Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 284000 | ||
| 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. kmj | |||
| 11/12/2012 | 284000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the driver heard a loud popping noise. the contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end trailing arm detached from the frame due to corrosion. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician stated that they were unable to work on the vehicle. however, they took pictures of the damage and sent it 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. pm | |||
| 11/30/2012 | 1 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 11/30/2012 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 07/31/2012 | 286000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 07/31/2012 | 286000 | ||
| 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 vehcile 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. | |||
| 07/09/2012 | 225000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for brakes and it was discovered that the right rear and left rear of the frame had rusted. the contact stated the right was worse then the left and they were told the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told there was no recall for the frame and nothiing that could be done. the failure mileage and current mileages were 225,000.rl | |||
| 04/04/2012 | 223027 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 12/05/2011 | |||
| 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-dont 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. havent contacted toyota but they most likely wont do a thing for me. | |||
| 10/27/2011 | |||
| 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. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 05/09/2005 | 135000 | 1 | |
| 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. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 02/28/2011 | 267000 | ||
| March 6, 2011: 99 toyota 4runner: i noticed my 4runner pictching 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 passanger side - right rear axle close to complete failure - toyota stated it was too dangersous 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. | |||
| 05/06/2009 | 78000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 5 | 05/01/1999 | |
| 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 | |||