0.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
243,362 miles

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problem #73

Jun 011999

4Runner

  • miles
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.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

problem #72

Feb 142021

4Runner

  • 262,000 miles
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.

- Loudon, TN, USA

problem #71

Aug 022020

4Runner

  • 150,000 miles
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

- Shirley, NY, USA

problem #70

Apr 222004

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
Frame rotted out prematurely

- Fayetteville, OH, USA

problem #69

Jan 062020

4Runner

  • 89,000 miles
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

problem #68

Dec 062019

4Runner

  • miles
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.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #67

Jan 012019

4Runner

  • 215,000 miles
Frame rusted falling apart. So soft I can stick my fingers through it.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #66

Nov 112019

4Runner

  • 116,000 miles
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.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

problem #65

Aug 192016

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
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.

- Wakefield, RI, USA

problem #64

Dec 092019

4Runner

  • miles
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.

- Minooka, IL, USA

problem #63

Jul 062019

4Runner

  • 347,000 miles
Rear suspension mount separated from frame at weld, vehicle was rustproofed when new.

- West Bend, WI, USA

problem #62

Mar 142019

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 190,000 miles
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).

- Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #61

Nov 012018

4Runner

  • 215,000 miles
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).

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #60

Sep 272018

4Runner

  • 236,000 miles
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.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #59

Sep 152018

4Runner

  • 195,000 miles
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?

- Juneau, AK, USA

problem #58

Jun 252008

4Runner

  • 80,000 miles
Bad frame rot. Not safe to drive anymore.

- Hazard, KY, USA

problem #57

Nov 012017

4Runner

  • miles
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.

- Waterford, NJ, USA

problem #56

Mar 012018

4Runner

  • 152,095 miles
Rusty frame making the truck unsafe

- Grimes, IA, USA

problem #55

Feb 052018

4Runner

  • miles
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.

- Frankfort, KY, USA

problem #54

Sep 302017

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
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

- Jackson, MO, USA

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