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1998 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems

12 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
5%
crashes
5
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    2
  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    2
  • Hydraulic power assist: pump
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202025

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 10, 2022 · Steering · TX

The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.

Filed Apr 20, 2018 · Steering · 343,500 miles · CO

I was driving home from work and I was pulling into my home driveway traveling about 5 MPH. The right lower ball joint failed and separated from the steering knuckle. The initial noise I heard sounded like I had driven over a metal trash can which made me suddenly stop my vehicle. When I got out and looked to see what had happened, the attached picture is what I saw. I am so thankful that I was not driving on the highway!

Filed Nov 28, 2016 · Body, Steering · 161,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the rear passenger side frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · CA · crash

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.

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Body, Steering · 83,680 miles · IL

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.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Steering · 60,000 miles · GA · crash

Tl* the contact previously owned a 1998 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that his son was drving the vehicle 55 MPH and the vehicle suddenly loss control and rolled over into the median. The accident was fatal and the driver died. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2002 · Steering · CA · crash

Consumer states while driving 45-50 MPH without warning power steering went out resulting lost of control of vehicle causing a major collision. Nlm

Filed Feb 26, 2002 · Locks, Steering · LA · crash · 1 injury

My dauther aged 10 years, was in the rear of the car trying to grab a bag of chips that were in the luggage. When we got rear ended at the highway exit, the back door of the SUV popped open even though the car doors were locked. My daughter was thrown out of the back of the SUV and in front of the truck that rear ended us. Luckily she fell on some pillows that were also flung from the car, thereby reducing her injuries. Also the pickup truck that rear ended us had stopped, so she did not get run over by it. This door should not have opened when it was locked. This is a very serious safety hazard. I have voiced my concerns to toyota, but there has been no response.

Filed Apr 1, 2000 · Engine, Steering · LA · crash

Engine failed twice within two months for no reason. Both times slowing down when going to turn. No one was hurt./// lost control of 4 runner while slowing down for exit ramp at 35 MPH and wet road. Speed was not excessive for conditions. Car spun hit guard rail and then hit and did a 360. 4 days later, dry freeway at 70 MPH car suddenly veered to left, spun 360 then into grass median 360 , then 360 back onto freeway and came to stop, only god could have prevented this from being a disaster. Two passengers, no one was hurt. Car covered with grass. *ak( dot number: tire size: 16 )

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Steering · CA

Alarm system out of order. Yh

Questions about the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER steering

Does the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER have steering problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER steering problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have bad steering?

The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most steering complaints are 2003 (35 complaints), 2004 (32 complaints) and 2005 (29 complaints).

Other 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

Body 78Suspension 60Tires 30Engine 16Brakes 13Transmission 12Electrical 11Seat belts 9Acceleration 8Airbags 7Lights 6Wheels 5Locks 2Seats 2Fuel system 1Visibility 1

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