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.
1997 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 95, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Rusted frame..... Unsafe safe to drive.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
I was driving on an interstate loop at approximately 30 MPH. At the top of the loop, as I straightened the wheel the vehicle began to rock back and forth as though it was going to flip over. The rocking turned into fishtailing, and the steering wheel was forcefully pulled to the left. This caused the vehicle to travel across two lanes of traffic and hit a guardrail, ending up facing oncoming freeway traffic. The airbags were deployed. I was 4 months pregnant and travelling with my 10 month old son. I was able to drive to safety in the median. This accident was a total mystery to me since I was not travelling at an excessive speed. The ground was slightly wet from a brief sprinkle.
While pulling away from a stop position at 10 MPH right, the side front of the vehicler dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and the mechanic determined that the upper and the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak the ball joint snapped, causing the front end of the vehicle to collapse. The consumer requested reimbursement for the faulty part and repairs. *sc
The consumer received the federal safety agency recall 02v021000 regarding the rear suspension. No parts were available.
Consumer indicated that dealership told him that this vehicle was included in a recall. When vehicle was brought to the dealership floor manager won't honor the recall on certain 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive 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 2-wheel drive to lose directional stability. *ak the consumer contacted toyota 13 times but they failed to fix the problem. This problem also caused excess tire wear.
Rear spring coil on the 4 runner collapsed.
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