1. Toyota 4Runner
  2. Problems
  3. 1999
  4. Suspension

1999 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Problems

48
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 48 stored complaint records:

  • 3 indicate a crash
  • 3 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • rear axle · 10 records
  • frame rusted · 8 records
  • ball joint · 7 records
  • rear lower · 6 records
  • lower control · 6 records
  • passenger side · 6 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
150–400k mi35
100–150k mi6
60–100k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • August 15, 2014 · 200,000 miles

    Service Brakes · Suspension · Wheels

    Perpetual rear brake failure due to leaking rear axle grease seals which throw grease onto rear brake shoes. Soaking them and rendering them useless and innefective. Causing unsafe braking. According to toyota dealer, and sears auto service in dover, delaware., repairs similar to this are being performed on similar vintage toyota four runner models on a weekly basis. The average repair cost is over $1000,. This…

    1 injury

    ODI 10820148

  • April 9, 2014 · 217,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    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

    ODI 10578501

  • March 24, 2014 · 185,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    Frame rust is more severe than it should be for a car of this age. *tr

    ODI 10574381

  • March 16, 2014 · 181,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    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

    ODI 10572683

  • March 15, 2014 · 125,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    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

    ODI 10572979

  • January 8, 2014 · 188,054 miles

    Suspension

    While operating the vehicle on a public road, the rear end of said vehicle began to "swap" back and forth at most any speed, acting as if a suspension component had malfunctioned. When making a left turn from a dead stop, a loud thump was heard un the vehicle. The handling issue had become much worse. We were a short distance from home, and were able to make our way slowly until reaching home. Upon inspection, i…

    ODI 10559101

  • December 26, 2013 · 197,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    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…

    ODI 10557368

  • December 1, 2013 · 155,000 miles

    Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    Upon doing a routine inspection on my truck. The frame on the passangers rear side is corroded to a mechanically unsafe condition. This is where rear anti-say bar attaches and the rear springs. The frame is paper thin in numerous places. Additionally there are more locations on the rear section of the frame on the drivers side that are approaching a simular state. I have washed the truck on a regular basis and used…

    ODI 10568447

  • November 12, 2013 · 143,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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…

    ODI 10554708

  • September 27, 2013 · 222,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    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

    ODI 10545739

  • September 2, 2013 · 212,000 miles

    Body · Power Train · Suspension

    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…

    ODI 10542818

  • June 27, 2013 · 178,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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

    ODI 10522051

  • May 31, 2013 · 235,935 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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…

    ODI 10705563

  • May 18, 2013 · 167,000 miles

    Suspension

    Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph on a gravel road, the rear end of vehicle began to fish tail uncontrollably. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and continue driving. The contact noticed that the entire frame was completely rusted, which contributed to the sway bar bracket detachment. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

    ODI 10513222

  • May 11, 2013 · 172,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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…

    1 injury

    ODI 10519742

  • November 30, 2012

    Body · Suspension

    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

    ODI 10486564

  • November 12, 2012 · 284,000 miles

    Suspension

    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…

    ODI 10489356

  • July 31, 2012 · 286,000 miles

    Power Train · Service Brakes · Suspension

    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…

    ODI 10468512

  • April 4, 2012 · 223,027 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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

    ODI 10455250

  • December 5, 2011

    Steering · Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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…

    ODI 10438714

  • October 27, 2011

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Underbody Shields

    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

    ODI 10434011

  • June 25, 2008 · 80,000 miles

    Body · Service Brakes · Suspension

    BAD FRAME ROT. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANYMORE.

    ODI 11129247

  • September 5, 1999

    Suspension

    Consumer states steering wheeel vibrates between 50 and 60 mph. Consumer has had vehicle aligned, and new tires and the problem is still occuring.*jb the vibration slows or stops when vehicle is put into [redacted]. The front has been aligned twice, before and after the tires. Consumer had the exact same problem with a 1996 toyota tacoma. This situation now causes the entire vehicle to vibrate at the same speed…

    ODI 8017949