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4runner Rust investigation

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Thevault301, Jun 8, 2019.

  1. Jun 8, 2019 at 11:06 AM
    #1
    Thevault301

    Thevault301 [OP] New Member

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    The NHTSA has conducted a investigation on the 4runners Frame. The investigation was started Augest of 2018. Does anyone think that this might lead to a recall?

    Screenshot_2019-06-05-09-40-44.jpg
     
  2. Jun 8, 2019 at 3:45 PM
    #2
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    While it’s old news, in addition to the NHTSA investigation, a class action lawsuit “Weinreich v. Toyota” is also currently in progress, tho as I have posted elsewhere, it is targeting 2005-2010 or 2011 model years which doesn't make any sense to me. The NHTSA investigation is from 02-09 manufactured models. Who knows how long either of these will take. Lawsuit is probably at least a year away from any sort of resolution. NHTSA investigation, idk how long those even take. We are pushing up on a year here shortly.

    Honestly who the heck knows what will come of this. I wouldn’t hold my breath. If a frame replacement campaign is green light then I’ll be super happy.
     
  3. Jun 21, 2019 at 1:29 PM
    #3
    poncho65

    poncho65 New Member

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    These are Tundra frames behind my local Toyota dealership. The Tundra frames in my opinion didn't look that bad. The 4runner frame photos I've seen posted here and on the internet seem to be in alot worse condition.....so hopefully the NHTSA will rule in our favor.IMG_0958.jpg IMG_0957.jpg
     
  4. Jun 21, 2019 at 2:58 PM
    #4
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    OK

    But how many Toyota's had this issue.

    I have a 2005 4 runner, and I'm pretty sure it has some "undercoating' - either by factory or dealer.

    Hm!
     
  5. Jun 21, 2019 at 3:32 PM
    #5
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    Would be dealer. They didn’t come from the factory with any extra undercoat.
     
  6. Jun 21, 2019 at 4:05 PM
    #6
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    OK... but.. I bought a new GMC Jimmy in 1995 and by 2005 the body had rusted away into a "horror" everywhere.
    My 2005 4 runner has absolutely no rust on the outer body where the paint is still perfect.
    I don't think the dealer had anything to do with "paint" on my 4 runner - if you know what I mean.
    The door jams are all rust free still. The Jimmy's doors were ready to fall off because of all the rust. The rust actually came through the roof in a few places, and the "hatch" was so rusted I was afraid to open and close it.


    Got $800 for the Jimmy when I sold it. Still ran OK. Their 6 cyclinder engine didn't burn or leak oil, but had serious running problems with their carburetors flooding. Then.. wouldn't start.

    Cost for a new carb fix was about $1,000. GM knows about these issues. Ugly!
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2021
  7. Jun 21, 2019 at 4:37 PM
    #7
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    No I don’t quite understand what you are getting at? Your GMC body rusting out versus your 4Runner body being in good condition?

    No one is really complaining about 4Runner body rust. They are complaining about frame rust. Though there have been plenty of reports of the rear hatch rusting from the inside out due to water collecting within a sound deadening patch on the inside of the panel.
     
  8. Jun 21, 2019 at 4:54 PM
    #8
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    My 4runner hatch is like new (no rust). Minor rust on the underbody. My 4runner was built in Japan, and maybe that has something to do with it. 150,000 trouble free driving - stop and go - in Nassau Bahamas.

    Check out some of the online forums. Some are getting 400,000 miles plus on their 4 runners. At the Scotty Kilmer link below someone says he is going for 1,000,000 miles on his 4 runner.

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...731071EFDED6547C4D52731071EFDED6&&FORM=VDRVRV

    Like I wrote if you were reading, the dealer here probably put the "black" undercoating down there and (black) skid plates - no rust there, as it can go another 14 years.

    Check out what Scotty Kilmer thinks about Toyota cars and trucks. That's all he owns. Scotty has 50 years as a mechanic. There's a picture of his Toyota car vs another brand that rusted away.

    BTW.. It's the owners responsibility to get the car undercoated - not Toyota. My Toyota dealer undercoated my 4runner when it was on his lot / new - and I'm glad he did.

    After seeing all the rust posted by people that have lots of it, a good dealer should undercoat all his new cars. JMHO
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2019
  9. Jun 22, 2019 at 5:13 AM
    #9
    SOS CONCEPTS

    SOS CONCEPTS SOS Concepts Vendor

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    The 2nd gen Tacoma is under recall some yrs have ended already the late 1st gen also had issues. I didn't realize Tundras were as well. I had my Tacoma frame replaced last yr. My dealer was pretty smooth there are others that didn't have that same experience.

    Now if you ask me I think it is bunk that the lawsuits for older vehicles are winning and people are getting new frames. I mean Chevy and Ford have the same issues their frames get worse than the Yotas. The salt belt is harsh on all vehicles it's just part of living up there. I don't know I am one for personal responsibility and taking steps/care to keep a safe vehicle on the road. If anything those lawsuits should be pointed at the states and get them to change their practices in how they treat the roads. Just my thoughts, and I am glad I got a new frame fo freeeeeeee!

    Ok the more I look at these frames are you sure they aren't Tacoma frames they sure look like it.
     
  10. Aug 30, 2019 at 4:53 PM
    #10
    lmn930

    lmn930 New Member

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    IMG_0853.jpg IMG_0858.jpg IMG_0853.jpg IMG_0858.jpg I'm very interested to see what becomes of this, I have a 2011 limited with more rust under it than my old 2003 vw Passat
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2019

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