2006 Toyota 4Runner Body & structure Problems

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 ID

11732907

Incident

Sep 8, 2022

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 ID

11686705

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

Dangerous and rusted through frame. The vehicles frame should have been recalled like the other Toyotas affected.

NHTSA ID

11674391

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

We took the vehicle in for inspection and it failed due to the exhaust leaks, and more importantly the frame rusting out. We never received the recall notice for this issue. We have owned this vehicle for many years, so there is no reason we would not have been notified for the recall of the frame. The vehicle was just serviced last year and we spent a great deal of money to keep it running properly so we would not have any issues and it would last us for quite a long time to come. With the frame being rusted through, there is simply no way to keep this vehicle safe. Toyota did not notify customers that had the vehicles with the frame issue. This is something that is simply not acceptable. We are a family of Toyota owners and have always depended on the reliability of them. Finding this out has really shocked us and honestly diminished our trust in the Toyota reliability. Is Toyota willing to fix this issue, are we just stuck with this. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11641564

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

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 ID

11630483

Incident

Oct 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that after a State Inspection, the vehicle was declared unsafe to drive on the State roadways due to severe corrosion. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the subframe needed to be replaced due to extensive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11562336

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

Mileage

140,000 mi

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 ID

11529092

Incident

Jun 24, 2023

My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame

NHTSA ID

11471394

Incident

Jun 27, 2022

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 ID

11462474

Incident

Apr 22, 2022

I took my car in for routine maintenance and they pointed out rust on the frame and suggested it was more than it should have and could cause a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11453554

Incident

Feb 21, 2022

Rusted frame and under carriage is rusting other parts of the vehicle, very dangerous!

NHTSA ID

11448880

Incident

Jan 25, 2022

I own a 2006 Toyota 4Runner Sport and have major rust issue with the frame of vehicle. Toyota is aware of this issue and I believe it is a safety hazard. No way should it rust like it has.

NHTSA ID

11443892

Incident

Aug 2, 2021

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 ID

11438399

Incident

Oct 27, 2021

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 ID

11438354

Incident

Nov 1, 2020

Mileage

134,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the undercarriage frame was rusted. The contact was made aware of the failure after replacing the exhaust pipe himself and taking the vehicle to the dealer to have the sway bar removed and replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11436934

Incident

Sep 25, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

I purchased my 2006 4Runner brand new and am the original owner. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has been very well maintained and both the body and drivetrain is in great condition. I just learned that my entire frame is rusted and rotted out. I have been told the vehicle is unsafe to drive and this is a known problem with both Toyota Tundras and 4Runners. I was encouraged to file this report and attach pictures.

NHTSA ID

11436704

Incident

Oct 13, 2021

Frame under the vehicle has severe premature rusting including large holes that make the vehicle dangerous to drive. Vehicle has been inspected, and this is the info that was given to me. Vehicle model/year has seen this issue countless times from other owners, and Toyota has not paid to repair this major flaw from their vehicles. This vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, but has been inspected by a body shop/ repair shop. No warning lamps or messages were shown. Vehicle frame has not failed yet, but needs replacement.

NHTSA ID

11433725

Incident

Sep 19, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while in for maintenance it was discovered that the subframe had experienced extensive rusting and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11429889

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

121,000 mi

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 ID

11423377

Incident

Jul 3, 2021

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 ID

11419792

Incident

Jun 6, 2021

Frame rust damage, normal street driving. Lower control arm mounts disintegrated causing vehicle to be not drivable. Along with complete frame rust that possibly couldve lead to even more dangerous conditions.

NHTSA ID

11417640

Incident

May 15, 2021

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY RUSTED OUT, DEALER TRIED TO REPLACE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY & WINCH BUT WAS UNABLE TO PUT SPARE IN NEW ASSEMBLY HOLDER BECAUSE OF THE RUST AND SAFETY HAZARD SAYING IT WILL FALL OFF. I WAS ADVISE OF THIS TODAY, APRIL 8, AT 3:00 PM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO REPORT THIS TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA REP AND PUT THE SPARE TIRE INSIDE THE TRUNK OF MY SUV. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE 4RUNNER TRUCKS AND DEALER STATED IN THE PAST I HAD SUPERFICIAL RUST. I ALSO SEE THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION SUIT AND TOYOTA SETTLE A SIMILAR SUIT WITH TACOMA AND TUNDRA TRUCK OWNERS FOR THE SAME RUST ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR TO KEEP IT RUNNING WELL AND TRYING TO KEEP IT SAFE. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED WITH THE NHTSA AUGUST 17, 2018, PLAINTIFF WEINREICH.

NHTSA ID

11407092

Incident

Apr 8, 2021

Mileage

165,000 mi

2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER PURCHASED NEW IN NOVEMBER 2006. THE FRAME HAS SUFFERED FROM SUCH BAD FRAME CORROSION THAT NUMEROUS MECHANIC HAVE REFUSED TO PUT THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT FOR FEAR OF COMPLETE FRAME COLLAPSE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED OTHERWISE BUT IS NOW A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE ADVANCED FRAME CORROSION. SERVICE PROFESSIONALS HAVE COMMENTED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH FRAME DISINTEGRATION IN A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. I REALLY FEEL THIS IS A DEFECTIVE FRAME WITH REST OF THE VEHICLE IN SATISFACTORY AND OPERABLE CONDITION.

NHTSA ID

11405339

Incident

Nov 14, 2006

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 ID

11404081

Incident

Mar 20, 2021

Mileage

147,000 mi

RUSTING OF THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

11403347

Incident

Feb 1, 2017