1.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
166,855 miles

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problem #6

Jul 202020

4Runner

  • 260,000 miles
Purchased a used 1997 4-runner with ca. 258000 miles early in 2020. Engine and whole body was good. However, 6 month later the car started to shake violently in the rear at highway speeds swinging like a boat, which I though was due to a broken shock, springs were newly installed in 2020. I noticed that rear stabilizer arm on passenger side had broken off due to rust. When driving to repair shop the car rear axle broke loose, shifted, and the rear drive shaft fell out - I could pull over in 4 wheel drive mode. Please know that the rust an extensive frame rot on the the rear frame on both sides was not very visible from outside. Repairs for frame weld were 2500 -3000 usd. The 1997 4-runner, V6 is a very unsafe vehicle to drive!

- Wayne, NJ, USA

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problem #5

May 052015

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 206,000 miles
My friend was driving down the road in the same model car as mine 1997 4runner and his frame snapped from rust. He said he could barely keep it on the road but managed to slowly creep forward until he got home. This story scared me because I have the same exact car, so I go to check my frame and sure enough, it is also quite rusted. I'm afraid that if I keep driving on it that it will snap and could cause injury to myself and others.

- Lexington, KY, USA

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problem #4

Jan 262015

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 131,600 miles
Vehicle frame is completely rusting out around the rear suspension. Trailing arm mount from axle to frame is separated from frame and vehicle is not safe to drive.

- Denver, CO, USA

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problem #3

Mar 282014

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 145,528 miles
I have a 1997 4runner that is catastrophically rusted through the frame and has been a danger since purchasing. The amount of rust has completely evaporated my investment.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

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problem #2

May 032010

4Runner

  • 139,000 miles
Serious corrosion on rear differential casing at below fill bolt, leaking fluids. Dealer unable to do anything because part is not a cover as in most vehicles. Dealer only solution is to replace entire rear differential with all parts. This situation presents a serious threat to life as these components are severely and unusually rusted.

- Green Bank, WV, USA

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problem #1

Jun 012009

4Runner

  • 119,000 miles
Rear differential rust out, Toyota using inferior metal in production resulting in thousands of dollars of repair for fluid leakage.

- Colgate, WI, USA

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