JT3HN87R3X90248921999 TOYOTA 4RunnerLuxury
1999 TOYOTA 4Runner was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 335 owner complaints include 19 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1999 TOYOTA 4Runner
1999 TOYOTA 4Runner was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 335 owner complaints include 19 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 19 injuries reported across 335 owner complaints
- 30 complaints involved a crash — unusually high incident rate
- Common owner-reported issues: rust/corrosion
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
335 owner complaints filed — top areas: Suspension/Wheels (27%), Body/Structure (24%), Engine/Powertrain (11%). Common issues: rust/corrosion. 30 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- TOYOTA
- Model
- 4Runner
- Year
- 1999
- Trim / Series
- Luxury
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3.4L 183 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
- Assembly
- TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: TAHARA, AICHI
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸6 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠19 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 1999 TOYOTA 4Runner report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1999 TOYOTA 4Runner report body/structure issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1999 TOYOTA 4Runner report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
TOYOTA has an excellent recall completion rate (95%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 14 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~14 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
19 injuries reported across 335 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
335 complaints analyzed across 11 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME335 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The frame above the RT rear tire has rusted completely through. It's where the rear end bolts to the frame, at a wedge welded to the frame with bolt holes in it. It's like it wants to flip over and darts left or right every time there's a dip or rough spot in the road. I chained it and put a tow strap around everything I could to keep the rear end from coming out & killing me or someone behind me
The contact's wife owns a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at a slow speed, the back end of the vehicle began to wobble. The contact stated that his daughter pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was inspected and severe corrosion was discovered on the driver's side rear lower control arm mount. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there are no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
The component that is failing is the frame. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others is at risk due to the frame falling apart due to the lack of integrity. The lack of integrity and strength is from oxidation or major rust. The vehicle has not been inspection by a 3rd party. The rust is a common issue in this year/model from other owners and has appeared to be a manufacturing error.
Over the years of ownership, my vehicle has been overwhelmed with rust issues. All four axles are rusted to include the brake components. I didn't realize how bad the rusting was until I heard "popping" noise when making turns The rear suspension sway bar link was rusted so bad, it broke free. I had the rack and pinion replaced in August of 2020 because rust ate through the lines. The frame appears to have separations due to rust as well.
RIGHT REAR CHASSIS RUSTED OUT
DRIVING EASTBOUND INTO PORTLAND (OR) ON HWY.26 (SUNSET HWY.), THREE LANES INBOUND. THREE LANES INBOUND, I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE.AS WE NEARED THE TUNNELS, TRAFFIC STOPPED BUMPER-TO-BUMPER, AS IT OFTEN DOES. I STOPPED, LEAVING A SMALL BUFFER BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND THE ONE AHEAD OF ME, AND WATCHED THE RED MAZDA CX-5 APPROACHING BEHIND, NOT SLOWING, AND BRACED FOR THE BUMP. BAM! IT WAS A SERIOUS JOLT. WE PULLED OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. TRAFFIC WAS BUSY, SO IT TOOK A WHILE TO GET OUT TO INSPECT DAMAGE. I WAS EXPECTING MORE THAN I FOUND, AND ACTUALLY NOTICED NO DAMAGE AT THE TIME. THE MAZDA THAT HAD REAR-ENDED ME SUSTAINED SOME SERIOUS COSMETIC DAMAGE, BUT WAS STILL DRIVEABLE. WE TRADED INFO, AND I HEADED ON TO MT.HOOD TO SKI. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVERS SEAT WAS A BIT WOBBLY. WHEN I GOT A CHANCE TO CHECK THE CAUSE,I FOUND THAT THE FRONT LEFT BOLT HOLDING THE SEAT WAS LOOSE.I TIGHTENED IT BACK DOWN.,BUT IT CAME LOOSE AGAIN AFTER THE EMBEDDED NUT CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED A PLEATHORA OF 4RUNNER AND TACOMA OWNERS ENCOUNTERING SIMILAR FAILURES.TO FIX, I DRILLED A 1/2" HOLE THROUGH THE BOLT HOLE AND THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME CHAMBER, RAN A 4"X1/2" STEEL BOLT THROUGH THE HOLE, FASTENED WITH A LARGE WASHER, LOCK WASHER, AND NUT, SOME THREAD-LOCK, AND SLATHERED ON THE BLACK SILICONE RTV. ALL DONE. SEEMS JUST FINE, NOW. CBS NEWS DID A STORY ON THEIR MORNING SHOW LAST THURSDAY, REGARDING DANGERS OF SIMILAR SEAT FAILURES IN HONDAS, I BELIEVE. I'M SURPRISED THAT THESE COMPANIES HAVE NOT DONE RECALLS ON THESE DESIGN FAILURES,ALREADY.
THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
MY FRAME IS RUSTED ALMOST TO PIECES. I KNOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4RUNNER OF THE SAME YEAR MODELS. AND I HOPE TO GET A RECALL BECAUSE IT'S PUTTING ME AND OTHERS AT RISK OF WRECKING THE CAR AND POSSIBLE INJURIES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ADJUSTER LEVER WAS FRACTURED. NEITHER THE LOCAL DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
MY VEHICLE IS VERY CLEAN AND WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD NO INDICATION OF TROUBLE OR HANDLING ISSUES. A REPAIR SHOP WAS TAKING IT BACK TO FIX AN EXHAUST PROBLEM WHEN HE NEARLY LOST CONTROL. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT WHEN HE NOTIFIED ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, BUT FOUND OUT THAT ONE SECTION OF THE FRAME HAD TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE AXLE LINK MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. IT COULD HAVE TORN THE AXLE OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON 4 LANE INTERSTATE AT 70 JUST DAYS BEFORE WITH NO HANDLING ISSUES AT ALL. I PERSONALLY HAVE CHANGED THE OIL AND GREASED THE DRIVE TRAIN ALL BUT ONCE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND NOT NOTICED THIS SMALL AREA OF SEVERE RUST THROUGH. I HAVE ALSO SPENT OVER $3000 ON EXHAUST, TIRES, AND MAINTENANCE REPAIR OVER THE PAST YEAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTHY OF 5-10 MORE YEARS AND 100,000 MORE MILES. MY 2001 CAMRY IS DRIVEN BY MY SON NOW AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 390,000 MILES ON IT. I JUST SOLD MY 1994 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH OVER 300,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS 4RUNNER BODY IS IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION THAN THOSE AND THAT WAS WHY I EXPECTED THIS WOULD TOO. THIS IS DEFINITELY A WEAK SPOT HARD TO DETECT BECAUSE MYSELF AND 3 OTHER MECHANIC PLACES HAD NOT SEEN IT WHEN SERVICING IT BUT YET IT IS ALSO A VERY CRITICAL FUNCTION THAT CAN CAUSE COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AXLE IS TORN LOOSE AND OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. HEAD-ON COLLISIONS, ROLLOVERS, ETC ARE VERY LIKELY. THEREFORE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARNING MUST BE MADE KNOWN TO OTHER DRIVERS OF THESE 4RUNNERS AND A RECALL TO REPLACE THE FRAME AS NEEDED JUST LIKE TOYOTA HAS DONE FOR OTHER TRUCKS OF THEIRS, I.E. TUNDRA, SEQUOIA, TACOMA WITH FULL FRAME LIKE THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS FOR PROTECTION OF OUR PUBLIC.I HAVE PLENTY MORE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE THAT I CAN SHARE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE SOUNDNESS OF THE REST OF THE VEHICLE OR BAD SPOT RUSTING.
VEHICLE FRAME IS ROTTED
I HEARD RUBBING NOISES FROM MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL.I THOUGHT BRAKES BUT WHEN I INSPECTED THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE RUBBING WAS COMING FROM A RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF BRAKE SHIELD.I AM OLDER WITH BACK ISSUES SO GETTING UNDER THE CAR FOR A GOOD LOOK M IS TOUGH AT BEST.WHAT I COULD SEE USING A RIGID SEESNAKE BOROSCOPE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST .RUST ALL OVER KEY STRUCTURAL FRAME COMPONENTS FROM MOTOR MOUNTS TO STEERING LINKAGE THE CHASSIS IN SOME AREAS HAS COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED.LOOKING AT THE BODY YOU WOULD THINK THE CAR WAS IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE BUT NOT UNDERNEATH.TOYOTA DIDN'T HAVE 4RUNNERS AS PART OF THEIR RECALL BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE AS THE 4RUNNER USES THE SAME TRUCK CHASSIS AS THE TACOMAS .I NEED THIS TRUCK AND I NEED IT TO BE SAFE.THANKS FOR LISTENING
THE VEHICLE READS EMPTY WHEN FULL AND FULL WHEN EMPTY SOMETIMES. CONSTANTLY CHANGING NEVER ABLE TO KNOW IF THE TANK IS FULL AND RAN OUT OF GAS SINCE IT WASN'T READING THE CORRECT AMOUNT CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION WHEN I RAN OUT FORTUNATELY. *TR
VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED HEAD GASKET FAILED, 3RD CYL AFFECTED. *TR
FRAME ROTTED OUT PREMATURELY
OUR 4RUNNER WENT IN FOR SHOCKS AND WE WERE TOLD WE HAVE A RUSTED FRAME. WE ONLY HAVE 89,000 MILES ON IT AND WE HAVE KEPT UP WITH ALL MAINTENANCE. THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS LOTS OF LIFE LEFT IN IT AND DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE FRAME. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 4RUNNERS.
MY 1999 4-RUNNER WITH ONLY 89,000 MILES HAS A RUSTED FRAME. IT NEEDS REPAIR OR IT WILL NOT BE DRIVEABLE. I HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF THIS VEHICLE. WENT IN FOR SHOCKS, AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED.
FRAME RUSTED FALLING APART. SO SOFT I CAN STICK MY FINGERS THROUGH IT.
I WAS DRIVING MY 4 RUNNER AND IT STARTED TO LIKE IT WAS 'FLOATING' AND 'SWAYING' FRONT TO BACK. I WASN'T FAR FROM HOME SO I PARKED HER. THE NEXT DAY I WAS TAKING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND IT FELT LIKE THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR DIPPED DOWN. WE WERE MAYBE 20 YDS FROM THE HOUSE SO I PARKED IT. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND HE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND ALMOST ROLLED THE TRUCK. I CALLED OUR MECHANIC AND HE CALLED A ROLL BACK TO PICK IT UP. THE OWNER DROVE IT AND HE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND ALMOST CRASHED. HE LOOKED AT IT AND SAW THE FRAME HAS RUSTED IN HALF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER (TARBOX TOYOTA LOCATED AT 3671 QUAKER LANE, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI 02852). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *DT*JB
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1999 4RUNNER FOR A NEW ALTERNATOR AND POWER STEERING BELTS. THE MECHANIC NOTED SEVERE FRAME RUST, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THERE ARE ACTUALLY HOLES IN THE FRAME. THE FRAME IS WORST NEAR WHERE THE CROSS MEMBERS CONNECT. THERE IS NO BODY RUST. I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO ALLOW MY SON OR ANYBODY ELSE TO DRIVE IT, AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DESPITE THE NARRATIVE TO THE CONTRARY, THE MECHANIC DID NOT ACTUALLY POINT THE RUST OUT TO ME. I NOTICED IT ON THE BILL WHEN SUBMITTING TO INSURANCE FOR TOWING. I THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MYSELF.
REAR SUSPENSION MOUNT SEPARATED FROM FRAME AT WELD, VEHICLE WAS RUSTPROOFED WHEN NEW.
FRAME IS ALL RUSTED AND CORRODED.
THE MOUNT FOR THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS RUSTED OFF. THIS IS CAUSING THE CAR TO VIOLENTLY ROCK BACK AND FOURTH AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE AND CONTINUE FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER. IT IS VERY UNNERVING AND OBVIOUSLY A MATER SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES SUCH AS T4R.ORG. PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I DO NOT KNOW IF THE STOPPING PROBLEM IS THE BRAKES, TIRES, BOTH, OR SOMETHING ELSE. AT ONE POINT I GOT NEW TIRES AND THE STOPPING PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN IN 3 ACCIDENTS WITH OTHER CARS AND MANY MORE INCIDENTS BY THE CAR ITSELF. WHEN BRAKING IN RAIN/SNOW/ICE AND EVEN SLIGHT DAMP ROADS THE CAR SKIDS FORWARD. WE HAVE TO KEEP EXTRA DISTANCE IN FRONT OF NOW COMPARED TO OTHER CARS WE DRIVE. ALSO DURING ACCELERATION ON RWD FROM A STOPLIGHT EVEN DURING DRY CONDITIONS SOMETIMES THE REAR TIRES SPIN OUT/BURN OUT/ HAVE NO TRACTION.
REAR PART OF FRAME BADLY RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY BROKEN WHILE DRIVING TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP COST $1200 TO WELD FRAME TO MAKE DRIVABLE AGAIN
AFTER A LESS THAN 10 MILE DRIVE THE TOYOTA WAS PARKED. AFTER A HOUR OR SO IT BURST INTO FLAMES. PRIOR TO THIS THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCKING THEMSELVES. TWO FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED. THE 4RUNNER WAS A COMPLETE LOSS. ALSO BURNED PART OF THE ROADSIDE. I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS AND PHOTOS OF OTHERS BURSTING INTO FLAMES, BUT HAVE FOUND NO RECALLS. TOYOTA WAS ABSOLUTELY NO HELP. HORRIBLE ORDEAL AND THANKFUL NO ONE WAS KILLED. SHAME ON TOYOTA.
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LTD 4X4 FRAME IS ROTTED /RUSTED OUT WILL NEED MAJOR REPAIRS OR NEW FRAME APPARENTLY THIS IS ALL 4RUNNERS AND TACOMAS BUILT FROM THE MID 90S TO MID 2000S BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME ROT ON THE INSIDE AND BOTTOM OF THE FRAME SO MUCH SO THEY STARTED SELLING KITS TO FIX THIS ON EBAY WHAT A SHAME I NEVER THOUGH TOYOTA WOULD BE SUCH JUNK SAD THEY WONT FIX / RECALL THE 3RD GEN 4 RUNNER IN THERE CURRENT FRAME RECALL EVEN THO THEY HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE .SAFETY ISSUES ....
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS CRACKED AND ROTTED. THE STABILITY OF THE FRAME WAS TARNISHING AND WEAKENED THE SUPPORT FOR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A WELDING SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 281,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
WHILE DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, WHILE FEELING THE VEHICLE JERK TO THE RIGHT, THRUSTING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. WHILE TRYING TO COMPENSATE TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE, IMMEDIATELY ROLLED 3-4 TIMES ACROSS THE 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ONTO THE LEFT SHOULDER. THE LEFT REAR AXLE AND WHEEL WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND.
FRAME ROT HAS LED TO ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR, VEHICLE CHANGING LANES UNEXPECTEDLY, AND DEATH WOBBLE. TIRES AND SHOCKS REPLACED SEPTEMBER, NEEDED NEW TIRES AFTER 90 DAYS ALSO TIE RODS AND BUSHINGS. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
THE FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE AREA HAS COMPLETED ROTTED FROM RUST, THE REAR SUSPENSION AND SWAY BAR BROKE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. WE WERE ALMOST IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS THERE WAS LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE REAR END AND WE ENDED UP IN A DITCH WITH LOSS OF CONTROL.WE WERE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT THE TIME. WE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ROLL OVER ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. VERY SCARY INCIDENT. I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND A NUMBER OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND PHOTOS OF THIS ISSUE IF YOU WANT TO CALL E-MAIL ME AT (XXXXXX). THE EXTERIOR BODY ENGINE AND INTERIOR OF THIS VEHICLE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND IT SEEMS THE FRAME SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING MY COMPLAINT. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
WENT TO FIX THE EXHAUST ON MY VEHICLE AND SAW MULTIPLE SPOTS WITH EXCESSIVE RUST,ESPECIALLY AROUND THE REAR SHOCK TOWERS.
MY COMPLAINT IS WITH SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THERE ARE OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AS MINE AND THEY HAVE BEEN RECALLED. MINE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AS WELL. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME SHOULD RUST. I WOULD EXPECT OVER TIME TO SOME SMALL PATCHES OF RUST BUT NOT THE ENTIRE FRAME. THERE IS SO MUCH RUST THAT I COULD NEVER FIX IT COMPLETELY MYSELF. TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR POOR PLATING PROCESS IN THE LATE 90'S TO EARLY 00'S.
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND LOST CONTROL TEMPORARILY BECAUSE A REAR TRAILING ARM MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM FRAME AND BROKE BOTH SHOCKS. UPON INSPECTION REAR SECTION OF FRAME SEVERELY RUSTED CAUSING MOUNT TO DETACH. FRONT SECTION OF FRAME DOES NOT HAVE SAME LEVEL OF RUST. A MANUFACTURES DEFECT ALMOST COST ME AND MY CHILDREN SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN METICOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH ALL SERVICE RECORDS. I'VE BEEN IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. IF THEY RECALLED THE FRAMES FOR THE TACOMA AND TUNDRAS, WHY WEREN'T 4RUNNERS INCLUDED?
BAD FRAME ROT. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANYMORE.
THE FRAME ON MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS NO LONGER STRUCTURALLY SOUND. THE FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED.
LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THE FRAME IS JUST ROTTEN THROUGH AND THROUGH IN THE BACK, I HAVE A TUNDRA, 2 SEQUOIA'S, A HIGHLANDER AND A RAV4. RANGING FROM 2001 TO 2015, AND THE FRAME ON THE 01 SEQUOIA LOOKS NEW, THIS IS A BAD FRAME AND GABE AT KEITH PIERSON TOYOTA IN JACKSONVILLE SAID THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FESS UP TO THIS ONE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METAL FRAME WAS INFERIOR AND CONTAINED PREMATURE RUST, HOLES, AND CORROSION. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE FRAME COULD FRACTURE AT ANY POINT IN TIME. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK FRACTURED INTO THE FRAME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME HAD EXTENSIVE PREMATURE RUST, COULD FRACTURE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
RUSTY FRAME MAKING THE TRUCK UNSAFE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME RUSTED OUT AND FRACTURED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, OPENED A CASE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST INSIDE AND OUT . SUSPENSION AND ROCKER PANELS ARE AFFECTED ALSO. I WAS WONDERING ABOUT A FRAME RECALL SINCE THEY HAVE DONE SO WITH OTHER TOYOTA FRAMES
FUEL GAUGE READS INACCURATELY CAUSING A RUNNING OUT OF FUEL SITUATION, VERY DANGEROUS. GAUGE IS VERY ERRATIC, BUT USUALLY SHOWS 1/2 TANK WHEN IT RUNS OUT. SOMETIMES GOES ALL THE WAY TO FULL, SOMETIMES ALL THE WAY TO EMPTY. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER IN THE TANK WITH NO CHANGE. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN # EL010-00 WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND A NHTSA ACTION NUMBER 950312. TOYOTA SAYS THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. AM I NOW SUPPOSED TO SCRAP THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN I WILL RUN OUT OF GAS BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE TANK IS ACTUALLY NEAR EMPTY? I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE FOR WELL OVER A YEAR. I AM NOT ASKING FOR TOYOTA TO PROVIDE THE PARTS AT NO CHARGE, JUST THAT BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ME. I AM FILING THIS INQUIRY ON BEHALF OF MY GRANDSON, AS IT IS HIS CAR. I, HOWEVER AM A RETIRED MECHANIC WHO WILL BE DOING THE REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SOURCE THE REQUIRED PARTS.
THE MOUNTING POINT FOR THE REAR-AXEL STABILIZER BAR RUSTED THROUGH AND SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. ON MY DRIVE TO WORK (ON THE HIGHWAY) NOTICED A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN DOWN-SHIFTING, AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BADLY WHENEVER I WOULD BRAKE OR HIT A BUMP. WHEN I GOT TO WORK AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE THE REAR BRACKET HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE HAS 155,000 MILES AND HAS VERY LITTLE INDICATIONS OF RUST, BUT UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE INSIDE OF THE BOX FRAME ALONG THE GAS TANK IS RUSTED VERY BADLY. THE VEHICLE IS SINGLE OWNER AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH GREAT CARE, SO I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. NOT TO MENTION THE WAY IN WHICH THIS FAILED AT THE ATTACH POINT FOR THE REAR AXEL IS A SEVERE SAFETY CONCERN. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR WITH MY KIDS IN IT! FROM THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, AND PICTURES ONLINE, TOYOTA SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING TO INFORM 4RUNNER OWNERS OF THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. WHEN I VISITED THE TOYOTA DEALER THERE WERE RACKS AND RACKS OF TUNDRA FRAMES THAT WERE BEING REPLACED (SEE PICTURES). WHAT IS TOYOTA DOING FOR 4RUNNER OWNERS?
VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 150,000 MILES AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE TRUCK RUNS GREAT, BUT BECAUSE OF THE FRAME I CAN NO LONGER DIVE THIS ON THE ROADS.
THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS STUCK AND WON'T RETRACT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT. IT HAPPENED JANUARY 2017. I WAS FIRST TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEN THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. IF THERE WAS A RECALL, WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY CORRESPONDENCE.
I HAD JUST BOUGHT A USED TOYOTA 4RUNNNER FROM A DEALERSHIP AS MY FIRST VEHICLE FOR COLLEGE. BEFORE I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE FOR MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE I HAD TO GET IT INSPECTED AND CAME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME OF THE SUV WAS RUSTING AWAY. NOW I AM $7000 DOLLARS IN THE HOLE AND NO VEHICLE TO GO TO SCHOOL WITH AND NOW FORCED TO STAY HOME. I DID MY RESEARCH AND CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND THAT ALL OF THE 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCKS HAD RECALLS FOR THEIR FRAME BUT NOT THE 4RUNNERS. PLEASE HELP BECAUSE THAT JUST ISNT RIGHT...
THE BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I STOPPED AT MCDONALD'S BEFORE MY LONG JOURNEY ONTO THE FREEWAY, WITH MY 9 MONTH OLD BABY IN THE CAR, AND THAT SAVED US FROM A VERY BAD CRASH THAT MAY HAVE TAKEN OUR LIVES HAD WE BEEN GOING 60-70 MPH. HOW DOES A BALL JOINT BREAK IN HALF???
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I CROSSED A BRIDGE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE WAS GOING ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER SIDE SWAY ARM AND RIPPED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. THE FRAME TO ME SEEMS TO MADE OUT OF TOO THIN OF METAL. NEVER HAD A VEHICLE FRAME DO THAT EVER.
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I CROSSED A BRIDGE APPROACH AND REAR END OF VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING ALL OVER THE ROAD. ABOUT CAUSED A ACCIDENT. THE REAR SWAY BAR ON PASSENGER SIDE SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND ABOUT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE FRAME SEEMS THIN FOR A UTILITY VEHICLE.
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH WITH LARGE HOLES MECHANIC SAID THERE'S NOT MUCH THEY CAN DO WITH IT BECAUSE IT'S SO BAD!
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A NEIGHBOR WHO BOUGHT IT NEW. HE TOOK IMPECCABLE CARE OF HIS VEHICLES SO I WAS VERY CONFIDENT IN THE PURCHASE. LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT FROM HIM, ONE OF THE REAR STABILIZERS TORE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME RAIL. AFTER GOING UNDERNEATH TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE, THERE WAS A LOT OF HOLES AND MAJOR CORROSION THAT APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF THAT WITH THIS SOLID BOX STYLE FRAME, WHY IS THERE NO MEANS FOR ANY WATER OR CONDENSATION THAT BUILDS UP INSIDE THE FRAME TO GET OUT. I WAS GOING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED UNTIL I INSPECTED IT FURTHER AND WHACKED A FEW PLACES WITH A HAMMER AND SENT IT RIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME! IT WAS A SHAME BECAUSE IT RAN EXCELLENT AND I'M CONFIDENT IT WOULD HAVE WENT ANOTHER 100,000 MILES. INSTEAD I WAS FORCED TO SELL IT FOR A PARTS VEHICLE AND LOST OVER $3000 ON THE DEAL. IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT WAS TAKEN CARE OF LIKE A COLLECTOR CAR, I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW FAST THEY CAN FALL APART IF THEY'RE ACTUALLY NEGLECTED. IT'S TOO BAD THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THEY ARE A FANTASTIC VEHICLE OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE.
1- THE SEATBELT THREADS BECOME LOOSE AND BROKE. 2- AT 50 M/H THE CAR IS BOUNCING LEFT TO RIGHT.
FRAME RUSTED
ABS LIGHT ;PO500 CODE SPEED SENSOR A SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING, WONT SHIFT INTO GEAR WITH ABS LIGHT ON WINDOWS MALFUNCTION AND ALL ELECTRIC WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING POSSIBLY DUE TO SAME ABS CIRCUITE AS NOTICED SAME EXACT TIMEFRAME. APART FROM THAT PRIOR MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON NEEDS RESTTING FROM DEALER AND ALSO HORN DOES NOT OPERATE. MISSING/NO FACTORY INSTALLED FOG LAMPS --DEALER WANTS OVER 1,200.00 FOR 2 BASIC FOG LAMPS FROM THEIR PARTS DEPT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY, A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND FILED AN INCIDENT REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE STATE HIGHWAY POLICE HAD A WRECKER TOW THE VEHICLE TO A YARD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO TOW THE VEHICLE FROM THE YARD TO A REPAIR CENTER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FOR THEIR DETERMINATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/17/17*LJ UPDATED 07/12/2017*JS
TAKATA RECALL FRAME RIOT AND BUSY RUST
FRAME RUSTING OUT INSIDE RAILS NEAR REAR SPRING PERCH 12 INCHES LONG
UNDER BODY HAS RUSTED AND REPAIR COST IS $10000
REAR END RUSTED OUT AND FLUID LEAKED OUT,DESTROYING RING AND PINION WHILE ON HIGHWAY AFTER TRAVELLING ABOUT 20 MILES.
THE FRAMES ON THESE TOYOTA 4RUNNERS (1996-2002) ARE CHEAPLY MADE AND ROT FROM THE INSIDE OUT EVEN IN STATES WITH LITTLE SALT, THEY USE THIN CHEAP STEEL, THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSINGS ALSO LEAK DUE TO PROOUS THIN CHEAPLY MADE 'STEEL'. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE ON THIS ONE. MY VEHICLES FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT ASWELL AS THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. THEY DID A FRAME RECALL ON THE TACOMAS, SEQUOIAS, ETC, THIS IS NO DIFFERENT!
I PURCHASED A 1999 USED TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. MY STATE DOES NOT HAVE A LEMON LAW SO I AM STUCK WOTH THIS TRUCK THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE. IT IS ROTTED AROUND THE REAR AXLE AND DOWN THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAS BEEN SUED BY TOCOMA OWNERS AND THEY ARE BEING COMPENSATED HOWEVER CANT NOT GET ANY INFO ON 4RUNNER OWNERS. PLEASE HELP US. THERE ARE ALOT OF US OUT HERE.
FRAME CRACKED ON REAR PASSAGER SIDE NEED HELP!MY DAUGHTER AND MY GRAND DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WHEN HAPPEND GOD WAS LOOKING OUT FOR THEM!
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEEP AND WELL MAINTAINED SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55MPH ON 10/18/16, WITHOUT WARNING - THE 4RUNNER BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE... I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE 4RUNNER AND COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE REASON I LOST CONTROL OF THE 4RUNNER IS BECAUSE OF A SERIOUS RUSTING ISSUE IN THE FRAME (THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE NHTSA, AND ALSO MANY OTHER WEBSITES). THE REASON THIS RUSTING ISSUE IS SO DANGEROUS IS WHERE THE RUSTING HAS OCCURRED. THE FRAME IS RUSTING RIGHT AT THE SECTION THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE LINK/BAR THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE. THE RUST ON MY 4RUNNER FRAME CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS). I CHECK THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND IT ALSO SHOWS THE SAME SEVERE RUSTING AT THE FRAME WHERE THE CONTROL ARM BRACKET IS ATTACHED. THERE ARE STILL MANY 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS ON THE ROAD, AND I FEEL THIS RUSTING SITUATION IS PUTTING MANY LIVES IN DANGER. THERE IS NO WARNING, YOU JUST LOSE CONTROL. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY 4RUNNER IS 17 YEARS OLD... BUT AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. A FRAME SHOULD NOT RUST THIS BADLY, ESPECIALLY IN A CRITICAL SECTION. PLEASE HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR A VEHICLE DEFECT THAT IS PUTTING LIVE IN DANGER. THANK YOU. *TR
WENT TO GET AND OIL CHANGE, WHEN MY CAR WAS RETURNED THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE VERY TIME I WAS AT A STOP SIGN, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OVER 12-13 TIMES ALL WITH DIFFERENT CODES... MY CAR KEEPS STALLING AND RESTARTING... THE BRAKES IS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND JUST GOT THE BRAKES DONE... FUEL INJECTION CLEANING ... AND THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING EVEN AFTER I'VE CHANGE THE BULBS ON SEVERAL TIMES...
AUTO REPAIR SHOP TELLS ME I HAVE SIGNIFICANT FRAME RUST/ROT. IT'S ACTUALLY BEGUN TO FAIL IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING UNRELATED SERVICE. FEELS ACTION REQUIRED TO MAKE SAFE.
TAKATA RECALL FRAME IS RUSTED EXTREMELY BAD ALMOST IN SAFE TO DRIVE REAR STABILIZER BAR THAT GOES TO FRAME RUSTED OFF REALLY BAD PLAN ON CONTACTING TOYOTA TOMORROW TO SEE IF QUALIFIES FOR RECALL
FRAME IS RUSTING DESPITE ONLY 72,680 MILES.
I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. I FELT A BUMP AND THEN HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND SAW SPARKS FROM MY FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND SAW MY FRONT TIRE, WHEEL, AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY WERE DETACHED AND LODGED UNDER MY VEHICLE. ON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT GAVE OUT AND MY WHEEL ASSEMBLY DETACHED. VERY HAZARDOUS AND WOULD HAVE LED TO A COLLISION IF I HAD NOT BEEN SO LATE AT NIGHT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS BALL JOINT AND TOYOTA ISSUED RECALL ON 2001-2004 4RUNNERS FOR THE ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO OLDER YEARS. JOINT ASSEMBLY WAS REDESIGNED FOR 2005-CURRENT MODELS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER REAR FRAME RUSTED DRIVER SIDE
FRAME SEVERELY RUSTED DEEMED UNSAFE.
THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SEPERATED FROM THE KNUCKLE AND BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LEFT ME IN ON COMING TRAFFIC THAT I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF. TOYOTA HAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNERS FROM 2001-2004 (SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 50J ' FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT 2001 THROUGH 2002 4RUNNER). IT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL YEARS. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN POTENTIALLY PUT LIVES IN JEOPARDY. HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/OWNERS/SEARCHRESULTS?SEARCHTYPE=ID&TARGETCATEGORY=R&SEARCHCRITERIA.NHTSA_IDS=05V225000 SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON WITH AROUND 5-6 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINING AND GAS HAND GOES FROM FULL TO HALF AFTER ONLY 70 MILES.
FRAME HAS RUSTED WHERE ENGINE SUPPORT IS COMPROMISED,
FRAME ON 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS INSPECTED BY MECHANIC AT LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. INFORMED US THAT FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH, WITH HOLE BEING BIG ENOUGH TO PUT YOUR HAND THROUGH. ADVISED US NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS UNSAFE AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED AND WORTH NOTHING TO US. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD WITH AN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE BEFORE PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IN ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE.
FRAME RUSTING THOUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE ON SECTION NEXT TO MUFFLER AND CONTROL ARM. MECHANIC INSPECTED AND INSTRUCTED FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. MILEAGE OF VEHICLE WAS 133,000.
SIMPLY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN. HAD SHOP LOOK AT IT NEXT DAY AND THE REAR LEFT CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM FRAME DUE TO RUST. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPAIR. THE REST OF VEHICLE IN GREAT CONDITION EXCEPT THE RUST ON THE CONTROL ARM/FRAME/UNDERSIDE.
THE GAUGE READING WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE WHILE DRIVING OR WILL SHOW A DIFFERENT READING AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION KEY 'OFF' AND THEN 'ON'. THE GAUGE WILL COME OFF OF 'FULL' QUICKLY.
PERPETUAL REAR BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO LEAKING REAR AXLE GREASE SEALS WHICH THROW GREASE ONTO REAR BRAKE SHOES. SOAKING THEM AND RENDERING THEM USELESS AND INNEFECTIVE. CAUSING UNSAFE BRAKING. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA DEALER, AND SEARS AUTO SERVICE IN DOVER, DELAWARE., REPAIRS SIMILAR TO THIS ARE BEING PERFORMED ON SIMILAR VINTAGE TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER MODELS ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THE AVERAGE REPAIR COST IS OVER $1000,. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT NOT A STANDARD MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND COULD RESULT IN INJURIES OR DEATH. I HAD NO BRAKE POWER IN A NUMBER OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, IN OTHERS MY BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, IN A FEW CASES, I'VE HAD THE REPAIRS DONE BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED,.
THE VEHICLE STALLS, INCOSISTENTLY, BUT, ON A FREQUENT BASIS, AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THEN WILL BE FINE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. IT EATS BATTERIES. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST REPLACED THE B+ CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER, AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A YEAR, BUT, HAS SINCE RETURNED. I RECENTLY UPGRADED TO A BATTERY WITH MORE CRANKING WATTS, AND HAVE EEN IMPROVEMENT. HOWEVER. THERE'S THE ISSUE OF THE HESITATION, JERKING, AND LOSS OF POWER, WHEN TAKING OFF AFTER 1ST START OF THE DAY, REPLACED PLUGS, AND BATTERY AND DID A TUNE - UP, BUT, IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. VERY DANGEROUS AND HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS MULTIPLE TIMES, AS A RESULT, INCLUDING DYING WHILE TOWING A TRAILER, SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4-WAY INTERSECTION OF A TRAFFIC - CHOKED COASTAL HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF A POPULAR BEACH RESORT, FEATURING OVER 200 OUTLET SHOPS AND MALLS, MID-DAY, ON THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, AND A SATURDAY AT THAT,, AND HAVING TO CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 TIMES, TO GET IT GOING AGAIN, TO GET TO MY DESTINATION, LESS THAN 6 MILES AWAY, AND HAVING TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD'S SHOULDER THE WHOLE WAY, IN CASE OF ANOTHER BREAK-DOWN,
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROISION NEAR THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000.
I BROUGHT MY RECENTLY PURCHASED 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER INTO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO BRING MY SERVICES UP TO DATE AND WAS LATER INFORMED THERE'S AN APPROXIMATELY 3 FOOT SECTION OF THE RIGHT REAR FRAME THAT IS ROTTED THROUGH. IN ADDITION, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE LEFT REAR SECTION OF THE FRAME BY THE SPRING MOUNT IS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD MADE A REPAIR ATTEMPT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AGING. THERE ARE ALSO A FEW MORE SPOTS THAT ARE RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND I WAS ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
FRAME RUST, REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF INSIDE FRAME IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL HAS A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME, SIGNS OF RUST OVER ENTIRE FRAME. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A SAFTY HAZARD AND COULD BE LIFE THREATENING.
DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE REAR END STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. HAD TO EXIT AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC WHO SAID THE BRACKET WAS ROTTED AS WELL AS THE FRAME WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO. SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE.
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.
THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME JUST LIKE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA TACOMAS THAT WERE RECALLED WITH FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE AREAS OF RUST ARE SIMILAR TO THE TACOMAS AS WELL. SOME PLACES THERE ARE HOLES WHERE YOU CAN FIT YOUR HAND THROUGH. I HAVE HAD OLDER VEHICLES THAT HAD MORE MILEAGE THAT DOES NOT HAVE FRAME RUST THIS BAD.
THE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNER FRAME IS FALLING APART DUE TO RUST ISSUES AND IS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DRIVERS SIDE TRAILING ARM MOUNT RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE THE FRAME PATCH WELDED AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF.
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.*JB
I BOUGHT MY 1999 4RUNNER LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF AGO AT 150,000 MILES ON IT. MY SISTER WAS DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60-70 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED SWERVING LEFT SO SHE IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF AND WENT TO OUR MECHANIC WHO THEN TOLD US THAT MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY CRACKED, HE SAID THAT I COULD NOT DRIVE MY CAR HOME AND THAT THE FRAME WAS TOO RUSTED SO THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO SO ITS TOTALED. I BARELY GOT TO 200,000 MILES AND HAD IT FOR SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE FLIPPED AT ANY SECOND MY MECHANIC SAID "ONE MORE BUMP AND IT WOULD HAVE FLIPPED". I AM 19 YEARS OLD AND A NANNY SO I CONSTANTLY HAVE KIDS IN MY CAR, WE COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HURT OR DIED!! I CALLED TOYOTA BUT THEY HAVE NO RECALL AND CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO NOW I HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR. DISAPPOINTING TO SAY AT THE LEAST, I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT TOYOTA'S LASTED FOR AN EXTREMELY LONG AMOUNT OF TIME.
THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY AND WILL INDICATE FULL AT TIMES AND EMPTY AT OTHERS LEADING TO RISK OF RUNNING OUT OF FUEL. I FINALLY REAILZED THIS AND SO DON'T USE THE GAUGE ANYMORE. CREATED RISK OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY IF I HADN'T SEEN IT.
THE FRAME ON THESE VEHICLES RUST EXCESSIVELY, EVEN WITH CONTINUED MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING AND RUST PROOFING. OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SUCH ISSUE (RUSTING OUT QUICKLY) BUT THESE HAVE NOT TO DATE. I MAINTAIN VEHICLE CAREFULLY SO IT RUNS AND OPERATES WELL INTO HIGH MILEAGE; HOWEVER, THE FRAME RUSTING CREATES AN UNKNOWN SAFETY CONCERN. TOYOTA BUILT A VEHICLE THAT IS DESIRED BY ITS CLIENTS, OPERATES FOR A LONG LIFE, BUT APPARENTLY PROVIDED A FRAME COMPONENT THAT FAILS OR PREMATURELY FAILS. TOYOTA SHOULD PROVIDE SOME ASSISTANCE TO PURCHASERS (I'M ORIGINAL OWNER) TO ADDRESS IF THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND TO ADDRESS IT. OPTIONS INCLUDE FRAME AMENDEMENT, DISPOSING OF VEHICLE, ASSISTING IN HOW TO RESOLVE FRAME RUST, FRAME/SAFETY DIAGNOSIS, ETC.. OTHERWISE, IT IS AN UNKNOWN. A MOTOR FAILING IS ONE THING A FRAME OR STRUCTURE COMPONENT FAILING IS SOMETHING ELSE.
FRAME IS ROTTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INTERIOR OF THE FRAME NEAR THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT. THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INCIDENT, JUST A VERY BAD CONDITION EXISTS THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPAIR BEFORE DRIVING AGAIN. IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. WHY DID THIS PART OF THE FRAME ROT THROUGH BUT NOT THE REST OF IT, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE AMOUNT THAT THIS PART OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED, SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLOW TO ME. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE ON THE FRAME.
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..
MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. HE ALSO SUGGESTED NOT DRIVING IT BECAUSE IT IS SO UNSAFE.
THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS ROTTED AND SEPARATING. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE.
THE FRAME IS RUSTING INTO ON MY 4RUNNER. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MY FAMILY.
PER MECHANIC FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH
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. *TR
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. *TR
FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
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. *TR
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 *JS
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. *TR
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. *JS
THE FRAME METAL AND BRACKET THAT CONNECTS THE FRAME TO THE REAR AXLE HAS ROTTED OFF COMPLETELY MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE WHOLE REAR AXLE CAN MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD. *TR
604I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND OUT OF NO WHERE A LOUD BEEPING STARTED, ALONG WITH FLASHING "LOSS OF TRACTION" ICON AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND A LOUD GRINDING SOUND BEGAN WHICH SLAMMED MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN FORWARD. IT SLAMMED US SO HARD IT BROUGHT MY SPEED DOWN FROM 65 MPH TO 40 MPH, AND I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE OR CONTROL THE SPEED. TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE I HAD TO SWERVE, AND BEGAN PUSHING THE BRAKE TO TRY TO SLOW THE SUV, WHILE IT WAS STILL GRINDING SO LOUD. I PRACTICALLY WAS STANDING WITH BOTH FEET IN THE BRAKES TO STOP IT. THE DEALER SHIP SAID IT WAS A FAULTY YAW RATE SENSOR.
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! *TR
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.
WHILE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF THE CAR FRAME. SPEED WAS THE POSTED 55 MPH. NO OTHER TRAFFIC, THANK GOODNESS. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD FOR ASSISTANCE. THIS IS A STUPID DESIGN. A MAJOR COMPONENT IF IT FAILS SHOULD NOT CAUSE THIS TYPE OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IT DANGEROUS AND TOYOTA SHOULD WARN THE CONSUMER OF THIS STUPID DESIGN. *TR
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. *JS
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 *JS
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. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 3/13/15*CN
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. *TR
PASSENGER FRAME SHOWING SIGNS OF RUST THRU OF FRAME IN FRONT OF PASSENGER REAR WHEEL ABOUT A 3 INCH LONG HOLE. *TR
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. *TR
FRAME RUST IS MORE SEVERE THAN IT SHOULD BE FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE. *TR
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. *TR
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. *TR
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 !! *TR
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.
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. *TR
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. *TR
ALMOST RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. *TR
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! *TR
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!! *TR
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. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRAME WAS WELDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 265,000.
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. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGUN RIDING AS IF TRAVELING OVER A BUMPY ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FRACTURE IN THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, HE NOTICE THAT THE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,561. UPDATED 0820/13*LJ
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. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT I RAN INTO A SUDDEN RAIN BUST. MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND SET AT 65 MPH. MY SPEED WAS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THAT WHEN I HIT WET PAVEMENT. AS I SLOWED DOWN THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HYDROPLANE OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH AND COULD NOT HAVE PREVENTED IT. I WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY LEFT SHOULDER FROM THE CRASH. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN HE WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. *TR
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. *TR
WHILE OPERATING 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER @ 30 MPH, VEHICLE FELT LIKE A TIRE WAS GOING DOWN. AFTER A QUICK CHECK, ALL SEEMED FINE. SHORTLY AFTER, A LOUD CRACK/POP EMANATED FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT ... THE LEFT UNDERCARRIAGE FRAME HAD CRACKED/SEPARATED (APPROXIMATELY 18") IN FRONT OF THE LEAF SPRING. UNDER FURTHER EXAMINATION, THE FRAME HAD RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. ALTHOUGH IN GOOD COSMETIC/MECHANICAL CONDITION, THE 4RUNNER WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL. INFORMATION AS STATED WAS VERIFIED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN HAGERSTOWN, MD. DEALER NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH FRAME "ISSUES" HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALLS IN SIMILAR (TACOMA/TUNDRA) VEHICLES, NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 4RUNNER SERIES. *TR
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 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT 2 MPH, SHE HEARD A CLANKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD CRACKED AND WOULD NEED TO BE WELDED. AFTER REMOVING THE FUEL TANK, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
I HAVE BOUGHT TOYOTA'S FOR 25 + YEARS AND ALWAYS KEEP THEM WELL-MAINTAINED. THE VISIBLE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. A FEW YEARS AGO, I TOOK MY 4RUNNER IN FOR A MUFFLER REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH A RUSTING FRAME AND THAT THERE WERE SPOTS THAT WERE ACTUALLY TOTAL PERFORATION/HOLES. TWO YEARS LATER, MY VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A FUEL GAUGE ISSUE AND THE SHOP CALLED TO SAY THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT SAFELY RAISE THE CAR. THE RUST ON THE FRAME WAS SO BAD THE PADS ON THE HOIST SLIPPED THRU HOLES IN THE FRAME. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AGAIN, THIS TIME TO THE DUNNING TOYOTA DEALER IN ANN ARBOR, MI. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AGREED TO HAVE THE TOYOTA TECHNICAL REP. LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. IT TOOK SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THE REP. COULD ACTUALLY LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE FRAME CORROSION. I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE AND WAS TOLD "PROBABLY NOT". MONTHS LATER, MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE TOYOTA DEALER....UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR UPDATED 5/22/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE YET. UPDATED 06/12/2013 *JS STATUS UPDATE 07/31/14
THE FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE READINGS WILL VARY ALL OVER THE PLACE RAN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES NOW. IT SAYS 1/2 TANK BUT THERE WAS NO GAS IN THE TANK. I UNDERSTAND IT IS A KNOW ISSUE TOYOTA SHOULD FIX. *TR
WAS DRIVING THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD AT 15 MPH AND A BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE SNAPPED OFF THE FRAME. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED STRAIGHT THROUGH. I UNDERSTAND THE CAR IS OLD AND HAS A LOT OF MILES BUT I DO NOT THINK THAT THE FRAME SHOULD BE THE FIRST THING TO GO ON A VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION CONSIDERING THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, ITS A SHAME THAT DUE TO A FRAME MALFUNCTION THE CAR IS NO LONGER USABLE. WE ARE JUST LUCKY THEY CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DIDN'T HAPPEN AT SPEED. *TR
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. *TR
THIS COMPLAINT IS TO REQUEST THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO FRAME RUST AND CORROSION PROBLEMS IN THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE ISSUES WITH SEVERELY RUSTED FRAMES IN THE TUNDRAS AND THE 1995-2000 AND 2001-04 TOYOTA TACOMA. I OWN A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH 99,000 MILES THAT HAS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND REAR AXLE. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DUE TO ONE OR MULTIPLE FACTORS. IT COULD BE DUE TO POOR PAINT OR POOR PREPARATION PRIOR TO PAINTING, DUE TO POOR STEEL OR DUE TO CONTAMINATION AT WELDS (FOR THE FRAME) THAT CAUSED THE PAINT TO FAIL RUST PROCEEDS VERY RAPIDLY FROM THE WELDS ON THE FRAME WHILE THE REAR AXLE IT SEEMS THE PAINT IS WORTHLESS TO PROTECT THE METAL. *TR
I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE, GIVES MISLEADING INFORMATION. ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATION THIS GAS TANK CAN HOLDS 18.5 GALLONS, BUT WHEN THE GAUGE SAID IT WAS EMPTY I FILLED IT ALL THE WAY UP AND IT ONLY TOOK ~13 GALLONS. THIS A FAULTY DESIGN AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR CUSTOMER. I DIDN'T NOTICE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL I HAVE A LONG TRIP ~ 500 MILES AWAY FROM HOME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH,THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
THE FUEL SENDING UNITS ON THE '99 AND '00 4 RUNNER ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO NOT READ PROPERLY. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE GAUGE IS READING HALF FULL. TOYOTA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS BUT NO RECALL. BULLETIN EL010-00 AND EL010-99. IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AS I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. *TR
HAVING MAJOR FRAME ROT ON 99 4RUNNER. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED TUNDRA AND TACOMA FOR SAME ISSUES AND NOTHING FOR THE 4RUNNER. THE TACOMA AND RUNNER HAVE SAME FRAMES, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE. READING THE RECALL THEIR IS A SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT THE REAR SUSPENDED SPARE WHICH THE 4RUNNERS HAVE, SEVERE ROT WHICH IS COMMON ON ALL, BREAK LINE FAILURE WHICH HAPPENED TO MINE. DOES MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSES NEED TO BE IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT FOR THIS TO BE ADDRESSED?.. TOYOTA HAS GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND, I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. MY NEXT RECOURSE IS EITHER THE MEDIA OR AN ATTORNEY. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! TOYOTA IS ADDRESSING ONLY THE SURFACE HERE. THANK YOU *TR
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. *TR
THIS COMPLAINT IS TO REQUEST THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO FRAME RUST AND CORROSION PROBLEMS IN THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE ISSUES WITH SEVERELY RUSTED FRAMES IN THE TUNDRAS AND THE 1995-2000 AND 2001-04 TOYOTA TACOMA. I OWN A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH 71,000 MILE THAT IS SEVERELY RUSTED. SO MUCH SO THAT MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE SOME MAY BLAME THE CLIMATE FOR THE RUST, I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE TO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT BASED A DESIGN FLAW. I ALSO OWN A 1994 HONDA CIVIC THAT HAS BEEN THROUGH THE SAME CLIMATE AS THE 4RUNNER YET DOES NOT HAVE THIS DANGEROUS RUST ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT ALONE IN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. A SEARCH OF YOUR DATABASE SHOWS OVER 30 RUST COMPLAINTS (AS OF 7/9/2012) AND THIS IS ONLY BASED ON REVIEW OF THE 1999 4RUNNER MODEL. TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR THE BRAKES AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR AND LEFT REAR FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE RIGHT FRAME WAS WORSE THAN THE LEFT AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FRAME AND THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 231,000. UPDATED 08/7/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME RUST ON LOCATED ON THE TRAILING ARM AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. UPDATED 08/16/12
FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILS SAFETY INSPECTION. MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO REASONABLE RECOURSE. *TT
THE FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS 1/2 FULL TO FULL. RAN OUT OF GAS 6 TIMES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS A TSB (EL010-00) OUT ON FUEL GAUGE INACCURACY. AFTER REPLACING AN EXPENSIVE SENDING UNIT, STILL NO HELP. ACCORDING TO THIS TSB I DO NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BOARD BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THIS IS A FACTORY FLAW AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THANKS. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE RUST BEGAN NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND ENDED NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IMMEDIATELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
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. *TR
ISSUE IS WITH THE VEHICLE FRAME. VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION DUE TO UNSAFE RUSTING (DEFECTIVE) OF THE VEHICLE FRAME. 4 RUNNER FRAME SHOWING RUST PATTERNS COMPARABLE TO TACOMA AND TUNDRA, BUT 4 RUNNER WAS NEVER RECALLED LIKE OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS. *TR
THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER SHOWS EXCESSIVE RUST ESPECIALLY AT THE WELDED JOINTS AND WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES. THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF RECALL FOR THIS CONSIDERING THE BODY LOOKS GREAT AND THE FRAME ISN'T. *KB
MY TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A LONG TRIP. THE DIFFERENTIAL STARTING MAKING A WHINING NOISE THAT GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. I STOPPED AT AN OIL CHANGE PLACE AT MY DESTINATION TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE FLUID. IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY. TOPPED IT UP AND CHANCED DRIVING IT 400 MILES BACK TO CHICAGO. I MADE IT OK AND HAD MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS SO RUSTED THAT IT HAD HOLES THAT ALLOWED IT TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC TRIED TO FIND A USED ONE BUT THEY ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. AN INTERNET SEARCH TURNED UP COUNTLESS EXAMPLES OF RUSTED DIFFERENTIALS ON TOYOTA TRUCKS SPANNING MANY YEARS. THERE IS ALSO EXTENSIVE RUSTING ON THE FRAME, AXLE SPARE TIRE MOUNT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A LONG TERM TOYOTA PROBLEM. *TR
FRAME CORROSION! ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND IT'S ALREADY 'PANDORA'S BOX", HELP US OUT LIKE YOU HELPED ALL THE CUSTOMERS WITH RUSTED OUT TOYOTA PICKUPS PLEASE! I'M GETTING KILLED, GOING TO BE HOMELESS BY THE END OF THIS REPAIR! *TR
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. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS RUST AND HOLES THROUGHOUT THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TRASH CAN AND THEN THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY WOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
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. *TR
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. *TT
TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE TUNDRA AND TACOMA FOR FRAME RUST. THE 4RUNNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS AND TOYOTA HAS NOT RECALLED. THEIR ARE NUMEROUS STORIES DOCUMENTED WITH THE 4RUNNER FRAMES. MY TRUCK HAS HOLES THROUGH THE FRAME AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT STAKE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. YOU AND TOYOTA HAVE BEEN PUT ON NOTICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR *KB
FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH (COMPLETELY PERFORATED). RUST HOLE IS OVER 6 INCHES LONG AND 2 INCHES HIGH. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WILL NOT PASS A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. *TR
REAR AXLE HOUSING DEVELOPS PREMATURE AND DETRIMENTAL METAL SCALING AND RUST, CAUSING DIFFERENTIAL BELL HOUSING TO LEAK GEAR OIL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF 1999 THROUGH 2002 4RUNNERS IN A CONSISTENT MANNER AND PATTERN. TOYOTA MOTORS HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND USES THE DEFENSE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. HOWEVER, A CONSISTENT PATTERN OF QUALITY IN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM SHOULD WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA AS TOYOTA HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HIDE AND DISTORT CLAIMS BY THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMER IN ORDER TO COVER UP THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. PLEASE SEE HTTP://WWW.4RUNNERFORUM.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1948 FOR ONE OF THE MANY THREADS RELATED TO THIS TOPIC THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT AND TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE IT. *TT
DURING THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION, THE MECHANICS AT DEALER FOUND A RUST THROUGH HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL. THE HOLE MAY AND/OR WILL COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE BODY ACCORDING THE MECHANICS. THERE ARE ALSO CONSIDERABLE RUSTING ACROSS THE FRAME OF THE BODY, INCLUDING REAR BUMPER (REPLACED 4 YEARS AGO), FRONT BUMPER, SWAY BAR AND EXHAUST SYSTEM (STAINLESS STEAL EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER ARE REPLACED). ALL THE RUST RELATED REPAIR COST OVER THE YEARS IS ABOUT $5,000. WHAT CONCERNED ME THE MOST IS THAT HOW LONG I CAN SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR WITH RUSTING PROBLEM GETTING WORSE?
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
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. *TR
FRAME ON 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN FRONT OF REAR AXLE ATTACHMENT ON DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES. REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVER HAS ALSO RUSTED TO POINT WHERE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID IS LEAKING OUT. THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND WASHED REGULARLY WITH NO RUST ANYWHERE BUT FRAME AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND MUST BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO MECHANIC. TOYOTA STATES THAT THEY HAVE A VOLUNTARY BUY-BACK PROGRAM ON TACOMA'S OF SAME VINTAGE, BUT NOT FOR THE 4RUNNER? *LN
I PURCHASED A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2 YEARS AGO AFTER DRIVING IT OFF THE LOT WE NOTICED WITHIN A WEEK THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING. THEY EXPLAINED THAT HAD THEY KNEW IT WAS BROKEN, HOW WOULDN'T YOU, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SELL IT FOR THAT PRICE. I PAID FOR THE FIX AND WAS REASSURED THAT THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WELL, STARTING ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO I AM NOW HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED TOYOTA GOODWILL AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS ONLY COVERED UNDER INITIAL WARRANTY. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS AND COLUMNS ON THIS ISSUE AND THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WITHIN THE FIRST 36 K MILES SO ALOT OF GOOD THAT DOES. I AM STILL WAITING TO SEE IF MANAGEMENT REVIEWS MY CASE, BUT I DOUBT ANYTHING WILL GET DONE UNLESS I CONTINUE TO CALL BACK. I WOULD THINK THAT TOYOTA WOULD WANT TO EXTEND SOME GOODWILL CONSIDERING THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS RELEVANT CONSIDERING THERE IS NO REAL WAY TO EXACTLY TRACK YOUR MILES AND BECOMING STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY OR LATE AT NIGHT IS CERTAINLY NOT A GOOD THING TO HAVE TO EXPERIENCE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HER TO THE MANUFACTURER. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 169,000.
REAR AXLE HOUSING DEVELOPS PREMATURE AND DETRIMENTAL METAL SCALING AND RUST, CAUSING DIFFERENTIAL BELL HOUSING TO LEAK GEAR OIL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF 1999 THROUGH 2002 4RUNNERS IN A CONSISTENT MANNER AND PATTERN. TOYOTA MOTORS HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND USES THE DEFENSE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. HOWEVER, A CONSISTENT PATTERN OF QUALITY IN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM SHOULD WARRANT AN INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA AS TOYOTA HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HIDE AND DISTORT CLAIMS BY THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMER IN ORDER TO COVER UP THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. PLEASE SEE HTTP://WWW.4RUNNERFORUM.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1948 FOR ONE OF THE MANY THREADS RELATED TO THIS TOPIC THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT AND TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE IT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST AND A HOLE NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FRAME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 194000.
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER AND THE FUEL GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT BEGAN BY SHOWING A QUANTITY OF FUEL WHEN IT REALLY DID NOT HAVE ANY FUEL. THIS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF FUEL AND ALMOST HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IT NOW MAY READ FULL, ZERO, 1/2 ETC. YOU CANNOT DEPEND ON THE ACCURACY. I CONTACTED DEALER WHO TOLD ME THEY KNEW IT WAS A TOYOTA DEFECT BUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BUT TELL ME TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD FIX IT FOR BETWEEN $500 - $1000!!! TOYOTA HAS EVEN ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TSB # EL 010-00 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BUT NOT OFFER REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THOSE UNAWARE AND COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR AXLE DRIVE TRAIN AREA WAS EXHIBITING SEVERE RUST. PRIOR TO NOTICING THE RUST, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LEAK OF UNKNOWN FLUID FROM THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
OUR 1999 4RUNNER RECENTLY WENT TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION, WHERE WE LEARNED THAT THE FRAME ON THE TRUCK WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THERE ARE SOFTBALL SIZE HOLES IN IT. THE TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AS A RESULT. THERE HAS BEEN A SIMILAR ISSUE ON THE TUNDRA FRAMES, WHICH WERE PART OF A BUY BACK PROGRAM FROM TOYOTA. WE WERE TOLD WE COULD HAVE A NEW FRAME PUT ON, BUT IT WOULD COST MORE THAN THE TRUCK IS WORTH AND THE TRUCK WOULDN'T BE THE SAME AGAIN. OUR TOYOTA DEALER HAS GIVEN US A PHONE NUMBER (AND WE HAVE A CLAIM NUMBER) FOR TOYOTA AND WE HAVE MADE OUR CASE WITH THEM, BUT NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE DEALER HAS BASICALLY SAID THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER HE CAN DO. *TR
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
UPON A NORMAL MAINTENANCE ON THE FRONT BRAKES MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE FRONT FRAME WAS RUSTED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL. I WILL HAVE TO HAVE PLATES WELDED ONTO THE FRAME TO MAKE IT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 11 YEARS OLD AND CAREFULLY MAINTAINED. THE VEHICLE IS A 1999 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. *TR
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2009 THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES - PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE KEY. IT SCARED ME TO DEATH. MY DAD LOOKED AT IT AND FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE PLASTIC COATING WAS COMING APART AND GOT STUCK IN THE CABLE SHIELDING. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST AROUND $300 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE. IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNERS? SINCE THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY WON'T TOYOTA FIX IT AT THEIR EXPENSE? I CONTACTED TURNER TOYOTA IN MONTROSE COLORADO AND TALKED TO [XXX] IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. [XXX] *TR
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING GEAR OIL ALL OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE. I HAVE HAD THE REAR AXLE SEALS REPLACED 5 - 7 TIMES: DECEMBER 2006, JUNE 2007, DECEMBER 2007, JUNE 2008, DECEMBER 2008, AND NOW AGAIN IT IS LEAKING FEBRUARY 2010. THE INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS WHERE I TAKE MY VEHICLE SUBSCRIBES TO "ALL DATA' WHICH ASSISTS MECHANICS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY IN SHARING WORK DONE ON VEHICLES; ASSISTING IN DIAGNOSING SIMILAR PROBLEMS, ETC. THERE ARE A TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF SIMILAR LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL FAILURES ON TOYOTA 4-RUNNERS AND PICKUPS 1999 - 2001 WHICH USE THE SAME AXLE LISTED IN THE ALL DATA WEB SITE. MANY OF THESE LIST MULTIPLE TIMES THE SEAL AS FAILED ON THE SAME VEHICLE. . I MY CASE WE HAVE BEEN GETTING THE SEALS FROM TOYOTA. THE REAR BRAKE ON THE LEFT SIDE IS COVERED IN AXLE GREASE WHICH IN MY OPINION WILL SERIOUSLY LIMIT MY BRAKING ABILITY AND COULD CONTRIBUTE TO AND ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE SUMMER OF 2007. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT. *TR
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON FEB. 10, 2010 FOLLOWING A SERIOUS FRONT END CRASH (30-50 MPH) OF OUR 1999 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. AS A RESULT WIFE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 DAYS WITH CONCUSSION, SPRAINED NECK AND PTSS.CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL RESPONDED. REPORT TAKEN. *TR
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5. FUEL GAUGE READS FULL AND VEHICLE STALLS DUE TO NO FUEL IN TANK. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VERIFY THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO TOYOTA AND THAT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT A PROBLEM WITH THE PART AS DELIVERED IN THIS VEHICLE AND THEY ISSUED TSB:EL010-00 TITLED "FUEL GAUGE INACCURACY" TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AS VEHICLE CAN RUN OUT OF FUEL AND STALL WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED ON CONGESTED HIGHWAYS. THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I HAVE HAD TO USE THE ODOMETER TO GUESS HOW MUCH FUEL IS REMAINING THE FUEL TANK AT ANY GIVEN TIME. FACTORS SUCH AS HIGHWAY CONDITIONS, WEATHER, NECESSARY USE OF 4WD CAN IMPACT THE NUMBER OF MILES ACHIEVED IN A SINGLE TANK OF GAS. ALSO, FUEL TANK MUST BE FILLED TO TOP WHEN REFUELING TO MOST ACCURATELY GUESS NUMBER OF MILES THAT CAN BE DRIVEN BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLS. *TR
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ABS AS IS BEING REPORTED FOR THE 2010 PRIUS, ONLY WORSE. WHEN THE ABS KICKS IN ON SLICK OR UNEVEN SURFACES, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO A FREELY-FLOATING MODE FOR 5+ SECONDS. THERE IS NO BRAKING CAPACITY AT ALL DURING THAT TIME AND STEERING IS DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL DURING THAT TIME. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE NEAR-MISSES WHICH WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS HARM TO MYSELF AND OTHERS AND A FEW INCIDENCES WHERE I ENDED UP RUNNING OFF THE ROAD (ONCE INTO A RAVINE) OR HITTING MEDIAN STRIPS W/O INVOLVING OTHER VEHICLES. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TWICE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. ONCE I WAS TOLD I WAS NUTS, THAT THE ABS COULDN'T POSSIBLY BEHAVE THAT WAY; AND THE OTHER TIME I WAS TOLD THAT, "OH YEAH, THAT'S HOW ABS WORKS." NO EXAMINATION OR CORRECTION WAS OFFERED. MY STRATEGY HAS BEEN TO ALWAYS TOUCH THE BRAKES SO GENTLY THAT ABS DOESN'T KICK IN, BUT THIS WINTERS SNOWY WEATHER HAS DEFEATED THIS PLAN. WHENEVER I BRAKE ON A SLICK, SNOWY SURFACE THE ABS KICKS IN NO MATTER HOW GENTLY I TOUCH THE BRAKES. LAST WEEK, I HAD AN EXTREMELY HARROWING CLOSE CALL WHEN MY VEHICLE WENT CAREENING OUT OF CONTROL INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS PASSING THROUGH IT. THIS WAS ON A SIDE STREET WHEN I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY AND HAD BEGUN THE GENTLE BRAKING AT LEAST 30' BEFORE THE INTERSECTION... BUT THE ABS KICKED IN, AND I COULD NOT STOP BEFORE SLIDING INTO THE INTERSECTION. (FOR THE REQUIRED FIELD ASKING FOR THE INCIDENT DATE, I'LL GIVE THE DATE OF THIS MOST RECENT NEAR-MISS, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS OVER THE YEARS.) *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER.THE CONTACT STATED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HIS VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE INTERSECTION.THE CONTACT STATED AS HE PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES.THE CONTACT DROVE HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE.THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO HIS OWN MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE FLOOR MATS OUT AND SEE IF HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO CHECK IT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
IN SEPTEMBER 2009, I WAS STARTING MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IN MY DRIVEWAY. I DRESSED THE CLUTCH AS USUAL AND TURNED THE KEY. THE ENGINE STARTED, I HEARD A "POP", AND IT BEGAN RUNNING AT FULL THROTTLE AND WAS RACING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES UNTIL I FINALLY TURNED IT OFF. THE RPM GAUGE WAS AT ITS MAXIMUM. I DID NOT HAVE A FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS, AND WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO RACE THE ENGINE. I COULD NOT MAKE THE ENGINE STOP RACING. I TRIED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN RELEASED IT. IT WAS STILL RACING, AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED OR CAUGHT ON ANYTHING. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS STILL IN NEUTRAL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. IT WAS VERY SCARY, AS I COULD NOT MAKE THE ENGINE STOP RACING. I HAD TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP IT. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AFTER INSPECTING WITH A "SCAN TOOL" AND THE WIRING LOOKED GOOD. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS BECAUSE A PACK RAT HAD BEEN IN THE ENGINE AT THE TIME. (THAT'S A PRETTY LAME EXCUSE.) THEY SAID THEY COULD "CLEAN THE THROTTLE" AND "FLUSH THE FUEL LINE" WHICH I HAD THEM DO (COST $300.) BECAUSE I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THEY DID SOMETHING. *TR
RUST ON THE STRUCTURAL AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS IS EXCESSIVE. I HAVE HAD WELDING DONE TO REPAIR SUSPENSION BRACKETS. THE REAR TRANSFER CASE IS SO THIN THAT OIL IS LEAKING THROUGH RUST HOLES. *TR
VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING WRECK. FIND OUT THERE IS NO FUEL IN TANK EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE READS 1/2. TOYOTA SAYS TSB EL010-00 ADDRESSES KNOWN DEFECTIVE 1999 AND 2000 FUEL GAUGES AND ALSO ADDRESSES SOME GAUGES INACCURATELY READING EMPTY WHEN 4 GALLONS REMAIN. *TR
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, FRAME RUST ALONG THE ENTIRE FRAME. BODY SHOP WOULD NOT TRY TO REPAIR DUE TO LIABILITY. I LIVE IN NJ WHERE THE SALT IS NOT AS BAD AS IN THE NORTHERN STATES. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THE REAR END SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME AS THEIR IS RUST THROUGH WERE THE REAR SUSPENSION CONNECTS TO THE FRAME. *TR
1999 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER- I NOTICED THE REAR END SWAYING WILDLY AT EVEN LOW SPEEDS. I NOTICES THAT THE REAR END HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM FRAME. I WENT TO A PROFESSIONAL WELDER WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY DONE SOME WORK FOR ME. HE SAID THAT THE FRAME COMPONENTS WERE SO BADLY DETERIORATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. I WENT TO STEET TOYOTA IN UTICA N.Y., AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD COST OVER $15,000 TO REPAIR. THE FRAME AND COMPONENTS WERE INDEED DEFECTIVE, BUT I HAD NO RECOURSE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR, IN THE PASSING LANE AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLES ENGINE QUIT, LOST ALL POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO A TURN AROUND. BOTTOM LINE, VEHICLE HAD RUN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE SHOWED A LITTLE OVER 1/2 TANK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
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. *TR
THE TRAILING ARMS IN THE REAR HAVE BROKEN. FIRST THE RIGHT AND I HAD IT REPAIRED AND NOW THE LEFT AND IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE METAL BEING SPONGY. IT IS ALSO CALLED THE SWAY BAR LINK. THE STEERING HAD BECOME ERRATIC AND I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND RECEIVED THE BAD NEWS. TOYOTA HAS NO RESPONSE. THE 4RUNNER HAS THE SAME BODY AS THE TACOMA BUT THERE IS NOT RECALL ON THIS LEMON. *TR
DRIVING ON I-79 IN PASSING LANE AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE QUIT, COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES..RUSH HOUR. MOST DANGEROUS THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD, TOWED TO GARAGE, ENGINE WILL NOT START, SHOWS A LITTLE OVER 1/2 TANK ON FUEL GAGE..ENDS UP, WAS OUT OF FUEL ! GAUGE GAVE FALSE READING. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 54,000 MILES ON IT. I DID FIND A TOYOTA TSB EL010-00 THAT ADDRESSES THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT. MY VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM A TOYOTA DEALER WITH MY NAME AS THE NEW OWNER ON RECORD. THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN, NO INDICATION OF LOW FUEL LEVEL, NO FUEL LOW WARNING LIGHT,,GAUGE WAS SHOWING A LITTLE OVER 1/2 TANK. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL. *TR
FUEL GAUGE BEGAN SHOWING INACCURATE READINGS. USUALLY SHOWED AT OR NEAR FULL REGARDLESS OF ACTUAL FUEL VOLUME IN TANK. AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS IT JUST STAYED AT THE FULL MARK. MORE RECENTLY, ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH, 2009, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE GAUGE WOULD OCCASIONALLY DROP TO THE EMPTY MARK, AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH. IT WOULD REMAIN THIS WAY UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON TURNING THE KEY BACK TO THE ON POSITION, OR RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GAUGE WOULD RETURN TO THE FULL MARK AND REMAIN THERE. REPLACING THE FUEL SENDER AS STATED IN TSB EL010-00 HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. IMMEDIATELY AFTER REPLACING THE FUEL SENDER THE GAUGE READ ABOUT 3/4 FULL BUT THE TANK WAS NEARLY EMPTY. AFTER FILLING THE TANK THE GAUGE MOVED TO FULL BUT IT CONTINUES TO ACT AS IS DID BEFORE REPLACING THE SENDER, EVEN AFTER GOING THROUGH THE CALIBRATION PROCEDURE MULTIPLE TIMES. ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE VIN, AS SHOWN IN THE TSB, REPLACING THE COMBINATION PLATE (CIRCUIT BOARD) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS NOT NEEDED. BUT THE FUEL GAUGE STILL ALWAYS READS FULL, OR EMPTY, AS IT DID BEFORE REPLACING THE FUEL SENDER. *TR
-STARTED THE VEHICLE. -MOVED FORWARD A FEW FEET -STARTED TO TURN STEERING WHEEL LEFT, NOTICED STEERING WAS HEAVIER THAN NORMAL AS WELL AS UNUSUAL NOISE -CAR JERKED AND SHOT LEFT... TRIED TO STEER TO AVOID HITTING OBSTACLES BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAVINESS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. DUE TO THIS INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED DIRECTLY TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS -MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY NOTICE UNUSUAL SEPARATION OF THE RACK AND PINION. *TR
RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WE NEARLY GOT REAR ENDED! FUEL GAUGE SHOWED PLENTY OF GASOLINE. FUEL GAUGING SYSTEM FAILED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A HOLE IN THE BOX FRAME OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. WATER SEEPS IN THROUGH THE FRAME, CAUSING IT TO RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THEY INFORMED HER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143,000. UPDATED 09/29/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/29/08. *JB
#1 STARTER STUCK TWICE-EVEN REMOVED KEY AND ENGINE KEPT CRANKING. #2 FUEL GUAGE REAES FULL WHEN EMPTY AND VISE VERSA. #3 P0171 ENGINE CODE KEEPS THROWING #4 BRAKES FADE WHEN APPLIED HARD. HAVE REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS AND STILL FADE. *TR
THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IN 4 YEARS THAT MY 4RUNNER HAS HAD A LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT, SO THIS PROBLEM ARISES ABOUT EVERY 11- 15K MILES. EACH TIME THE SEALS AND BREAKS HAVE TO BE CHANGED. THE AXLE SHAFT WAS REPLACED LAST TIME, BUT I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS VERY EXPENSIVE RECURRING PROBLEM AND ITS RIDICULOUS THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT DON'T DO ANYTHING. *TR
BODY IS RUSTING SEVERELY. REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN. BUMPERS HAVE DISINTEGRATED. FRAME RUSTED AWAY FROM BODY AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
MY GAS GAUGE HAS FAILED LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH HAS CAUSED MANY WRECKS. *TR
I HAVE 99 4 RUNNER AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY VEHICLES ENGINE DIED, I HAD TO CUT ACROSS TRAFFIC WITHOUT POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY PROBLEM AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF AROUND $1000 DOLLARS, IF U LOOK ON THE INTERNET THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE,I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL CONCERNING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS POSSIBLE TO CAUSE A COLLISION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. THANKS *TR
I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH MY FUEL GAUGE, IT IS EXTREMELY INACCURATE. SOMETIMES IT'LL TELL ME I HAVE MORE GAS THAN I DO, AND OTHER TIMES IT'LL TELL ME I HAVE LESS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AMONG 99 4RUNNERS, AND I'D REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY THINKING I HAD HALF A TANK LEFT AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. THANKS IN ADVANCE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS AN 18 INCH STRIP OF FABRIC UNRAVELING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT. THE MORE HE USES IT, THE FASTER IT COMES APART. THE FABRIC IS HOLDING ON BY A THREAD. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS SO MANY MILES, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 269,978 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL, APPROXIMATELY A 3 MILE DRIVE, HER 1999 4 RUNNER BEGAN JERKING AND THEN THE ENGINE DIED. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AND DRIVE FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING. THIS TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. MY WIFE WENT TO PICK HER UP AND SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AGAIN AND DRIVE APPROXIMATELY THE SAME DISTANCE WHEN IT DIED AGAIN, THIS TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND ITS CURRENTLY AT A REPAIR STATION WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. I'VE HEARD THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING A FUEL PICKUP TUBE/SENSOR PROBLEM BUT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND IT. WHY HASN'T TOYOTA HAD A RECALL YET? *TR
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, REPEATED FUEL GAUGE FAILURE: INCORRECTLY STATES AMOUNT OF FUEL IN TANK (CHANGING DURING THE SAME DRIVING TRIP); REPORTS AN EMPTY TANK WHEN FULL AND AN 1/8 TO A 1/4 TANK FILL WHEN EMPTY; ALL OF WHICH RESULT IN EVENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS RUN OUT OF GAS. MULTIPLE EXPENSIVE ATTEMPTED FIXS BY THE DEALER WITHOUT SUCCESS. *TR
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! *TR
I BOUGHT THIS TIRE FROM A FIRESTONE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-60 EAST COMING FROM WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT WENT OUT OF CONTROL, STIRRED TO THE LEFT AND HIT THE HIGHWAY SEPARATOR (A CONCRETE ROAD BLOCK). THE FRONT OF MY CAR DIRECTLY WENT CRASH INTO THAT CONCRETE BARRIER IN A PERPENDICULAR POSITION, MAKING A FULL FRONTAL CONTACT, THAT RELEASE BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS. MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND MY FRONT CAR AREA IS TOTALED. I CAME OUT OF THERE WITH NECK, HEAD, BACK AND CHEST INJURY. *TR
TOYOTA 99 4RUNNER FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY, REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF EXPENSIVE CIRCUIT BOARDS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO REPAIR. TOYOTA DEALER QUOTED $1050 TO REPAIR ON 9/24/07. *JB
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.
I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER, DOWN THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, INSTANTLY THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THEN LOUD GRINDING NOISE, THE CAR QUIT AND OIL EVERYWHERE. I HAD THROWN A ROD. NO WARNING AT ALL. SERVICE MAINTENANCE MAINTAINED. NO REASON FOR THE ENGINE TO BLOW! *TR
THIS EMAIL IS REGARDS TO THE INACCURACY OF THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 99 TOYOTA . I WAS LEFT STRANDED LAST NIGHT OUTSIDE OF THUNDER BAY WITH NO FUEL EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE READ WELL OVER 1/4 TANK LEFT. IN -35 CELSIUS WIND CHILL CONDITIONS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. *NM
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A LARGE TREE IN WHICH THE FRONT END WAS CRUSHED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE, DANGER OF RUNNING OUT OF FUEL ON A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE. THE CONTACT IS UNSURE IF THIS IS THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A CONTINUOUS KNOCKING SOUND, AND A INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION WHEN IT IS ACCELERATING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR.
THE FOG LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE NEW LAMPS REPLACED AND THEY GO OUT IN A FEW WEEKS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN '99. *NM
HAVE A 1999 4RUNNER WHICH SUFFERED RIGHT REAR AXLE GASKET FAILURE AT 59000 MILES. SAME 4RUNNER SUFFERED LEFT REAR AXLE GASKET FAILURE AT 110000 MILES. HAVE OWNED SEVERAL 4RUNNERS (DIFFERENT YEARS) THAT HAVE NEVER HAD REAR AXLE PROBLEMS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD SAME PROBLEM. BOTH PROBLEMS WERE DIAGNOSED AT DEALER AND WERE CONSIDERED SAFETY HAZARDS BECAUSE GREASE WAS LEAKING ONTO REAR BRAKE PADS. WOULD ADVISE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS YEAR TO HAVE REAR AXLE SEALS EXAMINED BY DEALER FOR SAME PROBLEM. OTHERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE POSTED REAR AXLE SEAL FAILURES ON WWW.TOYOTA-4RUNNER.ORG. *JB
(1) HIGH PITCHED ENGINE SQUEAK; ASSUMED WORN BELT. (2) MAIN PULLEY KEY LOCKING MAIN PULLEY TO CRANK SHAFT HAD SHEARED INTO TWO PIECES. ONE PIECE LOST. PULLEY MOVED OUT OF POSITION, STRESSING BELT AND CAUSING NOISE. REMAINING PIECE OF THE KEY WAS EMBEDDED AND FUSED INTO THE CRANK SHAFT. PULLEY KEY IS $ PART. OBVIOUSLY, NOT DURABLE ENOUGH FOR CRITICAL ENGINE PART, WHICH WHEN FAILS CAN RUIN THE ENTIRE ENGINE. EVEN 500 X THE $ COST WOULD BE WORTH HAVING TITANIUM OR TUNGSTEN STEEL PART THAT WOULD NEVER FAIL. TOYOTA IS CUTTING CORNERS, SACRIFICING QUALITY IN THE NAME OF PROFIT. I RISKED HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE -- A $9,000 CONSIDERATION. (3) FORTUNATELY OLD MILL TOYOTA (OMAHA, NEBRASKA. WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE FUSED PART AND SAVE THE ENGINE. A PROPERLY ENGINEERED PART, EVEN AT MUCH GREATER COST, WOULD HAVE PROTECTED ME FROM THIS RISK.*AK
REAR BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO LEAKING REAR AXLE GREASE SEALS WHICH THROW GREASE ONTO REAR BRAKE SHOES. CAUSING INCONSISTENT AND UNSAFE BRAKING. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA OF AUBURN CALIFORNIA, REPAIRS SIMILAR TO THIS ARE BEING PERFORMED ON SIMILAR VINTAGE TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER MODELS ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THE AVERAGE REPAIR COST IS $850. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT NOT A STANDARD MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND COULD RESULT IN INJURIES OR DEATH. *JB *NM
1999-TOYOTA 4-RUNNER STARTED TO CONVULSE,SEIZE, AND SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY, OIL WAS POURING OUT ALL OVER THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR WAS PERFECTLY MAINTAINED. TOYOTA REFUSED TO EVALUATE THE PROBLEM. INDEPENDENT EXPERT DIAGNOSED A "HOLE IN THE BLOCK FROM A DEFECTIVE CONNECTING ROD WHICH HAD SHOT THROUGH THE ENGINE WALL" TOYOTA REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY!! *JB
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT REVVED VERY FAST. THE CONSUMER REMOVED THE KEY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ON AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE , AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. A FIRE REPORT TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE WATER PUMP, STARTER, AND THE BELTS WERE DESTROYED. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE STARTER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - *NM
DT: EDDIE BAUER SEAT MODEL # 22755 BGL MANUFACTURER'S # AE1B103309. THE FABRIC ON THE CAR SEAT MELTED DUE TO HEAT IN THE VEHICLE. OVER THE LAST TWO TO THREE WEEKS THE CONSUMER EXAMINED THE CAR SEAT EACH DAY, AND YESTERDAY NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW MELTING SPOT IN THE FABRIC, AND THE FOAM UNDERNEATH THE FABRIC WAS BROWN COLORED AND SCORCHED. THE HARNESS STRAPS HAD FABRIC ON THEM AND THEY MELTED AS WELL, JUST NOT AS BAD. SOME OF THE PLACES ON THE HARNESS COVERS THE MATERIAL WAS NOT BURNED, BUT WAS A BROWN COLOR. SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND TOLD THEM THAT ALL THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE HEAT IN THE CAR, AND THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED, AND THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE ALL THE MATERIAL ON THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CONSUMER OFFERED TO SEND THE OLD MATERIAL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY.*AK
MY LATE 1999 TOYOTA ECHO WAS PARKED AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND A LARGE AREA OF MY HOME WAS BURNED. I AND MY NIECE WERE ASLEEP UPSTAIRS. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE SMELL OF SMOKE WOKE US. WHEN WE FIRST SAW THE CAR, A COLUMN OF WHITE FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP THROUGH THE WINDSCREEN TO THE CEILING 11 FEET ABOVE. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE CENTER OF THE CONSOLE/DASH AREA. AT THAT TIME THERE WERE NO FLAMES AROUND OR UNDER THE CAR. JUST THE COLUMN OF FLAME FROM THE CENTER. THE HORN WAS SOUNDING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE ARRIVED WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FIRE WAS SEATED IN THE CENTRAL DASH AREA. THE KEYS WERE BESIDE BY BED. THE CAR HAD ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY TOYOTA SERVICE CENTERS AND THERE WERE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAR. WHEN TOYOTA WERE NOTIFIED, THEY SENT INVESTIGATORS TO LOOK FOR A RELAY NEAR THE ALTERNATOR. THE RESULTS OF MY INSURANCE', TOYOTA'S AND AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR'S INVESTIGATIONS WERE (AS RELAYED TO ME BY PHONE) UNSPECIFIED FIRE STARTING IN THE DASH. *JB
I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WHICH I HAD JUST PURCHASED WITH 104,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE ON I-695 WHEN THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER AND SLOWING DOWN VERY FAST. I BARELY CROSSED THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. THE GAS GUAGE READ JUST UNDER 1/2 FULL, BUT ACCORDING TO A TSB, THE GUAGE AND SENDER UNIT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I HAD NO WARNING FROM THE CAR TO TELL ME MY GAS TANK WAS FULL. RUNNING OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY IS DANGEROUS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL - WHY THIS ISN'T CONSIDERED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME TO FIX IT, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD IT. I WAS USING MY ODOMETER TO KEEP TRACK, BUT THE OTHER DAY, I RAN OUT AGAIN WHILE DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I THINK WITH THE A/C ON, IT MUST USE MORE GAS. I'M VERY UPSET.
DT: CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE SEAL FAILED TWICE WHICH CAUSED THE REAR BRAKES TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED ONCE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *JB....REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKED FLUID. *AK *SB
VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ON HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING WRECK. FIND OUT THERE IS NO FUEL IN TANK EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE READS 1/3. TOYOTA SAYS TSB EL010-00 ADDRESSES KNOWN DEFECTIVE 1999 AND 2000 FUEL GAUGES AND ALSO ADDRESSES SOME GAUGES INACCURATELY READING EMPTY WHEN 4 GALLONS REMAIN, BUT MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAVE 72545 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY SO TOYOTA WILL NOT PAY FOR FIX. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, LOTS OF TRAFFIC. I AM IN THE NAVY AND WILL BE DRIVING FROM FLORIDA TO SAN DIEGO NEXT MONTH ENROUTE TO JAPAN IN OCTOBER. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW ABOUT IT BUT SINCE IT'S ONLY A TSB AND NOT A RECALL, THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT UNLESS I PAY FOR IT MYSELF. THESE ARE KNOWN DEFECTS SINCE THE TRUCK GOT OUT OF THE TAHARA PLANT IN JAPAN FOR SALE TO THE U.S.
THE CONSUMER SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE VENT AREA. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
THE GAS GAUGE WOULD READ FULL WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY, AND VISA VERSA. THEN THE SKIN OF THE DASH BOARD BY THE TACHOMETER BUBBLED FROM THE HEAT OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD OVER HEATING. I CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO ALSO DENIED THAT A BULLETIN EXISTED CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO AN AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS WHO RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND A BULLETIN FROM TOYOTA REGARDING MY PROBLEM (REF: BULLETIN EL010-00). I CALLED TOYOTA BACK AND THEN WAS TOLD SORRY BUT YOUR OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY TIME LIMIT. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFICATION MADE TO THE CONSUMER BY TOYOTA REGARDING THIS MATTER. MY THE CIRCUIT BOARD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE BUBBLING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE HAD I CHOSE JUST IGNORE THE GAUGE PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS CHOSEN THE IGNORE THE PROBLEM IN HOPES THAT IT WILL NOT BE REPORTED AND AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONSUMER.
VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING WRECK. FIND OUT THERE IS NO FUEL IN TANK EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE READS 1/2. TOYOTA SAYS TSB EL010-00 ADDRESSES KNOWN DEFECTIVE 1999 AND 2000 FUEL GAUGES AND ALSO ADDRESSES SOME GAUGES INACCURATELY READING EMPTY WHEN 4 GALLONS REMAIN, MY VECHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO TOY WILL NOT PAY FOR FIX. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, LOTS OF TRAFFIC...*AK.
RELATED TO: MOST OF THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD POWER SEATS ON THE PASSENGER SITE. LAST EVENING, I LAID MY CELL PHONE AND WALLET ON THE PASSEGER SEAT BEFOR I STARTED THE ENGINE, WHILE I WAS BACKING OUT FROM THE PARKING LOT, I MADE A SMALL TURN, THIS MOVEMENT CAUSED MY CELL PHONE AND WALLET SLIDED DOWN TOWARD THE RIGHT SIDE ENDED UNDER THE RIGHT SEAT. SO I STOPED THE CAR AND BENDED OVER THE RIGHT SIDE TO GET THEM OUT WITH MY RIGHT HAND, SINCE THEY WERE UNDER THE SEAT, I WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN REACH THEM. THEN I USED MY LEFT HAND, TRIED REACH THEM FROM UNDER THE SEAT. GUES WHAT HAPPENED? SINCE MY RIGHT HAND STILL ON THE RIGHT SITE OF THE SEAT, IT ACCIDENTLY PUSHED THE SEAT MOVE FORWARD BUTTON, THE SEAT WAS MOVING FORWARD WHILE MY LEFT HAND STILL UNDER THE SEAT. BECAUSE THERE IS A MATEL OBJECT WAS UNDER, IT HURT MY LEFT HAND BADLY, LUCKILY I REALIZED I WAS PUSHING THE BOTTON, I RELEASED IT ON TIME, SO THERE'S NO SERIOUS INJURE. HAD I NOT RELEASE MY RIGHT HAND ON TIME, I WOULD HAVE GOT A REAL SERIOUS INJURY. SO PLEASE START SOME OF YOUR INVESTIGATION. IF POSSIBLE MAKE A RECALL RECOMMENDATION TO THOSE VEHICLE WILL CAUSE THE SAME SAFTY THREAD. THANKS. YAN FANG CAO
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT VEHICLE VIBRATING WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT PADS AND BOTH FRONT ROTORS. WITHIN TWO WEEKS THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
MY VEHICLE: 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED W/ PORT INSTALLED AUTO DIMMING MIRROR THE + AND - WIRE THAT GOES TO THE AUTO DIMMING MIRROR WERE ACCIDENTALLY SHORTED ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. HERE'S THE PROBLEM AS TO WHY IT'S A FIRE HAZARD: IT TURNS OUT THAT WHEN THE MIRROR WAS INSTALLED (EITHER PORT OPTION OR DEALER OPTION ON LIMITED'S AND SR5'S W/ SUNROOFS - NOT INSTALLED IN JAPAN), THEY JUST RAN A WIRE (ACTUALLY TWO - A GROUND AND A "HOT" WIRE MATED TOGETHER) DOWN TO THE DRIVER SIDE KICK PANEL AND "HOPPED" THE HOT WIRE ONTO A HOT LEAD OF THE POWER ACCESSORY CIRCUIT COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THIS CIRCUIT IS ON A 30 AMP SLOW-BURN FUSE. THIS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE WIRES TO THE MIRROR WERE TO CROSS SOMEHOW - AS THEY DID FOR ME. THE FUSE WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY BLOW AND THE WIRES CAN GET HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE INSULATION OR SURROUNDING MATERIAL BEFORE THE SLOW-BLOW FUSE WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK THE CIRCUIT. THIS CAN TAKE AS LONG AS 10 SECONDS DEPENDING ON CURRENT AND HEAT GENERATED IN THE SLOW-BURN FUSE. *JB
GAS GAUGE GIVES A FALSE READING. I TRAVEL TO IOWA OFTEN AND I KNOW WHEN TO GET GAS SO THAT I CAN MAKE IT HOME. DURING ONE TRIP I STOPPED TO TO GET GAS AND NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE INDICATE MORE GAS THAN I SHOULD HAVE. HAD I TRAVELED A DIFFERENT ROUTE AND RELIED ON THE GAUGE, I WOULD HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS AND GOT STRANDED, OR WORSE. MY CAR MIGHT HAVE DIED ON THE FREEWAY AND MIGHT HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENTS. SOMETIMES IT TELLS ME I HAVE 3/4 FULL TANK WHEN IT SHOULD BE ONLY 1/4.*AK
EXPERIENCING SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH. STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AND CONTROL IS DIFFICULT. IDENTIFIED AS WARPED ROTOR. TOYOTA DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE TO REPLACE FRONT CALIPER/ROTOR WITH LARGER DESIGN. CLAIMS THAT ITS COMMON TO HAVE IT FAIL SHORTLY AFTER WARRANTEE COVERAGE. (FAILED AT 50000, COVERAGE TO 36000) PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH 17000 MILES AND ROTORS/PADS LOOK GOOD.*AK
WHILE PULLING OUR 1999 4-RUNNER WITH 39,000 MILES INTO A PARKING STALL, THE BRAKE PEDDLE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING, RESULTING IN A MINOR ACCIDENT WITH NO INJURIES. A SERVICE TECHNICIAN (NOT FROM TOYOTA) EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING UNUSUAL WAS OBSERVED. HOWEVER, DURING A ROAD TEST, THE PEDDLE WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AGAIN WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP. HE PUMPED THE BRAKES AND THEY "CAUGHT" AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. A TOYOTA DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. A FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA EXAMINED THE VEHICLE TODAY AFTER WHICH, WE WERE CALLED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. OTHER THAN A VISUAL INSPECTION AND ROAD TEST, TOYOTA HASN'T DONE ANYTHING. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE ROAD BUT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT TOYOTA IS TELLING ME TO DO.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPUTTERED AND STALLED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, BUT CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY SENDING UNIT IN THE FUEL TANK. IT WAS READING FULL WHEN THE TANK WAS EMPTY. *AK THE OLD STYLE SENDING UNIT WAS OBSOLETE AND NOT AVAILABLE. *SC
1999 4 RUNNER SR5. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAVE HARD STARTING, INTERMITTENT (POOR, ROUGH) IDLE AND SOME TIME NOT IDLE. AT HIGH ELEVATION, I HAVE EXTREMELY POOR GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL DEALER SERVICES INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. DEALERS WERE NOT ABLE TO ISOLATE PROBLEM. HOW I DEALT WITH IT OVER THE YEARS. NEVER USED THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN AT SEA LEVEL AND PUMP THROTTLE WHEN IDLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RETAINED. *JB
"THREW A ROD" WHILE HWY DRIVING. ENGINE SEIZED. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON TIME INCLUDING OIL CHANGES. LAST OIL CHANGE 2 MONTHS PRIOR. NO WARNING.
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM A TOYOTA DEALER BACK IN SEP. 2002 FOR $24,000.THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME A MASTER KEY (MASTER KEY IS ONE OF THE INSPECTION POINT CHECK)AND THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME A CAR JACK.THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON JULY 10 2003 I LOOKED AT ENGINE AND UNDERNEATH THE CAR.I NOTICED THE POOR WORKMANSHIP ON FRONT AND REAR BUMPER,SOME MUDD GUARDS ARE MISSING AND THE VIN LABLES LOOKS LIKE IT WAS PEELED OFF BEFORE AND THE ONES ON THE DOORS AND HOOD DOESN'T LOOK AUTHENTIC.
THE TIRES WERE DISINTEGRATING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RIDE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND CHOPPY. *AK THE TIRES FELT LESS SMOOTH. FIRESTONE ADMITTED THAT THE TIRES FELT CHOPPY AND REFUSED REPLACEMENT. THE PROBLEM WORSENED AS TIME WENT ON. *SC *JB
INCONSISTENT FUEL GUAGE READINGS, CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN GUAGE READS 1/4 TANK. SINCE IT WASN'T A RECALL, BY THE TIME I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT, MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT UNLESS I PAID. I'VE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR THAT I HAVEN'T RUN OUT OF FUEL IN A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. I E-MAILED TOYOTA AND THEY STILL WOULDN'T GIVE ANY COMPENSATION, MY VIN WAS ON THE LIST OF VEHICLES THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM, TSB EL010-00 FUEL GAGE INACCURACY ADRESSES. I SINCE FOUND OUT I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH THEM ON THIS ISSUE. *AK
FUEL GAUGE GIVING ERRATIC READING. REPORTING EMPTY WITH 6 GALLON LEFT.
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUV PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR A FEW HOURS LOCKED WITH WINDOWS CLOSED. ELECTRICAL EVENT OPENED DRIVER WINDOW AND CAUSED SPONTANEOUS FIRE WHICH STARTED INSIDE PANEL OF DRIVER'S DOOR. *LA
AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 4 HOURS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING INSIDE THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THIS FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE ELECTRIC WINDOW TO ROLL DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PUT THE FIR OUT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT IN THE FRONT CENTER OF VEHICLE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING FROM BALTIMORE TO WASHINGTON D.C. ON I-95 SPD APPROX 65 MPH. MY 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD CRASH, THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I CAUTIOUSLY MOVED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, AND COME TO FIND THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAD LITERALLY FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE 4RUNNER. EVEN THE TRANSFER CASE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALL OF MY MAINTANENCE RECORDS, AND THE TOYTA DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICED MY VEHICLE REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, TELLING ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OK, THEN IT BREAKING. EVEN TOYOTA CORP. WILL NOT EVEN CONSIDER ANY ASSISTANCE HELPING WITH MY VEHICLE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?*AK
THE COSCO CHILD SAFETY SEAT FAILED (MODEL # 22150BNP, MANUFACTURE JAN 2, 2003). MR PH *NLM
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.
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. EACH FAILURE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THAT THE METALLIC BRAKES MAY BE WORN TOO SMOOTH, BUT COULD NOT PINPOINT PROBLEM. *TT *JB
VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING WRECK. FIND OUT THERE IS NO FUEL IN TANK EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE READS 1/2. TOYOTA SAYS TSB EL010-00 ADDRESSES KNOWN DEFECTIVE 1999 AND 2000 FUEL GAUGES AND ALSO ADDRESSES SOME GAUGES INACCURATELY READING EMPTY WHEN 4 GALLONS REMAIN, BUT MY VEHICLE IS A FEW MONTHS AND MILES OUT OF WARRANTY SO TOY WILL NOT PAY FOR FIX. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, LOTS OF TRAFFIC....
TIRES: THE TIRES DID NOT PHYSICALLY FAIL, HOWEVER AFTER ONLY 10,000 MILES, THEY WERE PRACTICALLY BALD - ALL 4. I REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH THEY REFUSED TO DO ALTHOUGHT THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE TIRES WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME "OFF THE RECORD" THAT THEY KNEW THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE - THAT THE TIRES WHICH CAME "STOCK" FROM THE FACTORY WERE IN FACT "TOO SMALL" TO BEAR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. IN LIGHT OF THE SAFETY ISSUES REGARDING BRIDGESTONE?FIRESTONE AT THAT TIME, I ELECTED TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES AT MY COST. TAIL LIGHTS: THE TAILLIGHTS BEGAN FAILING VERY SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WHENEVER I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS JUST A BURNED OUT LAMP WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND NOW I DON'T EVEN BOTHER WITH THE DEALER. I HAVE NOTED NUMEROUS 4RUNNERS ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO CHECK YOUR WEB SITE. AT ONE POINT THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP MENTIONED HIS SUPRISE THAT "THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON" WHEN THE LAMP WENT OUT. APPARENTLY THERE IS AN INDICATOR LIGHT THAT SHOULD ALERT THE DRIVER TO A BLOWN BULB...I'VE NEVER SEEN ONE AND MINE HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES. NOW IT IS HABIT FOR ME TO CHECK MY TAIL LIGHTS WHENEVER I DRIVE AT NIGHT. BRAKES: ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE "SHUDDERING" OF THE CAR AND A LOUD "CLANKING" NOISE WHEN GOING FROM HIGH SPEED TO LOWER SPEED (NOT SUDDEN BRAKING) AS IN EXITING THE HIGHWAY . ONE TIME, THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT JERKED INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE DEALER BASICALLY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. THIS SHUDDERING HAS OCCURRED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. ONE TIME, THEY AGREED TO MANUALLY CHECK ALL 4 BRAKES - AT MY COST AND DECLARED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I HESITATE TO DRIVE IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. TS
THE TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS BRAKES THAT WHEN BEING DRIVEN IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMS ERRATIC. THE OWNER STATES THAT HE WOULD HEAR SOME SORT OF HUMMING SOUND BUT THE TRUCK CONTINUES FORWARD. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DID EVALUATE THE BRAKES BUT NO CAUSE OF PERFORMANCE WAS ACKNOWLEDGED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS TS
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HAD EXTENDED STOPPING AND BRAKES VIBRATED WHEN APPLIED. *MR FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THIS HAPPENED PREMATURELY. *TT
ON 2 OCCASIONS THE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, THE SECOND SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED.*JB
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS OIL ON THE ENGINE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR
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. *JG
FRONT WHEELS WOULD LOCK UP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED IN A SUDDEN STOP ON WET CONDITION ROAD. APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE DEALER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ALONG STRAIGHT HIGHWAY, 10:30 AM, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE 85 F, TREAD SEPARATED, TIRE DISINTEGRATED QUICKLY.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT BECAME NECESSARY TO TAKE EVASIVE MANEUVERS. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES I DID NOT FEEL THE ABS ENGAGE. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE ROLLED FRONT OVER BACK AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS CONCERNED ME. HOW CAN A VEHICLE ROLL OVER AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOY?*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
OWNER WAS DRIVING 20MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT 60MPH HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. *AK MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.
WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND HIT A WALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
DRIVER'S SEAT TOTALLY RECLINED BACK WHEN NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, AND I AM AFRAID IT MAY HAPPEN SOMETIME WHEN I AM DRIVING. I WOULD BE INJURED IF SUDDENLY THE SEAT RECLINED.*AK
WHILE TRAVELING IN THE RAIN, CONSUMER HIT A BUMP NSIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RAN INTO A WALL THE DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY*JB.
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED ON USED VEHICLES UPON SALE?. *AK
THE ENTIRE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SEVERE SHAKING/VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. THE PROBLEM IS PARTICULARLY PRONOUNCED WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *YD
THE ENTIRE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SEVERE SHAKING/VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. THE PROBLEM IS PARTICULARLY PRONOUNCED WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *YD
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN CHANGING GEARS, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, ALSO WHEN PUSHING CLUTCH THE NOISE RETURNED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE THROW OUT BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK. CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED THAT THIS PART WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFATURER WOULD NOT COVER THE PART.*JB
WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED BY A 18 WHEELER TRUCK, AND WAS PUSHED INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK
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.*SLC
SB ON I-24 N. OF CHATANOOGA, LEFT REAR TIRE "BLEW." EXAM SHOWED TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM OUTSIDE TIRE WALL. OUTSIDE TIRE WALL HAD A DOZEN OR MORE SLICES LIKE A SLICED PIE. TIRE NOT UNUSUALLY HOT; LOAD NOT UNUSUALLY HEAVY (ONLY DRIVER WAS IN CAR); TIRE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL (33PSI). NEED TO KNOW HOW TO PREVENT OTHER 4 TIRES FROM DOING THE SAME THING!*AK (TIRESIZE: P265/70R16)
GAS GUAGE WILL READ 1/2 TANK WHEN ACTUALLY IT'S NOT. WHEN FILLLING VEHICLE UP GAS GUAGE WILL GO TO FULL, BUT NEVER GO PASS HALF A TANK. CONTACTED DEALER, COULDN'T FIX GAS GAUGE BECAUSE OF EXPIRED WARRANTY. *AK
WHILE DRIVING A 65MPH, SUDDENLY HEARD AN EXPLOSION. PRESS THE BRAKE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, NOTICE THE OUTER SIDE OF THE TIRE IS TORN OUT OF THE MAIN TIRE BODY.
WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT CONSUMER'S OFF AND STOPPED/ DRIVER DODGED VEHICLE/ WENT OVER A DIVIDER/ VEHICLE WAS AIRBORNE, AND FLIPPED TWO AND HALF TIMES, LANDING ON ROOF ON OTHER SIDE OF FREEWAY. SEATBELT WAS WORN,BUT SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, CAUSING CONSUMER'S HEAD TO GO THROUGH WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER WAS AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL, AND HAD MAJOR HEAD AND FACE TRAUMA. CONSUMER CONTACTED TOYOTA, AND WILL SEND SOMEONE OUT TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK
BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS RETRACTORS ARE NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY, BELTS WOULD GET CAUGHT IN THE DOORS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN BELT BUCKLE IS CAUGHT IN THE DOOR, THE DOOR SWINGS OPEN AGAIN SUDDENLY AND MAY BE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, ARBITRATION WAS REQUESTED, HOWEVER WAS REFUSED DUE TO THE ITEM NO LONGER BEING IN WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER TWO YEARS OLD AND WARRANTY IS THREE YEARS OVERALL AND SEAT BELT WARRANTY IS FIVE YEARS. *SLC
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. *JB
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?
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND FELT VIBRATION. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, AND NOTICED DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED.*AK
WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. FRONT END STRUCK THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE RUNNING A RED LIGHT. TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. CONSUMER CONTACTED TOYOTA, AND EXPLAINED INCIDENT. NO ACTION TAKEN AS OF YET FROM MANUFACTURER. PLEASE FILL IN ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
VEHICLE SERVICED MORE THAN THREE TIMES DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, LEFT TAIL LIGHT NOT WORKING. *CJ
TWO BLOWOUTS ON FRONT TIRES, REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES, I WOULD LIKE FOR THESE WILDERNESS AT II TIRES INVESTIGATED FOR POSSIBLE RECALL*AK( DOT NUMBER: )
REAR TAIL LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, NOT ONLY ONE BUT ALL TAIL LIGHTS. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TAIL LIGHTS 3 TIMES IN LAST YEAR. *AK FOG LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED MORE THAN THREE TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *YH
I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR FIVE HOURS WHEN THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE BLEW OUT. GOODYEAR HAS EXAMINED THE TIRE AND FOUND NO EXTERNAL CAUSE FOR THE BLOWOUT. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRE AND CAN E-MAIL THEM TO YOU IF YOU WANT. ALLISON@BDANIELS.COM.*AK (DOT NUMBER: MK72 TIRESIZE: 265/70R16)
THERE WAS A SPLIT DOWN THE TREAD ABOUT 12" LONG.*AK (TIRESIZE: P225/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )
FUEL GAUGE GIVING INCORRECT READINGS.*AK
FUEL GAUGE GIVING INCORRECT READINGS.*AK
WHILE DRIVING, THE FUEL LINE FAILED. APPROX. 7 GALLONS OF GASOLINE SPRAYED OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE. WHEN I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, GAS WAS DRIPPING FROM THE HOOD AND STREAMING DOWN THE SIDES OF THE ENGINE. THANKFULLY, NO FIRE! TIM'S BUICK, PONTIAC, GMC, TOYOTA, 1006 COMMERCE DR., PRESCOTT, AZ 86304, REPLACED THE HOSE AND PLACED ADDITIONAL RUBBER HOSE AROUND THE FUEL LINE AT THE POINT OF WEAR.*AK
DEALER FAILED TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE FRONT DISC BRAKE PARTS DUE TO LACK OF PARTS AVAILABILITY FROM TOYOTA. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHAKE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED DOWNHILL. *AK
THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 225/70R15 TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED CRACKS IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SIDEWALL AND TREAD. *MJS
THE ORIGINAL BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING (225/75R15 DOT W2HH AWB). NLM
THESE TIRES HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH CRACKED SIDEWALLS, WHICH I HAD TO FIGHT WITH FIRESTONE TO REPLACE ON ONE TIRE AND THE SPARE. FINALLY IN MARCH A FREEWY BLOWOUT FORCED ME TO REPLACE THE TIRES. ALL 5 INCLUDING THE SPARE. THE BLOWOUT HAD THE TREAD SEPERATE FROM THE CASING JUST LIKE THE FORD PROBLEM. AFTER SEEING ALL THAT'S GOING ON I CONTACTED TOYOTA WHO CONTINUE TO ADVISE ME THAT THESE ARE NOT THE SAME TIRES CALL FIRESTONE. I REEATED ME DIALOGUE WITH TOYOTA AS A LONG TIME CUSTOMER THAT I DIDN'T BY THE TIRES FROM FIRESTONE I BOUGHT A TRUCK FROM TOYOTA. THEY ATE NOT PHASED AT ALL. THEY JUST CONTINUE TO SAY CALL FIRSTONE. WELL THEY HAVE LOST A CUSTOMER WITH THIS CAVALIER ATTITUDE. I BELIEVE THE FIRSTONE'S PROBLEM IS GREATED THAN JUST THE FORD EXPLORER. THE NHTSA SHOULD EXPAND IMMEDIATLEY THIS PROBE TO OTHER MAKES AND MODELS.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )
THESE TIRES HAVE NEVER HELD AIR THEY ALWAYS NEED TO BE REINFLATED. AFTER A 3 HOUR TRIP (WE MAKE THIS TRIP OFTEN) ACCROSS THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE WE ALWAYS HAVE TO PUT AIR BACK INTO THE TIRES. GIVEN THE RESENT PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES FAILURE TO HOLE AIR WITH OURS SEEMS LIKE A "BIGGER" DEAL THAN WE HAVE THOUGHT. WHEN WE WENT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID OUR TIRES WERE NOT THE ONES ON THE RECALL. IF THE TIRES ARE SAFE THEN WE BELIEVE THEY SHOULD NOT BE REPLACED BUT.WE CANT GET ANYONE TO SAY THEY ARE SAFE? THE ONLY THING WE HAVE NOTICED IT THE AIR PRESSURE PROBLEM ON ALL FOUR TIRES/ AND THE TRUCK FEELING LIKE IT IS SCRAPING AROUND THE LEFT SIDE WITHOUT REGUARD TO TIRE ROTATION. I HAVE CHILDREN I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO TELL ME THAT THESE TIRES ARE INDEED SAFE AND WHY THEY WILL NOT HOLD AIR PROPERLY.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )
PREMATURE WARE OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE PADS AND THE ROTORS.*AK
HIGH SPEED BLOWOUT OCCURRED APRIL 14, 2000 ON I-5 ONE & A HALF HOURS NORTH OF BAKERSFIELD. THE DRIVERS-SIDE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPERATED AT THE SEAM. NOWWITH THE RECENT RECALL OF THE OTHER FIRESTONE TIRES I SUSPECT THAT MY TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED ONE, AND NOW AM DRIVING ON FOUR THAT ARE POSSIBLE DEATH-TRAPS. PLEASE ADVISE.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )
WHILE DRIVING, FRONT PASSENGER FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P225/75R15 EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE RIM. *SLC
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P225 75 R15 EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL AND TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPLACE ALL 5 TIRES. *SLC
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P225 75 R15 EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL AND TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPLACE ALL 5 TIRES. *SLC
CRACKS - BLOWOUTS... I REPLACED TIRES AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOTA REFERS ME TO FIRESTONE. I DIDN'T BUY TIRES FROM FIRESTONE , TOYOTA DID. *AK( DOT NUMBER: ? TIRE SIZE: 15 )
AT 72 MPH LEFT REAR SIDEWALL SEPARATED FROM TIRE. TIRE SIZE P225/75R15 ON A 99 4 RUNNER. *AK FIRESTONE SHOULD REPLACE ALL FIVE DEFECTIVE TIRES. *YH
AFTER DRIVING OUT OF TOWN HEARD NOISE COMING FROM TIRES, AND FOUND OUT THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT WITHOUT A REASON. THEN, AT SECOND TIME RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT WITHOUT A NAIL. *AK
ON JUL. 21, 2000, I WAS TRAVELLING SOUTH ON HWY 25 AND ANOTHER CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELLING APPROX 64 MPH WITH MY CRUISE SET AT 64. THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. MY FRONT END WAS DEMOLISHED. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS WROTE OFF AS A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT 55-60 MPH NOTICED A LOUD NOISE. PULLED VEHICLE AND TIRES HAD A BLOWOUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION . *AK FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P225/75/R15 *MW
WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION INTO THE INVESTIGATION OF FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES PEELING OFF THEIR CASINGS. I THINK THAT 21 DEATHS AND 193 PROBLEMS SHOULD WARRANT A CALL BACK IMMEDIATELY. I'AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WHEN A PROBLEM OF THIS NATURE INVOLVES DEATHS. *AK
TIRES EXPLORED WITH NOTHING LEFT ONLY THE RIM. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: ? )
GAS GAUGE READS INACCURATE. THE LOW LIGHT COMES ON MUCH TOO EARLY AND AHS CAUSED ME GREAT INCONVIENENCE
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ON THE TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE SOME PEDESTTRIANS ON SIDE ON THE SHOULDERS . THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN-FRONT OF CONSUMER, AND NO LIGHTS ON AT ALL. CONSUMER HIT VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. DUAL AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF, AND SEAT BELTS DIDN'T RETRACT. HER DAUGHTER WENT THROUGH WINDSHIELD AND INTO STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE 2 INJURIES. *AK
THE GAS GAUGE INDICATES THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY WHEN ACTUALLY IT STILL MAY HAVE 3.5 GALLONS OF GAS LEFT.*AK
BRAKES VIBRATE BADLY BUT ONLY ONCE IN A WHILE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE REAR AXLE OR REAR END CLUNKS BADLY WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKES, TIRE HAVE CUPPED PREMATURELY EVEN THOUGH BALANCED AND ALIGNED, GAS GAUGE WORKS MOST OF THE TIME BUT SOMETIMES IS INCORRECT BY AS MUCH AS 50%. ABS KICKS IN EVEN WHEN ON DRY PAVEMENT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: W@HH TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )
TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WAS STRUCK IN REAR WHILE AT RED LIGHT. ESTIMATE SPEED OF CAR STRIKING TOYOTA WAS 25 MPH. TOYOTA'S DRIVERS SEAT BROKE AND LAID DRIVER DOWN IN RECLINED POSITION.*AK
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STALLING FROM 18,000 MILES UP TO THE PRESENT 22,000 MILES AT 25 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP FOR REPAIRS. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK *ML
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 15 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD VEHCILE SPUN OUT OUT OF CONTROL. *AK
THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT DURING BRAKING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON VARYING ROADS SURFACES AND HILLS THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT IT FEELS AS IF THE DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL. AUGUST 1999 TOOK TO AUBURN TOYOTA AND THEY STATED FRONT ROTORS WERE EXTREMELY WARPED AND WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED FIRST BEING NOTICED THE NEXT DAY. AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 1999 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERVICE, THIS TIME THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. AGAIN THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT--YOU COULD LITERALLY BRAKE FEEL THE VIBRATION, LET OFF, APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND FEEL NO VIBRATION. OTHER TIMES IT MAY BE A LITTLE MORE PERSISTENT. MOST OF THE TIME THE BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, BUT AT TIMES THE FRONTEND VIBRATES SOMETHING FIERCE. THAT ALSO VARIES. SOMETIMES IT IS A SLIGHT VIBRATION, AND OTHER TIMES IT VIBRATES UP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL QUITE SEVERELY. THE SIMPLE ANSWER FROM TOYOTA IS IT MUST BE THE ROTORS OR WE COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT WE ARRIVE AT A MORE UNDERSTANDABLE EXPLANATION AND HOPEFULLY A SOLUTION. CAN ABS CREATE A VIBRATION IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT PULSATING LIKE IT SHOULD? *AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WON'T RESTART AFTER 4 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A TELEPHONE POLE IN WHICH THE FRONT END WAS CRUSHED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
TIRES PUT ON BY MANUFACTURER PERFORMED VERY POORLY. TIRES FORCED VEHICLE TO GO FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND SOMETIMES VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD, EXTREME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER NOTHING WOULD HELP. *AK
TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE ARE WORN OUT AT UNDER 10,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATED HAD REPLACED THREE SET OF TIRES ALREADY. *AK
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CLUNKING IS STILL. THE GAS SMELL IS ELLUSIVE. TAIL LIGHTS = FRUSTRATING!!!
AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, I WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES WHEN THE CAR LOST COMPLETE CONTROL. THE CAR SWERVED SEVERELY LEFT AND THERE WAS NO FUNCTIONING OF THE BRAKES OR STEERING. I WAS THEN HIT DRIVER SIDE BY A SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILOR WHO KNOCKED ME INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE CAR WAS DEMOLISHED. THE MECHANICAL EXPERT REPORT SHOWED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN AND IT APPEARED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD CAUSED THE CAR TO ACCELLERATE ALTHOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT TURNED ON AT THE TIME. MY CONCERNS RELATE TO THE INABILITY TO STEER THE CAR OR INITIATE THE BRAKES IF IT WAS IN FACT A TIRE BLOW-OUT AND ALSO I AM CONCERNED AT TO WHY THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, I FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS ACCELLERATING INDEPENDENTLY OF MY UTILIZING THE GAS PEDAL. IN CONCLUSION, I AM NOT CERTAIN AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL, HOWEVER, IF IT WAS A TIRE BLOW-OUT, I THINK THAT IT WAS UNBELIEVABLY UNSAFE TO NOT BE( DOT NUMBER: )
CONSUMER SMELLS GAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
TIRES ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WERE OF THE INCORRECT SIZE WHICH CAUSED SPEEDODMETER TO REGISTER INCORRECT SPEEDS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
INCORRECT READING OF GAS LEVEL IN TANK. BEEN TO DEALER ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
DEALER WANTS VEHICLE FOR 30 DAYS TO REPAIR IT WHICH IS EXCESSIVE
REAR VIEW MIRROR LOCATION CAUSES A REFLECTION THAT OBSTRUCTS VIEW, THE REFLECTION IS OF THE OVER HEAD CONSOLE. MJS
THE VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES, GIVING THE DRIVER NO INDICATION. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH GAS GAUGE NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY. CONSUMER UNABLE TO KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE ARE NO CORRECTIONS AT THIS TIME. SEEKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
VEHICLE STALLS/QUITS WHEN BRAKING, USUALLY BETWEEN 0 AND 10 MPH. STARTED AFTER HAVING VEHICLE FOR 2 WEEKS. DEALER FIRST VISIT, THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS. SECOND VISIT, CHANGED THROTTLE BODY, DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. SAID IT WAS PART OF A GROUP THAT NEEDS NEW COMPUTER, THAT DID NOT HELP EITHER, SAID IT MAY BE THE TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM STILL NOT SOLVED. TOYOTA TECH LINE TOLD THE LOCAL DEALER IT MUST BE A FLUKE JUST GIVE IT BACK TO THE CUSTOMER (ME). I GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT TO THE LOCAL DEALER SERVICE PERSONNEL, THEY TOLD ME THIS AND TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY ARE WORKING THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME A LOANER CAR. PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, AT FIRST IT WAS OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOW IT IS STILL INTERMITENT, BUT WILL OCCUR NUMEROUS TIMES A DAY, IF YOU DRIVE IT. *AK
THE FOLLOWING WORK ORDER WAS GIVEN TO ME. FOUND DCT # PO420 INEFFECIENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TESTED A/F SENSOR IT WAS GOOD, IT MEASURED 1.8 OHMS. TESTED 02 SENSOR IT MEASURED 19.0 OHMS N@ 1800 DEGREES. DIAGNOSED SWITCHED GROUNDS AT E.C.U. E10 # 8 AND # 17 . REMOVED AND SWITCHED WIRES TO THE CORRECT POSITIONS. ERACED CODE IN ECU MEMORY.
ENGINE STALLS WHILE VEHICLE IN OPERATION. STALLING OCCURS DURING DECELERATION (E.G. APPROACHING A TOLL BOOTH) AND ACCELERATION (E.G. ACCELERATING AFTER MAKING A FULL STOP). FAILURES ARE SPORADIC AND RANDOM (3X/MONTH). DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE 4 TO 5 VEHICLES (SAME MAKE AND MODEL) WITH SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CLAIMS INABILITY TO FIX PROBLEM UNTIL SPECIAL TECHNICAL TEAM ARRIVES FROM MANUFACTURER.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 335 total NHTSA complaints filed over 25 years, with the worst year being 2000 (36 complaints, including 4 crash reports).
The amber reliability line averaged 94/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 87/100 in 2019.
Notably, despite 335 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 15 years (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,014 (~$567/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1999 TOYOTA 4Runner — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JT3HN87R3X9024892. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
TOYOTA 4Runner has a moderately elevated theft risk (1.8× average).
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
TOYOTA has been fined $1217M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Criminal settlement — concealed unintended acceleration defects for years before recall.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JT3HN87R3X9024892 |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| Make | TOYOTA |
| Model | 4Runner |
| Trim | Luxury |
| Series | RZN180L/VZN180L/RZN185L/VZN185L |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.4 |
| Horsepower | 183 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | TAHARA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JT3 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | X |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 9 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 024892 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 335 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 9:58:51 AM.