Problems with 1999 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

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.

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.

Rear suspension mount separated from frame at weld, vehicle was rustproofed when new.

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).

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).

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

Frame rusted through with large holes mechanic said there's not much they can do with it because it's so bad!

Frame rusted

Under body has rusted and repair cost is $10000

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

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

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.

Frame is rusting despite only 72,680 miles.

1999 toyota 4runner rear frame rusted driver side

Frame severely rusted deemed unsafe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The frame of the vehicle is rotted and separating. my mechanic told me it is not safe to drive this vehicle.

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..

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.

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 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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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