1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Suspension Problems

I have had this vehicle since 12/1997 and it had always been garaged. The body is in very good condition. I live in northern Wisconsin and road salt is prevalent during the harsh winters. At the first part od April I was driving on Hwy, 47 toward Minocqua and suddenly the steering felt vague. I moved the steering wheel slighlty and the vehicle went out of control, I managed to avoid oncoming traffic and pulled to the side of the road. I was still near home and drove very slowly to get home. Upon examining the cundercarriage at a local mechanic, we found that the frame was rusted and had broken where the rear trailing arm is attached, leaving the rear axle loose. I ended up giving the car to the mechanic. After driving it for 26 years it was a very sad moment since ran great and was my daily driver. I called Toyota and they told my vehicle was not included in the recall for

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!

Mileage: 260,000

REAR FRAM STABILIZER BRACE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME, SO AXLE TO FRAME STALIZER DOES NOT STABILIZE REAR AXLE

Mileage: 198,000

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

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 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.

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

THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE REAR TRAILING ARM TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF FROM THE FRAME CAUSING IT TO SWERVE AND LOOSE STABILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION

Mileage: 232,000

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!

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD BANG AND VEHICLE GOT SQUIRMY AND OUT OF CONTROL WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM MY HOUSE LUCKILY. GOT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND REALIZED THE FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS COMPONENTS TO KEEP AXLE IN PLACE ARE ROTTED OUT. ISSUE WILL GET SOMEONE KILLED ONE DAY.

RIGHT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK BROKE THROUGH FRAME WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET (BRACKET SUB ASSEMBLY REAR - RIGHT REAR). HAD TO REMOVE SHOCK SO IT WOULD NOT BUST THROUGH CAUSING RIDE INSTABILITY.

Mileage: 153,000

MY 1997 4RUNNER HAS A LOT OF RUST ON THE CHASSIS FRAME. THE REAR SHOCKS CANNOT BE INSTALLED BECAUSE THE METAL WAS EATEN BY THE RUST.

WHEN BRAKING ON A CURVE ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY {55 MPH} THE VEHICLE JUMPED AND HOPPED UNCONTROLLABLY AND ALMOST LEFT THE ROAD. AFTER SLOWLY GETTING IT HOME, I INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION AND FOUND THE MOUNT FOR THE REAR TRAILING ARM BROKE OFF THE FRAME FROM RUST. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 155,000 MILES AND THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN VARY GOOD CONDITION. I BOUGHT THE TOYOTA FOR ITS KNOWN LONGEVITY AND DID NOT EXPECT THIS FROM TOYOTA. IF THIS HAD BEEN A STATE HWY {70 MPH} I'M SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CRASH, INJURY AND POSABLE FATALITY.

Mileage: 155,000

MY 4RUNNER FRAME IS ROTTED OUT. CRACKED FRAME UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 230,000

FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT CONTROL ARMS FELL OFF THE CAR. FRAME BUSTED IN HALF.

Mileage: 229,365

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INSPECTOR WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SWAY BAR DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

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

THE FRAME IS SO RUSTY THAT THREE SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS HAVE RUSTED (BROKEN) OFF. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 150,000

THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RUSTED THROUGH JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE FRONT OF THE TRAILING ARM SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE DISINTEGRATED FRAME CAUSING THE AXLE TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEED AND BECAME WILDLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.

Mileage: 195,000

FRAME ROTTED APART HAVE TO HAVE SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT ANY LONGER I NEED MY VEHICLE FIXED CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THIS TIME NOT IN OUR BUDGET MY WIFE AND I BOTH WORK NOT FINANCIALLY SET..DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS TOTALLY ROTTED FRAME NEEDS REPLACING.

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

FRAME AND CERTAIN CRITICAL SUSPENSION PARTS HAVE RUSTED OUT, CREATING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION.

Mileage: 200,000

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

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND MY 4RUNNER STARTED TO SWAY AND ROCK VIOLENTLY. I FELT IT VEER IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE WAY I WAS DRIVING AND BRAKED FEARING THAT I WAS GOING TO FLIP MY VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMOOTH STRAIGHT ROAD IN GREAT WEATHER. I BRAKED TO SLOW DOWN TAPPING THEM ABOUT FIVE TIMES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. IT HAPPENED ONE TIME A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE I PARKED THE CAR THINKING THAT THE TIRE WAS FALLING OFF AND CALLED MY MECHANIC WHO HAPPILY FIXED A FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD END AND BALL JOINT. THEY STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTING OUT... THAT IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEN THIS. I WAS TERRIFIED. IT IS NOT SAFE THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND HANGING AND THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTING AND BEGINNING TO FALL. I AM AT A LOSS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE HATE THE REPAIRS THAT I HAVE HAD TO DO IN THE SIX MONTHS I HAVE HAD IT AND NOW I OWE FOR REPAIRS AND A SMALL LOAN. I CANT DRIVE IT OR SELL IT AND SENDING IT BACK WILL RUIN MY ALREADY FAILED CREDIT. IT IS INCREDIBLY A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM AND RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE HAS SHOWED THAT THIS YEAR AND MAKE IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS FRUSTRATING AND SAD THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE EXCEPT LET IT SIT.

Mileage: 200,700

I HAVE A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY FRAME SUDDENLY BROKE. THIS CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A DITCH LINE. I'VE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ARE NOT WILING TO HELP ME WITH A REPLACMENT FRAME. THIS FRAME IS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF NO REPAIR. SOMETHING NEEDS DONE ABOUT THIS

Mileage: 163,211

I WAS DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONE POSTED 20 MPH SCHOOL ZONE ROAD A LITTLE ROUGH UNEVEN SURFACE WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 20 MPH WHEN I FELT THE VEHICLE STRAYED TO THE RIGHT WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKES TO TAKE OFF AGAIN HEARING THUMP AND VEHICLE STRAYED TO RIGHT KEEPING THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT WHICH FELT LIKE REAR END OF VEHICLE GONG TO RIGHT AND FRONT END STEERING TO LEFT A LOT OF SWAYING AND THUMPING UPON APPLYING AND RELEASING MY FEET ON AND OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TAKING OFF FROM A DEAD STOP AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO STOP AND A THUMP SOUND, I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE WHEELS SEEM OK BUT UPON LOOKING UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE JUST IN FRONT OF DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL FRAME ATTACHED TO THE STABILIZER BAR ROTTED AND DROPPED DOWN EXPOSING MY GAS TANK HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE PLATES WELDED TO FRAME TO USE VEHICLE AGAIN WELDER SAID FRAME ALL ROTTED OUT.

Mileage: 155,364

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V021000 (SUSPENSION), HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR DUE TO A RUSTED CHASSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN

Mileage: 151,000

MY SON JARRED WAS DRIVING OUR 1997 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, HE WAS ALSO LOSING CONTROL OF HIS STEERING, HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY. WHEN I DID AN ACTUAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE FRAME I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED OFF THE FRAME BODY, THUS THE REASON THAT MY SON ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA AND FRAME ROTTING OUT. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE TUNDRAS AND SEQUOIAS NOT THE 4-RUNNERS. I'M HOPING THAT TOYOTA DOES THE RIGHT THING AND RECALLS THE 4-RUNNERS. I HAVE PIC'S IF SOMEBODY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 131,600

LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT ROTTED/SEPARATED FROM FRAME. CONTROL ARM MOUNT IS WELDED TO FRAME FROM FACTORY. MOUNT IS SERVICED WITH FRAME. VEHICLE FRAME HAS OTHER ROTTED AREAS. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CONTACTED TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY STATED THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE FRAME RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 188,705

THE BODY ON THE 4RUNNER IS CLEAN WITH VERY LITTLE RUST. THE FRAME HOWEVER IS RUSTING BADLY AND THE MOUNTS FOR THE REAR CONTROL ARMS ARE ALMOST RUSTED OFF. *TR

Mileage: 180,000

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

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

VEHICLE DEVELOPED SERIOUS REAR END SWAY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE VICINITY OF THE REAR AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME RAIL HAD RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL AREAS. ADDITIONALLY THE FRAME HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE LOWER TRACK ARM MOUNTING PLATE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RESULTING IN FORWARD AND BACKWARD MOVEMENT IN THE MOUNTING PLATE. THE VEHICLE IS OTHERWISE VIRTUALLY RUST FREE. *TR

Mileage: 226,000

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

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

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

I OWN A 1997 4RUNNER. DURING MY DRIVING THE VEHICLE FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CHASSIS LOCATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPLIT APART AND ALMOST RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY. THIS FAILURE, HOWEVER, IS PURELY AN ENGINEERING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING FAILURES.HENCE, THE VEHICLE HAS BECOME UN-DRIVABLE. WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND ITS DEALERSHIPS, THEY SAID TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WILL COST ME $8,100.00. HENCE, I FEEL THAT, IN COMPARISON TO OTHER VEHICLES FROM DIFFERENT BRAND OF CARS COMPANIES, THEREWITH, WHEREBY, THEY ARE STILL ON SOME PART OF THE WORLD, ARE STILL DRIVABLE AND USEFUL. HOWEVER, FOR THE KIND OF MONEY SPENT ON THE PURCHASE, THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE, THE VEHICLE IS THAT OLD THEY ARE LIABLE FOR A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS ARE SEVERELY RUSTED AND BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME WHILE DRIVING INTERSTATE CAUSING NEAR LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO BOUNCE/SWAY OF REAR END. *TR

Mileage: 205,203

WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON STATE ROUTE, HEARD LOUD NOISE AND VEHICLE STARTED SHIMMYING SIDE TO SIDE. SHE SLOWED DOWN AND LIMPED VEHICLE HOME. TODAY RAISED VEHICLE ON MY LIFT AT WORK AND FOUND FRAME RUSTED THROUGH WHERE REAR SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO FRAME. GLAD NO ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED, AS MY WIFE, CHILDREN AND NEW SISTER-IN-LAW WERE ALL PASSENGERS! OTHERWISE LOVE THE VEHICLE, WAS INTENDING ON REPLACEMENT WITH A SEQUOIA, BUT NOW I AM UNSURE IF THAT IS A GOOD MOVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY TACOMAS COME IN THAT HAD FRAME RUST IN THE SAME EXACT LOCATION. WISH TOYOTA WOULD COVER THIS PROBLEM IN THE 4RUNNERS, AS WE ARE JUST AS LOYAL AS THE TACOMA OWNERS. SEEMS LIKE A COINCIDENCE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT FRAME RUST ON THE INTERNET FORUMS ABOUT THE 4RUNNERS TOO. I SURE HOPE TOYOTA CAN KEEP ME AS A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND THAT I CAN CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THEM TO MY CUSTOMERS AS I VERY OFTEN DO. I WAS REALLY SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING SPENDING THE $3900+ TAX + MY INSTALLATION TIME, BUT IT SEEMS TOYOTA HAS DISCONTINUED MY FRAME. I EVEN DOUBLE-CHECKED WITH CORPORATE TOYOTA. WHAT TO DO NOW?.......NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD COME TO THIS...JUST SOME HELP EVEN... *TR

Mileage: 180,000

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 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 258,625.

Mileage: 258,625

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

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

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE HEARD A SOUND AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED, AND THEN CONTINUED TO BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE REMAINDER OF THE RIDE HOME. WHILE I WAS TRYING TO TAKE HER DESCRIPTION AND BEGIN TROUBLESHOOTING WHAT COULD BE WRONG, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS ON ICE. IT FELT LIKE THE REAR WAS TRYING TO COME AROUND, A VERY WEIRD FEELING IN THE SUMMER. TRYING TO FIGURE WHY, AND SEVERAL MINUTES OF LAYING UNDER THIS VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHING POINT IS ROTTED AND BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS. I HAVE OWNED ONE OF THE RECALLED TOYOTA TACOMAS, IT WAS BOUGHT BACK FROM ME BY TOYOTA MOTOR CORP. I OWN A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA AND IT IS BEING RECALLED FOR ROTTING FRAMES, AND ROTTING SPARE TIRE BRACKETS. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THE 4-RUNNERS. THIS 4 RUNNER IS THE SAME YEAR AS THE TOYOTA TACOMA, AND TWO YEARS OLDER THAT MY TOYOTA TUNDRA. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE ON THE ROAD, AND THANK GOD THIS DID NOT HAVE A DISASTROUS OUTCOME. AND BY THE WAY, BOTH OF MY SMALL CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. SERIOUS DEFECT THAT TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I CANT SELL THIS AS A USED VEHICLE AND I CAN'T TRADE IT IN TO A DEALER. HELP! *TR

Mileage: 150,000

AT 317,800 MILES THE FRONT END WAS REBUILT. WITHIN A WEEK THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM ITS MOUNTING RESULTING IN A LOW SPEED SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I SUSPECT COUNTERFEIT BOLTS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY SAVED NO PARTS. THIS WAS A FALCON K90262 RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT. AT 322,055 MILES A SECOND LOW SPEED ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE FALCON K90263 LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY PULLING THE BALL FROM THE SOCKET. UPON INSPECTION THE SEALED JOINT APPEARS NOT TO HAVE BEEN LUBRICATED AT THE FACTORY AND SHOWS VERY VISIBLE SIGNS OF WEAR. REPAIRS WERE MADE USING ANOTHER BRAND OF PARTS. I HAVE THE PART IN A BAG, WHERE IT WAS PLACED UNCLEANED, AFTER REPAIRS, SHOULD YOU WISH TO INSPECT IT. HAD EITHER OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFERENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

Mileage: 4,255

DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED, AXLE DISLODGED AND WHEEL PUSHED INTO WHEEL WELL. A SEPARATE, BUT EXACT INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SAME VEHICLE LESS THAN 5 YEARS PRIOR AT 131,000 MILES (HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/1997/TOYOTA/4RUNNER/10173792.ASPX). WE WERE ASSURED BY TOYOTA DEALER REPAIR FACILITY AT THAT TIME THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE INCIDENT AND UPON INSPECT THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. THE SUSPENSION HAS BEEN CHECKED IN THE INTERIM AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF FUTURE FAILURE. AGAIN, BOTH SIDES HAVE NOW FAILED ON THE SAME VEHICLE UNDER LIGHT DUTY CONDITIONS.

Mileage: 168,000

THIS DESCRIPTION IS A SUPPLEMENT TO ODI # 10423371 WHERE BALL JOINT FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE ON THE SAME VEHICLE. I INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT FAILED IS PART # 43330-39585. THE REPAIRED PART IS #43330-39415, BOTH MANUFACTURED BY TY (TOYOTA?) WHICH SUGGESTS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL. WHEN ASKED, TOYOTA DID NOT INFORM US OF THE PART CHANGE AND ASSURED US THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT IS SOUND. THE PART 43330-39585 (LOWER BALL JOINT) IS IN THE 4RUNNERS DATED '91 UP TO 2004. THERE ARE RECALLS OF THIS PART NUMBER ONLY IN THE 2001-2004 TIMELINE. TOYOTA RECOMMENDS INSPECTION EVERY 15,000 MILES. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP PROVIDED ME WITH A MULTI-POINT INSPECTION 3500 MILES PRIOR (4 MONTHS AGO) AND PROVIDED ME WITH A POSITIVE (GREEN) CHECK IN ALL AREAS OF INTEREST INCLUDING SUSPENSION AND CV JOINT. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS TO THE FAILURE AS THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HELPS DEMONSTRATE. OUR FAMILY HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF A HIGHWAY DRIVE AND LOOSING A WHEEL AT THOSE SPEEDS WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. ANY OTHER EVENTS AS THIS PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT. THIS SHOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE TO HAPPEN TWICE ON THE SAME VEHICLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS THOROUGHLY AND PROVIDE ME WITH ANSWERS. *TR

Mileage: 168,000

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

WE WERE SOUTHBOUND ON I25, EXT 261,STATE OF COLORADO, GOING ABOUT 45 MPH IN LANE #1 WHEN MY VEHICLE, A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE LEFT LANDING ON THE MEDIAN HITTING THE GUARDRAIL AND CAUSING A 3 CAR ACCIDENT. THE WEATHER WAS A LITTLE SNOW AND THE FWY SURFACE APPEARED CLEAR. *TR

Mileage: 149,112

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT (60 MPH), THE VEHICLE SURGED/JOLTED FORWARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO MERGE INTO THE DIRECTION OF A TRACTOR TRAILER. I TRIED TO TURN AWAY FROM TRACTOR TRAILER TO AVOID COLLISION. MY VEHICLE HIT THE REAR TIRE OF THE TRACTOR TRAILER AND I BEGAN TO SWERVE OUT OF CONTROL. MY BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP EITHER, THEY DIDN'T FUNCTION. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER 3+ TIMES, THE CAR WAS TOTALED. ALL PASSENGERS WERE HOSPITALIZED BUT NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE WERE HURT FROM THE ACCIDENT. MY CONCERN IS REGARDING THE PERIODIC ENGINE SURGE AND/OR JOLTING AND LACK OF BRAKE CONTROL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN ORDER TO AVOID FUTURE INCIDENTS. WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN KILLED IN THIS AUTO ACCIDENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 02V021000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL AUGUST 6, 2007. HE FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WAIT. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 02V021000 FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION IN DECEMBER 2006. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND HAD NO ESTIMATE AS TO WHEN THEY WILL ARRIVE. ON MARCH 29, 2007, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD BE NOTIFIED AND SHOULD HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN REFERENCE # 200704020883. THE CLOSEST DEALER WAS 70 MILES FROM THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACTWAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVED AND THE HEIGHTENED RISK OF BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 122,000. *AK

TL*-THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON 01/05/07. HE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY COULDN'T PUT HIM ON A WAIT LIST UNTIL THE PART CAME IN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS GIVEN A CASE# 200703090575 BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T GIVE HIM A TIME WHEN WILL RECEIVE THE PART. THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WILL GET HIM THE PARTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE ,AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FAILURES TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11300. *AK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL #02V021000. FOR TWO MONTHS THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO HONOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED, AND WAS NOT PLEASED WITH THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 119,000. *AK

Mileage: 119,000

TL*- THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 02V021000 FOR THE SUSPENSION ON THE 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR 1/26/07. THE CUSTOMER STATED WHEN HE ARRIVED HE WAS TOLD THE PART HAD NOT ARRIVED. THE CUSTOMER WAS UPSET THAT HE WAS NOT CALLED AND TOLD THE PART HAD NOT ARRIVED BEFORE HE GOT THERE. *AK

Mileage: 171,000

I HAVE BEEN SENT MANY NOTICES FROM TOYOTA INDICATING A RECALL ON MY 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE RECALL SINCE IT INVOLVED REMOVING AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT IN THE AREA OF THE DEFECT. I WROTE TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEY REPLIED BY PHONE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE EQUIPMENT FIRST. I CONTINUE TO GET THESE RECALL NOTICES AND AM FINALLY COMPLAINING TO THE NHTSA TO ASSIST IN CONVINCING TOYOTA THAT IT IS THEIR LIABILITY, NOT MINE. THE AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT IN QUESTION IS JUST TWO SMALL AIRBAGS INSERTED IN THE REAR SPRINGS TO ASSIST IN LEVELING THE TRUCK WHEN CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. THE AIRBAGS WILL MOST PROBABLY NOT HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO AFFECT THE REPAIR, BUT THE DEALERS WON'T TOUCH THE TRUCK, SINCE IT ADDS TIME AND THEY WILL LOSE MONEY ON THE FLAT RATE PAID BY TOYOTA. IF THE TRUCK SUSPENSION FAILS, AS IT MIGHT AT THIS LATE STAGE, THE LIABILITY WILL BE SOLELY ON TOYOTA AS I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THEIR REQUESTS TO THE LETTER, WHICH STATES SIMPLY TO BRING THE TRUCK IN FOR THE RETROFIT/INSTALLATION OF NEW PARTS, AND NO WHERE IN THE RECALL LETTER IS THERE ANY LANGUAGE STATING THAT A CUSTOMER WILL BE REFUSED IF ADDITIONAL HOURS OF LABOR WILL BE INVOLVED. IF TOYOTA IS WORRIED ABOUT LIABILITY ISSUES THAT MIGHT ARISE FROM THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAGS, I WOULD THINK THAT THIS WOULD PALE IN COMPARISON TO WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY IF THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING THIS TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE WRITTEN THEM LETTERS, SPOKEN TO THEM ON THE PHONE AND THEY CONTINUE TO SEND ME LETTERS RE: THE RECALL AND NOTING THAT THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE. AGAIN, TOYOTA SHOULD AFFECT THIS REPAIR NO MATTER WHAT ADDITIONS HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE IN THE AREA OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. IF ANYTHING, THE ADDITION OF THE AIRBAGS HAVE MADE THIS TRUCK MORE STABLE AND SAFER THAN IT WAS WHEN IT WAS DELIVERED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO CONTACT ME WITH THE NAME OF A DEALER WHO WILL INSTITUTE THE RECALL REPAIRS WITH THE TRUCK IN THE CURRENT CONDITION. *JB

Mileage: 50,000

ON DECEMBER 27, I RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION ON MY 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAD BEEN RECALLED. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ROSEVILLE AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR THE "ONE HOUR SERVICE" TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AFTER TAKING FRIDAY, JANURAY 5 OFF WORK, I MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR THE REPAIRS. I CHECKED IN AND WAS TOLD THE REPAIRS WOULD TAKE CLOSER TO 4 HOURS TO COMPLETE. UPON REGISTERING MY CAR FOR SERVICE, THE DEALERSHIP REALIZED THEY DID NOT HAVE PROPER PARTS IN STOCK (SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED UPON MAKING THE APPOINTMENT). THEY WERE VERY SURPRISED THAT THE SERVICE HAD NEVER BEEN PERFORMED ON MY CAR, SINCE THE RECALL IS ABOUT FIVE YEARS OLD. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR THREE YEARS, AND I AM VERY SHOCKED THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED SOONER. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION, AND NOW I KNOW WHY. THE ROSEVILLE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO ORDERED THE PARTS, BUT I INFORMED THEM THAT I LIVE 3 HOURS AWAY AND HAD NO WAY OF BRINGING MY CAR IN. THE SERVICE MAN LOCATED THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA (APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES AWAY) AND CALLED TO FIND OUT SERVICE HOURS. THE HOURS ARE MON-FRI, 8-5. I AM NOW UNABLE TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE UNLESS I TAKE ANOTHER DAY OFF WORK AND ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION. I LIVE IN AN AREA THAT HAS A LOT OF ROUGH TERRAIN AND SNOW PLAYS A BIG FACTOR IN THE ROAD CONDITIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW THESE ISSUES ARE TO BE RESOLVED. I AM OPERATING A FAULTY PRODUCT, NO FAULT OF WHICH IS MINE. *JB

WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 97 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD THAT APPEARED TO HAVE A LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. I HAVE NOTIFIED TOYOTA AND WAS ISSUED A CASE NUMBER- INCIDENT: 061011-000352. OUR VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 133,000 MILES ON IT AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY OFF ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON BACK STREETS AT LESS THAN 30 MPH WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DISLODGED AND TUCKED UP UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. ONLY THE STEERING LINKAGE WAS ATTACHED. THESE JOINTS ARE A NON SERVICEABLE PART AND THERE ARE NO WARNINGS OF POSSIBLE FAILURE OR PREVENTATIVE MEASURES. I CAN'T IMAGINE UNDER ANY NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THIS COULD BE OR SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT THIS DESIGN IS EITHER FAULTY BY DESIGN OR AN IMPROPER INSTALLATION FROM THE FACTORY. AFTER EVENTUALLY RECEIVING THE DAMAGED PARTS, I EXAMINED THE LOWER BALL JOINT CLOSELY AND IT WAS CLEARLY EVIDENT THAT THE LUBRICATION IN THE JOINT BECAME HARD AND CLUMPY. I COULD HARDLY MOVE THE JOINT IN ANY RANGE OF MOTION. I WOULD FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS COULD CAUSE UNDUE STRESS ON THE UPPER BALL JOINT, CONSEQUENTLY CAUSING UPPER JOINT SEPARATION. UNDER FURTHER INVESTIGATING I HAVE FOUND RECALL CAMPAIGNS ON LOWER BALL JOINTS ON CERTAIN YEARS AND MODELS. HOWEVER THIS BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SPANS FROM 4RUNNERS, TUNDRAS, TACOMAS, AND SEQUOIAS, FROM '95 TO '04. AT CONCORD TOYOTA (WERE MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED (CA)), I BECAME SUSPICIOUS WITH A FEW INCIDENCES I EXPERIENCED OF A COVERUP OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT PROBLEMS WHICH I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DETAIL IF REQUESTED. I AM AWARE OF TOYOTA??S Q.C. PROBLEMS LIKELY BECAUSE OF THEIR QUEST TO TAKE THE TOP SPOT IN MANUFACTURING AND THEIR SHARED PARTS IN DIFFERENT MODELS. TOYOTAS RESPONSE TO OUR SPECIFIC PROBLEM WAS THAT OUR WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED AND IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. MINE IS THAT THIS IS ABOVE AND BEYOND WARRANTY. IT IS ABOUT SAFETY AND IS A POTENTIALLY HUGE LIABILITY FOR THEM. I SHARE AN OTHER CONCERN ABOUT THE OLD DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT NOW. *JB

Mileage: 133,000