1998 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 168 complaints about the 1998 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 42.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 26.8%.
Complaints168
Crashes9
Fires2
Injuries1
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Structure 42.9% · 72
Suspension 26.8% · 45
Unknown or other 8.3% · 14
Steering 3.6% · 6
Power train 3.0% · 5
Electrical system 2.4% · 4
Vehicle speed control 1.8% · 3
Service brakes, hydraulic 1.8% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 1 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 1998 sits 13th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 38 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 170,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame and trailing arm bracket exhibited severe rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repair but the contact was informed that due to liability issues, they could not service the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified but they offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 250,000. Structure · reported at 250,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the trailing arm rear axle of the frame was rusted completely and caused the vehicle to shake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000. Ma 10/19/15 updated 11/06/2017 Structure · reported at 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle veered to the left and right before wobbling violently. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear passenger side of the frame was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000. Structure · reported at 152,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…