1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Suspension Problems

The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle. When I look up the VIN number on the nhtsa website it says that there is not a recall, but when I look up my vehicle by year it says that all vehicles of this year should be recalled for rear suspension repair/check. I called usa toyota and they said that they could not send the ticket to my local toyota dealership to for repair because my vehicle was imported from japan to canada. I have tried calling canada toyota but they have not picked up their phone. Reaching out to determine if the nhtsa can help with getting my vehicle suspension checked/repaired. Below is the message/link I receieved from NHTSA when I looked up my car's production year. ----- [XXX] January 18, 2002 NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V021000 TOYOTA/REAR SUSPENSION THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V021000 Manufacturer TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. Components SUSPENSION Potential Number of Units Affected 273,743 Summary ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL-DRIVE (2WD) AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE (4WD) 4RUNNER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING (SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING) AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2WD 4RUNNER TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY. Remedy DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. Notes TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 20A. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust . The rear started swinging violently but luckily got it stop without crashing. The entire frame is a joke. I can't believe it hasn't been recalled STILL. The body is in perfect shape but a frame that can snap at any moment....I thought Toyota put safety first?

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 245,000

1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER STARTING TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE. THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT FRAME IS RUSTED THRU THE BOX TUBE. CALLED TOYOTA TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND DID NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED THAT THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS. NO RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN.

Mileage: 150,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST CAUSED REAR DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM MOUNT TO RUST RIGHT OFF THE FRAME WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. AT THE TIME HER SPEED WAS SLOW AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO GROCERY STORE PLAZA.

Mileage: 187,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR ATTACHMENT RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED FROM FRAME. AND ON OTHER SIDE SWAY BAR LINK SNAPPED. IN ADDITION THE FRAME NEAR IT IS ROTTING AWAY. NOTICED IT WHILE DRIVING IT WAS SWAYING BADLY. IN ADDITION THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 280,000

I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE STORE WITH MY WIFE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED TO SWAY WILDLY , GOOD THING THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT THE TIME SINCE THE TRUCK SWERVED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE , I PULLED OVER AND THOUGHT AT FIRST THE LUG NUTS CAME LOSE BUT WHEN I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK I HAD FOUND THAT THE FRAME IS ROTTED AWAY, APPARENTLY TOYOTA HAS AN ISSUES WITH THERE FRAMES AND I WAS ASKED BY PEOPLE ONLINE IF I GOT A RECALL NOTICE WHICH I DID NOT , I HAD BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED FROM A USED CAR DEALER SO IM NOT SURE IF IT WAS IN THE SYSTEM , IN ANY EVENT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ON THIS , THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE AND RUNS FINE , I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ENSUE A FINANCIAL LOSE IF THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE , THANK YOU

Mileage: 227,912

THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IS UNSTABLE AND HAS THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE MAKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU IN SEVERAL AREAS.

Mileage: 150,000

WHILE ON A CITY STREET WITH A 45MPH SPEED LIMIT, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED THE BACK END OF THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL TO THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED AND BROKE WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE ATTACHED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED BY THE ONLY OWNER AND THE BODY IS IN NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO ACCIDENTS.

Mileage: 125,000

MY 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS COMPRISED AND DEEMED UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE DUE TO SEVERE FRAME RUST. I HAD TO REMOVE IT FROM THE ROAD SINCE THE BODY ROCKS ON THE FRAME AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 240,000

THE RIGHT REAR STABILIZER BAR CONNECTED TO THE FRAME FAILED. THE FRAME CONNECTION RUSTED THRU AND SEPARATED. LOTS OF FRAME RUST. I HEARD A LOUD CLINKING NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED CONSIDERABLE SIDE SWAY WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 94,500

PASSENGER FRAME RUSTED OUT BAD WHERE CONTROL ARM ATTACHES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CHASSIS AND CONTROL ARM WERE ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

FRAME RUSTED OUT AND REAR AXLE SUPPORT DETACHED FROM FRAME WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY UNCONTROLLABLY ALMOST ROLLING OVER. FOUND THAT MANUFACTURER HAS RECALL ON TRUCKS WITH SIMILAR FRAME FOR RUST ISSUE, BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS OR DEATHS. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

I WAS IN REVERSE AND A JOLT AND POP OCCURRED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WHERE MY SON WAS SEATED. HE FELT IT AT HIS FEET AND ALL OTHER PASSENGERS HEARD AND FELT A JOLT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED RUST AND STRESS CRACKS ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAR PASSENGER TORSION BAR.WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE WITH MY TWO FINGERS I PUSHED THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME RAIL. THE VEHICLE IS NOT ROAD WORTHY. MY BRAKING PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN I HAVE TO STOP SUDDENLY IN SNOW OR EXTREME WET ROAD SURFACES THERE IS A METAL GRINDING AN NO BRAKES. WHEN THIS OCCURS IN SNOW I WAS IN 4WHEEL HIGH. I HAD NO BRAKES SO I PUT THE VEHICLE IN 2 WHEEL AND HAD BRAKES. IN RAIN I PUMPED THE BRAKES UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GET BRAKES. ALL DRIVING BRAKES OCCURRED AT 35 MPH IN CITY DRIVING WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME.

Mileage: 218,206

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH AND I WENT OVER AN OVERPASS WITH A BUMP AT THE BEGINNING OF IT, I HEARD A CLUNK THEN MY CAR STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH VERY BADLY,I MANAGED TO PULL OVER ON THE EMERGENCY PULL OFF, I THOUGHT A WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE,I FOUND NO LOOSE WHEEL SO I STARTED LOOKING UNDERNEATH AND WOW!!!!!..THE TORSION BARS HAD BOTH RUSTED OFF THE FRAME AND BOTH SWAY BARS WERE BROKE OFF,THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BACK AXAL ON WAS THE BACK OF THE TORSION BARS,,,NEEDLES TO SAY MY FAVORITE CAR IS OUT FOR THE COUNT.

Mileage: 261,000

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH PREMATURELY ON MY TRUCK. TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT.

Mileage: 165,000

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED TO MOVE VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. I ALMOST WENT UNDER A COMMERCIAL TRUCK AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF MY TRUCK.. I MANAGED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AND CHECKED UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK FOR DAMAGE , BUT COULD SEE NOTHING. I DROVE SLOWLY TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND MY CAR STILL KEPT MOVING TO THE RIGHT AT 20MPH. MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAD BROKE DUE TO RUST, AND I WAS VERY LUCK TO BE ALIVE. (IT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY MORNING WITH LITTLE COMMUTER TRAFFIC OTHERWISE I MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED) HE SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4 RUNNERS 1998 AND LATER YEARS.I CALLED TOYOTA BUT THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT OBLIGED TO ISSUE A RECALL FROM NHTSA?? OR WHATEVER IT IS CALLED. MY MECHANIC DID A WELDING JOB TO REPAIR THE ISSUE WHICH COST ME $750.00 TO FIX. I HAD NO RECOURSE DUE TO TOYOTAS RELUCTANCE TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE FORCE TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR A FATALITY BEFORE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I FEEL I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS I INCURRED BUT TOYOTA DO NOT WANT TO KNOW!! I BEG YOU TO INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY. MY CAR IS IN PERFECT MECHANICAL ORDER EXCEPT FOR RUST AND ROTTING UNDERNEATH, BECAUSE TOYOTA DID NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WHEN MANUFACTURING THIS MODEL. I AM STILL SCARED DRIVING THIS CAR BUT AM FORCED TO DO SO AND PRAY NOTHING HAPPENS GOING FORWARD. (PROBLEM : REAR CONTROL ARM BOTH SIDES BROKE DUE TO RUST IN CHASSIS) *TR

Mileage: 210,000

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM FRAME DUE TO RUSTED FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 246,000

I WAS INFORMED OF AND SHOWN EXCESSIVE FRAME ROTTING/RUSTING THROUGH FROM A MECHANIC. THE FRAME LOOKED RELATIVELY NORMAL ROUGHLY 6 MONTHS AGO. I AM AWARE THAT SOME OF THEIR OTHER TRUCKS HAVE RECALLS DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE, AND I AM SEEING INSTANCES OF THIS ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 235,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HIT A BUMP DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL I WENT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE REAR END STARTED JUMPING AS THE CAR INCREASED SPEED. I STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL SO I SLOW DOWN AND EVENTUALLY PULLED OVER. I EXITED THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO INSPECT THE CAR'S UNDER BODY, I DIDM;T SEE ANYTHING SO I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME DOING UNDER 20MILES PER HOUR AS TO NOT MAKE THE REAR END JUMP. WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME I LIFTED THE CAR UP AND FURTHER INSPECTED THE UNDER SIDE,I THEN NOTICE THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY DISLOCATED FROM THE FRAME UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THE FACTORY WIELD DISENGAGED FROM THE FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 298,000

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET RUSTED AND BROKE FREE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AT FULL FREEWAY SPEED DURING AM RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP APROX. 1/4 MILE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A FRAME REPAIR SHOP. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THEY COULD NOT EVEN GIVE ME A ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO CHECK ON RECALLS AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN MY GARAGE SOON TO BE JUNKED. *TR

Mileage: 111,998

FRAME HAS RUST PERFORATION WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET MOUNTS TO FRAME.....APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 1996-2002 4 RUNNERS AND TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Mileage: 234,000

VEHICLE STARTED A CLUNKING SOUND AND BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. MECHANIC INSPECTED AND FOUND FRAME HAD RUSTED ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR REAR SWAY BAR. *TR

Mileage: 193,000

WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRAME MOUNT BROKE DUE TO FRAME ROT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY AND I WAS ABLE LIMP IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE FRAME AND MOUNT FOR THE CONTROL ARM ARE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, THIS IS MY MAIN DAILY DRIVER VEHICLE. THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS BESIDES REPLACING THE FRAME. I KNOW THERE IS ALOT OF MILES ON THIS TRUCK BUT MECHANICALLY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND IT RUNS GREAT. *TR

Mileage: 333,849

TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN A FLAT PAVED ROAD AND MY LOWER BALL JOINT (ATM 1012460) CAME OFF FOR NO REASON CAUSING ME TO SKID TO A HALT. MY TIRE WAS SIDEWAYS AND PUSHED INTO MY FENDER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL AND OTHER PARTS. THIS PART (LOWER BALL JOINT) WAS REPLACED 8 MONTHS PRIOR ALONG WITH TIE RODS, AXLE, CONTROL ARM, UPPER BALL JOINT AND A NUMBER OF OTHER ITEMS IN THAT AREA. RIEBES AUTO PARTS REPLACED THE FAULTY BALL JOINT, TIRE, FENDER, AND OTHER PARTS THAT WERE DAMAGED. I JUST GOT IT BACK LAST NIGHT AND MY WIFE STATED IT FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT. I DROVE IT TO MY MECHANIC AND ON THE WAY THE OTHER SIDE POPPED OF GOING 15 MPH ON A FLAT ROAD. SO ALL THE SAME DAMAGE AGAIN. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE BECAUSE Y WIFE AND KIDS WERE JUST IN THE CAR A FEW HOURS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. IF IT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN ROLLING. ALTROM LOWER BALL JOINT FOR A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS THE PART. *TR

I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY IT FELT LIKE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE FELL OFF. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET WAS ROTTED OUT OF THE FRAME. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN DRIVE MY TRUCK ANYMORE. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT THE FRAME AND WAS TOLD ITS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THE 4RUNNERS WHEN THE FRAME IS SIMILAR TO THE TACOMAS. THE TACOMAS DID HAVE A RECALL FOR ROTTING OF THE FRAME. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE FRAME ON THE 4RUNNERS SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE AXLE OF THE 4RUNNER COULD FALL OUT AND COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 240,000

I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD, HIT A POTHOLE AND THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM RIPPED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. FOUND OUT FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INSPECTED. I HAD JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND IT HAD GONE THROUGH PA INSPECTION TWO MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. ITS A SHAME, THE REST OF THE TRUCK, MOTOR, INTERIOR, BODY PANELS, WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 183,861

VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND CLUNKING. I WAS NEAR HOME AND ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. UPON TOWING TO THE MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. FRAME ROT WAS DISCOVERED ON THE SIDE RAILS. CAR IS CONSIDERED UNDRIVEABLE AND SHOULD BE TOTALED. *TR

Mileage: 83,680

FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AROUND REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. NUMEROUS RUST HOLES IN FRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION AND TOYOTA DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE ONLINE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, JUST LIKE THE TACOMA FRAMES. VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IT IS A SHAME THIS 4RUNNER IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK, UNSAFE FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 170,000

REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS LEAKING FLUID AS A RESULT OF RUST. LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (IT IS ALL ONE PIECE) TO THE TUNE OF $3000. AN ONLINE SEARCH OF A DIY REPAIR SHOWS THIS PROBLEM (GOOGLE: REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUST) SHOWS THIS PROBLEM IS UNIQUE TO TOYOTA 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS. THIS AMOUNT OF RUST ON AN INTEGRAL PART IS EXTREME AND UNACCEPTABLE THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DONE A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THEY DID ONE FOR VIRTUALLY SAME VEHICLE IN THE TACOMA FOR FRAME RUST. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER BALL JOINT FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED EIGHT DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ALSO DESTROYED THE INNER AND OUTER BOOT OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED GREASE TO LEAK ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,158. UPDATED 7/19/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO LODGE IN THE FENDER, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGED TO THE RUNNING BOARD AS WELL. UPDATED 07/23/12

Mileage: 159,158

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER BALL JOINT FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED EIGHT DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ALSO DESTROYED THE INNER AND OUTER BOOT OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED GREASE TO LEAK ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,158. UPDATED 7/19/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO LODGE IN THE FENDER, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGED TO THE RUNNING BOARD AS WELL. UPDATED 07/23/12

Mileage: 159,158

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING VERY ERRATICALLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 186,000.

Mileage: 186,000

THE FRAME ON MY 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON THE REAR AND HAS BROKEN IN HALF. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP (SAME MODEL YEAR TIME-FRAME) HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT THE 4RUNNER HAS NOT. THE 4RUNNER SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED AND A 15 YEAR EXTENDED FRAME RUST THOUGH WARRANTY APPLIED. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE ROD WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,641.

Mileage: 168,641

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS POINTING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CV JOINT BOOT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND CV JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 223000.

Mileage: 223,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHENEVER THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED OIL DRIPPING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL HUB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

Mileage: 117,000

REAR BEARINGS HAVE FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA #02V021, WHICH SITED THE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON ALL 1996-1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNERS. THE PROBLEM WAS FOR 2WD BUT WAS ISSUED FOR 4WD VEHICLES ALSO TO AVOID CONFUSION. (MINE IS A 4WD) MY QUESTION IS, IF THE SPRINGS WERE UNDER-SIZED, WILL THIS CAUSE DAMAGE OR UNDUE STRAIN TO THE REAR BEARINGS? ALSO, TOYOTA REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL STATEMENT FROM THE NHTSA THAT STATES THAT "TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS." *TR

Mileage: 169,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY HE MADE A TURN AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SEPARATED, BROKE, AND THE TIRES CAME OFF. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 16,000. *AK

Mileage: 16,000

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH 80000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 15 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE SHEARED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,870. *AK

Mileage: 80,000

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH 80000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 15 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE SHEARED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,870. *AK

Mileage: 80,000

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED RECALL 02V021000 ON JAN. 2 2007 FOR THE 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. HE WENT TO BERKELEY TOYOTA IN BERKELEY CALIFORNIA AND HAS YET TO HAVE REAR SUSPENSION FIXED.THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT WAS TAKING TO HAVE RECALL REPAIRS DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68550 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD A FAILURE TO DATE. *AK

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #02V021000. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO TWO DEALERS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAS ATTEMPTED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER SINCE 2003. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PARTS AND WOULD CALL THE CONTACT WHEN THEY ARRIVED. *AK

Mileage: 125,000

TL *- THE VEHICLE IS 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 02V021000 IN DECEMBER. THE CONTACT STATED HAD APPROXIMATELY 4 APPOINTMENTS, AND EACH TIME THE PART DID NOT COME IN. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER TOLD HIM THEY WILL CALL HIM WHEN THE PART ARRIVED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HEARD A NOISE WHEN HE TURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. *AK

Mileage: 88,000