Problems with 1999 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Frame rusting out inside rails near rear spring perch 12 inches long

Frame has rusted where engine support is compromised,

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

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

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