65 of the 520 complaints about the 2006 Toyota 4RUNNER are about the suspension — 13% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 125,000 miles.
65
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
SUSPENSION
My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.
NHTSA complaint #11630483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage
NHTSA complaint #11587743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.
NHTSA complaint #11529092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
My car is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. This past summer I had a tire leaking and took it to the garage for repair. The mechanic stated that the frame is rusting out in the front right, tire rod area, and saw a pinhole. Last week I took the vehicle to get a transmission oil change. That mechanic saw that there's more rust that is spreading throughout the entire frame, worse than the area found from just a few months ago. I learned online that Toyota had purposely used cheap steel for the frame and had replaced the same frame used on other trucks such as the Tacoma and Highlander but is refusing to replace the 4Runner. These rusted out frames are affecting many 4Runners. I have a 1964 Cadillac and that frame is in better condition than the 4Runner. I'm forced to pay $15,000 to replace the frame or salvage my car. It shouldn't have come to this, especially when the same frame that was replace on other trucks isn't being replaced for mine.
NHTSA complaint #11495340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I have a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. I also have a 2005 GMC Sierra, but this 4Runner's frame is absolutely toast, while the GMC is completely fine. Toyota issued recalls on the tacoma, tundra, and the sequoia, so why not the 4Runner? My car started swaying and violently shaking on the highway. I pulled over and looked underneath, only to see the rear section of the frame had completely disconnected. This could have caused a major accident or even death if I did not catch it soon enough. This is a MASSIVE safety issue, and if people do not know what to look for with these, Toyota will be seeing a lot of wrongful death lawsuits.
NHTSA complaint #11483364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Vehicle failed inspection due to rust on the frame. Bought vehicle because it is supposedly ruggedly built and for the frame to rust out when the vehicle has 103k miles and not driven off-road for more than a few times since we owned it is ridiculous. Dealer quoted $11k for the frame alone, not including labor. The fact this vehicle shares the platform with the Tacoma which was recalled for frame does not make sense. Vehicle was inspected last year (Virginia requires annual safety inspections), so given the amount of rust discovered makes me doubt whether or not the Toyota dealership did a thorough job inspecting the vehicle last year. We don't drive the vehicle that much so it doesn't make sense that it would rust som significantly.
NHTSA complaint #11462474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Since an inspection Oct 2021 the rust/corrosive on the frame has become. Dangerously close to rotting thru the entire frame! It’s not driven in the winter months when snow or ice melt (salt) is on the roads to prevent situations like this. With only 75,000 miles always garage kept and maintained like it’s brand new this vehicle might be able to be saved for a model in a shop class to practice welding. Something needs to be done because this ifvvjj
NHTSA complaint #11458405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. - In May 2015 I struck a deer with the vehicle travelling on a US Trunk Hwy and the rust problem was reported as being severe by the body shop who repaired the front end damage. Note: The corrosion, in my opinion, did NOT cause the accident with the deer.
NHTSA complaint #11443177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, I'VE FOUND A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST THROUGH OUT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAS FRAME REPLACEMENT RECALLS TO THE TUNDRAS, AND SEQUIAS BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER. I FEEL THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF. I ALSO FEEL THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE FOR MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE CHASSIS.
NHTSA complaint #11441548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the control arm detached. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the control arm was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact stated that while a routine inspection was being performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the frame was corroded, and the vehicle was not drivable. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
machanic noticed rust when took in for service frame is thru and thru with rust damage especially at rear torsion bars NOT safe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11438399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
When I went to have a tail pipe replaced, it was discovered that the frame of my car was badly rusted. Upon bringing to a mechanic, an auto body shop and a Toyota dealer, they all said the car is not safe to drive. The rest of the body is in mint condition as is the interior and mechanics. I called Toyota Corporation asking for assistance, provided them with the vin and was told they would do nothing and suggested I "junk' the car. Toyota replaced the same frames on their Tacoma models under a recall and it turns out there is no recall for this model. The same frames are used on the 4Runner as well as the Tacoma. Saftcap.com in Cranston RI holds a United States patent for replacing parts of these frames and the owner feels there should have been a recall on the 4Runners just like the Tacomas.
NHTSA complaint #11427060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Frame is rusting apart Rear lower trailing arm section has already been patched by previous owner Upper trailing arm connection point to frame crossmember has perished due to rust If the other side breaks the rear axle can flex excessively causing control problems Toyota’s service campaign for other trucks should not have omitted the 4Runner which shares many identical design characteristics
NHTSA complaint #11423377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Corrosion related issues not found on other makes based on personal experience with other boxed ladder frame vehicles Extreme corrosion involving disintegration of the rear trailing arm already haphazardly repaired with steel doubler Ladder frame is disintegrating from interior of frame penetrating towards the exterior facade Compromises structural integrity and safety of vehicle that is seen beyond on many 4runners beside this particular example Brake calipers sticking due to corrosion requiring replacement on multiple occasions Binding of brake components cause severe pull under highway speed braking
NHTSA complaint #11419792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
MY TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ENTIRE FRAME AND CONNECTING COMPONENTS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CRUMBLING. THE CAR ISNT SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS AS ITS COMMON AND NO RECALL IS IN PLACE. WHEN DRIVING, ONE TIRE IS COMPLETELY BARELY HANGING ON AS THE FRAME IS FAILING ALL OVER. THE CAR WOBBLES AND SWERVES AND FEELS AS IF IT WILL COME APART AT ANY TIME. THIS FRAME WAS NEVER TREATED PROPERLY WHEN INSTALLED. IF YOU WENT OVER 50 THE CAR COULD FALL APART AND WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11416732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CHANGING HIS BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP18002 (STRUCTURE) WAS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER. THE CONTACT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 208,140.
NHTSA complaint #11407610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I JUST HAD MY 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (85K MILES) SERVICED AT A-1 TOYOTA IN NEW HAVEN CT. MY CAR IS IMMACULATE AND SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED FRAME RUST ISSUES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11405693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
JUST BOUGHT A 2006 4RUNNER AND DID NOT THINK TO CHECK UNDERNEATH FOR ANYTHING. I NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME HUGE RUST SPOTS, IT'S RUSTING FROM INSIDE THE FRAME OUT TO THE SURFACE. IT'S BAD. I GOOGLED WHAT I SHOULD DO TO FIX IT BECAUSE NOW I'M OUT 7K FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A RELIABLE SUV. THEY SELL PATCH KITS ONLINE REQUIRING ME TO PURCHASE THE KITS AND HAVE THEM WELDED TO THE FRAME BY A PROFESSIONAL AFTER THEY CLEAN THE RUST COMPLETELY. THAT'S EXPENSIVE. TOYOTA SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND NOT FIGHT THIS CLAIM. NO TRUCK THAT YEAR SHOULD RUST THIS BAD. IN FACT I'VE BOUGHT A 77 CHEVY C10 THAT WAS A FARM TRUCK MOST IT'S LIFE AND IT DID NOT HAVE ANY FRAME RUST WHAT SO EVER. THERE'S MULTIPLE CLAIMS ON FACEBOOK AND OTHER 4RUNNER SPECIFIC GROUPS ONLINE THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS TO HAPPEN. WHAT IF I DIDN'T NOTICE AND I LET MY WIFE AND KIDS RIDE IN THE SUV AND THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF DOWN THE HIGHWAY? YOU RECALLED OTHER MODELS DO TO FRAME RUST, BUT NOT THE SAME YEAR 4RUNNER. PLEASE HELP US 4RUNNER OWNERS FIX THIS BECAUSE ALL IN ALL IT'S A GREAT SUV TOYOTA MAKES SOME OF THE BEST PRODUCT OUT THERE, WE JUST WANT TO KEEP THEM ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11404081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I HAVE A 2006 4RUNNER WITH NO RUST ON THE BODY BUT THE FRAME IS FULL OF RUST. ALL BODY MOUNTS HAVE RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A WABLE WHEN HITTING BUMPS. I AM SO WORRIED THAT THE CAR IS GOING TO BREAK IN HALF AT ANY TIME. IT CAUSES UNUSUAL SOUNDS, CREAKING, SQUEAKING, UNUSUAL NOISES, BAD ALIGNMENT, UNEVEN WEAR IN THE TIRES, SUSPENSION, AND SHOCKS. ... FRAME IS VISIBLY BENT AND SEVERELY DAMAGED ... THE WORST THING IS THAT I CALLED TOYOTA FOR SERVICE AND THEY WON'T FIX MY FRAME... MY MECHANIC SAID THAT IS TOO FAR GONE TO FIX .. I'M NOT ABLE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT BROKE OFF ON ME..
NHTSA complaint #11387977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
FRAME RUST HAS MADE 4 RUNNER BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR. MANY PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO RUST. ONLY 124000 MILES ON VEHICLE. RUSTED BRAKE LINES, STEERING COLUMN, TRANSMISSION LINES RUSTED. FORTUNATELY BRAKE LINES LEAKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS M NOT BEING DRIVEN AT THIS TIME, PARKED IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11352764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND FULL OF HOLES . SUSPENSION IS IN DANGER OF DETACHING SPONTANEOUSLY. THE ODOMETER HAS BEEN ROLLED BACK OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND.
NHTSA complaint #11343420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
IN PENNSYLVANIA, THERE IS A REQUIREMENT FOR YEARLY SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON ALL VEHICLES. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP IN JULY 2019 AND HAVE HAD LITTLE TO NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. WE REPLACED THE EXHAUST (WHICH IS TYPICAL IN PENNSYLVANIA) AND A FEW SUSPENSION PARTS IN MAY/JUNE 2020, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT OUR MECHANIC OBSERVED RUST TO THE FRAME THAT HE BELIEVED POSED A REAL DANGER TO OUR SAFETY. WE TOOK THE CAR BACK IN IN LATE JULY 2020 TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FRAME ISSUE, AS THE YEARLY INSPECTION IS UP AT THE END OF AUGUST. OUR MECHANIC STATED WE COULD DO A REPAIR JOB OF $1,500, BUT ESSENTIALLY THE FRAME WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. HE SAID THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, BUT THE FRAME IS A SAFETY HAZARD. WE GAVE OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER A CALL TO SEE IF WE COULD FULLY REPLACE THE FRAME AND WERE WILLING TO PAY FOR NEEDED REPAIRS. THE TECHNICIAN/REPRESENTATIVE IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT LET US KNOW THAT THE FRAME FOR THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOTALLY DISCONTINUED. HE STATED OUR ONLY OPTION WOULD BE TO HAVE IT CUSTOM MADE, SHIPPED IN FROM JAPAN, AND WOULD COST $7,000 JUST FOR THAT PART. LABOR WAS NOT DISCUSSED, AS THE CAR IS CURRENTLY ONLY WORTH THAT MUCH ACCORDING TO KELLY BLUE BOOK. ESSENTIALLY, THE CAR IS TOTALED DUE TO RUSTING ON THE FRAME THAT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN SIMILAR TOYOTA MODELS IN THE SAME YEAR (ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE). I HAVE TRIED TO REACH OUT TO TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE REGARDING THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY SAY THERE IS NO SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME TO REPAIR THE FRAME ON THIS CAR. WE HAD BOUGHT THIS CAR UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECENT FRAME RECALL, IT WOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11341853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED WITH RUSTED OUT HOLES. CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BREAK OFF, ALMOST CAUSING MY TEENAGE SON TO CRASH FORTUNATELY HE WAS ON A SIDE STREET AND DRIVING SLOW
NHTSA complaint #11320279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS ROTTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. IT HAS 117000 MILES ON IT AND RUNS WELL OTHER THAN THE RUSTED OUT FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11320120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON HIGHWAY WHEN FRAME BROKE BY REAR TIRE CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN. I HAD TOWED TOO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTED FROM RUST AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVE ABLE. WHAT? IT RAN LIKE A CHAMP AND AND I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. DID NORMAL MAINTENANCE LIFE WAS GOOD. THE ENGINE OUT LASTED THE FRAME. THAT IS JUST CRAZY APPARENTLY THE 2006 TACOMA, HIGHLANDER, AND TUNDRA THAT USED SAME FRAME WERE COVERED BUT TOYOTA SKIPPED THE 4 RUNNER. THE FRAME COMPLETELY SPLIT AND WAS CLOSE IN OTHER AREA. THERE MUST BE SOME RECOURSE.
NHTSA complaint #11316446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 4 RUNNER ON THE HWY. THE FRAME COLLAPSED BY THE REAR WHEEL AND I LOST CONTROL AS THE REAR END WAS "WAGGING". TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY WERE NOT OPEN OR UP FRONT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEMATIC DEFECT THAT TOYOTA HAS TURNED ITS BACK ON. THE TACOMA, HIGHLANDER, AND TUNDRA MODELS OF SAME YEAR WERE NOTIFIED AND RECALLED. THE 4 RUNNER OWNERS NOT EVEN NOTIFIED, VERY LUCKY THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE OWNERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11312163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
CORROSION AND ROTTING OF THE FRAME. SIGNIFICANT AREAS ROTTING IN RIGHT FRONT FRAME TOWARDS FRONT BUMPER MOUNTING AREAS AND RIGHT REAR FRAME ON FRONT SIDE OF RIGHT REAR TIRE. RIGHT FRONT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE IN A FRONT END COLLISION. FRONT END VIBRATIONS
NHTSA complaint #11309590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I BOUGHT MY 4RUNNER NEW AND HAVE TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF IT VIA THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM, DOING AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 5000 MILES. NOW THEY TELL ME THE TRUCK SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN SINCE THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN THE REAR. THE TRUCKS MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AT PRESTIGE TOYOTA MAHESH NJ 201-669-4525 SERVICE MANAGER IS ROBERT J TEUNISEN
NHTSA complaint #11299448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
DID AN OIL CHANGE YESTERDAY, AND AS USUAL I DO AN INSPECTION ON MY UNDERCARRIAGE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS FINE, (I.E. LEAKS, MAKING SURE THE SUSPENSION IS TIGHT, ETC) AND I AM NOTICING EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION, WHICH IS WORRISOME AS I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THE TACOMAS, TUNDRAS, AND SEQUOIAS, BUT NOTHING FOR THE 4RUNNERS. ITS STARTING TO GET PRETTY BAD AND I REALLY WOULDNT WANT MY FRAME TO FAIL AS THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I JUST WANT TOYOTA TO MAKE IT RIGHT LIKE THEY DID FOR THE OTHERS. I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND WOULD NOT WANT SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC TO HAPPEN
NHTSA complaint #11286598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
HI, I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN REGARDS TO THE POTENTIAL RECALL OF THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER ROTTING FRAMES. I PURCHASED A BEAUTIFUL 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT IN OCT OF 2018 THIS SUV HAD LESS THAN 130,000 MILES, THE BODY AND INTERIOR ARE IN IMMACULATE CONDITION' I LOVED IT. THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER I TAKE IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS DONE AND FIND OUT FROM THAT SHOP THAT THE FRAME IS OVERLY RUSTED THEY STATED TOYOTA HAS A RECALL ON RUSTED FRAMES AND TELLS ME TO GO TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND LOOK INTO IT, SO I DID THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY RECALLED THE TUNDRA, SEQUOIA AND THE TACOMA BUT HAVEN'T RECALLED THE 4RUNNER THE TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT HE HAD A FLOOD OF 4RUNNER OWNERS BRINGING THEIR SUVS TO BE INSPECTED AND SOME WERE SO SEVERE AND THE 4RUNNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED' HE RECOMMENDED THAT WE UNDERCOAT IT UNTIL A RECALL HAPPENS, SO MY HUSBAND TAKES IT AND SPENDS ABOUT 250.00 AND UNDERCOATS THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH. NOW IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND WE BROUGHT OUR 4RUNNER TO A SHOP TO HAVE SOME SHOCK AND STRUT WORK DONE AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FRAME IS OVERLY RUSTED AGAIN AND THE UNDERCOAT HAS WORN OFF AND NOW THERE ARE SEVERE CRACKS IN THE FRONT AND THE REAR OF OUR FRAME, I AM TOTALLY SICKENED AND AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS NOW. BEFORE BUYING THIS 4RUNNER I DID RESEARCH AND WAS LOOKING FOR A TOP RATED SUV THAT WAS RELIABLE AND SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE 4RUNNER WAS THERE' NOW LOOK WHAT I HAVE A VERY UNSAFE CAR NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT ALSO MY FAMILY AND TO OTHER FAMILIES THAT ARE OUT ON THE ROAD. I PURCHASED THIS SUV FOR 8,700.00 USING UP YEARS OF MONEY SAVED AND NOW IM FINDING OUT THAT I WILL NEED TO BRING IT INTO A FRAME SHOP FOR EITHER WELDING AND OR POSSIBLE FRAME REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11286699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.