FaultScore

FaultScore report

1997 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

Owners have filed 200 complaints about the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER with NHTSA between 2006 and 2023. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 34 worst.

C

FaultScore 58/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota 4RUNNER.

How this is worked out

The numbers

200

Complaints

25

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

12

Injuries reported

4 complaints report a death.

175,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

2%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 55 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 4 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Toyota 4RUNNER. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 4
2% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1997 compares with every other Toyota 4RUNNER

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 70 35.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 177,607 mi

Suspension 65 32.5%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 171,000 mi

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 195,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 143,736 mi

Steering 10 5.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 170,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 3.5%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 158,519 mi

Brakes 6 3.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 133,767 mi

Tires 3 1.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 182,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 3 1.5%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 186,471 mi

Stability & Traction Control 2 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 145,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 1 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 186,000 mi

Seats 1 0.5%

Median failure at 210,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 0.5%
Lights 1 0.5%
Airbags 1 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Electrical System 1 0.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 23,700 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 41 51.9%
Underbody Shields 16 20.3%
Frame AND Members 10 12.7%
Rear 5 6.3%
Driveline 3 3.8%
Engine 2 2.5%
Inflator Module 1 1.3%
Banjo Housing 1 1.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 1.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 1.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 0.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 0.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 37 22.3%
150,000+ miles 123 74.1%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2006 peak 9 May 2023

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

TIRES

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS LOANED FROM A USED DEALER (MCFARLAND AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 231 FRONTAGE RD MC, MCFARLAND, CA 93250). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL, A WOODEN POST, A FENCE AND CAME TO A STOP AT A TREE. THE CONTACT DOES NOT REMEMBER IF THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE SUSTAINED A FRACTURE NOSE, SPINE, LEFT WRIST, RIGHT LUNG WAS PUNCTURED, AND 3 FRACTURED RIBS ON HER LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS IN A COMA AND HOSPITALIZED FOR 3 WEEKS. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVE-ABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11316570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles Shelbt, AL Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE REAR AXLE ARM ATTACHES. ARM MOUNT BROKEN LOOSE FROM FRAME. VEHICHLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND VIRTUALLY NOT REPAIRABLE. (FRAME REPLACEMENT) RIDICULOUS TOYOTA!!! YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MAKE IT RIGHT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!. MYSELF AND FMAILY OWN 7 TOYOTAS. MIGHT RECONSIDER EVER BUYING ANOTHER!

NHTSA complaint #10995750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles Shelbt, AL Crash

SUSPENSION

FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE REAR AXLE ARM ATTACHES. ARM MOUNT BROKEN LOOSE FROM FRAME. VEHICHLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND VIRTUALLY NOT REPAIRABLE. (FRAME REPLACEMENT) RIDICULOUS TOYOTA!!! YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MAKE IT RIGHT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!. MYSELF AND FMAILY OWN 7 TOYOTAS. MIGHT RECONSIDER EVER BUYING ANOTHER!

NHTSA complaint #10995750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Lake Tomahawk, WI

SUSPENSION

I have had this vehicle since 12/1997 and it had always been garaged. The body is in very good condition. I live in northern Wisconsin and road salt is prevalent during the harsh winters. At the first part od April I was driving on Hwy, 47 toward Minocqua and suddenly the steering felt vague. I moved the steering wheel slighlty and the vehicle went out of control, I managed to avoid oncoming traffic and pulled to the side of the road. I was still near home and drove very slowly to get home. Upon examining the cundercarriage at a local mechanic, we found that the frame was rusted and had broken where the rear trailing arm is attached, leaving the rear axle loose. I ended up giving the car to the mechanic. After driving it for 26 years it was a very sad moment since ran great and was my daily driver. I called Toyota and they told my vehicle was not included in the recall for

NHTSA complaint #11523903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,000 miles Wayne, NJ

POWER TRAIN

PURCHASED A USED 1997 4-RUNNER WITH CA. 258000 MILES EARLY IN 2020. ENGINE AND WHOLE BODY WAS GOOD. HOWEVER, 6 MONTH LATER THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SWINGING LIKE A BOAT, WHICH I THOUGH WAS DUE TO A BROKEN SHOCK, SPRINGS WERE NEWLY INSTALLED IN 2020. I NOTICED THAT REAR STABILIZER ARM ON PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF DUE TO RUST. WHEN DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP THE CAR REAR AXLE BROKE LOOSE, SHIFTED, AND THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT - I COULD PULL OVER IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODE. PLEASE KNOW THAT THE RUST AN EXTENSIVE FRAME ROT ON THE THE REAR FRAME ON BOTH SIDES WAS NOT VERY VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE. REPAIRS FOR FRAME WELD WERE 2500 -3000 USD. THE 1997 4-RUNNER, V6 IS A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE!

NHTSA complaint #11360061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,000 miles Wayne, NJ

SUSPENSION

PURCHASED A USED 1997 4-RUNNER WITH CA. 258000 MILES EARLY IN 2020. ENGINE AND WHOLE BODY WAS GOOD. HOWEVER, 6 MONTH LATER THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY IN THE REAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SWINGING LIKE A BOAT, WHICH I THOUGH WAS DUE TO A BROKEN SHOCK, SPRINGS WERE NEWLY INSTALLED IN 2020. I NOTICED THAT REAR STABILIZER ARM ON PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF DUE TO RUST. WHEN DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP THE CAR REAR AXLE BROKE LOOSE, SHIFTED, AND THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT - I COULD PULL OVER IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODE. PLEASE KNOW THAT THE RUST AN EXTENSIVE FRAME ROT ON THE THE REAR FRAME ON BOTH SIDES WAS NOT VERY VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE. REPAIRS FOR FRAME WELD WERE 2500 -3000 USD. THE 1997 4-RUNNER, V6 IS A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE!

NHTSA complaint #11360061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

TIRES

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

MY FIANCE AND I WERW DRIVING A BORROWERED 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WE WERE DRIVING AT 65 M AND ALL I REMEMBER JUST GETTIN ON THE FREEWAY.AND BLANKING OUT.. WHEN I WOKE UP I SADLY DISCOVERD THAT MY FIANCE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL THEN A POST SIGN AND THEN RESTED ON A TREE..HE PASSED AWAY ON IMPACT. I SUFFERED A T1 TO T3 SPINE FRACTURE.MY LEFT WRIST FRACTURED.A BROKEN NOSE. AS I WOKE UP FROM MY 3 WEEK COMA. I REALISED HE PASSED AWAY. NOW THE TRUCK WAS BORRWED, NOT LENDED OR BOUGHT. THE DEALER GAVE US THE KEYS TO USE WHILE HE FIXED THE CAR WE RENTED .. NO PAPERS SIGNED NOR DOCUMENTS . EARLIER THAT DAY I REMEMBER HIM CALLING ME SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS MAKING WIERED NOISES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND ON 2/4/14 A 6.15.PM *DT

NHTSA complaint #11316783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shafter, CA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS LOANED FROM A USED DEALER (MCFARLAND AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 231 FRONTAGE RD MC, MCFARLAND, CA 93250). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL, A WOODEN POST, A FENCE AND CAME TO A STOP AT A TREE. THE CONTACT DOES NOT REMEMBER IF THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE SUSTAINED A FRACTURE NOSE, SPINE, LEFT WRIST, RIGHT LUNG WAS PUNCTURED, AND 3 FRACTURED RIBS ON HER LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS IN A COMA AND HOSPITALIZED FOR 3 WEEKS. THE DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVE-ABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11316570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 198,000 miles Lothian, MD

SUSPENSION

REAR FRAM STABILIZER BRACE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME, SO AXLE TO FRAME STALIZER DOES NOT STABILIZE REAR AXLE

NHTSA complaint #11300559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350,000 miles Georgetown, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VERY RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE. MY OTHER IS ONLY 3 YEARS NEWER AND HAS NOTHING LIKE THIS ON IT. I WAS ADVISED TO SELL IT BY A SUSPENSION SHOP THAT NOTED MY BROKEN, RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE, BAD SHOCK AND THE CONDITION OF THE REAR OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME IN GENERAL. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THIS RUST.

NHTSA complaint #11235080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350,000 miles Georgetown, IL

SUSPENSION

VERY RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE. MY OTHER IS ONLY 3 YEARS NEWER AND HAS NOTHING LIKE THIS ON IT. I WAS ADVISED TO SELL IT BY A SUSPENSION SHOP THAT NOTED MY BROKEN, RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE, BAD SHOCK AND THE CONDITION OF THE REAR OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME IN GENERAL. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THIS RUST.

NHTSA complaint #11235080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350,000 miles Georgetown, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

VERY RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE. MY OTHER IS ONLY 3 YEARS NEWER AND HAS NOTHING LIKE THIS ON IT. I WAS ADVISED TO SELL IT BY A SUSPENSION SHOP THAT NOTED MY BROKEN, RUSTED OUT UNDERCARRIAGE, BAD SHOCK AND THE CONDITION OF THE REAR OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME IN GENERAL. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THIS RUST.

NHTSA complaint #11235080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350,000 miles Merriam, KS

SUSPENSION

FRAME RUST MAKES VEHICLE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11208714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 350,000 miles Merriam, KS

STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME RUST MAKES VEHICLE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11208714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 285,200 miles Gaffney, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HEY I HAVE A 1997 4 RUNNER I HAVE A PROBLEM OF THE FRAME GETTING RUSTED OUT. IT IS ON THE 4 LINK WHERE IT HOOKS TO THE AXLE IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME MY REAR AXLE ABOUT CAME OFF AND IT ALMOST GOT ME INTO A RECK. ALL I DONE IS HIT THE BRAKES THEN HURT POP AND REAR END WENT CRAZY. I WAS ON A BUSY CITY STEET WHEN IT HAPPENED

NHTSA complaint #11184202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 285,200 miles Gaffney, SC

STRUCTURE:BODY

HEY I HAVE A 1997 4 RUNNER I HAVE A PROBLEM OF THE FRAME GETTING RUSTED OUT. IT IS ON THE 4 LINK WHERE IT HOOKS TO THE AXLE IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME MY REAR AXLE ABOUT CAME OFF AND IT ALMOST GOT ME INTO A RECK. ALL I DONE IS HIT THE BRAKES THEN HURT POP AND REAR END WENT CRAZY. I WAS ON A BUSY CITY STEET WHEN IT HAPPENED

NHTSA complaint #11184202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 271,000 miles Powell, TN

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS NOTHING SUPPORTING THE STABILIZER ARM. FOX TOYOTA (228 FOX FAMILY LN, CLINTON, TN 37716, (865)-494-0228) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 271,000.

NHTSA complaint #11173583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 271,000 miles Powell, TN

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS NOTHING SUPPORTING THE STABILIZER ARM. FOX TOYOTA (228 FOX FAMILY LN, CLINTON, TN 37716, (865)-494-0228) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 271,000.

NHTSA complaint #11173583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Yorkville, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME SNAPPED FROM RUST AS I WAS DRIVING

NHTSA complaint #11165289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles Bloomington, IL

SEATS

THE BOLTS AND NUTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT SEATS TO THE CAR RUST OVER TIME AND EVENTUALLY BREAK

NHTSA complaint #11160517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 337,000 miles Saint Joseph, MO

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER IS RUSTING ALONG THE REAR AXLE CONTROL ARM MOUNT (THE PIECE WELDED TO THE FRAME THAT YOU CAN SEE WHEN CROUCHED DOWN LOOKING UNDER THE REAR DOORS). THIS SEPARATES AND CAUSES THE REAR AXLE TO FLOAT AROUND WHICH MAY CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS OTHER INCIDENTS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SEPARATE COMPLETELY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEY WERE BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11150888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toronto, CA

SUSPENSION

THE FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE FRAME ROT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FRAME.

NHTSA complaint #11149943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 201,021 miles Richmodn, VA

SUSPENSION

THE FRAME WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND NOT ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION WAS APPLIED BY TOYOTA. WE RARELY GET SNOW AND STILL THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. TOYOTA DID NOT MAKE A DRAIN HOLE SO THAT THE WATER IN THE FRAME WOULD EVAPORATE. THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE VEHICLES WHICH OTHERWISE LAST A LONG TIME. A LOT OF OWNERS HAVE 4RUNENRS WITH EXCELLENT ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BUT WITH RUSTED FRAMES. THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN ON UNSUSPECTING OWNERS.

NHTSA complaint #11141787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 201,021 miles Richmodn, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND NOT ENOUGH RUST PROTECTION WAS APPLIED BY TOYOTA. WE RARELY GET SNOW AND STILL THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED THROUGH. TOYOTA DID NOT MAKE A DRAIN HOLE SO THAT THE WATER IN THE FRAME WOULD EVAPORATE. THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE VEHICLES WHICH OTHERWISE LAST A LONG TIME. A LOT OF OWNERS HAVE 4RUNENRS WITH EXCELLENT ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BUT WITH RUSTED FRAMES. THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN ON UNSUSPECTING OWNERS.

NHTSA complaint #11141787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 232,000 miles Wixom, MI

SUSPENSION

THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE REAR TRAILING ARM TO THE FRAME BROKE OFF FROM THE FRAME CAUSING IT TO SWERVE AND LOOSE STABILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION

NHTSA complaint #11140613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

SUSPENSION

MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS RUSTING TO THE POINT THAT IT'S A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I'VE ALREADY HAD THE RIGHT REAR SHOCKMOUNT AND BAR REPLACED, AND THE LEFT IS ON ITS WAY TO RUSTING COMPLETELY THROUGH. ON THE LEFT SIDE, HOWEVER, THE FUEL TANK IS MOUNTED UP, AND WHEN THE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTS THROUGH AND BREAKS, IT WILL VERY LIKELY CAUSE SOMETHING TO PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK. THAT COULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE, SINCE I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, I MUST CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. SO, IT IS LIKELY THAT IT WILL BE ON THE ROAD WHEN THAT HAPPENS. WHY IN THE WORLD HAS THIS VEHICLE NOT BEEN RECALLED WHEN YOU RECALLED THE TOYOTA TACOMAS FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF RUSTY FRAMES? THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE A HUGE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MANY PEOPLE IF THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT RECALLED AND TAKEN OFF THE STREETS!

NHTSA complaint #11139192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.