1999 Toyota 4Runner Body Problems
- 66
- 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.
What owners report
- frame rusted · 18 records
- failure mileage · 12 records
- passenger side · 10 records
- rusted through · 9 records
- approximate failure · 6 records
- independent mechanic · 5 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 30 |
| 100–150k mi | 13 |
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 30–60k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
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.
ODI 10789569
Body
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.
ODI 10788904
Body
The frame of the vehicle is rotted and separating. My mechanic told me it is not safe to drive this vehicle.
ODI 10730762
Body · Steering · Suspension
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…
ODI 10731610
Body
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…
ODI 11002706
Body · Unknown Or Other
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.
ODI 10721149
Body · Steering · Suspension
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
ODI 10683353
Body · Steering · Suspension
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…
ODI 10704958
Body
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
ODI 10678959
Body
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…
ODI 10641071
Body
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.
ODI 10637094
Body
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…
ODI 10597889
Body · Power Train
Passenger frame showing signs of rust thru of frame in front of passenger rear wheel about a 3 inch long hole. *tr
ODI 10586716
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
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
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
Body
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,…
ODI 10927901
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
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
Body
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.
ODI 10545366
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
Body
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.
ODI 10533277
Body · Underbody Shields
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
ODI 10524850
Body
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
ODI 10519835
Body
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…
ODI 10508570