CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
Approximately 2 years ago, I began experiencing a lot of play in the steering and suspension of the vehicle. At first, I did not think much of it but it got much worse with time and I began to feel very unsafe so I took it in to have it looked at. The vehicle was taken to a AAA Service Center where I was told the cause of the problem was worn out shocks and struts which was causing the extensive cupping/scalloping on the inside tread of the tires. Though I was not exactly excited to pay the cost required to fix the problem, I felt relieved that the vehicle would, at least, be safe and the comfort of the ride would improve.
Anyway, I went ahead and had this work done and soon after had all 4 tires replaced as well ($2,500). After spending all the money, the same symptoms have begun to reappear and the vehicle seems very unsafe. Going into turns, I experience "oversteer" and the tires are becoming very cupped/scalloped again. I feel especially unsafe at higher speeds on the highway as I experience some wandering in the steering and feel a loss of traction from the warped tread that is reappearing on the new tires. I have returned to the AAA Service Center on numerous occasions and they cannot seem to locate what is causing the problem though they have admitted there is a problem with it because of the premature tire wear. They are stumped and so am I.
I am very uneasy about relying on the vehicle to operate in a safe manner and have paid quite a bit of money to correct the problem. I am losing my patience and hope that someone here can help me get some answers to address this problem!
Also, I feel it is worth noting that my vehicle has always had a very highly rated Michelin all-terrain tire so it is unrealistic that the blame is an inferior quality tire. I was also told that the shocks and struts were OEM replacements so there should be no issues there.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Approximately 2 years ago, I began experiencing a lot of play in the steering and suspension of the vehicle. At first, I did not think much of it but it got much worse with time and I began to feel very unsafe so I took it in to have it looked at. The vehicle was taken to a AAA Service Center where I was told the cause of the problem was worn out shocks and struts which was causing the extensive cupping/scalloping on the inside tread of the tires. Though I was not exactly excited to pay the cost required to fix the problem, I felt relieved that the vehicle would, at least, be safe and the comfort of the ride would improve.
Anyway, I went ahead and had this work done and soon after had all 4 tires replaced as well ($2,500). After spending all the money, the same symptoms have begun to reappear and the vehicle seems very unsafe. Going into turns, I experience "oversteer" and the tires are becoming very cupped/scalloped again. I feel especially unsafe at higher speeds on the highway as I experience some wandering in the steering and feel a loss of traction from the warped tread that is reappearing on the new tires. I have returned to the AAA Service Center on numerous occasions and they cannot seem to locate what is causing the problem though they have admitted there is a problem with it because of the premature tire wear. They are stumped and so am I.
I am very uneasy about relying on the vehicle to operate in a safe manner and have paid quite a bit of money to correct the problem. I am losing my patience and hope that someone here can help me get some answers to address this problem!
Also, I feel it is worth noting that my vehicle has always had a very highly rated Michelin all-terrain tire so it is unrealistic that the blame is an inferior quality tire. I was also told that the shocks and struts were OEM replacements so there should be no issues there.
PLEASE HELP!
- Thomas K., Spotsylvania, VA, US