The frame has rusted out and the swaybar has broke loose from the frame.
1998 Toyota 4RUNNER transmission problems
12 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 190,000.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 190,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission4
- Driveline: differential unit1
- Driveline1
- Clutch assembly1
- Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1
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 transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The rear differential is rusting out.
Rear differential has rusted through. Causing all fluid to drain, which in turn would cause rear end to lock up.
1998 toyota 4runner sr5. The read differential housing has rusted out so bad that it has to be replaced. Multiple mechanics have stated they've never seen such a thing. No accidents or anything that could have added to the deterioration of this. This 4runner has never gone off road and 90% of is highway miles.
Driving on freeway 5 at san diego, california from the surface street at 35 MPH, I heard a thump and the 4 runner slowed to a stop. The traffic was held to a screetching halt as the car will not move. I manage to push it to the emergency side parking. It was towed to frank toyota of national city san diego, ca. There it was diagnosed that the rear end axle gear has been stripped. I just arrived today survive a third tour of iraq and this happened. This nearly cost me my life and possibly a lot more people.
Gear shifter locks up when placed in "park" (p) position resulting in key not being able to be removed from ignition. This caused the push-button control handle to become completely detached from the gear shifter arm and servered the wire for the push-button overdrive control. The screws became stipped and the housing inside the rubber cover were cracked. I have not contacted the dealership were I purchased the vehicle due to past problems I've had when reporting defects to them.
While driving vehicle intermittently jumps out of gear.dealer has been contacted.
Transmission clutch failed. Yh
Transmission failed caused grinding and sticking between shifts. Yh
Questions about the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER transmission
Does the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the transmission of the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 190,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have bad transmission?
The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most transmission complaints are 2000 (42 complaints), 2003 (39 complaints) and 2004 (36 complaints).
Other 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER problems
Body 78Suspension 60Tires 30Engine 16Brakes 13Steering 12Electrical 11Seat belts 9Acceleration 8Airbags 7Lights 6Wheels 5Locks 2Seats 2Fuel system 1Visibility 1
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