Five problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Toyota 4-runner. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame rust issues.
Vehicle started a clunking sound and began to sway from side to side. Mechanic inspected and found frame had rusted on drivers side near rear sway bar.
During normal service and inspection, my Toyota dealer service rep. Reported frame rust, including perforation of the frame. Service rep recommended that vehicle not be driven, and taken out of service. I have owned this vehicle for 13 years. Toyota dealerships have done the service and repairs on this vehicle, and never reported this problem previously. This was the first time I have even heard of frame rust. Now, I have a vehicle that is almost worthless. I reported this problem to Toyota, but they did not offer any suggestions or help.
1998 Toyota 4-runner. Consumer writes in regards to frame rust. The consumer stated the rear support bracket snapped off the main frame of the vehicle.
I got the 4runner in like 2006 or 2007 at a used dealership in great condition. Didn't look good at the underneath at the time. Around 6-7 years later, the vehicle started swaying when I would drive on the main road. Got it checked out and the frame was rusted so bad that I was lucky to not have the entire bottom fall out when driving down the road. Got some welded to last awhile longer and a year later, the other side broke from rust. It is a shame because the body and interior, exterior, engine, etc. Is in great condition! even the back bumper and hitch is rusted out bad now. I think since the tacoma has a recall for the rust on frame, the 4runner should as well because I am losing money from my 4runner & just letting it go to scraps. It would cost more to find an entire newer frame than to just find another vehicle. Something needs to change because it is very dangerous for people to drive these models when the rust is soo bad!.