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.
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.
Upon doing a routine inspection on my truck. The frame on the passangers rear side is corroded to a mechanically unsafe condition. This is where rear anti-say bar attaches and the rear springs. The frame is paper thin in numerous places. Additionally there are more locations on the rear section of the frame on the drivers side that are approaching a simular state. I have washed the truck on a regular basis and used corrosion inhibiting fluid on the frame to prevent this situation from happening. However this frame is undrivable due to safey concerns. I have a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 200000 miles and the fame is brand new compared to this.
While operating the vehicle on a public road, the rear end of said vehicle began to "swap" back and forth at most any speed, acting as if a suspension component had malfunctioned. When making a left turn from a dead stop, a loud thump was heard un the vehicle. The handling issue had become much worse. We were a short distance from home, and were able to make our way slowly until reaching home. Upon inspection, I discovered that the frame had rusted out in from of the rear axle where the trailing arm mounts to the frame, causing the bracket for the trailing arm to disconnect from the frame almost completely. There are many other areas on the frame which are severely rusted and appear will fail as well. This is the second Toyota we've owned with this problem. The first was a 1998 Tacoma that Toyota bought back from me. Why isn't frame an option on the list of affected parts above" why is it that this make and model is not being handled the same way or with a frame replacement" this is not something I can afford to replace. I bought Toyota because of their reputation for quality. Just what I need after the sudden death of my mother just 2 days prior. Thanks for nothing Toyota. Dodge is looking pretty good right about now.
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!
Recently had new tires put on car. I then had a muffle repaired, was not happy and took to Toyota dealer to have done properly. I was told that my car was unsafe to drive and it could not be repaired. The frame is completely rusted and could cause a major accident. The car looks great and there is little issues with the body and engine. I was planning on getting another 100,000 miles on the car. I took it to a garage for a second opinion and was told that you could push your finger through the frame. I now have a pretty good looking car parked in a driveway which is unsafe to drive. I cannot believe that there is no recall or warning on this safety issue! I volunteer for a dog rescue and drive on the highway to pick up and drop off these beautiful dogs never knowing that I could have ended their life as well as mine and others! unbelievable! Toyota did have a frame recall on the Tacoma, why are they risking innocent lives with no warning!!
- Lorain, OH, USA
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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.
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.
Upon inspection of vehicle, the inside of the frame on both sides had rusted completely away. After investigation this seems to be a common problem on this vehicle. I have always kept the vehicle clean and the body has zero rust on it.
Driving down road and car started swaying badly even when shifting gears heard a noise when got home I had vehicle looked at and the bracket that holds the rear was broke it is rusted right from frame on passenger side and further inspection shows severe frame rust just like the trucks that were recalled stated the same issue is taking place and these should have been recalled. I notified Toyota and they don't want to be bothered. I have contacted a lawyer and the attorney general office. Please open an investigation for a recall before someone gets killed.
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph on a gravel road, the rear end of vehicle began to fish tail uncontrollably. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and continue driving. The contact noticed that the entire frame was completely rusted, which contributed to the sway bar bracket detachment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. Updated 07/10/13 updated 07/15/2013
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while reversing from a parking space, the contact heard a loud popping noise. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end trailing arm was detached from the frame. The failure was caused by corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician advised that they were unable to perform any repairs to the vehicle however, they did take pictures of the damage and sent them to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 284,000.
The frame has rotted out of this vehicle due to excessive rust. Most notably on the passenger's side towards the rear axle. Apparently this is a major problem with Toyota vehicles and the manufacturer is refusing to do anything about it.
The rear axle seals repeatedly fail on this vehicle, I'm now having to make a fourth costly replacement of both the rear axle seal and contaminated brake shoes. For the fourth time the rear axle seal has failed which leaks brake fluid onto rear brake shoes, resulting in severe reduction of rear braking power. Also, as a result the front brakes are placed under undue pressure and warping of front brake rotors occurs which must also be addressed. While I have previously filed complaints over this same issue since 2005 with both Toyota and the nhtsb, there has been no recall initiated. The last time my rear axle seals were replaced was less than 20,000 miles ago. This vehicle only sees normal wear and usage. I am not the only complaint as many others have experienced the same issue based on Toyota forum discussions and a search of nhtsb complaint filings. Toyota customer service center again refused to assist me in any way with todays complaint filing on 7/31/12.
Frame rusted to the point where it broke. When it happened it almost caused a major accident. Left the vehicle in a condition that is very dangerous to drive. This vehicle has high miles but is in excellent condition otherwise. No rust anywhere on the vehicle except for the frame. Toyota is aware of the problem. I've seen the same problem with other 4runners.
I have a 1999 Toyota 4runner SR5, with an immaculate body, however the frame rails have rotted out so badly that you can put your finger through the rail in some places. The frame is unsafe and a failure could result in serious personal injury or death. The most severe location of the rot in just in front of the rear leaf springs on the inside of the frame. Took it for inspection and it failed as it was unsafe to drive. Now have to take it to a welder to see if it can even be repaired. Thinking of filing a claim with the attorney general of NY state. The thing is it passed inspection at the small car business I bought it from( D and D autosales in binghamton NY-don't go there!!!!!!) and there is no way it rotted like this in less than a yr so I'm thinking they passed it just to get the sale. Haven't contacted Toyota but they most likely wont do a thing for me.
Full blown frame rust mechanic states is 100% invasive affecting steering, alignment, braking, and checking of differential and rear-end fluids due to seized components. Frame is totally compromised, needs to be recalled and rectified.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Frazeysburg , OH, USA