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.
The frame is completely rusted threw in multiple parts of the frame. Someone has already tried welding some plating to keep rear suspension components of the lower four link attached to the frame. Extremely unsafe.
1997 Toyota 4 runner frame rot and rust: I noticed rust debris in my driveway. I inspected under the vehicle and found that the inside of driver-side frame was completely rotted with extensive rust along entire length of adjacent fuel tank. Holes large enough to put four fingers in and crumble. It is clear that the rot has almost gone entirely through the frame as there are several small holes on outside of frame as well. The rust has also seriously compromised the weld seam on the suspension component attached to the frame. Rust and rot of this severity on this vehicle is isolated only to this area of the frame. The rest of vehicle frame shows typical surface rust as expected with age of vehicle.
I heard a noise toward the rear of the vehicle, so I took it to the garage to have it checked. They informed me that the left rear frame was completely rusted into and the frame on the right side was almost as bad. I was told to take it home and park it before a bad accident happened.
Found clunking sound from front of vehicle and found chassis rusted through in several places. Toyota dealership contacted and said vehicle not affected by any warranty or recall.
- Toledo, OH, USA
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The vehicle had a bad muffler in it so I took into to the muffler shop and as they fixed the muffler they found that the entire frame of the car is rusted out. There are several holes in the frame. I drive my children in this car everyday ( 4 years old and 1 year old) car is not safe and I am currently out a vehicle and cannot afford another one. Still trying to figure out a solution. The entire frame is damaged.
Extensive rust on frame around weld of the control arm of the rear driver's side wheel. This caused the control arm to detach making the vehicle unsafe to drive. It appears there are quite a few complaints about frame rusting for Toyota 4runners.
Driving on highway close to home when vehicle suddenly started swaying. Pulled over and began to drive slowly on side of road, no traffic, til I got home. Shop owner said frame broke on the rear driver side. Truck in great shape, nobody ever gave me an indication something was wrong underneath the vehicle. I could have possibly crashed if going faster and more traffic, I was very lucky.
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4 runner. The contact was traveling 20 mph and noticed an abnormal noise from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and the contact was told that the passenger's side rear sway bar of sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 189,500....updated 11-18-13
Frame is completely rusted. The underside of the body is fine but the frame is rotted. There are holes rusted through in multiple spots including suspension mounts.
I have had my 4runner for several years and have always loved my truck and as of last year the frame has been so rusted they won't put it on a lift never mind inspect it..I don't understand why the Tacoma Tundra and sequoia have all been recalled for this issue and not my runner..I've talked to many people with the same issue..can someone please help me.
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, stopping power decreased and the ABS erroneously engaged. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the rear under body frame had fractured in half due to corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was also corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure and current mileages were 159,000..... updated 03/08/13 the consumer stated on several occasions, they brakes wouldn't perform as designed. The braking system was random, because of the rear -end swaying from being detached. Updated 03/11/13
I was driving my Toyota 4runner at highway speeds (60 to 70 mph) and it started getting hard to handle. If you accelerated it would turn hard to the right, if you let off the gas it would veer back hard to the left. We stopped and checked it out and the frame mount on the passenger side is rusted off.
The frame is rusting through on several places, but one particular location is the worst. This location is the weld joint between a solid steel bracket of the same size, thickness and material as the main frame. This bracket holds the sway-type bar, which attaches back to the rear axle. The weld joint between the bracket and the main frame has almost completely rusted through and is almost completely separated from the main frame. The joint is about 8 inches long. Over about 6 inches of the weld joint, the area is rusted away and there is a 3/8-inch gap between parts. The remaining 2 inches are holding temporarily, but it is unsafe. This rusted through and failed frame has caused the 1997 Toyota 4-runner to be unsafe, undriveable and un-fixable. It is unsafe because if the frame joint rusts more and completely breaks, the vehicle will be uncontrollable.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Clifton, CO, USA