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.
1999 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 66 of 66, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Upon doing a routine inspection on my truck. The frame on the passangers rear side is corroded to a mechanically unsafe condition. This is where rear anti-say bar attaches and the rear springs. The frame is paper thin in numerous places. Additionally there are more locations on the rear section of the frame on the drivers side that are approaching a simular state. I have washed the truck on a regular basis and used corrosion inhibiting fluid on the frame to prevent this situation from happening. However this frame is undrivable due to safey concerns. I have a 1995 jeep grand cherokee with 200000 miles and the fame is brand new compared to this.
While operating the vehicle on a public road, the rear end of said vehicle began to "swap" back and forth at most any speed, acting as if a suspension component had malfunctioned. When making a left turn from a dead stop, a loud thump was heard un the vehicle. The handling issue had become much worse. We were a short distance from home, and were able to make our way slowly until reaching home. Upon inspection, I discovered that the frame had rusted out in from of the rear axle where the trailing arm mounts to the frame, causing the bracket for the trailing arm to disconnect from the frame almost completely. There are many other areas on the frame which are severely rusted and appear will fail as well. This is the second toyota we've owned with this problem. The first was a 1998 tacoma that toyota bought back from me. Why isn't frame an option on the list of affected parts above? Why is it that this make and model is not being handled the same way or with a frame replacement? This is not something I can afford to replace. I bought toyota because of their reputation for quality. Just what I need after the sudden death of my mother just 2 days prior. Thanks for nothing toyota. Dodge is looking pretty good right about now.
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.
My 1999 toyota 4 runner has a severe issue with a rotted out frame. I was simply backing out of my driveway and came to a halt when I heard a thump. As I preceded to drive the vehicle it became apparent the backend was not responding well. I could feel the back end swaying and it felt as if there was an issue with the suspension. I took it in for inspection and was told the frame had rotted out right where the springs attach to the frame on the left hand side of the frame. The right side is rotted as well but the frame is still attached.
Upon inspection of vehicle, the inside of the frame on both sides had rusted completely away. After investigation this seems to be a common problem on this vehicle. I have always kept the vehicle clean and the body has zero rust on it.
Driving down road and car started swaying badly even when shifting gears heard a noise when got home I had vehicle looked at and the bracket that holds the rear was broke it is rusted right from frame on passenger side and further inspection shows severe frame rust just like the trucks that were recalled stated the same issue is taking place and these should have been recalled. I notified toyota and they don't want to be bothered. I have contacted a lawyer and the attorney general office. Please open an investigation for a recall before someone gets killed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH on a gravel road, the rear end of vehicle began to fish tail uncontrollably. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and continue driving. The contact noticed that the entire frame was completely rusted, which contributed to the sway bar bracket detachment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. Updated 07/10/13*lj updated 07/15/2013
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while reversing from a parking space, the contact heard a loud popping noise. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end trailing arm was detached from the frame. The failure was caused by corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician advised that they were unable to perform any repairs to the vehicle however, they did take pictures of the damage and sent them to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 284,000.
The frame has rotted out of this vehicle due to excessive rust. Most notably on the passenger's side towards the rear axle. Apparently this is a major problem with toyota vehicles and the manufacturer is refusing to do anything about it.
The rear axle seals repeatedly fail on this vehicle, I'm now having to make a fourth costly replacement of both the rear axle seal and contaminated brake shoes. For the fourth time the rear axle seal has failed which leaks brake fluid onto rear brake shoes, resulting in severe reduction of rear braking power. Also, as a result the front brakes are placed under undue pressure and warping of front brake rotors occurs which must also be addressed. While I have previously filed complaints over this same issue since 2005 with both toyota and the nhtsb, there has been no recall initiated. The last time my rear axle seals were replaced was less than 20,000 miles ago. This vehicle only sees normal wear and usage. I am not the only complaint as many others have experienced the same issue based on toyota forum discussions and a search of nhtsb complaint filings. Toyota customer service center again refused to assist me in any way with todays complaint filing on 7/31/12.
Frame rusted to the point where it broke. When it happened it almost caused a major accident. Left the vehicle in a condition that is very dangerous to drive. This vehicle has high miles but is in excellent condition otherwise. No rust anywhere on the vehicle except for the frame. Toyota is aware of the problem. I've seen the same problem with other 4runners.
I have a 1999 toyota 4runner sr5, with an immaculate body, however the frame rails have rotted out so badly that you can put your finger through the rail in some places. The frame is unsafe and a failure could result in serious personal injury or death. The most severe location of the rot in just in front of the rear leaf springs on the inside of the frame. Took it for inspection and it failed as it was unsafe to drive. Now have to take it to a welder to see if it can even be repaired. Thinking of filing a claim with the attorney general of ny state. The thing is it passed inspection at the small car business I bought it from( d and d autosales in binghamton ny-don't go there!!!!!!) and there is no way it rotted like this in less than a yr so I'm thinking they passed it just to get the sale. Haven't contacted toyota but they most likely wont do a thing for me.
Full blown frame rust mechanic states is 100% invasive affecting steering, alignment, braking, and checking of differential and rear-end fluids due to seized components. Frame is totally compromised, needs to be recalled and rectified.
While driving the vehicle heard a loud noise and thump. Took vehicle home to inspect. Noticed front driver's side spring bracket was broken. Had vehicle towed to mechanic. Coil spring bracket that holds coil spring and shock in is rusted away. Coil spring is broken off the frame. Mechanic and auto body advisor stated that vehicle is un-driveable. The chassis is completely rusted away and must be replaced. The entire frame could easily crack in half if vehicle is driven. Back bumper is almost disintegrated from rust and front bumper is rusting rapidly. The tacoma and tundra have been recalled for the same problem. This vehicle only has 120,000 miles and kept in mint condition. Spoke with toyota in california they said nothing they can do because 4runner is not on recall list. Please help me. I now have no driveable vehicle and no money to buy a new one. Toyota has to make this right.
March 6, 2011: 99 toyota 4runner: I noticed my 4runner pitching on highway even at low speeds for several weeks. After I brought into toyota they informed that the vehicle was extremely unsafe - rear end differential housing had become detached from frame on rear passenger side - right rear axle close to complete failure - toyota stated it was too dangerous to drive. Severe rust on the structural and suspension components is excessive. Also large holes in differential housing causing fluid leakage. Toyota stated they could find used parts, including suspension bracket & entire replacement of differential housing & sway bar components - would cost up to $3000 to repair at my cost. Another option is to find a mechanic to weld & repair suspension brackets. The rear transfer case is so thin that oil is leaking through rust holes. Frame rails & entire undercarriage also severely rusted & deteriorated, including entire disintegration of the rear bumper with the front bumper having massive rust holes.
Several suspension and structural components of my 1999 4runner are showing excessive rust. The worst of which is on the rear axle and differential housing. I've recently had to weld a broken stabilizer bracket. The differential housing has rusted so bad that a hole has formed and gear oil is leaking.
Purchased new - now at 135k miles. Have replaced 1 or both rear axle seals at least 5 times -- first replacement was on my dime -- remainder have been under warranty. They replaced an axle last time, but in less than 2k miles symptoms returned (leaks on wheels, sticking rear brakes). Sure, it doesn't "cost" me anything, except my truck is in the shop 1-2 days each time!
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. On may 9, 2005, the vehicle's lower ball joints failed and the tire detached from the vehicle. The failure occurred while driving 35 MPH. The vehicle was towed. There were no warning indicators before the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in february of 2004. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 161,000 and failure mileage was 135,000.
As I was driving down a 4 lane highway, the steering wheel suddenly jerked out of my hands to the right. I was unable to turn the steering wheel back to the left to correct. The roads were wet from an earlier rain; there was no standing water, no pot holes, or other visible defects in the road. I was in the left lane, traveling about 60mph. The car spun out of control - doing 2 complete spins on the highway, then into the ditch on the right; hitting trees, flipping, hitting more trees, and finally coming to a halt straddling the ditch perpendicular to the highway. Since there was no visible defects in the road that would have caused the steering to act like that, I'd like to know if there is any mechanical problem which would have caused the steering wheel to jerk so hard to the right and keep me from being able to correct it. I've been told that perhaps the front right brake locked up, the tie rod broke, or some kind of steering defect. Please let me know what I should look for.
Consumer states steering wheeel vibrates between 50 and 60 MPH. Consumer has had vehicle aligned, and new tires and the problem is still occuring.*jb the vibration slows or stops when vehicle is put into 4 wheel drive. The front has been aligned twice, before and after the tires. Consumer had the exact same problem with a 1996 toyota tacoma. This situation now causes the entire vehicle to vibrate at the same speed between 50 thru 70 MPH.
Was traveling 55mph when vehicle started shaking, and was hard to control, had noticed left front end going into a ditch. Vehicle dropped down, and lost power steering and brake control.*ak consumer stated all bolts broke at spindle so axle was still attached to tire when it flew off the vehicle.
Experiencing vibration when driving at speeds in excess of 65mph,and the vehicle seems to veer to the left, vehicle was taken in for service for an alignment that did not alleviate problem, consumer returned and then was advised a cross rotation of the front tires would solve the problem, consumer was advised that tires were chopped but not to the point of replacement, with the vibration still occuring the vehicle is now veering to the right, mechanic advised consumer that even though tires were chopped replacing them would solve the problem, however consumer was advised by a mechanic at firestone that it would not be neccesary to replace tires, and that other vehicles have had this problem, mechanic believed it to be the design of the vehicle.
Alignment done @ tire kingdom 2/8, problem persisted, went to maroone toyota 2/26 aligment & high speed balancing done vehicle still vibrates and veers to right.checked firestone per maroone for tire fault still no solution to problem firestone hint vehicle problem, maroon hit tire problem. Who's right?
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