1999 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 312 complaints about the 1999 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 36.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 19.6%.
Complaints312
Crashes17
Fires3
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 36.2% · 113
Suspension 19.6% · 61
Unknown or other 10.9% · 34
Power train 5.4% · 17
Steering 4.5% · 14
Fuel system, gasoline 4.2% · 13
Electrical system 3.2% · 10
Fuel/propulsion system 2.6% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 1999 sits 6th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 56 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 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. Structure · reported at 125,000 miles
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. Structure
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 Structure · reported at 107,871 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…