1998 Toyota 4Runner complaints

RUSTED FRAME ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR, HOLES IN FRAME, WHICH HOLDS THE SWAY BAR. MECHANIC NOTICED DURING OIL CHANGE. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING THEY COULD DO. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CHANGING THE OIL AND FUEL FILTER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE CORROSION TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000.

FRAME IS ROTTING OUT BY CONTROL BRACKETS. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT WILL NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE WINTER. ITS NOT SAFE AND WILL CRUMPLE ON IMPACT.

THE DRIVERS SEAT MOUNT (LEFT FRONT) FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO BECOME LOOSE AND ROCK. THE SEAT MOUNT BENEATH THE CARPET HAD FAILED, ALLOWING THE MOUNTING BOLT TO FALL OFF. THE METAL BRACKET HAD TO BE WELDED WITH NEW, STRONGER METAL AND THE BOLT REATTACHED WITH SPOT WELDS. THIS FAILURE IS WIDE SPREAD AMONG ALL TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS FROM 1995-2002; TOYOTA IS AWARE AND HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT; ALL SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.

REAR FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE SWAY BARS ATTACH, FRAME MOUNTS BROKE WHILE TOWING A TRAILER ON SR 22 IN SOUTHERN OHIO. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE CROSSED TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC BEFORE GAINING CONTROL AND STOPPING THE 4RUNNER.

WHILE HAVING REPAIRS MADE TO DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING FOR A RUST HOLE, MECHANIC POINTED OUT RUST HOLES THOUGH FRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE ABOUT MID VEHICLE. MECHANIC CAUTIONED THAT VEHICLE WILL SOON BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION AND WELL MAINTAINED.

1998 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRAME RUST ISSUES. *SMD

FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY ON RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MULTIPLE TOYOTA 4RUNNERS OF THIS ERA. THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE AS WELL SINCE IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO RAISE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT THAT LIFTS AT THE FRAME. WHEN ACCELERATING TO 20-25 MPH AND LETTING OFF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS TREMENDOUSLY AND IS GREATLY AMPLIFIED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE BACK UP TO SPEED.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH AND I WENT OVER AN OVERPASS WITH A BUMP AT THE BEGINNING OF IT, I HEARD A CLUNK THEN MY CAR STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH VERY BADLY,I MANAGED TO PULL OVER ON THE EMERGENCY PULL OFF, I THOUGHT A WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE,I FOUND NO LOOSE WHEEL SO I STARTED LOOKING UNDERNEATH AND WOW!!!!!..THE TORSION BARS HAD BOTH RUSTED OFF THE FRAME AND BOTH SWAY BARS WERE BROKE OFF,THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE BACK AXAL ON WAS THE BACK OF THE TORSION BARS,,,NEEDLES TO SAY MY FAVORITE CAR IS OUT FOR THE COUNT.

FRAME ROT/RUST AND MECHANIC WON'T WORK ON IT TO REMOVE, REBALANCE TIRES. UNDER FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. NOT SAFE.

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH PREMATURELY ON MY TRUCK. TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILING ARM REAR AXLE OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. MA 10/19/15 UPDATED 11/06/2017*CN

RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS 1998 4RUNNER THINKING IT WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. AFTER THE PURCHASE WE BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND HAVE THE BACK BRAKES FIXED. WHILE HE WAS DOING THE MAINTENANCE HE SAW THAT THE WHOLE UNDERBODY FRAME OF THE TRUCK IS RUSTED OUT AND ISN'T EVEN DRIVABLE DUE TO THE FACT AT ANY MOMENT THE WHOLE BACK OF THE TRUCK COULD FALL OUT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS STUFF HAPPENS BUT THROUGH MY RESEARCH THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON IN THE OLDER 4RUNNER MODELS ALONG WITH THE VERY SIMILAR FRAMED TACOMA WHICH HAS THE FRAME RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED CORRODED PIECES OF METAL THAT DROPPED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

RUSTED FRAME MULTIPLE AREAS. REAR STABILIZER BAR RUSTED OFF WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC LEAVING MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. I HEARD A NOISE, PULLED OVER AND LOOKED BUT DIDNT SEE THE PROBLEM. WHILE HOME I LOOKED AGAIN AND FOUND THE STABILIZER BAR HANGING RUSTED OFF OF THE FRAME. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK FURTHER AND THEY FOUND MULTIPLE AREAS WITH RUST INCLUDING THE OPPOSITE SIDE LOOKS READY TO DO EXACT THING AND LOSE THE STABLIZER BAR TO RUST

PURCHASED THIS TOYOTA 4 RUNNER FROM A DEALERSHIP ONLY TO FIND OUT LAST WEEK THE FRAME IS RUSTED WITH HOLES. I BELIEVE THE DEALERSHIP KNEW THIS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD THE VEHICLE UNDER SUCH DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THAT IT'S IN. *TR

FRAME RUST. LOTS OF AREAS OF FRAME BEGINNING TO FALL. CAR SWAYING. AFRAID OF GETTING INTO ACCIDENT. *TR

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED TO MOVE VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. I ALMOST WENT UNDER A COMMERCIAL TRUCK AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF MY TRUCK.. I MANAGED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AND CHECKED UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK FOR DAMAGE , BUT COULD SEE NOTHING. I DROVE SLOWLY TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND MY CAR STILL KEPT MOVING TO THE RIGHT AT 20MPH. MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAD BROKE DUE TO RUST, AND I WAS VERY LUCK TO BE ALIVE. (IT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY MORNING WITH LITTLE COMMUTER TRAFFIC OTHERWISE I MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED) HE SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 4 RUNNERS 1998 AND LATER YEARS.I CALLED TOYOTA BUT THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT OBLIGED TO ISSUE A RECALL FROM NHTSA?? OR WHATEVER IT IS CALLED. MY MECHANIC DID A WELDING JOB TO REPAIR THE ISSUE WHICH COST ME $750.00 TO FIX. I HAD NO RECOURSE DUE TO TOYOTAS RELUCTANCE TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE FORCE TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR A FATALITY BEFORE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I FEEL I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS I INCURRED BUT TOYOTA DO NOT WANT TO KNOW!! I BEG YOU TO INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY. MY CAR IS IN PERFECT MECHANICAL ORDER EXCEPT FOR RUST AND ROTTING UNDERNEATH, BECAUSE TOYOTA DID NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WHEN MANUFACTURING THIS MODEL. I AM STILL SCARED DRIVING THIS CAR BUT AM FORCED TO DO SO AND PRAY NOTHING HAPPENS GOING FORWARD. (PROBLEM : REAR CONTROL AR

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE FREE FROM FRAME DUE TO RUSTED FRAME. *TR

2009 MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR ALL SEASON LUXURY TIRES P265/70R16 WERE PURCHASED AT COSTCO 12/16/09. WE WENT TO OUR MECHANIC ON 2/17/15 FOR A VIBRATION PROBLEM ON FRONT END OF OUR 1998 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. AFTER INSPECTION HE INFORMED US THAT OUR TIRES WERE CRACKED ON SIDE WALL. IN ADDITION THE ROAD FORCE BALANCE TEST SHOWS SEVERE RUNOUT ON FRONT TIRES AND WE SHOULD REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES. WE HAVE ONLY PUT 18,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES. MY TIRES DON'T FALL UNDER THE RECALLS BUT THIS DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT FOR THAT KIND OF FAILURE TO OCCUR WITH SUCH LOW MILAGE. *TR

I WAS INFORMED OF AND SHOWN EXCESSIVE FRAME ROTTING/RUSTING THROUGH FROM A MECHANIC. THE FRAME LOOKED RELATIVELY NORMAL ROUGHLY 6 MONTHS AGO. I AM AWARE THAT SOME OF THEIR OTHER TRUCKS HAVE RECALLS DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE, AND I AM SEEING INSTANCES OF THIS ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HIT A BUMP DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL I WENT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE REAR END STARTED JUMPING AS THE CAR INCREASED SPEED. I STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL SO I SLOW DOWN AND EVENTUALLY PULLED OVER. I EXITED THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO INSPECT THE CAR'S UNDER BODY, I DIDM;T SEE ANYTHING SO I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME DOING UNDER 20MILES PER HOUR AS TO NOT MAKE THE REAR END JUMP. WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME I LIFTED THE CAR UP AND FURTHER INSPECTED THE UNDER SIDE,I THEN NOTICE THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY DISLOCATED FROM THE FRAME UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THE FACTORY WIELD DISENGAGED FROM THE FRAME. *TR

THE FRAME WAS POORLY DESIGNED FROM THE FACTORY. WITH THE HOLLOW STYLE FRAME AS THIN AS IT IS, DOES NOT HAVE PROPER DRAINAGE. THIS DESIGN FROM TOYOTA CAUSES PREMATURE OXIDIZATION OF THE FRAME/UNDER CARRIAGE, BECAUSE MOISTURE FROM NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS IS FAILED TO BE EVACUATED FROM THE FRAME EVEN AFTER BEING KEPT IN A DRY WARM PLACE FOR STORAGE. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDELY DOCUMENTED ONLINE IN FORUMS DEDICATED SPECIFICALLY TO THESE VEHICLES. THE FRAME RUST IS SO BAD ON MINE, I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT. I AM RECENTLY UNEMPLOYED, AND HAVE NOT NEARLY ENOUGH SAVINGS FOR A NEW VEHICLE. THIS WILL BECOME A NATIONAL SAFETY HAZARD SOON AS HIGHER MILEAGE 4RUNNERS OF THIS FRAME DESIGN ARE COMMONLY COMING DOWN IN PRICE ON THE USED MARKET AND ARE OFTEN SOUGHT AFTER AS GOOD "STARTER CAR" FOR NEW DRIVERS AND TEENS. TOYOTA SHOULD DO THE HONORABLE THING , WHICH THEY DEMONSTRATED AND SAVED LIVES WITH THE RECALL OF TACOMA MODEL FRAMES. I AM NOW CAR-LESS IN A RURAL AREA, WHICH MAKES ME PRETTY MUCH UNEMPLOYABLE. THANKS TOYOTA, IF THE FRAME I BOUGHT WAS HALF AS WELL BUILT AS THE BODY AND ENGINE OF THE AUTO I PURCHASED, I WOULD NOT BE IN THE SITUATION, AND THE HIGHWAYS WOULD NOT BE AT RISK, WHICH THEY ARE NOW. *TR

THE FRAME OF THE BODY IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE TO OUTSIDE, ITS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT MIGHT TAKE A WHILE BEFORE ONE CAN REALIZE WHAT IS GOING ON SINCE THE OUTER PART OF THE VEHICLE FRAME SOMEWHAT SEEM TO BE OK. *TR

THE FRAME ON MY 1998 4RUNNER HAS BEEN DESTROYED BY RUST BEYOND WHAT SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE. THERE ARE SOME HOLES IN THE FRAME AND THE RUST IS SEVERE. THE FRAME SHOULD BE A LIFETIME PART, NOT SOMETHING THAT FAILS IN THIS MANNER, AND THE STATE OF THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE BY ANY STANDARDS. I BROUGHT IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT, AND THEY TOLD ME TO MY FACE THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE, BUT THEY WOULD NOT MAKE A REPORT OR PUT THAT IN WRITING. THEIR REPORT SAID SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF 'CUSTOMER SAID FRAME WAS RUSTY, TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT FRAME IS RUSTY.' TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE FRAMES AND ANY ASSOCIATED ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN RUINED BY THE RUST. TOYOTA RECALLED ALL THE BAD TACOMA FRAMES THAT WERE RUSTY THROUGH THE SAME TIME PERIOD, SO THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY DO THE SAME FOR ALL THE 4RUNNER OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THIS TROUBLE. *JS

THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET RUSTED AND BROKE FREE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AT FULL FREEWAY SPEED DURING AM RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP APROX. 1/4 MILE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A FRAME REPAIR SHOP. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THEY COULD NOT EVEN GIVE ME A ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO CHECK ON RECALLS AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN MY GARAGE SOON TO BE JUNKED. *TR

FRAME HAS RUST PERFORATION WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET MOUNTS TO FRAME.....APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 1996-2002 4 RUNNERS AND TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

VEHICLE STARTED A CLUNKING SOUND AND BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. MECHANIC INSPECTED AND FOUND FRAME HAD RUSTED ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR REAR SWAY BAR. *TR

DURING NORMAL SERVICE AND INSPECTION, MY TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE REP. REPORTED FRAME RUST, INCLUDING PERFORATION OF THE FRAME. SERVICE REP RECOMMENDED THAT VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN, AND TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 13 YEARS. TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS HAVE DONE THE SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NEVER REPORTED THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVEN HEARD OF FRAME RUST. NOW, I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS ALMOST WORTHLESS. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY SUGGESTIONS OR HELP. *TR

WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRAME MOUNT BROKE DUE TO FRAME ROT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY AND I WAS ABLE LIMP IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE FRAME AND MOUNT FOR THE CONTROL ARM ARE ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, THIS IS MY MAIN DAILY DRIVER VEHICLE. THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS BESIDES REPLACING THE FRAME. I KNOW THERE IS ALOT OF MILES ON THIS TRUCK BUT MECHANICALLY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND IT RUNS GREAT. *TR

TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN A FLAT PAVED ROAD AND MY LOWER BALL JOINT (ATM 1012460) CAME OFF FOR NO REASON CAUSING ME TO SKID TO A HALT. MY TIRE WAS SIDEWAYS AND PUSHED INTO MY FENDER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL AND OTHER PARTS. THIS PART (LOWER BALL JOINT) WAS REPLACED 8 MONTHS PRIOR ALONG WITH TIE RODS, AXLE, CONTROL ARM, UPPER BALL JOINT AND A NUMBER OF OTHER ITEMS IN THAT AREA. RIEBES AUTO PARTS REPLACED THE FAULTY BALL JOINT, TIRE, FENDER, AND OTHER PARTS THAT WERE DAMAGED. I JUST GOT IT BACK LAST NIGHT AND MY WIFE STATED IT FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT. I DROVE IT TO MY MECHANIC AND ON THE WAY THE OTHER SIDE POPPED OF GOING 15 MPH ON A FLAT ROAD. SO ALL THE SAME DAMAGE AGAIN. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE BECAUSE Y WIFE AND KIDS WERE JUST IN THE CAR A FEW HOURS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. IF IT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN ROLLING. ALTROM LOWER BALL JOINT FOR A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS THE PART. *TR

I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY IT FELT LIKE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE FELL OFF. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET WAS ROTTED OUT OF THE FRAME. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN DRIVE MY TRUCK ANYMORE. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT THE FRAME AND WAS TOLD ITS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THE 4RUNNERS WHEN THE FRAME IS SIMILAR TO THE TACOMAS. THE TACOMAS DID HAVE A RECALL FOR ROTTING OF THE FRAME. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE FRAME ON THE 4RUNNERS SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE AXLE OF THE 4RUNNER COULD FALL OUT AND COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE LEFT REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM ATTACHMENT POINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD, HIT A POTHOLE AND THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM RIPPED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. FOUND OUT FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INSPECTED. I HAD JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND IT HAD GONE THROUGH PA INSPECTION TWO MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. ITS A SHAME, THE REST OF THE TRUCK, MOTOR, INTERIOR, BODY PANELS, WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME AND TRAILING ARM BRACKET EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO LIABILITY ISSUES, THEY COULD NOT SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

TOYOTA ADVISES THAT FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A 14 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 87,000 MILES. *TR

I GOT THE 4RUNNER IN LIKE 2006 OR 2007 AT A USED DEALERSHIP IN GREAT CONDITION. DIDN'T LOOK GOOD AT THE UNDERNEATH AT THE TIME. AROUND 6-7 YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING WHEN I WOULD DRIVE ON THE MAIN ROAD. GOT IT CHECKED OUT AND THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT I WAS LUCKY TO NOT HAVE THE ENTIRE BOTTOM FALL OUT WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. GOT SOME WELDED TO LAST AWHILE LONGER AND A YEAR LATER, THE OTHER SIDE BROKE FROM RUST. IT IS A SHAME BECAUSE THE BODY AND INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, ENGINE, ETC. IS IN GREAT CONDITION! EVEN THE BACK BUMPER AND HITCH IS RUSTED OUT BAD NOW. I THINK SINCE THE TACOMA HAS A RECALL FOR THE RUST ON FRAME, THE 4RUNNER SHOULD AS WELL BECAUSE I AM LOSING MONEY FROM MY 4RUNNER & JUST LETTING IT GO TO SCRAPS. IT WOULD COST MORE TO FIND AN ENTIRE NEWER FRAME THAN TO JUST FIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE BECAUSE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE TO DRIVE THESE MODELS WHEN THE RUST IS SOO BAD! *TR

VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND CLUNKING. I WAS NEAR HOME AND ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. UPON TOWING TO THE MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. FRAME ROT WAS DISCOVERED ON THE SIDE RAILS. CAR IS CONSIDERED UNDRIVEABLE AND SHOULD BE TOTALED. *TR

1998 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRAME RUST. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SUPPORT BRACKET SNAPPED OFF THE MAIN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.

FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AROUND REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. NUMEROUS RUST HOLES IN FRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION AND TOYOTA DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE ONLINE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, JUST LIKE THE TACOMA FRAMES. VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. IT IS A SHAME THIS 4RUNNER IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK, UNSAFE FRAME. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 100 MILES. THE CONTACT SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED, THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE WIRING HARNESS BUT WAS EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY A DEFECTIVE VOLTAGE REGULATOR TO THE ALTERNATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 9/25/12 *CN UPDATED 10/04/2012 *JS UPDATED 10/16/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST DEALER FAILED TO THE CONTACT OF PENDING ALTENATOR FAILURE , AFTER THE CONSUMER TOLD THE DEALER BOTH ABS AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 10/18/2012 *JS

REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS LEAKING FLUID AS A RESULT OF RUST. LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (IT IS ALL ONE PIECE) TO THE TUNE OF $3000. AN ONLINE SEARCH OF A DIY REPAIR SHOWS THIS PROBLEM (GOOGLE: REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUST) SHOWS THIS PROBLEM IS UNIQUE TO TOYOTA 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS. THIS AMOUNT OF RUST ON AN INTEGRAL PART IS EXTREME AND UNACCEPTABLE THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DONE A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THEY DID ONE FOR VIRTUALLY SAME VEHICLE IN THE TACOMA FOR FRAME RUST. *TR

I WAS GETTING OFF 385 ONTO WOODRUFF ROAD. I NEEDED TO GET OVER INTO THE OTHER LANE BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO TURN DOWN ORDHIRD PARK ROAD AND THERE IS ONLY ONE LANE THAT ALLOWS YOU TOO. I PUT ON MY BLINKER AND GOT OVER. ONCE I HAD GOTTEN OVER THIS MAN STARTED TO HONK HIS HORN AND DROVE UP TO THE REAR OF MY CAR AND A VERY FAST PACE. HE KEPT HONKING SO I PULLED INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER RIGHT BESIDE THE KANGAROO GAS STATION. I WAS THEN ABOUT TO TURN ONTO ORCHIRD PARK WHEN THE WHITE CHRYSLER CAME BY AND STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME AND STARTED HONKING AND FLICKING ME OFF. HE FINALLY GOT OUT OF THE WAY AND SO I PULLED ONTO ORCHIRD PARK. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO STICK HIS FINGERS OUT OF THE WINDOW AND FLICK ME OFF AND KEEP SLAMMING ON HIS BRAKES. HE WAS AND OLDER WHITE MALE. HE SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD FOR THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR. IN NO WAY DID I CUT HIM OFF. AT ALL TIMES I FOLLOWED THE ROAD SAFETY RULES. THE VEHICLE WAS A WHITE CHRYSLER 300 WITH CHROME ALL AROUND THE TRIM. THEN MAN HAD SOME TYPE OF BANDAGE ON HIS HAND. AND HER WORE GLASSES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER BALL JOINT FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED EIGHT DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ALSO DESTROYED THE INNER AND OUTER BOOT OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED GREASE TO LEAK ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 159,158. UPDATED 7/19/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO LODGE IN THE FENDER, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGED TO THE RUNNING BOARD AS WELL. UPDATED 07/23/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING VERY ERRATICALLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 186,000.

FUEL GAUGE WARNING COMES ON WHEN TANK GAUGE READS 2/3 FULL, THEN AS DRIVING, GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN STILL HAS 10 GALLONS IN TANK- NO WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AT THAT READING. *TR

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS RUSTING OUT. *TR

I FOUND A 10" LONG X1" WIDE SECTION OF FRAME PERFORATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AT THE CROSS MEMBER. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER PLACES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT ARE PERFORATED AS WELL. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEEMS OK. I AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

I OWN A 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT WHERE THE FRONT PORTION OF THE REAR LEAF SPRING BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME. THIS WAS POINTED OUT TO ME BY AN AUTO BODY REPAIR PERSON WHO'S FATHER HAD A TACOMA THAT RUSTED OUT IN THE SAME SPOT. HIS VEHICLE WAS GRANTED 1.5 TIMES OVER KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEIZED FROM HIM AT THE TIME DUE TO SAFETY. MY 4 RUNNER IS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD WITH A KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF 6500.00. IT LOOKS AND RUNS GREAT. BUT OBVIOUSLY THIS VEHICLE IS NOT WORTH THAT NOW AND CANNOT BE SOLD DUE TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE FRAME. IT ALSO CANNOT BE REPAIRED. EVENTUALLY THIS WILL RESULT IN A FAILURE AND DEPENDING ON WHAT SPEED THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT THE TIME WILL TELL HOW SERIOUS THE ACCIDENT WILL BE. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH MY CONCERNS. I SENT THREE CERTIFIED LETTERS TO TOYOTA EXPRESSING MY CONCERNS WITH SAFETY. THE LETTER SENT TO THE PRESIDENT YOSHIMI INABA THAT WAS NOT FORWARDED TO HIM, WAS RETURNED DUE TO AN ERRONEOUS ADDRESS SO IT APPEARS HE IS BEING SHELTERED. I WAS OFFERED $500.00 REIMBURSEMENT ON SERVICE, PARTS OR ACCESSORIES OR A 1500.00 'GIFT' BASED ON TOYOTA'S 'GOODWILL OFFER' TOWARDS A NEW TOYOTA. THIS "GIFT" WAS OFFERED BY AN EXECUTIVE ANALYST WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WHOM APPARENTLY DOESN'T WANT THE TOP EXECUTIVES TO RECEIVE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. BASED ON COMPARISONS THAT THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA OWNERS RECEIVED, I DON'T FEEL THE SO-CALLED "GOODWILL" OF BEING A TOYOTA