1999 Toyota 4runner Body & Structure Problems

Your 4Runner's frame is suffering from severe rust and oxidation, which is compromising its structural integrity and strength. This poses a safety risk to you and others on the road, as the frame may fail or break apart. The issue appears to be widespread among 1999 4Runners and may be related to a manufacturing defect. Addressing this would likely require professional frame inspection and rust repair or replacement, which is a major structural repair.

Your 4Runner may experience a floating or swaying sensation while driving, followed by the front end dipping down on one side. This is caused by frame rust that has severely compromised the structural integrity of your vehicle, making it unsafe to drive. Your mechanic will need to inspect the frame damage and determine if frame repair or replacement is necessary.

Your car's frame has extensive rust damage that has compromised its structural integrity. You've noticed this is a widespread issue affecting other 1999 4Runners. Severe frame rust can affect your vehicle's structural strength and safety. Addressing this will likely require professional inspection and rust repair or frame replacement.

During a shock replacement service, you were informed that your 4Runner's frame has significant rust damage despite having only 89,000 miles and regular maintenance. You're concerned because the vehicle is otherwise in good condition with plenty of useful life remaining, and you've noticed this is a recurring issue reported by other 4Runner owners. Addressing frame rust typically involves professional inspection, possible rust treatment, or in severe cases, frame repair or replacement by a qualified technician.

Your 1999 4Runner's frame has rusted significantly despite having only 89,000 miles and being well-maintained. The dealership discovered the rust damage during a shock inspection and indicated the frame needs repair or the vehicle won't be safe to drive. Frame rust repair typically involves professional welding, reinforcement, or replacement of affected sections.

Your 4Runner's body has developed severe rust. You notified the dealer about this issue, but they didn't diagnose or repair it. Addressing rust typically involves cleaning affected areas and applying rust treatment or protective coatings to prevent further corrosion.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

FRAME RUSTED

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

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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 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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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. 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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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

BODY IS RUSTING SEVERELY. REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN. BUMPERS HAVE DISINTEGRATED. FRAME RUSTED AWAY FROM BODY AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. *TR

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.