Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. …
My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame
1.) while driving the vehicle is very difficult to steer. The lastest incident occurred while traveling on the highway. The was constantly swaying and pulling to direction forcing me to grip the steering wheel ; pulling it in opposite direction so tightly that my wrist were throbbing. Once I exited the highway and came to a stop, the steering wheel turned almost 180 degrees by itself. I took it to a sears service center and the mechanic could not find anything wrong. Prior to my road trip, I had my vehicle checked out and nothing was found out of sorts. This as occurred on several other occasions. 2.) my vehicle will lose power if the key is left in the ignition for a brief period of time without the vehicle being started. It will also loose power if the vehicle doors are open, even if the keys are not in the ignition. I have to get a "jump start" often. …
I bought my vehicle used with 86,000 miles on it. Not even a year later my power steering return line rusted through and would not hold any power steering fluid at all. I replaced the power steering return lines with after market rubber line. I figured this out while I was driving and my power steering gave out. Luckily it happened in a situation where it wasn't an immediate danger. Next on the list was the muffler from the catalytic converter back. I noticed that it was excessively loud while driving . I went under the vehicle only to realize the the part of the muffler that connects to the catalytic converter was completely rusted through just hanging there! I just brought my vehicle in to get the underside completely coated with fluid film and my mechanic kept making reference to the 'rusty Toyota 4runner ', didn't give me a warm feeling about the rest of the lifespan of the frame. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. While driving 35 MPH over a bump in the road, the steering failed and turned in the opposite direction without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (classic Toyota located at 8510 tyler blvd mentor, oh, 44060) where it was diagnosed that the frame failed due to corrosion and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the frame be repaired. Case number: 1706140790 was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Road contained a turn at which time the vehicle skidded "fishtailed" and upon correction skidded the other direction. Vehicle went into small culvert ditch and rolled over. Vehicle was traveling at 35 MPH.
The frame is completely rusted with rusted out holes. Caused the driver side lower control arm to break off, almost causing my teenage son to crash fortunately he was on a side street and driving slow
Yes! I've been having a steering problem. "unintended veering" that I began to notice a month after I bought the vehicle (then at 13,000 miles). Something is causing the car to wander at high speeds. I also began to notice that after crossing a bridge (a lot of bridges on the way to work) the steering wheel will jerk back and forth really fast, which can be frightening. At other times it can seem to pulse. If you let go of the wheel the vehicle will veer to the left towards on-coming traffic (had it aligned twice -- still happens!) the dealership does not notice it when they drive it! So I eventually bought 4 brand-new tires and had it aligned again (all at the dealership at my expense) and I still have the problem. Anybody else that drives the vehicle notices it -- except people at the dealership! I was told I would lose $6,000 if I returned it. …
2006 Toyota 4runner sport, 4.0l 4wd. Vibration felt via steering wheel, which occurs during acceleration/deceleration and across wide speed range. Higher frequency, low amplitude quality. Felt when vehicle is traveling in straight line, but has changed speed and is felt when steering wheel is turned slightly off center as in small course corrections. When accelerating or decelerating, there seems to be resonant feedback felt through the steering wheel as if there is directing contacting the steering rod. Dealer attempted to correct with an alignment of the frontend and rotation and balance of the tires/wheels. The result is that the original sensation is still present and the corrective attempt was not effective.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. While driving at approximate speeds of 25 MPH, the steering was abnormally veering to the right instead of being centered. When attempting a turn, the contact would have to over steer to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle had been to the dealer 4 times in an attempt to correct the failure and an alignment was performed each time. After repairs, the vehicle steering was still off but was not causing the vehicle to lean to the left. The vehicle has not been further repaired. The failure mileage was 6,998 and the current mileage was 18,105.
Steering complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, 6% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota 4Runner steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota 4Runner steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.