1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Suspension Problems

The frame above the RT rear tire has rusted completely through. It's where the rear end bolts to the frame, at a wedge welded to the frame with bolt holes in it. It's like it wants to flip over and darts left or right every time there's a dip or rough spot in the road. I chained it and put a tow strap around everything I could to keep the rear end from coming out & killing me or someone behind me

The contact's wife owns a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at a slow speed, the back end of the vehicle began to wobble. The contact stated that his daughter pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was inspected and severe corrosion was discovered on the driver's side rear lower control arm mount. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there are no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Mileage: 240,000

Over the years of ownership, my vehicle has been overwhelmed with rust issues. All four axles are rusted to include the brake components. I didn't realize how bad the rusting was until I heard "popping" noise when making turns The rear suspension sway bar link was rusted so bad, it broke free. I had the rack and pinion replaced in August of 2020 because rust ate through the lines. The frame appears to have separations due to rust as well.

RIGHT REAR CHASSIS RUSTED OUT

Mileage: 86,000

MY VEHICLE IS VERY CLEAN AND WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD NO INDICATION OF TROUBLE OR HANDLING ISSUES. A REPAIR SHOP WAS TAKING IT BACK TO FIX AN EXHAUST PROBLEM WHEN HE NEARLY LOST CONTROL. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT WHEN HE NOTIFIED ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, BUT FOUND OUT THAT ONE SECTION OF THE FRAME HAD TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE AXLE LINK MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. IT COULD HAVE TORN THE AXLE OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON 4 LANE INTERSTATE AT 70 JUST DAYS BEFORE WITH NO HANDLING ISSUES AT ALL. I PERSONALLY HAVE CHANGED THE OIL AND GREASED THE DRIVE TRAIN ALL BUT ONCE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND NOT NOTICED THIS SMALL AREA OF SEVERE RUST THROUGH. I HAVE ALSO SPENT OVER $3000 ON EXHAUST, TIRES, AND MAINTENANCE REPAIR OVER THE PAST YEAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTHY OF 5-10 MORE YEARS AND 100,000 MORE MILES. MY 2001 CAMRY IS DRIVEN BY MY SON NOW AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 390,000 MILES ON IT. I JUST SOLD MY 1994 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH OVER 300,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS 4RUNNER BODY IS IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION THAN THOSE AND THAT WAS WHY I EXPECTED THIS WOULD TOO. THIS IS DEFINITELY A WEAK SPOT HARD TO DETECT BECAUSE MYSELF AND 3 OTHER MECHANIC PLACES HAD NOT SEEN IT WHEN SERVICING IT BUT YET IT IS ALSO A VERY CRITICAL FUNCTION THAT CAN CAUSE COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AXLE IS TORN LOOSE AND OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. HEAD-ON COLLISIONS, ROLLOVERS, ETC ARE VERY LIKELY. THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARNING MUST BE MADE KNOWN TO OTHER DRIVERS OF THESE 4RUNNERS AND A RECALL TO REPLACE THE FRAME AS NEEDED JUST LIKE TOYOTA HAS DONE FOR OTHER TRUCKS OF THEIRS, I.E. TUNDRA, SEQUOIA, TACOMA WITH FULL FRAME LIKE THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS FOR PROTECTION OF OUR PUBLIC.I HAVE PLENTY MORE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE THAT I CAN SHARE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE SOUNDNESS OF THE REST OF THE VEHICLE OR BAD SPOT RUSTING.

Mileage: 182,600

VEHICLE FRAME IS ROTTED

Mileage: 150,000

I HEARD RUBBING NOISES FROM MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL.I THOUGHT BRAKES BUT WHEN I INSPECTED THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE RUBBING WAS COMING FROM A RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF BRAKE SHIELD.I AM OLDER WITH BACK ISSUES SO GETTING UNDER THE CAR FOR A GOOD LOOK M IS TOUGH AT BEST.WHAT I COULD SEE USING A RIGID SEESNAKE BOROSCOPE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST .RUST ALL OVER KEY STRUCTURAL FRAME COMPONENTS FROM MOTOR MOUNTS TO STEERING LINKAGE THE CHASSIS IN SOME AREAS HAS COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED.LOOKING AT THE BODY YOU WOULD THINK THE CAR WAS IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE BUT NOT UNDERNEATH.TOYOTA DIDN'T HAVE 4RUNNERS AS PART OF THEIR RECALL BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE AS THE 4RUNNER USES THE SAME TRUCK CHASSIS AS THE TACOMAS .I NEED THIS TRUCK AND I NEED IT TO BE SAFE.THANKS FOR LISTENING

Mileage: 150,000

FRAME ROTTED OUT PREMATURELY

Mileage: 100,000

FRAME RUSTED FALLING APART. SO SOFT I CAN STICK MY FINGERS THROUGH IT.

Mileage: 215,000

REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT SEPARATED FROM FRAME AT WELD, VEHICLE WAS RUSTPROOFED WHEN NEW.

Mileage: 347,000

FRAME IS ALL RUSTED AND CORRODED.

THE MOUNT FOR THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS RUSTED OFF. THIS IS CAUSING THE CAR TO VIOLENTLY ROCK BACK AND FOURTH AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE AND CONTINUE FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER. IT IS VERY UNNERVING AND OBVIOUSLY A MATER SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES SUCH AS T4R.ORG. PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 190,000

REAR PART OF FRAME BADLY RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY BROKEN WHILE DRIVING TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP COST $1200 TO WELD FRAME TO MAKE DRIVABLE AGAIN

Mileage: 175,000

1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LTD 4X4 FRAME IS ROTTED /RUSTED OUT WILL NEED MAJOR REPAIRS OR NEW FRAME APPARENTLY THIS IS ALL 4RUNNERS AND TACOMAS BUILT FROM THE MID 90S TO MID 2000S BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME ROT ON THE INSIDE AND BOTTOM OF THE FRAME SO MUCH SO THEY STARTED SELLING KITS TO FIX THIS ON EBAY WHAT A SHAME I NEVER THOUGH TOYOTA WOULD BE SUCH JUNK SAD THEY WONT FIX / RECALL THE 3RD GEN 4 RUNNER IN THERE CURRENT FRAME RECALL EVEN THO THEY HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE .SAFETY ISSUES ....

WHILE DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, WHILE FEELING THE VEHICLE JERK TO THE RIGHT, THRUSTING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. WHILE TRYING TO COMPENSATE TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE, IMMEDIATELY ROLLED 3-4 TIMES ACROSS THE 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ONTO THE LEFT SHOULDER. THE LEFT REAR AXLE AND WHEEL WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND.

Mileage: 166,900

FRAME ROT HAS LED TO ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR, VEHICLE CHANGING LANES UNEXPECTEDLY, AND DEATH WOBBLE. TIRES AND SHOCKS REPLACED SEPTEMBER, NEEDED NEW TIRES AFTER 90 DAYS ALSO TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 229,000

THE FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE AREA HAS COMPLETED ROTTED FROM RUST, THE REAR SUSPENSION AND SWAY BAR BROKE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. WE WERE ALMOST IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS THERE WAS LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE REAR END AND WE ENDED UP IN A DITCH WITH LOSS OF CONTROL.WE WERE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT THE TIME. WE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ROLL OVER ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. VERY SCARY INCIDENT. I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND A NUMBER OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND PHOTOS OF THIS ISSUE IF YOU WANT TO CALL E-MAIL ME AT (XXXXXX). THE EXTERIOR BODY ENGINE AND INTERIOR OF THIS VEHICLE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND IT SEEMS THE FRAME SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING MY COMPLAINT. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 215,000

BAD FRAME ROT. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANYMORE.

Mileage: 80,000

LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THE FRAME IS JUST ROTTEN THROUGH AND THROUGH IN THE BACK, I HAVE A TUNDRA, 2 SEQUOIA'S, A HIGHLANDER AND A RAV4. RANGING FROM 2001 TO 2015, AND THE FRAME ON THE 01 SEQUOIA LOOKS NEW, THIS IS A BAD FRAME AND GABE AT KEITH PIERSON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE SAID THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FESS UP TO THIS ONE.

Mileage: 127,000

FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST INSIDE AND OUT . SUSPENSION AND ROCKER PANELS ARE AFFECTED ALSO. I WAS WONDERING ABOUT A FRAME RECALL SINCE THEY HAVE DONE SO WITH OTHER TOYOTA FRAMES

Mileage: 200,000

THE BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I STOPPED AT MCDONALD'S BEFORE MY LONG JOURNEY ONTO THE FREEWAY, WITH MY 9 MONTH OLD BABY IN THE CAR, AND THAT SAVED US FROM A VERY BAD CRASH THAT MAY HAVE TAKEN OUR LIVES HAD WE BEEN GOING 60-70 MPH. HOW DOES A BALL JOINT BREAK IN HALF???

Mileage: 170,000

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I CROSSED A BRIDGE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE WAS GOING ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER SIDE SWAY ARM AND RIPPED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. THE FRAME TO ME SEEMS TO MADE OUT OF TOO THIN OF METAL. NEVER HAD A VEHICLE FRAME DO THAT EVER.

Mileage: 148,000

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I CROSSED A BRIDGE APPROACH AND REAR END OF VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING ALL OVER THE ROAD. ABOUT CAUSED A ACCIDENT. THE REAR SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND ABOUT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE FRAME SEEMS THIN FOR A UTILITY VEHICLE.

Mileage: 148,000

1- THE SEATBELT THREADS BECOME LOOSE AND BROKE. 2- AT 50 M/H THE CAR IS BOUNCING LEFT TO RIGHT.

Mileage: 210,000

I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEEP AND WELL MAINTAINED SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55MPH ON 10/18/16, WITHOUT WARNING - THE 4RUNNER BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE 4RUNNER AND COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE REASON I LOST CONTROL OF THE 4RUNNER IS BECAUSE OF A SERIOUS RUSTING ISSUE IN THE FRAME (THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE NHTSA, AND ALSO MANY OTHER WEBSITES). THE REASON THIS RUSTING ISSUE IS SO DANGEROUS IS WHERE THE RUSTING HAS OCCURRED. THE FRAME IS RUSTING RIGHT AT THE SECTION THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE LINK/BAR THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE. THE RUST ON MY 4RUNNER FRAME CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS). I CHECK THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND IT ALSO SHOWS THE SAME SEVERE RUSTING AT THE FRAME WHERE THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS ATTACHED. THERE ARE STILL MANY 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS ON THE ROAD, AND I FEEL THIS RUSTING SITUATION IS PUTTING MANY LIVES IN DANGER. THERE IS NO WARNING, YOU JUST LOSE CONTROL. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY 4RUNNER IS 17 YEARS OLD... BUT AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. A FRAME SHOULD NOT RUST THIS BADLY, ESPECIALLY IN A CRITICAL SECTION. PLEASE HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR A VEHICLE DEFECT THAT IS PUTTING LIVE IN DANGER. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 179,337

I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. I FELT A BUMP AND THEN HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND SAW SPARKS FROM MY FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND SAW MY FRONT TIRE, WHEEL, AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY WERE DETACHED AND LODGED UNDER MY VEHICLE. ON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT GAVE OUT AND MY WHEEL ASSEMBLY DETACHED. VERY HAZARDOUS AND WOULD HAVE LED TO A COLLISION IF I HAD NOT BEEN SO LATE AT NIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS BALL JOINT AND TOYOTA ISSUED RECALL ON 2001-2004 4RUNNERS FOR THE ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO OLDER YEARS. JOINT ASSEMBLY WAS REDESIGNED FOR 2005-CURRENT MODELS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.

Mileage: 205,000

THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPERATED FROM THE KNUCKLE AND BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LEFT ME IN ON COMING TRAFFIC THAT I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF. TOYOTA HAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNERS FROM 2001-2004 (SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 50J ' FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT 2001 THROUGH 2002 4RUNNER). IT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL YEARS. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN POTENTIALLY PUT LIVES IN JEOPARDY. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/OWNERS/SEARCHRESULTS?SEARCHTYPE=ID&TARGETCATEGORY=R&SEARCHCRITERIA.NHTSA_IDS=05V225000 SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

Mileage: 244,000

SIMPLY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN. HAD SHOP LOOK AT IT NEXT DAY AND THE REAR LEFT CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM FRAME DUE TO RUST. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPAIR. THE REST OF VEHICLE IN GREAT CONDITION EXCEPT THE RUST ON THE CONTROL ARM/FRAME/UNDERSIDE.

Mileage: 160,000

PERPETUAL REAR BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO LEAKING REAR AXLE GREASE SEALS WHICH THROW GREASE ONTO REAR BRAKE SHOES. SOAKING THEM AND RENDERING THEM USELESS AND INNEFECTIVE. CAUSING UNSAFE BRAKING. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA DEALER, AND SEARS AUTO SERVICE IN DOVER, DELAWARE., REPAIRS SIMILAR TO THIS ARE BEING PERFORMED ON SIMILAR VINTAGE TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER MODELS ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THE AVERAGE REPAIR COST IS OVER $1000,. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT NOT A STANDARD MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND COULD RESULT IN INJURIES OR DEATH. I HAD NO BRAKE POWER IN A NUMBER OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, IN OTHERS MY BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, IN A FEW CASES, I'VE HAD THE REPAIRS DONE BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED,.

Mileage: 200,000

THE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNER FRAME IS FALLING APART DUE TO RUST ISSUES AND IS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DRIVERS SIDE TRAILING ARM MOUNT RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE THE FRAME PATCH WELDED AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF.

Mileage: 215,675

FRAME SNAPPED AT THE DRIVERS REAR TORSION BAR DUE TO FRAME RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE. I JUST HAD THIS CHECKED AND A LITTLE RUST TO THE FRAME WAS APPARENT BECAUSE IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE AND NOT SO APPARENT. ONCE IT BEGAN TO DECAY IT JUST BECAME MOSTLY RUST DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF FRAME ONLY OPTION. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO HELP ON THIS MODEL (4RUNNER) BUT IS ON OTHER TRUCK MODELS, SAME FRAMES SAME YEAR..

Mileage: 198,730

FRAME RUSTED ON INSIDE SURFACE AND AT BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. DRIVERS SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND ALLOWED AXLE TO MOVE AND TIRE TO CONTACT INNER FENDER. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT WAS ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED. THE ENTIRE CENTER SECTION OF BOTH INNER FRAME RAILS HAD NEW PLATE STEEL WELDED IN PLACE TO REPAIR THE ORIGINAL RUSTED STEEL. REINFORCEMENTS WERE WELDED ON THE INNER AND OUTER FRAME FOR BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. THE VEHICLE IS NOW SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT THESE REPAIRS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NECESSARY ON A 14 YEAR OLD (AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT) VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 235,935

ORIGINAL OWNER, NOT LOCATED IN THE "RUST BELT" TOOK 4RUNNER TO EXHAUST SHOP TO HAVE A NEW EXHAUST PUT ON AND ONCE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE YOU COULD SEE THAT THE FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH NEAR WHERE THE TRAILING ARM BRACKETS ARE AND ON THE INSIDE/UNDERNEATH OF THE FRAME. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN GREAT CONDITION BECAUSE THE 4RUNNER HAS BEEN TAKE CARE OF AND MAINTAINED. THERE WILL BE ABOUT A 2 FOOT SECTION OF FRAME THAT WILL NEED TO BE CUT OUT AS WELL AS NEW TRAILING ARM BRACKETS TO BE CUT AND WELDED IN. THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND WORTH SCRAP VALUE, WHEN IT SHOULD BE WORTH ABOUT $5000. THE INTERIOR IS PERFECT, IT RUNS GREAT, AND EVERYTHING WORKS AS IT SHOULD BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME IS CRUMBLING. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA. I HAVE DOMESTIC VEHICLES THAT ARE 10 YEARS OLDER WITH MORE MILES THAT LOOK NOTHING LIKE THIS. THEY RECALL TUNDRAS, TACOMAS, AND SEQOUIAS, BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER? GIVE ME A BREAK. *TR

Mileage: 245,000

FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

Mileage: 152,525

THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER REAR LINK FELL OFF THE FRAME DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING. PASSENGER SIDE ABOUT TO. MECHANIC WON'T EVEN ATTEMPT A REPAIR. THE FRAME IS TOO RUSTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I BOUGHT IT USED AND HAVE HAD IT FOR 2.5 YEARS. TOYOTA HAS NO RECALL ON IT AND CAN NOT ASSIST ME, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE TACOMA AND OTHER MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR. *TR

Mileage: 146,200

THE FRAME METAL AND BRACKET THAT CONNECTS THE FRAME TO THE REAR AXLE HAS ROTTED OFF COMPLETELY MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE WHOLE REAR AXLE CAN MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

WHILE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF THE CAR FRAME. SPEED WAS THE POSTED 55 MPH. NO OTHER TRAFFIC, THANK GOODNESS. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD FOR ASSISTANCE. THIS IS A STUPID DESIGN. A MAJOR COMPONENT IF IT FAILS SHOULD NOT CAUSE THIS TYPE OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IT DANGEROUS AND TOYOTA SHOULD WARN THE CONSUMER OF THIS STUPID DESIGN. *TR

Mileage: 298,912

THE FRAME HAS SERIOUS INTERNAL RUST ROT. THE EXTERIOR OF THE FRAME APPEARS RELATIVELY RUST FREE, BUT THE INTERIOR IS FILLED WITH RUST AND CRUMBLES WHEN PUSHED WITH A FINGER. *TR

Mileage: 217,000

FRAME RUST IS MORE SEVERE THAN IT SHOULD BE FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE. *TR

Mileage: 185,000

THE VEHICLES FRAME, IN THE LOCATION WHERE THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. THIS POINT ON THE FRAME SECURES THE LOWER LINK OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. IF THIS BRACKET SEPARATES, AN ACCIDENT WOULD LIKELY OCCUR. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS RUST FREE AND THE FRAME IS NOT EXPECTED TO ROT WITHIN THE VEHICLES LIFESPAN. TOYOTA WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO ASSIST WI REPAIRS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

WENT TO DO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND NOTICED MY FRAME IS RUSTED TROUGH ON PASSENGER REAR CLOSE TO AXLE. THERE IS A HOLE ABOUT 10-12 INCHES LONG. VERY VERY UNSAFE AND PROBABLY WON'T PASS INSPECTION. MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. WHY WON'T TOYOTA FIX THIS ISSUE. FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IT'S COMMON ON THIS YEAR OF 4RUNNER. *TR

Mileage: 181,000

UPON DOING A ROUTINE INSPECTION ON MY TRUCK. THE FRAME ON THE PASSANGERS REAR SIDE IS CORRODED TO A MECHANICALLY UNSAFE CONDITION. THIS IS WHERE REAR ANTI-SAY BAR ATTACHES AND THE REAR SPRINGS. THE FRAME IS PAPER THIN IN NUMEROUS PLACES. ADDITIONALLY THERE ARE MORE LOCATIONS ON THE REAR SECTION OF THE FRAME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THAT ARE APPROACHING A SIMULAR STATE. I HAVE WASHED THE TRUCK ON A REGULAR BASIS AND USED CORROSION INHIBITING FLUID ON THE FRAME TO PREVENT THIS SITUATION FROM HAPPENING. HOWEVER THIS FRAME IS UNDRIVABLE DUE TO SAFEY CONCERNS. I HAVE A 1995 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WITH 200000 MILES AND THE FAME IS BRAND NEW COMPARED TO THIS.

Mileage: 155,000

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC ROAD, THE REAR END OF SAID VEHICLE BEGAN TO "SWAP" BACK AND FORTH AT MOST ANY SPEED, ACTING AS IF A SUSPENSION COMPONENT HAD MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A DEAD STOP, A LOUD THUMP WAS HEARD UN THE VEHICLE. THE HANDLING ISSUE HAD BECOME MUCH WORSE. WE WERE A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HOME, AND WERE ABLE TO MAKE OUR WAY SLOWLY UNTIL REACHING HOME. UPON INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT IN FROM OF THE REAR AXLE WHERE THE TRAILING ARM MOUNTS TO THE FRAME, CAUSING THE BRACKET FOR THE TRAILING ARM TO DISCONNECT FROM THE FRAME ALMOST COMPLETELY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER AREAS ON THE FRAME WHICH ARE SEVERELY RUSTED AND APPEAR WILL FAIL AS WELL. THIS IS THE SECOND TOYOTA WE'VE OWNED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST WAS A 1998 TACOMA THAT TOYOTA BOUGHT BACK FROM ME. WHY ISN'T FRAME AN OPTION ON THE LIST OF AFFECTED PARTS ABOVE? WHY IS IT THAT THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS NOT BEING HANDLED THE SAME WAY OR WITH A FRAME REPLACEMENT? THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE. I BOUGHT TOYOTA BECAUSE OF THEIR REPUTATION FOR QUALITY. JUST WHAT I NEED AFTER THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MY MOTHER JUST 2 DAYS PRIOR. THANKS FOR NOTHING TOYOTA. DODGE IS LOOKING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT ABOUT NOW. *TR

Mileage: 188,054

I OWN A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, THE INSIDE FRAME RAIL IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH NEAR THE REAR TRAILING ARM BRACKET . UPON INVESTIGATION I'VE CAME ACROSS MULTIPLE IMAGES, WEBSITES, AND FORUMS THAT SHOW THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! HOW IS IT THAT A MANUFACTURER CAN HAVE THIS MUCH OF A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM AND NOTHING BE DONE ABOUT IT! THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM ON THEIR TRUCKS AROUND THE SAME YEAR AND REPLACED THE FRAMES OR BOUGHT BACK THE VEHICLES, I UNDERSTAND THE FRAMES WHERE MADE IN DIFFERENT PLACES BUT THERE IS OBVIOUSLY STILL A PROBLEM! TOYOTA CANNOT EXPECT PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT THESE FRAMES WERE NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM IS PREVAILING IN A MAJORITY OF THESE VEHICLES! HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER LIKE TOYOTA FIX SUCH SMALL ISSUES SUCH AS BLINKERS, INTERIOR LIGHTING, REFLECTORS ETC AND TOTALLY IGNORE SUCH A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS! I GUESS IT'S GOING TO TAKE A 4RUNNER WITH A FAMILY OF 4 TO CRASH INJURING OR KILLING ALL OF THEM TO MAKE SOMEONE STEP UP AND SAY WE HAVE A PROBLEM! SOMETHING MUST BE DONE! *TR

Mileage: 197,000

RECENTLY HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON CAR. I THEN HAD A MUFFLE REPAIRED, WAS NOT HAPPY AND TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE DONE PROPERLY. I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR LOOKS GREAT AND THERE IS LITTLE ISSUES WITH THE BODY AND ENGINE. I WAS PLANNING ON GETTING ANOTHER 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT YOU COULD PUSH YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE FRAME. I NOW HAVE A PRETTY GOOD LOOKING CAR PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY WHICH IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR WARNING ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE! I VOLUNTEER FOR A DOG RESCUE AND DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY TO PICK UP AND DROP OFF THESE BEAUTIFUL DOGS NEVER KNOWING THAT I COULD HAVE ENDED THEIR LIFE AS WELL AS MINE AND OTHERS! UNBELIEVABLE! TOYOTA DID HAVE A FRAME RECALL ON THE TACOMA, WHY ARE THEY RISKING INNOCENT LIVES WITH NO WARNING!! *TR

Mileage: 143,000

WELL MAINTAINED 99 4RUNNER...ORIGINAL-EXCELLENT CONDITION PAINT AND NO RUST ON BODY PANELS. NOTICED AFTER EXAMINING THE UNDERSIDE THAT FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE SECTIONS. SOME SECTIONS NEAR REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS. IF MOUNTS BREAK LOOSE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 222,000

MY 1999 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS A SEVERE ISSUE WITH A ROTTED OUT FRAME. I WAS SIMPLY BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND CAME TO A HALT WHEN I HEARD A THUMP. AS I PRECEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IT BECAME APPARENT THE BACKEND WAS NOT RESPONDING WELL. I COULD FEEL THE BACK END SWAYING AND IT FELT AS IF THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION. I TOOK IT IN FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME HAD ROTTED OUT RIGHT WHERE THE SPRINGS ATTACH TO THE FRAME ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE RIGHT SIDE IS ROTTED AS WELL BUT THE FRAME IS STILL ATTACHED. *TR

Mileage: 212,000

UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY. AFTER INVESTIGATION THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT THE VEHICLE CLEAN AND THE BODY HAS ZERO RUST ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 178,000

DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND CAR STARTED SWAYING BADLY EVEN WHEN SHIFTING GEARS HEARD A NOISE WHEN GOT HOME I HAD VEHICLE LOOKED AT AND THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR WAS BROKE IT IS RUSTED RIGHT FROM FRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE AND FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWS SEVERE FRAME RUST JUST LIKE THE TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED STATED THE SAME ISSUE IS TAKING PLACE AND THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA AND THEY DON'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED. I HAVE CONTACTED A LAWYER AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

Mileage: 172,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON A GRAVEL ROAD, THE REAR END OF VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISH TAIL UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED, WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE SWAY BAR BRACKET DETACHMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 07/10/13*LJ UPDATED 07/15/2013 *JS

Mileage: 167,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR END TRAILING ARM WAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THEY DID TAKE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND SENT THEM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 284,000.

Mileage: 284,000

THE FRAME HAS ROTTED OUT OF THIS VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. MOST NOTABLY ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TOWARDS THE REAR AXLE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES AND THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

THE REAR AXLE SEALS REPEATEDLY FAIL ON THIS VEHICLE, I'M NOW HAVING TO MAKE A FOURTH COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF BOTH THE REAR AXLE SEAL AND CONTAMINATED BRAKE SHOES. FOR THE FOURTH TIME THE REAR AXLE SEAL HAS FAILED WHICH LEAKS BRAKE FLUID ONTO REAR BRAKE SHOES, RESULTING IN SEVERE REDUCTION OF REAR BRAKING POWER. ALSO, AS A RESULT THE FRONT BRAKES ARE PLACED UNDER UNDUE PRESSURE AND WARPING OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS OCCURS WHICH MUST ALSO BE ADDRESSED. WHILE I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FILED COMPLAINTS OVER THIS SAME ISSUE SINCE 2005 WITH BOTH TOYOTA AND THE NHTSB, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL INITIATED. THE LAST TIME MY REAR AXLE SEALS WERE REPLACED WAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AGO. THIS VEHICLE ONLY SEES NORMAL WEAR AND USAGE. I AM NOT THE ONLY COMPLAINT AS MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE BASED ON TOYOTA FORUM DISCUSSIONS AND A SEARCH OF NHTSB COMPLAINT FILINGS. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AGAIN REFUSED TO ASSIST ME IN ANY WAY WITH TODAYS COMPLAINT FILING ON 7/31/12. *TR

Mileage: 286,000

FRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT BROKE. WHEN IT HAPPENED IT ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. LEFT THE VEHICLE IN A CONDITION THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS HIGH MILES BUT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION OTHERWISE. NO RUST ANYWHERE ON THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I'VE SEEN THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER 4RUNNERS. *TR

Mileage: 223,027

I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5, WITH AN IMMACULATE BODY, HOWEVER THE FRAME RAILS HAVE ROTTED OUT SO BADLY THAT YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE RAIL IN SOME PLACES. THE FRAME IS UNSAFE AND A FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. THE MOST SEVERE LOCATION OF THE ROT IN JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. TOOK IT FOR INSPECTION AND IT FAILED AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A WELDER TO SEE IF IT CAN EVEN BE REPAIRED. THINKING OF FILING A CLAIM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NY STATE. THE THING IS IT PASSED INSPECTION AT THE SMALL CAR BUSINESS I BOUGHT IT FROM( D AND D AUTOSALES IN BINGHAMTON NY-DON'T GO THERE!!!!!!) AND THERE IS NO WAY IT ROTTED LIKE THIS IN LESS THAN A YR SO I'M THINKING THEY PASSED IT JUST TO GET THE SALE. HAVEN'T CONTACTED TOYOTA BUT THEY MOST LIKELY WONT DO A THING FOR ME. *TR

FULL BLOWN FRAME RUST MECHANIC STATES IS 100% INVASIVE AFFECTING STEERING, ALIGNMENT, BRAKING, AND CHECKING OF DIFFERENTIAL AND REAR-END FLUIDS DUE TO SEIZED COMPONENTS. FRAME IS TOTALLY COMPROMISED, NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND RECTIFIED. *TR

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THUMP. TOOK VEHICLE HOME TO INSPECT. NOTICED FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING BRACKET WAS BROKEN. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC. COIL SPRING BRACKET THAT HOLDS COIL SPRING AND SHOCK IN IS RUSTED AWAY. COIL SPRING IS BROKEN OFF THE FRAME. MECHANIC AND AUTO BODY ADVISOR STATED THAT VEHICLE IS UN-DRIVEABLE. THE CHASSIS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND MUST BE REPLACED. THE ENTIRE FRAME COULD EASILY CRACK IN HALF IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. BACK BUMPER IS ALMOST DISINTEGRATED FROM RUST AND FRONT BUMPER IS RUSTING RAPIDLY. THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 120,000 MILES AND KEPT IN MINT CONDITION. SPOKE WITH TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA THEY SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE 4RUNNER IS NOT ON RECALL LIST. PLEASE HELP ME. I NOW HAVE NO DRIVEABLE VEHICLE AND NO MONEY TO BUY A NEW ONE. TOYOTA HAS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. *TT

Mileage: 120,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 267,000

SEVERAL SUSPENSION AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF MY 1999 4RUNNER ARE SHOWING EXCESSIVE RUST. THE WORST OF WHICH IS ON THE REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. I'VE RECENTLY HAD TO WELD A BROKEN STABILIZER BRACKET. THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING HAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT A HOLE HAS FORMED AND GEAR OIL IS LEAKING. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

PURCHASED NEW - NOW AT 135K MILES. HAVE REPLACED 1 OR BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS AT LEAST 5 TIMES -- FIRST REPLACEMENT WAS ON MY DIME -- REMAINDER HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED AN AXLE LAST TIME, BUT IN LESS THAN 2K MILES SYMPTOMS RETURNED (LEAKS ON WHEELS, STICKING REAR BRAKES). SURE, IT DOESN'T "COST" ME ANYTHING, EXCEPT MY TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP 1-2 DAYS EACH TIME! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. ON MAY 9, 2005, THE VEHICLE'S LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AND THE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY OF 2004. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 161,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000