1.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
168,750 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #16

Feb 112015

4Runner

  • 281,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear frame was cracked and rotted. The stability of the frame was tarnishing and weakened the support for the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a welding shop to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 281,000. The VIN was unknown.

- West Canal Fulton, OH, USA

problem #15

Aug 012014

4Runner

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear shock was rusted to the top of the frame. The frame was completely corroded with no support. The failure occurred a month ago when the frame detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

- West Harwich, MA, USA

problem #14

Aug 272014

4Runner

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the technician noticed that the entire subframe was corroded. The vehicle failed inspection. An independent welder stated that it would be nearly impossible and very expensive to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #13

Jun 242014

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota four runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered that the sub frame of the vehicle had rusted in two separate locations near the passenger side rear wheel area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 128,000..... updated 08/05/14 updated 08/19/2014

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jul 092012

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 231,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated the vehicle taken to a mechanic for the brakes and it was discovered that the right rear and left rear frame was covered with rust. The right frame was worse than the left and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact spoke with the manufacturer who stated there was no recall for the frame and they could not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 231,000. Updated 08/7/12 the consumer stated the frame rust on located on the trailing arm and will not pass inspection. Updated 08/16/12

- Cedar Bluff, VA, USA

problem #11

Mar 202012

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 159,000 miles
The frame on my 4runner shows excessive rust especially at the welded joints and where the suspension attaches. There must be some kind of recall for this considering the body looks great and the frame isn't.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #10

Feb 282011

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 267,000 miles
March 6, 2011: 99 Toyota 4runner: I noticed my 4runner pitching on highway even at low speeds for several weeks. After I brought into Toyota they informed that the vehicle was extremely unsafe - rear end differential housing had become detached from frame on rear passenger side - right rear axle close to complete failure - Toyota stated it was too dangerous to drive. Severe rust on the structural and suspension components is excessive. Also large holes in differential housing causing fluid leakage. Toyota stated they could find used parts, including suspension bracket & entire replacement of differential housing & sway bar components - would cost up to $3000 to repair at my cost. Another option is to find a mechanic to weld & repair suspension brackets. The rear transfer case is so thin that oil is leaking through rust holes. Frame rails & entire undercarriage also severely rusted & deteriorated, including entire disintegration of the rear bumper with the front bumper having massive rust holes.

- Terrace , British Columbia, 00, USA

problem #9

Feb 102011

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
Frame on 1999 Toyota 4runner has rusted through in front of rear axle attachment on driver's and passenger's sides. Rear differential cover has also rusted to point where differential fluid is leaking out. The vehicle is well maintained and washed regularly with no rust anywhere but frame and rear differential. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and must be repaired according to mechanic. Toyota states that they have a voluntary buy-back program on Tacoma's of same vintage, but not for the 4runner?

- Cambridge, MA, USA

problem #8

Sep 142010

4Runner

  • 194,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. While examining the vehicle the contact noticed rust and a hole near the driver side front frame. The vehicle has not been diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 194000.

- White Hall, MD, USA

problem #7

Jul 292010

4Runner

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4 runner. The contact noticed that the rear axle drive train area was exhibiting severe rust. Prior to noticing the rust, the contact stated there was a leak of unknown fluid from the rear axle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 175,000.

- Yarmouth Port, MA, USA

problem #6

Apr 182010

4Runner

  • 117,000 miles
Our 1999 4runner recently went to the dealer for an inspection, where we learned that the frame on the truck would not pass inspection because there are softball size holes in it. The truck is not safe to drive as a result. There has been a similar issue on the Tundra frames, which were part of a buy back program from Toyota. We were told we could have a new frame put on, but it would cost more than the truck is worth and the truck wouldn't be the same again. Our Toyota dealer has given us a phone number (and we have a claim number) for Toyota and we have made our case with them, but no action has been taken and the dealer has basically said there is nothing further he can do.

- Fairport, NY, USA

problem #5

Apr 062010

4Runner

  • 335,000 miles
Upon a normal maintenance on the front brakes my mechanic found that the front frame was rusted to a dangerous level. I will have to have plates welded onto the frame to make it safe to drive. This should not happen on a vehicle that is only 11 years old and carefully maintained. The vehicle is a 1999 Toyota 4 runner.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #4

Aug 012008

4Runner

  • 80,000 miles
Rust on the structural and suspension components is excessive. I have had welding done to repair suspension brackets. The rear transfer case is so thin that oil is leaking through rust holes.

- New London, NH, USA

problem #3

Nov 252009

4Runner

  • miles
1999 Toyota 4runner, frame rust along the entire frame. Body shop would not try to repair due to liability. I live in NJ where the salt is not as bad as in the northern states. The safety issue is the rear end separating from the frame as their is rust through were the rear suspension connects to the frame.

- Glen Gardner, NJ, USA

problem #2

May 152009

4Runner

  • 190,000 miles
1999 Toyota 4-runner- I noticed the rear end swaying wildly at even low speeds. I notices that the rear end had become detached from frame. I went to a professional welder who had previously done some work for me. He said that the frame components were so badly deteriorated that nothing could be done. I went to steet Toyota in utica N.Y., and they told me that my vehicle would cost over $15,000 to repair. The frame and components were indeed defective, but I had no recourse.

- Herkimer, NY, USA

problem #1

Aug 152008

4Runner 4WD 6-cyl

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there is a hole in the box frame of the vehicle due to the construction of the frame. Water seeps in through the frame, causing it to rust from the inside out. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and they informed her of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed by two repair shops and they both confirmed that the failure was due to the design of the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 143,000. Updated 09/29/08. Updated 09/29/08.

- Export, PA, USA