Frame Rust problems of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner - part 1

My frame is rusted almost to pieces. I know this is a common problem with 4runner of the same year models. And I hope to get a recall because it's putting me and others at risk of wrecking the car and possible injuries.

Our 4runner went in for shocks and we were told we have a rusted frame. We only have 89,000 miles on it and we have kept up with all maintenance. This vehicle still has lots of life left in it and disappointed about the frame. I have seen other reports of the same problem with 4runners.

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.

My 1999 4-runner with only 89,000 miles has a rusted frame. It needs repair or it will not be driveable. I have taken great care of this vehicle. Went in for shocks, and was told by dealership that the frame has rusted.

I was driving my 4 runner and it started to like it was �floating� and �swaying� front to back. I wasn't far from home so I parked her. The next day I was taking my son to school and it felt like the front right side of the car dipped down. We were maybe 20 yds from the house so I parked it. My husband drove it to see what was wrong and he ran off the road and almost rolled the truck. I called our mechanic and he called a roll back to pick it up. The owner drove it and he ran off the road and almost crashed. He looked at it and saw the frame has rusted in half.

Frame rusted falling apart. So soft I can stick my fingers through it.

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?.

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.

Frame has extensive rust inside and out . Suspension and rocker panels are affected also. I was wondering about a frame recall since they have done so with other Toyota frames.

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!.

Frame rusted.

I have a 1999 Toyota 4runner. I am the original owner, and this vehicle has been garage keep and well maintained since I have owned it. While driving on the highway at about 55mph on 10/18/16, without warning - the 4runner began to shake violently from side to side. . . I almost lost control of the 4runner and could have been involved in a serious accident. The reason I lost control of the 4runner is because of a serious rusting issue in the frame (this issue has been well documented on the NHTSA, and also many other websites). The reason this rusting issue is so dangerous is where the rusting has occurred. The frame is rusting right at the section that the lower control arm bracket is welded to the frame. The lower control arm bracket is attached to the link/bar that holds the rear axle in place. The rust on my 4runner frame caused the lower control arm bracket on the drivers side to completely separate from the frame, causing a loss of control of the vehicle (see attached photos). I check the control arm bracket on the passenger side, and it also shows the same severe rusting at the frame where the control arm bracket is attached. There are still many 3rd generation 4runners on the road, and I feel this rusting situation is putting many lives in danger. There is no warning, you just lose control. I understand that my 4runner is 17 years old. . . But as I mentioned earlier, the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape. A frame should not rust this badly, especially in a critical section. Please hold Toyota accountable for a vehicle defect that is putting live in danger. Thank you.

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 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 states that the vehicle has excessive frame rust and a hole in the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Ad.

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 models, same frames same year. .

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.

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. The failure mileage was 107,871.

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!.

Tl-the contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dealer discovered that the frame rusted under the vehicle on the passenger's right side. The dealer also advised that the car is unsafe to drive and was unable to repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 155,890. Ne.

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.

Passenger frame showing signs of rust thru of frame in front of passenger rear wheel about a 3 inch long hole.

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.

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.

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.

Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle had rusted. The contact found out the frame was rusted when the vehicle was taken in for an oil change. The contact was told that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The contact spoke with the manufacturer ins regards to the failure and was told that the frame would not be covered. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 114,000. Rl.

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.

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.