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 component that is failing is the frame. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others is at risk due to the frame falling apart due to the lack of integrity. The lack of integrity and strength is from oxidation or major rust. The vehicle has not been inspection by a 3rd party. The rust is a common issue in this year/model from other owners and has appeared to be a manufacturing error.
My frame is rusted almost to pieces. I know this is a common problem with 4runner of the same year models. And I hope to get a recall because it's putting me and others at risk of wrecking the car and possible injuries.
I heard rubbing noises from my left front wheel.I thought brakes but when I inspected the underside of my vehicle I noticed that the rubbing was coming from a rusted and broken off brake shield.I am older with back issues so getting under the car for a good look M is tough at best.what I could see using a rigid seesnake boroscope was extensive rust.rust all over key structural frame components from motor mounts to steering linkage the chassis in some areas has completely disappeared.looking at the body you would think the car was in really good shape but not underneath.Toyota didn't have 4runners as part of their recall but they should have as the 4runner uses the same truck chassis as the Tacoma.I need this truck and I need it to be safe.thanks for listening
Our 4runner went in for shocks and we were told we have a rusted frame. We only have 89,000 miles on it and we have kept up with all maintenance. This vehicle still has lots of life left in it and disappointed about the frame. I have seen other reports of the same problem with 4runners.
- Villa Park, IL, USA
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My 1999 4-runner with only 89,000 miles has a rusted frame. It needs repair or it will not be driveable. I have taken great care of this vehicle. Went in for shocks, and was told by dealership that the frame has rusted.
I was driving my 4 runner and it started to like it was 'floating' and 'swaying' front to back. I wasn't far from home so I parked her. The next day I was taking my son to school and it felt like the front right side of the car dipped down. We were maybe 20 yds from the house so I parked it. My husband drove it to see what was wrong and he ran off the road and almost rolled the truck. I called our mechanic and he called a roll back to pick it up. The owner drove it and he ran off the road and almost crashed. He looked at it and saw the frame has rusted in half.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the body of the vehicle was severely rusted. The contact notified the dealer (tarbox Toyota located at 3671 quaker lane, North kingstown, ri 02852). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I recently took my 1999 4runner for a new alternator and power steering belts. The mechanic noted severe frame rust, making the vehicle unsafe. There are actually holes in the frame. The frame is worst near where the cross members connect. There is no body rust. I will not continue to allow my son or anybody else to drive it, as it is unsafe to drive. Despite the narrative to the contrary, the mechanic did not actually point the rust out to me. I noticed it on the bill when submitting to insurance for towing. I then inspected the vehicle myself.
THE MOUNT FOR THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS RUSTED OFF. THIS IS CAUSING THE CAR TO VIOLENTLY ROCK BACK AND FOURTH AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE AND CONTINUE FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER. IT IS VERY UNNERVING AND OBVIOUSLY A MATER SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES SUCH AS T4R.ORG. PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The frame on driver side rear axle area has completed rotted from rust, the rear suspension and sway bar broke away from the vehicle. We were almost in a very serious accident as there was loss of control of the rear end and we ended up in a ditch with loss of control.we were driving in a straight line at the time. We could have had a serious roll over accident resulting in serious injury or death. Very scary incident. I did some online research and found a number of other complaints. I would be happy to send photos of this issue if you want to call E-mail me at (xxxxxx). The exterior body engine and interior of this vehicle are in good condition and it seems the frame should last the life of the vehicle. Thank you for registering my complaint. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
My complaint is with severe rust damage to the frame of the car. There are other models with the same issue as mine and they have been recalled. Mine needs to be taken care of as well. There is no way that the entire frame should rust. I would expect over time to some small patches of rust but not the entire frame. There is so much rust that I could never fix it completely myself. Toyota should be held responsible for their poor plating process in the late 90's to early 00's.
Was driving vehicle at highway speeds and lost control temporarily because a rear trailing arm mount became detached from frame and broke both shocks. Upon inspection rear section of frame severely rusted causing mount to detach. Front section of frame does not have same level of rust. A manufactures defect almost cost me and my children serious injury or even death. Vehicle has been meticously maintained with all service records. I've been in automotive industry for my entire life and I've never seen anything like it. If they recalled the frames for the Tacoma and Tundra, why weren't 4runners included?
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the metal frame was inferior and contained premature rust, holes, and corrosion. The contact felt that the frame could fracture at any point in time. The rear driver's side shock fractured into the frame due to the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the frame had extensive premature rust, could fracture, and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a warranty and there was no recall. The failure mileage was not available.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame rusted out and fractured on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, opened a case, and informed the contact to call NHTSA. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
Frame has extensive rust inside and out. Suspension and rocker panels are affected also. I was wondering about a frame recall since they have done so with other Toyota frames
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Costa Mesa, CA, USA