| Issue ID | 1629074 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 11290804 |
| Manufacurer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Brand | TOYOTA |
| Model | 4RUNNER |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| File date | 15/12/19 |
| Component | STRUCTURE:BODY |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Excessive frame and undercarriage rust. I have owned several other cars over 30-40+ years and this 03 4runner has the worst rust. Instead of simple surface rust, this rust has affected frame welds, suspension mounting points, tow and lift points. Rusting pace is extremely fast moving. There appears to be only a simple layer of thin paint, with no undercoating anywhere. This 4runner was serviced regularly, motor is running great, body and interior are in great condition. This was a gift from grandpa to grandson, but i am concerned of safety and at this point recommending only local, under 35mph travel only. Probably scrap the car soon as not much to do but replace frame. Very disappointed with misled condition, outside/inside/motor perfect, but frame rotting away. My family and friends have purchased toyotas with little incident, but i won't buy or recommended knowing they have a life of ~10yrs. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 159000 |
| Number of Occurences | |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | GLEN RIDGE, NJ |
| VIN pattern | JTEBT14R230XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | N |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | |
| No. of fatalities | |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 0 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |