody corrosion damage, noting: ?rust on shocks/struts and other components,? ?rust on exhaust system,? ?both splash shields severely rusted,? and ?undercarriage very rusty.? On July 17, 2017, approximately 10 months prior to experiencing the suspension failure incident, an independent repair facility performing routine oil change and brake maintenance informed the Petitioner of a concern with ?excessive frame corrosion? on his vehicle. The service history, severe general corrosion damage, failure age, and environment do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure.ODI?s analysis of NHTSA complaint data identified fifteen incidents of front lower control arm failure in fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicles. Two of the failures, including the petitioner?s vehicle, involve vehicles operated in ocean front communities with continuous exposure to aerosolized marine salts and potential exposure to seawater immersion. The remaining thirteen failures all involved vehicles owned or previously registered in states with the greatest use of deicing salts to treat road surfaces in winter months (?Salt states?). On average, the front lower control arm failures occurred after 13.1 years in service in highly corrosive environments. The failure ages and environments do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Since the information before the Agency is not indicative of a vehicle-based defect, it is unlikely that any investigation opened because of granting this petition would result in an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition and the potential risks to safety, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action if warranted or the p

RQ10003 · Unintended And Uncontrolled Acceleration

Opened Feb 16, 2010 · Closed Mar 1, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Electrical System:software

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal