1997 Toyota 4RUNNER transmission problems

Filed Sep 20, 2020 · Suspension, Transmission · 260,000 miles · NJ

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!

Filed May 5, 2015 · Transmission · 206,000 miles · KY

My friend was driving down the road in the same model car as mine 1997 4runner and his frame snapped from rust. He said he could barely keep it on the road but managed to slowly creep forward until he got home. This story scared me because I have the same exact car, so I go to check my frame and sure enough, it is also quite rusted. I'm afraid that if I keep driving on it that it will snap and could cause injury to myself and others.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 131,600 miles · CO

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.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 145,528 miles · MI

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.

Filed Apr 26, 2011 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · NH

Rust through on rear axle differential cover to the point of leaking approx 6 oz per week of gear oil. This cover is welded on to the rear axle and there is no possibility of replacing separately.

Filed Sep 6, 2010 · Transmission · 141,944 miles · ME

1997 toyota 4runner rear differential rust through. I have just noticed that my 1997 4runner is leaking differential oil and am concerned that rust or foreign debris will get into the differential and cause a catastrophic failure. I have removed the 4runner from operation until the defect is corrected. The rust is on the rear top of the differential. There are very large flakes of rust on the differential and the oil is leaking through some of the rust holes. It appears that the differential was not manufactured with adequate thickness in the metal housing and had inadequate corrosion protection.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 139,000 miles · WV

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.

Filed Jan 3, 2010 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · WI

Rear differential rust out, toyota using inferior metal in production resulting in thousands of dollars of repair for fluid leakage.

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Body, Transmission · 170,000 miles · NY

No crash or injury,but 1997 toyota 4runner differential is completely rusted through and leaks oil through numerous pinholes. It can't be patched and replacement is in the $1500 range. I can't take the vehicle on trips. I have found many instances of people complaining about this on the web - it seems to be a common problem.

Filed Jul 11, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CT · crash · 2 injuries

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.