106 complaints reported

2006 Toyota 4Runner Structure

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
106
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Nov 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2025
Dec 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2023
Feb 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2022
Jan 2022

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2021
Nov 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A SAFETY INSPECTION, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED THE INSPECTION DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION UNDER THE VEHICLE. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2021
Nov 2021

VEHICLE'S SKID PLATE RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. ORIGINAL OWNERS, ALL FAMILY MEMBERS, HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE CLEANED WELL UNDERNEATH SINCE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. WHEN WE LIFTED THE 4RUNNER UP ON A LIFT, WE SAW MULTIPLE RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME AS WELL AS EXTREME OXIDATION IN THE CENTER AT CERTAIN PLACES. I NEED TO HAVE LOTS OF FRAME REPAIR DONE TO FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2021
Oct 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2020
Oct 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2021
Sep 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2021
Sep 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE, HE WAS INFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. *JS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2021
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2021
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2021
May 2021 Crash

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2021
May 2021

THE DEALER WOULD NOT INSPECT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FRAME RUST. THE WHOLE FRAME HAS RUST OVER IT. THE PART THAT FAILED INSPECTION WAS THE END CAPS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2020
Mar 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2006
Mar 2021

RUSTING OF THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2017
Jan 2021

I PUT MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER LIMITED IN THE SHOP TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED. THE SHOP CALLED ME BACK AND STATED THEY REFUSE TO WORK ON THE SUV BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRAME. THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT LEGAL ISSUES SHOULD THEY KNOWINGLY REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT IN THEIR OPINION WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME TO A POINT WHERE THE FUEL TANK WAS ONLY CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE BY THE SKID PLATE UNDER IT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2021
Dec 2020

MY 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, HAS CORROSION TO THE FRAME THAT IS NOT NORMAL FOR A CAR THIS AGE. THIS CAR IS STORED IN A GARAGE AWAY FROM THE ELEMENTS. THIS RUST TO THE FRAME MAKE THE VEHICLE SUSCEPTIBLE TO LOSING CONTROL DUE TO A RUPTURE OF THE FRAME. TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED IN THE PASS TO SUB STANDARD FRAMES IN THERE OTHER LINE OF VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2020
Dec 2020

THE REAR FRAME OF 2006 4RUNNER IS RUSTING AT EXCESSIVELY SPEED AND CORROSION IS COMING FROM INNER TO OUTWARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE TAILER HOOK IS ATTACH TO A TRAILER TOWING AT 5000 POUND(RATED FOR SUCH TOWING CAPACITY )THE FRAME COMPONENT MAY BREAK OFF BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2020
Dec 2020

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY VEHICLE TO THE OPEN INVESTIGATION FOR 4RUNNER FRAME CORROSION (DP18002). MY 4RUNNER IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND RUNS BEAUTIFULLY, HOWEVER THE FRAME IS ABOUT TO FAIL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2020
Nov 2020

FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2020
Oct 2020

FRAME IS VERY RUSTED AND WILL NOT PASS NY STATE INSPECTION, SENT PICTURES TO TOYOTA AND RECEIVED NO HOPE OF HELP. BASCIALLY TOLD ME TO CALL JUNK YARD. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY TOYOTA.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2019
Sep 2020

THE AREA HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE REAR BUMPER IS RUSTED SO BAD THAT A TIRE SHOP REQUESTED I HAVE A MECHANIC REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE DUE TO FEAR OF CRACKING PART OF THE RUSTED UNDERBELLY. MY SPARE TIRE IS INACCESSIBLE AT THE MOMENT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2006 Toyota 4Runner has 106 Structure complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.