2008 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 17%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER, 17% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have noticed a significant amount of rust on the frame of my vehicle. The rust is apparent in many places along the frame, including parts that are integral to the chassis, such as the differential. I have read on many forums that this is a known issue with this make and model vehicle. I would like to know my options for repairing this issue which if left unattended will damage parts (e.g. Differential) that are critical to the normal functions of my vehicle,”
NHTSA complaint #11182728, filed 2019-02, 90,400 miles“In my own words, I have a 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER 4x4 with only 27,000 original miles and the chassis is completely rusted thru, with huge big holes on the chassis. Toyota used some very cheap metal and didn't spray any chassis pretection from rust. The rear driver side shock mount rusted completely that the shock fell off while I was driving, now there is no mount for the shock now. I almost lost control on a curve that was a little bumpy, as I passed the curve my 4RUNNER felt like the back kept sliding, I felt like it was almost about to flip over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958992, filed 2017-03, 26,400 miles“Heavy corrosion caused the rear torsion bar to disconnect from the rear end while I was driving in oct. 2015. The frame and front end suspension is now very corroded. You can put your fingers through the bottom of the frame just in front of the rear wheels. This vehicle only has 69,400 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10948545, filed 2017-01, 61,000 miles“There is corrosion in the frame and drive-train components. There is pitting, rusting throughout the frame undercarriage and the suspension and differential components. This barely 4yr old vehicle is a southern vehicle. Regardless, this corrosion is a safety issue in any vehicle let alone in a 4RUNNER with a service inception date of 11/30/2008 with 19k miles. This is totally irresponsible of the manufacturer and they claim it is not covered by warranty. Yes, it (should be) covered by warranty and more importantly it is manufacturer's liability to correct safety/quality issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10485047, filed 2012-11, 18,000 miles“I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rusted away. Tacomas were able to have their frames replaces. The 4runner has a similar if not identical frame due to them sharing the same underlying platform. …”
NHTSA complaint #11460612, filed 2022-04Related service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology