2002 Toyota 4RUNNER Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“After noticing a strong gear oil odor and seeing the actual gear oil on the back the of the vehicle I was alarmed to find out that the rear axle housing had rust perforating the rear of the housing. Once the housing was checked by a certified mechanic and turned away due to fear of destroying the housing, I removed the vehicle from the road.”

“I purchased the 2002 4RUNNER in 2014. At that time, the 4RUNNER only had 79,000 miles and had been cared for meticulously. I have taken the car in for routine service over the past 5 years. Upon taking the 4RUNNER in due to a vibration and check of the differential, the mechanic called me in to look at the frame while it was up on the lift. Below in the attached photos, there is extensive rusting of the rear differential, axle and frame. The vehicle was stationary and the issue was found during routine maintenance. …”

“My frame is rotting out. I just had to replace my rear axle because it had almost rotted through. It was actually weaping gear oil out of small holes through the rot. Some of the frame had to be welded to pass inspection.”

“Check engine light came in, it was diagnosed as a 770 shift solenoid-e and I was told by two different experts that my transmission would need to be replaced. The Toyota 4-runner was purchased in january 2008 from folsom lake Toyota with 89,000 miles and currently has 95,500 miles on it. The estimate for repair was $2,300.00.”

“Recently purchased this vehicle and started cleaning it, after I drove it home and pressure washed undercarriage, pieces of the rear differential started flying off and gear oil started running out of holes. I have a 1971 dodge challenger with original rear end that has never been in garage and have never seen a rearend rust like this. I'm really worried about how strong the axle housing structure is and if it could possible break in half while driving vehicle.”