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.
Frame snapped at the drivers rear torsion bar due to frame rusting from the inside. I just had this checked and a little rust to the frame was apparent because it is rusting from the inside and not so apparent. Once it began to decay it just became mostly rust damaged beyond repair and replacement of frame only option. Contacted Toyota and was told there is no help on this model (4runner) but is on other truck models, same frames same year..
Doing routine maintenance and found huge holes in the frame! wow. Time to retire this vehicle, and take Toyota off my shopping list of potential replacements.
Original owner, not located in the "rust belt" took 4runner to exhaust shop to have a new exhaust put on and once underneath the vehicle you could see that the frame has completely rusted through near where the trailing arm brackets are and on the inside/underneath of the frame. The rest of the frame is in great condition because the 4runner has been take care of and maintained. There will be about a 2 foot section of frame that will need to be cut out as well as new trailing arm brackets to be cut and welded in. This vehicle is no longer safe to drive and worth scrap value, when it should be worth about $5000. The interior is perfect, it runs great, and everything works as it should but the most important part of the vehicle, the frame is crumbling. I will never buy another Toyota. I have domestic vehicles that are 10 years older with more miles that look nothing like this. They recall Tundra, Tacoma, and seqouias, but not the 4runner? give me a break.
The driver's side lower rear link fell off the frame due to severe rusting. Passenger side about to. Mechanic won't even attempt a repair. The frame is too rusted. The vehicle is not safe to drive. I bought it used and have had it for 2.5 years. Toyota has no recall on it and can not assist me, even though this is the same issue that the Tacoma and other models were recalled for.
- Laurelville, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame had developed holes due to rust. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 107,871. Updated 04/06/15 updated 6/25/2015
Purchased my 1999 4runner with excellent body and interior condition, mechanically perfect. Until I noticed there are severe rusted frame! there multiple holes through the frame! very bad prep and coating on frame work. Contacted Toyota dealer to discuss the issues with rusted/corrode frame, came back with the answer as there nothing they can do about it. Very disappointed. Before I purchased the vehicle, I ran carfax as they stated, zero issues including frame/rust. There the same issues for Tundra and Tacoma Toyota please be honest, fix it asap!
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the technician noticed that the frame was rusted under the passenger side. The technician explained that the vehicle was unable to be repaired and deemed it unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 155,890.
There is significant rust on the frame of the vehicle. Particularly where the control arms are welded to the body. In addition, the rear differential has completely rusted through and has resulted in gear oil leaking through multiple holes in the differential cover. The entire rear end will need to be replaced in order to remedy the issue.
My Toyota dealer discovered the frame is rusted/rotted through prematurely and suggested I contact Toyota to inquire if my 4runner would be covered under a recall. I called Toyota and they stated, "...there are no recalls issued for the 4runner.". Toyota has existing recalls covering other models (Tacoma, sequoia, Tundra) of the same year for this same issue; I believe the recall should include the 4runner. I have learned that other 4runner owners of the same year are experiencing the same problem.
The frame has serious internal rust rot. The exterior of the frame appears relatively rust free, but the interior is filled with rust and crumbles when pushed with a finger.
The vehicles frame, in the location where the rear lower control arm bracket is welded to the frame is completely rotted out. This point on the frame secures the lower link of the rear suspension. If this bracket separates, an accident would likely occur. The rest of the vehicle is rust free and the frame is not expected to rot within the vehicles lifespan. Toyota was contacted and refused to assist wi repairs.
Went to do preventive maintenance and noticed my frame is rusted trough on passenger rear close to axle. There is a hole about 10-12 inches long. Very very unsafe and probably won't pass inspection. Makes me sick to my stomach. Why won't Toyota fix this issue. From what I've seen it's common on this year of 4runner.
I own a 1999 Toyota 4runner, the inside frame rail is almost completely rusted through near the rear trailing arm bracket. Upon investigation I've came across multiple images, websites, and forums that show the exact same problem! how is it that a manufacturer can have this much of a wide spread problem and nothing be done about it! they fixed the problem on their trucks around the same year and replaced the frames or bought back the vehicles, I understand the frames where made in different places but there is obviously still a problem! Toyota cannot expect people to believe that these frames were not defective when the exact same problem is prevailing in a majority of these vehicles! how can a manufacturer like Toyota fix such small issues such as blinkers, interior lighting, reflectors etc and totally ignore such a major safety concern as this! I guess it's going to take a 4runner with a family of 4 to crash injuring or killing all of them to make someone step up and say we have a problem! something must be done!
Well maintained 99 4runner...original-excellent condition paint and no rust on body panels. Noticed after examining the underside that frame has rusted through in multiple sections. Some sections near rear suspension mounts. If mounts break loose could result in serious accident.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear driver's side frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the frame was welded. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 265,000.
My 1999 Toyota 4 runner has a severe issue with a rotted out frame. I was simply backing out of my driveway and came to a halt when I heard a thump. As I preceded to drive the vehicle it became apparent the backend was not responding well. I could feel the back end swaying and it felt as if there was an issue with the suspension. I took it in for inspection and was told the frame had rotted out right where the springs attach to the frame on the left hand side of the frame. The right side is rotted as well but the frame is still attached.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact was driving 35 mph and noticed that the vehicle had begun riding as if traveling over a bumpy road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as having a fracture in the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer has not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, he notice that the frame was covered with rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the defect. The failure mileage was 139,561. Updated 0820/13
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- Damascus, MD, USA