1,791 of the 6,482 complaints filed about the Toyota 4RUNNER are about the body and structure — 28% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2004.
1,791
Complaints
28%
Share of all complaints
30
Crashes
3
Fires
STRUCTURE:BODY
Distracting clicking/rattling noise on front dash
NHTSA complaint #11753216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am writing to report a serious safety hazard regarding the factory paint and primer on my 2011 Toyota 4Runner (Paint Code: [ 070 for Blizzard Pearl]). The vehicle is experiencing severe, widespread paint delamination where areas of factory paint are peeling cleanly away from the metal body panels while driving. This is a known manufacturing defect involving a chemical failure of the factory primer, which Toyota previously acknowledged under Customer Support Program ZKG. This manufacturing failure has created distinct, immediate safety hazards on public roadways. Blinding Glare / Driver Distraction: Because the paint has completely peeled away in sections on the hood, the bare, highly reflective eco-coat/metal underneath is completely exposed and getting worse day by day. During peak daylight hours, the sun reflects off these large exposed areas directly into my line of sight, causing sudden, blinding glare that severely impairs my vision while operating the vehicle. Toyota has refused to remedy this manufacturing defect case number : 260612000716, citing that the vehicle is outside of their arbitrary calendar-based extension program (ZKG), despite the fact that the underlying chemical failure and resulting safety hazards remain active and dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11743711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Recalls I have not done myself and have had the vehicle since March 2020
NHTSA complaint #11742866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint is failing on this vehicle. The color is 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic. The paint is peeling on the roof, hood, and two doors. The failure has been confirmed by a body shop.
NHTSA complaint #11741642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2005 Toyota 4runner with frame rust that has caused everything under my 4runner to rust. Toyota knows these frames have problems with rust and corrosion and have done nothing, I am far from being the only one with this complaint or problem. It is up for inspection anytime. I have taken it to get work done at shops and been turned away because of the amount of rust on all bolts, lines, all metal under truck causing it to be a liability. I cant even get my skid plates off to fully address the issue. The metal is starting to split on the main frame by the tire, it is rotting from inside. Rust has always been there but last couple years has gotten really bad. So much rust my gas tank strap has broken but so much rust I cant get the skid plate off to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11737968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame is rotting away. The tacomas, tundras, sequoia were recalled for this issue. The tacomas frame is very close in design to the 4runner. The main difference is the 4runner uses coil springs whereas the tacoma used leaf springs. Toyota stated that because the 4runner was made in Japan unlike the others that were made in the USA, that the 4runners were not part of the recall.most of the 4runners that are no longer drivable, are because of rotted frames. The repair kits that fix the rotted frames on the tacomas are the same kits that fix the 4runners. Now toyota won't even touch my vehicle for other repairs because of the rot holes.
NHTSA complaint #11732907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
White Paint Peeling From Metal Body Panels
NHTSA complaint #11729684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating. The clear coat on the hood and roof (horizontal panels) is severely peeling and delaminating. The protective clear layer has failed, and the base coat is beginning to oxidize. This is not the result of neglect, damage, or improper care. The condition appears to be premature material or manufacturing failure of the clear coat. I have contacted Toyota corporate and opened a case. I was informed there are currently no other documented cases for gray paint and that additional complaints would be required before further investigation. I have read numerous reports in online owner forums indicating this is a common issue affecting 4Runners and other Toyota models, particularly on sun-exposed horizontal panels. However, Toyota has not formally addressed this issue for gray paint vehicles. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential widespread clear coat defect and to request further review.
NHTSA complaint #11718254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Severe frame rust. 2 large holes on the inside of the frame just back from the front wheels and 2 large holes at the ends of the rear crossmember.
NHTSA complaint #11711459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Frame, Suspension, Airbags / Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: Safety was put at risk due to frame & suspension failure due to severe rust. Also due to failure of deployment of AirBags. Rusted Frame Failure subsequently caused safety of Injured Party and other motorists to be at risk due to the Injured Party’s 4Runner to dart across oncoming lane of traffic with no warning other than a swaying motion felt immediately before losing control. Once the Injured Party lost control of the 4Runner it crossed into oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.
NHTSA complaint #11707650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11701158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11701158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Received a letter about recall letter about peeling paint. Paint was ok at time of letter. A year later the paint is now peeling from every panel. Toyota says the campaign has ended and there is nothing they can do. But customer relations also said there are many people calling in after the fact with the same peeling problem. I would like Toyota to repaint the vehicle because they are aware that they have a problem. I will be trading my vehicle in for a new one in a year and my vehicle will not be worth anything in its current shape. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11698172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT CLEAR COAT BUBBLING ISSUES REGARDING ROOF AND REAR BUMPER
NHTSA complaint #11690324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Loose window glass on driver and passenger side,hood wobbles,rear spoiler loose.
NHTSA complaint #11688423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
2025 4Runner had loose window glass on driver and passenger side,hood wobbles and rear spoiler loose hoping for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11688551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame under the car rusted so much that the gas tank literally fell through the frame to the ground. This put my son at risk and fortunately he was able to pull over in a residential area and exit the vehicle. A mechanic and welding company both assessed the vehicle and acknowledged the u unusual and excessive rusting. In researching online and speaking to car experts, this seems and is confirmed to be poor manufacturing and materials used for the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11686705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered rust on the front driver's side subframe. Additionally, the subframe had developed holes due to rust. The cause of the failures was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Side view mirrors shake to the point you cannot see out of them. Car has 2K miles on it and has been to the dealer 5 times over the past month for resolution. Dealer and toyota have escalated to a more advanced technical team, they took a look at it and informed me it is a normal characteristic of the vehicle with no fix. This is unacceptable and not safe to drive on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11683354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.