Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for inspection, the mechanic noticed corossion on the subframe of the vehicle and stated that the sub frame needed to be welded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000. The VIN was unavailable.
1999 Toyota 4RUNNER body complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 112, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle had excessive frame rust and a hole in the frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 02/23/16*lj updated 02/23/16.
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..
The frame of the vehicle is rotted and separating. My mechanic told me it is not safe to drive this vehicle.
Doing routine maintenance and found huge holes in the frame! Wow. Time to retire this vehicle, and take toyota off my shopping list of potential replacements.
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.
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.
Frame has rusted through.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame had developed holes due to rust. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 107,871. Updated 04/06/15*lj updated 6/25/2015
I purchased a 1999 toyota 4 runner. The back of the frame is completely rusted out near drivers side rear shackle none of this was visible when I purchased from dealership, I looked underneath car prior to buying and did not see this till I read a forum discussing the issue and went out to my car to see if mine had it too. The frame is also completely rusted out on the side facing gas tank. I don't have any other choice but to continue to drive it with it being my means to get to work and money is tight with my wife being pregnant. Please step up to the plate toyota and replace these frames.
I took my 4 runner into garage in september to get inspection sticker and it failed. I was told that the power steering rack was leaking and needed changing. Unfortunately, I just took it today into another shop for better labor rates and the mechanic said the rack is fine but that the frame is completely rusted out. I know that there have been recalls on tacomas and thundras made by toyota for the same problem. I see there have been a lot of other complaints on the internet regarding issues of frames rusting on several 4 runners. Seems like there should be a recall.
Purchased my 1999 4runner with excellent body and interior condition, mechanically perfect. Until I noticed there are severe rusted frame! There multiple holes through the frame! Very bad prep and coating on frame work. Contacted toyota dealer to discuss the issues with rusted/corrode frame, came back with the answer as there nothing they can do about it. Very disappointed. Before I purchased the vehicle, I ran carfax as they stated, zero issues including frame/rust. There the same issues for tundra and tacoma toyota please be honest, fix it asap!
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear shock was rusted to the top of the frame. The frame was completely corroded with no support. The failure occurred a month ago when the frame detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the technician noticed that the frame was rusted under the passenger side. The technician explained that the vehicle was unable to be repaired and deemed it unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 155,890.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the technician noticed that the entire subframe was corroded. The vehicle failed inspection. An independent welder stated that it would be nearly impossible and very expensive to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
There is significant rust on the frame of the vehicle. Particularly where the control arms are welded to the body. In addition, the rear differential has completely rusted through and has resulted in gear oil leaking through multiple holes in the differential cover. The entire rear end will need to be replaced in order to remedy the issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota four runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered that the sub frame of the vehicle had rusted in two separate locations near the passenger side rear wheel area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 128,000. .... Updated 08/05/14 *bf updated 08/19/2014
My toyota dealer discovered the frame is rusted/rotted through prematurely and suggested I contact toyota to inquire if my 4runner would be covered under a recall. I called toyota and they stated, "...there are no recalls issued for the 4runner.". Toyota has existing recalls covering other models (tacoma, sequoia, tundra) of the same year for this same issue; I believe the recall should include the 4runner. I have learned that other 4runner owners of the same year are experiencing the same problem.
Upon getting under my vehicle to examine what was making a noise I found that the right rear inside frame rail has a hole approximately 8 inches long. The frame rail still has paint on it which give the appearance of being ok, however it looks as if the frame has rusted from the inside out! I also noticed that a bracket mounted on top of the rear axle is rusted completely through. This vehicle has always been garage kept and has no body rust on it either.
Passenger frame showing signs of rust thru of frame in front of passenger rear wheel about a 3 inch long hole.
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.
Frame rust is more severe than it should be for a car of this age.
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.
The frame on the passenger side rear rite under the rear door frame is rusted all the way through very bad don't feel safe driving it !!! I just bought it less than a month ago from an individual that is a car sales man for toyota west in columbus oh !! Wanting to know what I can do I haven't even put a 1000 miles on it !!
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.
The passenger side rear frame section is rusted through. The inside portion of the frame is completely rotted away. I have contacted toyota in reference to this matter, and they stated that they intend to take no action in this matter.
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!
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!!
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.
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