2006 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Problems

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

UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage

NHTSA ID

11587743

Incident

May 8, 2024

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 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 ID

11495340

Incident

Jul 6, 2022

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 ID

11483364

Incident

Sep 3, 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

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 ID

11458405

Incident

Mar 26, 2022

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 ID

11443177

Incident

May 17, 2015

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 ID

11441548

Incident

Nov 24, 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

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 ID

11427060

Incident

Jun 2, 2021

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

MY TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ENTIRE FRAME AND CONNECTING COMPONENTS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CRUMBLING. THE CAR ISN’T 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 ID

11416732

Incident

May 10, 2021

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 ID

11407610

Incident

Apr 6, 2021

Mileage

208,140 mi

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 ID

11405693

Incident

Mar 29, 2021

Mileage

84,499 mi

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

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 ID

11387977

Incident

Jan 11, 2021

Mileage

160,000 mi

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 ID

11352764

Incident

Sep 1, 2020

Mileage

122,000 mi

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 ID

11343420

Incident

Jul 7, 2020

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 ID

11341853

Incident

Jul 27, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

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 ID

11320279

Incident

Apr 5, 2020

Mileage

115,235 mi

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 ID

11320120

Incident

Oct 2, 2017

Mileage

87,000 mi

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 ID

11316446

Incident

Feb 26, 2020

Mileage

211,000 mi