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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140,000 miles · Jun 14, 2017

SteeringStructure

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING FAILED AND TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (CLASSIC TOYOTA LOCATED AT 8510 TYLER BLVD MENTOR, OH, 44060) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE FRAME BE REPAIRED. CASE NUMBER: 1706140790 WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #10995115

65,200 miles · Apr 29, 2017

StructureSuspension

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?PURCHASED CAR IN BOULDER 3/22/2017 ?2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER VIN # [XXX] ?RUST DAMAGE / DEALER STATED RUST WAS BECAUSE CAR WAS FROM NY, BUT WOULD NOT GET WORSE AND WAS JUST SUPERFICIAL RUST. ?PURCHASED CAR AND SET AN APPT. WITH PUEBLO TOYOTA 3/24/2017 TO MOUNT SPARE TIRE AND DO AN INSPECTION ?TOYOTA COULD NOT MOUNT SPARE TIRE AND STATED VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION EXCEPT FOR SEVERE RUST DAMAGE, COULD NOT INSTALL SPARE TIRE, AND INFORMED ME THAT IT MAY COST DOUBLE TO DO REPAIRS IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE OF RUST DAMAGE. ?TOOK CAR TO PRO-MASTERS AUTO BODY SHOP ON 3/24/2017 AND THEY INFORMED MY SON THAT THE RUST WAS SEVERE AND THEY WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, BUT ESTIMATED COSTS TO REPAIR THE REAR END TO BE $6,000 TO $7,000 ?REVIEWED ON INTERNET AND THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT RUST DAMAGE ON 2006 TOYOTA 4-RUNNERS, TUNDRA?S, AND TACOMA?S FROM N.E. STATES. COMMENTS WERE ALSO MADE THAT THE VEHICLE WITH SEVERE RUST DAMAGE COULD BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ?TOOK CAR TO INDIVIDUAL WHO RESTORES CARS AND HE SAID THE RUST WAS SO SEVERE AND CAR WAS NOT WORTH REPAIRING AND UNSAFE AND HE WOULD NOT LET HIS WIFE OR FAMILY DRIVE IT. ?TOOK CAR TO CUSTOM CARE REPAIR SHOP TO REVIEW RUST AND INSTALL SPARE TIRE AND THEY CONCURRED THAT THE RUST WAS SEVERE AND UNSAFE AND COULD NOT INSTALL SPARE TIRE. ?I CALLED PRO-MASTERS AUTO BODY SHOP TO CONFIRM WHAT THEY HAD INSPECTED AND IF I COULD GIVE HIS NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IF ASKED. OHE INFORMED ME THAT RUST WAS SO SEVERE THAT IF HE ATTEMPTED TO SECURE SPARE TIRE, THAT THE FRAME HOLDING IT WAS SO THIN HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE IT WOULD NOT FALL OFF. OHE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT AS THE VEHICLE GETS WET THE FRAME BECOMES WEAKER AND COULD START TO CRUMBLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10981421

195,000 miles · Apr 24, 2017

Structure

I,ALONG WITH 48 OTHER PEOPLE, HAVE POSTED TO THIS FORUM THAT THE FRAME ON THEIR 4RUNNER HAD RUSTED AND/OR CRACKED. ADD MINE TO THE LIST. MY MECHANIC USED THE WORD "TERMINAL" IN RESPONSE TO THE CONDITION OF MY FRAME. IT'S NOT FULLY ON ITS DEATH BED, BUT IT LIKELY WON'T BE DRIVEABLE AFTER 6 MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #10980330

62,584 miles · Apr 11, 2017

Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…

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NHTSA ODI #10971898

126,000 miles · Apr 8, 2017

Structure

THE FRAME, HEAT SHIELDS, SKID PLATE AND REAR AXEL ARE SEVERELY RUSTED. WE'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2008 AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGED AND KEPT CLEAN. THE RUST IS REACHING A POINT WHERE WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. WE'VE NOTICED IT COMING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR - NOW IT'S GROWING EXPONENTIALLY. APPARENTLY THE TOYOTA …

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NHTSA ODI #10971429

179,000 miles · Apr 7, 2017

StructureUnknown Or Other

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WE HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF OUR 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED THE CONTROL JOINT TO COME LOOSE, AND GIVING ME VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE RUST IS AN ISSUES...AND A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND CALL A TOW TRUCK, BUT HAD THIS HAPPENED DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESS WAY I CANNOT IMAGINE THE END RESULT. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE RUST ISSUES. THEY HAVE GREAT VEHICLES THAT WILL RUN FOREVER IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM, BUT THIS ISSUE IS NOT A CARE ISSUE - IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10971169

62,000 miles · Mar 26, 2017

Structure

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY DREAM CAR A 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN COLORADO BUT IT WAS ORIGINALLY FROM NEW YORK. THE VEHICLE HAS VERY LOW MILES AND RUST DAMAGE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP AT NO SURPRISE WAS NOT LOOKING OUT FOR MY BEST INTEREST AND DID NOT INFORM ME HOW BAD THE RUST DAMAGE IS AND IT MAY COST MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD TO FIX IT AT ALL. CURRENTLY I AM NOT ABLE TO ATTACH THE SPARE TIRE BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I DON'T KNOW HOW SEVERE THE RUST DAMAGE IS. PUEBLO COLORADO REPAIR SHOPS ARE NOT EXPERTS IN THIS AREA BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SEE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE VERY OFTEN.,I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HELP PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I DO BUT IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY SINCE YOU ARE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR DREAM CARS I THOUGHT IT WOULD NOT HURT TO ASK IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY TO FIX OR ADVISE ME ON WHAT I SHOULD DO. A RESPONSE EITHER WAY WOULD BE APPRECIATED

NHTSA ODI #10968542

44,000 miles · Mar 15, 2017

Structure

REAR AXLE DETACHED FROM VEHICLE DUE TO SEVERE RUST. SEVERE FRAME RUST - DEALER DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #10966115

190,000 miles · Mar 13, 2017

Service BrakesStructure

4RUNNER HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, AND THE EXTERIOR LOOKS PERFECT, LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID, MECHANIC PUT ON LIFT AND FOUND LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH AND THEN POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME IS SEVERLY RUSTED AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. TRAILER HITCH, WILL FALL OFF IF I TRY AND USE IT. BOX FRAME IS RUSTED OUT ON THE BOTTOM FROM F…

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NHTSA ODI #10960352

100,762 miles · Dec 8, 2016

Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,762.

NHTSA ODI #10933874

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