This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Purchased a used 1997 4-runner with ca. 258000 miles early in 2020. Engine and whole body was good. However, 6 month later the car started to shake violently in the rear at highway speeds swinging like a boat, which I though was due to a broken shock, springs were newly installed in 2020. I noticed that rear stabilizer arm on passenger side had broken off due to rust. When driving to repair shop the car rear axle broke loose, shifted, and the rear drive shaft fell out - I could pull over in 4 wheel drive mode. Please know that the rust an extensive frame rot on the the rear frame on both sides was not very visible from outside. Repairs for frame weld were 2500 -3000 usd. The 1997 4-runner, V6 is a very unsafe vehicle to drive!
Very rusted out undercarriage. My other is only 3 years newer and has nothing like this on it. I was advised to sell it by a suspension shop that noted my broken, rusted out undercarriage, bad shock and the condition of the rear of the truck's frame in general. There is nothing wrong with the truck other than this rust.
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4runner. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle swayed back and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the frame was rusted and there was nothing supporting the stabilizer arm. Fox Toyota (228 fox family ln, clinton, tn 37716, (865)-494-0228) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 271,000.
- Powell, TN, USA
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The frame is rotting from the inside out. The frame rot is located in the rear on the drivers side where the rear suspension bracket is welded to the frame.
The frame was poorly designed and not enough rust protection was applied by Toyota. We rarely get snow and still the vehicle has rusted through. Toyota did not make a drain hole so that the water in the frame would evaporate. There are a lot of these vehicles which otherwise last a long time. A lot of owners have 4runenrs with excellent engine/transmission but with rusted frames. This is a disaster waiting to happen on unsuspecting owners.
The bracket that attaches the rear trailing arm to the frame broke off from the frame causing it to swerve and loose stability while driving. The vehicle was in motion
My Toyota 4runner frame is rusting to the point that it's a huge safety issue! I've already had the right rear shockmount and bar replaced, and the left is on its way to rusting completely through. On the left side, however, the fuel tank is mounted up, and when the shock mount rusts through and breaks, it will very likely cause something to puncture the fuel tank. That could be extremely hazardous because, since I have no other means of transportation, I must continue to drive the vehicle. So, it is likely that it will be on the road when that happens. Why in the world has this vehicle not been recalled when you recalled the Toyota Tacoma for the same issue of rusty frames? this is a very serious matter because it could cause a huge accident involving many people if these vehicles are not recalled and taken off the streets!
While driving heard a loud bang and vehicle got squirmy and out of control was about a mile from my house luckily. Got home and looked under vehicle and realized the frame has completely rusted out it is unsafe to drive as components to keep axle in place are rotted out. Issue will get someone killed one day.
Right rear upper shock mount rusted out and shock broke through frame while driving on a city street (bracket sub assembly rear - right rear). Had to remove shock so it would not bust through causing ride instability.
When braking on a curve on a county highway {55 mph} the vehicle jumped and hopped uncontrollably and almost left the road. After slowly getting it home, I inspected the suspension and found the mount for the rear trailing arm broke off the frame from rust. The vehicle only has 155,000 miles and the rest of the vehicle is in vary good condition. I bought the Toyota for its known longevity and did not expect this from Toyota. If this had been a state hwy {70 mph} I'm sure there would have been a crash, injury and posable fatality.
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4runner. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the rear and front of the vehicle. Afterwards, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to stop the vehicle. An inspector was contacted and informed the contact that the sway bar detached from the frame. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Frame rusted out where the rear axle arm attaches. Arm mount broken loose from frame. Vehichle is undriveable and virtually not repairable. (frame replacement) ridiculous Toyota!!! you know about this problem, make it right to your customers!. myself and fmaily own 7 Toyota. Might reconsider ever buying another!
The frame on the passenger side of the vehicle rusted through just in front of the rear axle. The bracket that holds the front of the trailing arm suddenly separated from the disintegrated frame causing the axle to move forward and backward. The vehicle was on the interstate at speed and became wildly difficult to control.
Frame rotted apart have to have several mechanics look at it and told me not to drive it any longer I need my vehicle fixed cannot afford another vehicle at this time not in our budget my wife and I both work not financially set..driving this vehicle is very dangerous totally rotted frame needs replacing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wayne, NJ, USA