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.
My 4runner's rear differential has pinhole leaks due to rust. The rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition and has been very well taken care of including chassis washes at least twice a week in the winter.
The rear differential is rusting through to the point of leaking oil. I suspect the differential is corroded to the point where is mechanically unsound and could cause a catastrophic failure if hit by a rigid obstacle in the roadway.
My 2001 4 runner with only 125,000miles has a rusted out rear differential. This was shocking to me because my truck is in otherwise excellent condition and has absolutely no rust on the body. I took it to Toyota who said they can replace it for $2200 plus tax. I took it to my husband's mechanic to repair/patch it if possible. He said he has seen many vehicles with more miles than mine in much worse condition that have no rusted out rear differentials. He found it very unusual. He said the metal housing is very thin (from the factory that way) which is the root of the problem. The mechanic welded a patch over the hole; however this is not a good permanent fix for the problem. It also makes my 4 runner have next to nothing for trade in value for a truck that otherwise would have a nice trade in value. This makes it a double insult. After talking to many people and visiting the www.4runnerforum.com web site it seems to be a common problem in 4runners years 1999 to 2002. I would imagine more people have the problem than have reported it to the website. I would like to know if there is anything Toyota can/will do to rectify the problem as it seems to be caused by a manufacturing defect. Other than this problem, my 4 runner has been a great vehicle. Toyota has a history of great vehicles. I know they recalled the Tacoma trucks from the late ' 90's for frame rustout and gave the owners 2 X the trade in value towards a new Toyota. Because of this recall, I know Toyota is willing to stand behind their vehicles. Toyota offering a replacement of the defective part or "trade in value" towards a new Toyota would be a great customer service and would go a long way towards keeping loyal customers. If they do nothing, it makes me hesitant to purchase another Toyota not knowing if the metal housings on the rear differentials are manufactured any better in 2010..
Rear differential housing rusted through. This caused loss of lubrication oil, required the replacement of the entire differential housing. Thin metal and lack of rust prevention are the cause.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sudbury, Ontario, 00, USA