1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Structure Problems

VERY RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE. MY OTHER IS ONLY 3 YEARS NEWER AND HAS NOTHING LIKE THIS ON IT. I WAS ADVISED TO SELL IT BY A SUSPENSION SHOP THAT NOTED MY BROKEN, RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE, BAD SHOCK AND THE CONDITION OF THE REAR OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME IN GENERAL. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THIS RUST.

Mileage: 350,000

FRAME RUST MAKES VEHICLE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 350,000

HEY I HAVE A 1997 4 RUNNER I HAVE A PROBLEM OF THE FRAME GETTING RUSTED OUT. IT IS ON THE 4 LINK WHERE IT HOOKS TO THE AXLE IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME MY REAR AXLE ABOUT CAME OFF AND IT ALMOST GOT ME INTO A RECK. ALL I DONE IS HIT THE BRAKES THEN HURT POP AND REAR END WENT CRAZY. I WAS ON A BUSY CITY STEET WHEN IT HAPPENED

Mileage: 285,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS NOTHING SUPPORTING THE STABILIZER ARM. FOX TOYOTA (228 FOX FAMILY LN, CLINTON, TN 37716, (865)-494-0228) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 271,000.

Mileage: 271,000

THE FRAME SNAPPED FROM RUST AS I WAS DRIVING

Mileage: 150,000

THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER IS RUSTING ALONG THE REAR AXLE CONTROL ARM MOUNT (THE PIECE WELDED TO THE FRAME THAT YOU CAN SEE WHEN CROUCHED DOWN LOOKING UNDER THE REAR DOORS). THIS SEPARATES AND CAUSES THE REAR AXLE TO FLOAT AROUND WHICH MAY CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS OTHER INCIDENTS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SEPARATE COMPLETELY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEY WERE BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 337,000

THE FRAME WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND NOT ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION WAS APPLIED BY TOYOTA. WE RARELY GET SNOW AND STILL THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. TOYOTA DID NOT MAKE A DRAIN HOLE SO THAT THE WATER IN THE FRAME WOULD EVAPORATE. THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE VEHICLES WHICH OTHERWISE LAST A LONG TIME. A LOT OF OWNERS HAVE 4RUNENRS WITH EXCELLENT ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BUT WITH RUSTED FRAMES. THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN ON UNSUSPECTING OWNERS.

Mileage: 201,021

MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT IT'S A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I'VE ALREADY HAD THE RIGHT REAR SHOCKMOUNT AND BAR REPLACED, AND THE LEFT IS ON ITS WAY TO RUSTING COMPLETELY THROUGH. ON THE LEFT SIDE, HOWEVER, THE FUEL TANK IS MOUNTED UP, AND WHEN THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTS THROUGH AND BREAKS, IT WILL VERY LIKELY CAUSE SOMETHING TO PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK. THAT COULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE, SINCE I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, I MUST CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. SO, IT IS LIKELY THAT IT WILL BE ON THE ROAD WHEN THAT HAPPENS. WHY IN THE WORLD HAS THIS VEHICLE NOT BEEN RECALLED WHEN YOU RECALLED THE TOYOTA TACOMAS FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF RUSTY FRAMES? THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE A HUGE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MANY PEOPLE IF THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT RECALLED AND TAKEN OFF THE STREETS!

FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED VEHICLE WELL KEPT AND IT JUST KEEPS ROTTING SO I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEY TRAILER ARM BROKE OFF THE TRUCK ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK.

Mileage: 190,000

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER "REAR FRAME RUST AND HOLES" MY TOYOTA 1997 4RUNNER (CURRENT MILEAGE 139,035) HAS THE RUST AND HOLES ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE & DRIVER SIDE FRAMES. TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER MECHANIC SAID " DO NOT DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS." I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT $34,500 ON JUNE 1997. IT WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ONE. IT'S VERY RIDICULOUS THAT THIS EXPENSIVE CAR HAS THIS KINDS OF PROBLEM. LET ME HAVE RECALL SERVICE. I WILL APPRECIATE FOR YOUR COMMENTS. THANK YOU.

Mileage: 139,035

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND RUST ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALLS FOR OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES FOR FRAME RUST, BUT NOT FOR THE 4RUNNER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000. *TT *TR

Mileage: 190,000

EXTENSIVE RUST , FRAME WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION.

Mileage: 245,000

FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE REAR AXLE ARM ATTACHES. ARM MOUNT BROKEN LOOSE FROM FRAME. VEHICHLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND VIRTUALLY NOT REPAIRABLE. (FRAME REPLACEMENT) RIDICULOUS TOYOTA!!! YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MAKE IT RIGHT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!. MYSELF AND FMAILY OWN 7 TOYOTAS. MIGHT RECONSIDER EVER BUYING ANOTHER!

Mileage: 225,000

MY 1997 4RUNNER ONLY HAS 116,XXX MILES AND ITS FRAME IS STARTING TO ROT. MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND IT'S ALSO ON OTHER 4RUNNERS. I GUESS IT HAPPENED OVER THE YEARS BUT IT IS NEAR THE BACK BY THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME.

I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS 1997 TOYOTA WHICH I'VE PLANNED TO KEEP FOR EVER. HOWEVER, THIS WEEKEND WHILE REPLACING A SHOCK ABSORBER I FOUND THAT THE FRAME, BY THE MUFFLER HAS RUSTED THROUGH, THE GASH IS APPROXIMATELY 18 INCHES LONG. THERE ARE OTHER AREAS FAR BEYOND WHAT CAN BE CONSIDERED NORMAL RUST DUE TO AGING. THE DAMAGE LOOKS UNSAFE. I FOUND THE DAMAGE ON THE BELOW STATED DATE BUT THIS KIND OF DAMAGE MUST TO HAVE TAKEN YEARS.

Mileage: 198,000

GOING DOWN ROAD AT 50MPH CAR LET LOOSE VERY HARD TO HANDLE PULLED ME INTO BURM OF ROAD SWAYING BACK AND FOURTH. HAD CAR TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED FRAME BROKE LOOSE TOTALLY ROTTED FROM INSIDE OUT LOOKS LIKE COOKIE CRUMBLES. FRAME HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AS THIS IS 22ND 4RUNNER OWNED WITH SAME PROBLEM THIS TIME ALMOST SEVERE ACCIDENT. CONTACTING A LAWYER AS THIS ISSUE IS BEING NEGLECTED RESEARCH DONE AND THIS IS VERY COMMON IN 4RUNNERS AND A VERY GOOD CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT.

Mileage: 22,000

I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT AND HEARD A POP LIKE SOMETHING HAD BROKEN. PROCEEDED TO GET ON INTERSTATE ON RAMP AND WITHIN A MILE THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS SWERVING BACK AND FORTH. LUCKILY I ONLY HAD TO GO ABOUT A MILE TO MY EXIT. ONCE HOME I HAD DISCOVERED THAT PART OF THE FRAME HAD RUSTED INTO AT A VERY CRITICAL AREA OF THE FRAME. IT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE AND WAS A PART WHERE A ROD MOUNTED TO IT THAT KEEPS THE REAR AXLE ALIGNED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A VEHICLES FRAME REGARDLESS OF IT BEING 19 YEARS OLD. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEABLE AND TOYOTA SOMEHOW DOESN'T FEEL THE NEED TO RECALL WHAT IS A HUGE ISSUE FOR LOTS OF OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Mileage: 202,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CORRODED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY REPAIR SHOP, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

RE: 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER - I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.THE FRAME RAIL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS SEVERE RUST PERFORATION IN THE BACK WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME RAIL. AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN/MATERIAL DEFECT AND A COMMON ISSUE ALTHOUGH PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN TO ME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I HAVE LEARNED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS GENERATION OF THETOYOTA 4RUNNER HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE THERE A GREAT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES STILL IN SERVICE WHOSE OWNERS ARE UNAWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND ARE IN SERIOUS DANGER OF HARMING THEMSELVES AND OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE. MUST THE NHTSA WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE TOYOTA IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY THE NHTSA FOR THIS DEFECT?

Mileage: 186,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND BECAME HARD TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE STABILIZER BAR TO THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHOLE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 263,514.

Mileage: 263,514

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THANK YOU FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS CONCERN. I JUST PURCHASED A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH 173,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS MADE AWARE BEFORE BUYING THE VEHICLE THAT THERE IS SOME RUST UNDERNEATH AND SO I EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND DETERMINED THAT IT IS NOT MAJOR AND IS REPAIRABLE. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS QUITE LARGER THAN I INITIALLY ASSESSED. I REALIZE THAT THIS MAKES ME RESPONSIBLE FOR A BAD DECISION BUT I ALSO THINK THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO BRING THESE RUST ISSUES TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NHTSA WITH THE HOPE THAT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS WILL AFFECT A RESPONSE THAT WILL HOLD THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE. I REALIZE THAT THIS VEHICLE IS 15 YEARS OLD AND HAS HIGH MILEAGE BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE ROTTING FRAME IS AN ACCEPTABLE DEFECT IN AN 18 YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT WAS CLEARLY VERY WELL MAINTAINED BY IT'S ORIGINAL OWNER, AND BY THE NUMBER OF SUBMITTED AND UNSUBMITTED COMPLAINTS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WHICH POINTS TO A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. IN ADDITION, THIS ROTTING FRAME PROBLEM MUST HAVE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MUCH YOUNGER BECAUSE THE FRAME IS ROTTED THROUGH IN TWO PLACES AND IT DOESN'T TAKE A SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THIS KIND OF DAMAGE TAKES TIME. THE MAIN FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER IS ROTTED COMPLETELY THROUGH IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. I CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THAT I JUST BOUGHT BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS AND I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE ARE LESS MECHANICALLY INCLINED PERSONS OUT THERE WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND UNKNOWINGLY PUTTING THEMSELVES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT RISK. PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO HOLD THE MANUFACTURER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DEFECT. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

PURCHASED WITH 165,000 MILES. ALMOST NEW FOR A MODERN VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS NOTIFIED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT, THE REAR END WAS READY TO COLLAPSE, AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND NOTIFIED THE SAME THING. TOYOTA MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SUPPORT LINE CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS. THIS VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED ITS ENTIRE LIFE IN KENTUCKY, NOT MICHIGAN. RUSTING OUT AT 165K IS UNHEARD OF FOR A MODERN VEHICLE IN THESE CONDITIONS. DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA FOR NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO SELL IT TO THE JUNKYARD. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY I DON'T HAVE.

Mileage: 165,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 261,909. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 261,909

THE REAR END PART THAT CONNECTS TO FRAME BROKE FREE FROM WELD ON FRAME CAUSED SERIOUS SWEARVING ON ROAD AT 65 MPH MY KIDS WERE SCARED TO DEATH COULD OF CAUSED A ROLL OVER BUT KEPT IT ON ROAD

Mileage: 186,000

DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD AND THE PART FROM REAR END THAT CONNECTS TO FRAME RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURRED AND FORCED ME OFF THE ROAD. FRAME LOOKS GOOD EVERYWHERE ELSE BUT THE SAME LOCATION ON BOTH SIDE.

Mileage: 139,000

THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THREW IN MULTIPLE PARTS OF THE FRAME. SOMEONE HAS ALREADY TRIED WELDING SOME PLATING TO KEEP REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OF THE LOWER FOUR LINK ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. EXTREMELY UNSAFE. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

CARS REAL END STARTED TO SWAY WHEN DRIVING, TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH, THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD NO RECALL ISSUED,NOTHING THEY COULD DO!!!!. THIS TOYOTA ONLY HAS 121,000 MILES ON IT!! IT SHOULD BE GOING FOR ANOTHER 100,000, THAT'S WHY PEOPLE BUY TOYOTAS!! MY SON BOUGHT THIS CAR 3 YEARS AGO, TOOK ALL HIS MONEY NOW HE HAS NO CAR TO DRIVE OR MONEY TO BUY A NEW ONE. TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. SINCE THIS HAPPENED I FOUND THAT MANY OTHER TOYOTA 4RUNNER OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. THEY RECALLED THE TACOMA FOR THE SAME REASON.. SAME YEARS. NEED A RECALL ON THE 4RUNNER!!! *TR

Mileage: 121,000

THE FRAME HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED THROUGH IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT, REAR TRAILING ARM. MY SHOP TELLS ME THE FRAME IS TOO RUSTED TO REPAIR IT. *TR

Mileage: 131,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 145,528

1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER FRAME ROT AND RUST: I NOTICED RUST DEBRIS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE INSIDE OF DRIVER-SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED WITH EXTENSIVE RUST ALONG ENTIRE LENGTH OF ADJACENT FUEL TANK. HOLES LARGE ENOUGH TO PUT FOUR FINGERS IN AND CRUMBLE. IT IS CLEAR THAT THE ROT HAS ALMOST GONE ENTIRELY THROUGH THE FRAME AS THERE ARE SEVERAL SMALL HOLES ON OUTSIDE OF FRAME AS WELL. THE RUST HAS ALSO SERIOUSLY COMPROMISED THE WELD SEAM ON THE SUSPENSION COMPONENT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. RUST AND ROT OF THIS SEVERITY ON THIS VEHICLE IS ISOLATED ONLY TO THIS AREA OF THE FRAME. THE REST OF VEHICLE FRAME SHOWS TYPICAL SURFACE RUST AS EXPECTED WITH AGE OF VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 260,000

I HEARD A NOISE TOWARD THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, SO I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE LEFT REAR FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED INTO AND THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS ALMOST AS BAD. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT HOME AND PARK IT BEFORE A BAD ACCIDENT HAPPENED. *TR

Mileage: 167,600

FOUND CLUNKING SOUND FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND FOUND CHASSIS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP CONTACTED AND SAID VEHICLE NOT AFFECTED BY ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE REPLACED THE FRONT TIE ROD HE NOTICED THE REAR SUBFRAME AREA AND THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 144,216. RK

Mileage: 144,216

ORIGINAL OWNER, BOUGHT NEW. KEPT VEHICLE VERY WELL MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR INSPECTIONS ON A LIFT AND NO EVIDENCE OF FRAME RUST OR OTHER PROBLEMS. THEN ON ABOVE DATE AN INSPECTION SHOWED MANY SPOTS OF RUST ON THE FRAME - IT HAD BEEN ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. MULTIPLE BODY EXPERTS SAID IT WAS TOO FAR GONE TO REPAIR AND NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. FORTUNATELY IT DID NOT FAIL WHEN MY FAMILY AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, POTENTIALLY KILLING US AND ANYONE AROUND US. TOYOTA CUSTOMER "EXPERIENCE" REPS REFUSED EVEN TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM - AND I ESCALATED THIS AS FAR AS I COULD. THEY HAD NO ANSWER FOR WHY THEY BOUGHT BACK TACOMAS, TUNDRAS AND SEQUOIAS (WHICH HAVE THE SAME FRAME) BUT DID NOT EVEN ISSUE A MAINTENANCE ADVISORY FOR THE 4RUNNERS. IF THEY WON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THIS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORCE A RECALL. THE REST OF THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WELL AND THE FRAME MAY WELL FAIL FIRST, WHICH NO ONE EXPECTS. *TR

Mileage: 186,000

REAR FRAME IS RUSTED BADLY WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION CONNECTS. *TR

Mileage: 265,000

HAVING COMPLAINED ABOUT A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FOR QUITE SOME TIME TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, I WAS SOLD A NUMBER OF REPAIRS OVER THE LAST 15,000 MILES, INCLUDING REAR STABILIZER LINKS AND REAR SHOCKS. HOWEVER, THE NOISE PERSISTED. AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON REPAIRS, I HAVE NOW DISCOVERED THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE PORTION OF THE FRAME IN THE AREA UNDER THE REAR SEAT HAS TOTALLY ROTTED AWAY AND THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM WELDMENT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE (SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE) AND UNSAFE. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER ADVISED ME OF ANY PROBLEM, LEADING ME TO SPEND THE MONEY ON THESE OTHER REPAIRS. THIS FRAME DESIGN HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A PROBLEM BY TOYOTA A FEW YEARS BACK. TOYOTA PROVIDED RELIEF FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE TACOMA. OBVIOUSLY THE 4RUNNER SUFFERS THE SAME PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE EVALUATED AS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 234,339

THE VEHICLE HAD A BAD MUFFLER IN IT SO I TOOK INTO TO THE MUFFLER SHOP AND AS THEY FIXED THE MUFFLER THEY FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE CAR IS RUSTED OUT. THERE ARE SEVERAL HOLES IN THE FRAME. I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR EVERYDAY ( 4 YEARS OLD AND 1 YEAR OLD) CAR IS NOT SAFE AND I AM CURRENTLY OUT A VEHICLE AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION. THE ENTIRE FRAME IS DAMAGED. *TR

Mileage: 177,000

RUST. THE FRAME HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, AS HAS THE REAR FENDER. 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH MAJOR RUST ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

EXTENSIVE RUST ON FRAME AROUND WELD OF THE CONTROL ARM OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THIS CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO DETACH MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT APPEARS THERE ARE QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS ABOUT FRAME RUSTING FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNERS. *TR

Mileage: 133,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CLOSE TO HOME WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED SWAYING. PULLED OVER AND BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWLY ON SIDE OF ROAD, NO TRAFFIC, TIL I GOT HOME. SHOP OWNER SAID FRAME BROKE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. TRUCK IN GREAT SHAPE, NOBODY EVER GAVE ME AN INDICATION SOMETHING WAS WRONG UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CRASHED IF GOING FASTER AND MORE TRAFFIC, I WAS VERY LUCKY. *TR

Mileage: 173,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WAS BEING PERFORMED, HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THE DEFECT AND STATED THAT THE CONDITION OF THE FRAME WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH AND NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SWAY BAR OF SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,500. ...UPDATED 11-18-13 *BF

Mileage: 189,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE HEARD A CRACK. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 163,000

FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BODY IS FINE BUT THE FRAME IS ROTTED. THERE ARE HOLES RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE SPOTS INCLUDING SUSPENSION MOUNTS. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

FRAME IS RUSTING OUT ALONG FULL LENGTH. THE OUTSIDE LOOKS FINE IN MOST PLACES BUT THE INSIDE IS FLAKING OFF. IF YOU HIT IT WITH A HAMMER IT WILL GO RIGHT THROUGH AND MAKE A HOLE. I HAVE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAMES ON INTERNET SITES. *TR

Mileage: 202,000

I HAVE HAD MY 4RUNNER FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY TRUCK AND AS OF LAST YEAR THE FRAME HAS BEEN SO RUSTED THEY WON'T PUT IT ON A LIFT NEVER MIND INSPECT IT..I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE TACOMA TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA HAVE ALL BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AND NOT MY RUNNER ..I'VE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ..CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Mileage: 179,000

VEHICLE HAS BEEN SWAYING AND THEN RECENTLY THE STEERING GOT BAD SO I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 212,831

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, STOPPING POWER DECREASED AND THE ABS ERRONEOUSLY ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR UNDER BODY FRAME HAD FRACTURED IN HALF DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,000..... UPDATED 03/08/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THEY BRAKES WOULDN'T PERFORM AS DESIGNED. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS RANDOM, BECAUSE OF THE REAR -END SWAYING FROM BEING DETACHED. UPDATED 03/11/13

Mileage: 159,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, STOPPING POWER DECREASED AND THE ABS ERRONEOUSLY ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR UNDER BODY FRAME HAD FRACTURED IN HALF DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,000..... UPDATED 03/08/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THEY BRAKES WOULDN'T PERFORM AS DESIGNED. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS RANDOM, BECAUSE OF THE REAR -END SWAYING FROM BEING DETACHED. UPDATED 03/11/13

Mileage: 159,000

I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60 TO 70 MPH) AND IT STARTED GETTING HARD TO HANDLE. IF YOU ACCELERATED IT WOULD TURN HARD TO THE RIGHT, IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT WOULD VEER BACK HARD TO THE LEFT. WE STOPPED AND CHECKED IT OUT AND THE FRAME MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED OFF. *TR

Mileage: 220,000

FRAME ON VEHICLE COMPLETELY CRACKED. THERE IS NUMEROUS HOLES AND RUST PERFORATION ON THE FRAME. LOCAL DEALER DEEMED VEHICLE UNSAFE. TOYOTA HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THEIR OLDER FRAMES AND THEY NEED TO TAKE CARE OF 4RUNNER OWNERS LIKE THEY DID WITH TACOMA AND TUNDRA OWNERS. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER EVERY DAY THAT I DROVE THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE, SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I AM LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS TOTALLY USELESS. *TR

Mileage: 152,000

I TOOK MY 1997 4RUNNER IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT MY FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THAT MY CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I GOT THE OPINION OF TWO OTHER AUTO BODY SHOPS AND THEY ALL AGREED THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND IS BEYOND BEING REPAIRED. TOYOTA OFFERED A BUY BACK PROGRAM FOR THEIR TACOMA'S FOR THE SAME REASON HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT BUY BACK THE 4 RUNNERS. I'VE FOUND SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME RUST ISSUE WITH THE FRAMES ON THEIR 4RUNNERS. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR

THIS 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS PREMATURE STRUCTURAL FRAME FAILURE. THE FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE FRAME ROT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME. THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC AMONG OLDER TOYOTA TRUCKS AND SUV'S. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY RECALLED THE TACOMA'S OF THIS MODEL YEAR DUE TO THE FRAMES ROTTING. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET FROM OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS. IT IS TIME TO PUSH TOYOTA TO HELP ALL OF THE OWNERS OF THESE TOYOTA'S OUT. *TR

Mileage: 171,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER PART OF THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 243,000.

Mileage: 243,000

RUSTED FRAME..... UNSAFE SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

THE FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH ON SEVERAL PLACES, BUT ONE PARTICULAR LOCATION IS THE WORST. THIS LOCATION IS THE WELD JOINT BETWEEN A SOLID STEEL BRACKET OF THE SAME SIZE, THICKNESS AND MATERIAL AS THE MAIN FRAME. THIS BRACKET HOLDS THE SWAY-TYPE BAR, WHICH ATTACHES BACK TO THE REAR AXLE. THE WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE MAIN FRAME HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND IS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN FRAME. THE JOINT IS ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG. OVER ABOUT 6 INCHES OF THE WELD JOINT, THE AREA IS RUSTED AWAY AND THERE IS A 3/8-INCH GAP BETWEEN PARTS. THE REMAINING 2 INCHES ARE HOLDING TEMPORARILY, BUT IT IS UNSAFE. THIS RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILED FRAME HAS CAUSED THE 1997 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER TO BE UNSAFE, UNDRIVEABLE AND UN-FIXABLE. IT IS UNSAFE BECAUSE IF THE FRAME JOINT RUSTS MORE AND COMPLETELY BREAKS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE UNCONTROLLABLE. *TR

Mileage: 177,607

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF

Mileage: 150,000

FRAME ON A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ROTTING OUT. VEHICLE NO LONGER ROAD WORTHY AND WILL NOT TAKE A STICKER. HAVE BEEN A TOYOTA MAN MY WHOLE LIFE BUT THIS MAKES ME THINK TWICE ABOUT EVER PURCHASING ANOTHER ONE. IS TOYOTA GOING TO GO GOOD ON THIS? FUNNY HOW THE TACOMA WAS RECALLED BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER! SAME FRAME? I WOULD HAVE TO GUESS YES... *TR

Mileage: 225,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR UNRELATED MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD CRUMBLE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNREPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME RUSTING. I HAVE WORKED FROM HOME SINCE 2001, YET THE FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGED ITS ENTIRE LIFE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND IS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND. THIS SEEMS SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM OF RUSTED FRAMES IN TOYOTA TACOMA VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 139,000

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME ROTTING OUT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1997 TOYOTA TACOMAS FOR THE SAME REASON, THE 4RUNNER HAS THE SAME FRAME AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADD THE 4RUNNER TO THE RECALL OR FIX THE DEFECTIVE FRAMES. MY 4RUNNER IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE EXCEPT THE FRAME IS ROTTING THROUGH IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS. THESE 4RUNNERS SHOULD BE RECALLED THE SAME AS THE TACOMAS TO FIX THE DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 139,000

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME ROTTING OUT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1997 TOYOTA TACOMAS FOR THE SAME REASON, THE 4RUNNER HAS THE SAME FRAME AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADD THE 4RUNNER TO THE RECALL OR FIX THE DEFECTIVE FRAMES. MY 4RUNNER IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE EXCEPT THE FRAME IS ROTTING THROUGH IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS. THESE 4RUNNERS SHOULD BE RECALLED THE SAME AS THE TACOMAS TO FIX THE DEFECT.

Mileage: 125,000

THE SUB-FRAME OF MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUV HAS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. THE SUSPENSION BOX HAS RUSTED FREE FROM THE FRAME RAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RENDERED UNSAFE AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. TOYOTA WANTS $3,000 + LABOR TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THIS IS THE SAME SUB-FRAME TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY REPLACING ON THEIR 1995 - 2010 TACOMA PICKUP TRUCKS AT THE COMPANY'S EXPENSE. MY SUB-FRAME HAS THE SAME TYPE AND DEPTH OF RUST DAMAGE AS THE TACOMA TRUCKS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE REPLACING THESE SUB-FRAMES ON THEIR SUV'S AS WELL AS THEIR TACOMA TRUCKS. *TR

Mileage: 219,000

I WANTED TO REPORT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE AND I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T PULLING MY BOAT OR TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. BASICALLY THE FRAME FOR MY 4RUNNER RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. ONE BRACE THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME TO STABILIZE THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BROKE OFF THE FRAME ON ONE SIDE. THE OTHER SIDE IS HOLDING ON BY A STRING. THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME WITH PIECES MISSING FROM RUSTING OUT. THE FRAME COULD IN MY OPINION BREAK IN HALF NEAR THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. THIS SEEMS SIMILAR OR WORSE THAN WHAT I READ ABOUT THE TACOMA TRUCKS. I BROUGHT IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THAT WAS WHAT THE GUYS SAID THERE. THE WORDS DIRECTLY FROM THE SERVICE GUYS WERE - THIS IS WORSE THAN ANY OF THE TACOMA'S THEY HAVE SEEN. THEY HAD THE REGIONAL TOYOTA REP TAKE PICTURES AND RUN A REPORT AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH ME SOON. THAT WAS ON 9/9/09. NO WORD BACK YET. RIGHT NOW THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE THAT I KNOW ABOUT SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS REPORTED TO YOU. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION FOR ME AND MULTIPLE OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THEY ADVISED THE FRAME WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE OR TOW ANY ITEMS AND NOT TO HAVE MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE AT ONE TIME. THE ADVISED TO GET THE FRAME WELDED BY A WELDING COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 198,199

NO CRASH OR INJURY,BUT 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DIFFERENTIAL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKS OIL THROUGH NUMEROUS PINHOLES. IT CAN'T BE PATCHED AND REPLACEMENT IS IN THE $1500 RANGE. I CAN'T TAKE THE VEHICLE ON TRIPS. I HAVE FOUND MANY INSTANCES OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ON THE WEB - IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. ON AUGUST 5 2009, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH HE HEARD A NOISE AND OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME BROKE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEFT TIE ROD CORRODED AND BROKE IN HALF WHICH CAUSED THE FRAME TO FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME IS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO EXISTING RECALL AND WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN HOLE AND A 7 INCH CRACK TO THE FRAME. TOYOTA HAS A FRAME SAFETY RECALL ON 1995-2000 TACOMA. I CONTACTED TOYOTA WITH THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I HAVE A 1997 4RUNNER WHICH SITS ON THE SAME FRAME. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR