1997 Toyota 4 Runner

122 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.

1. Filed Jan 30, 2006Failure Jan 30, 200665,000 milesPalo Alto, CAElectrical system

   A) WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 45-55 MPH THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF WITHOUT ME OR ANY PART OF MY BODY EVEN TOUCHING THE KEY OR DO ANYTHING TO PROVOKE SUCH EVENT. B) I WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH THE FLOW DURING RUSH OUR WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. I WAS IN DRIVE THE WHOLE TIME AND WAS USING ONLY THE ACCELERATOR, AND OCCASIONALLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ADJUST MY SPEED TO TRAFFIC. I WAS NOT CHANGING GEARS OR TOUCHING THE GEAR SHIFTER. C) THIS WAS THE THIRD INCIDENT TO OCCUR IN A SPAN OF ABOUT ONE YEAR. ALL INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC WITH ENGINE IN NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE] AND AT ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40 TO 60 MPH. D) FIRST INCIDENT, I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD DONE SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE FAILURE AND DIDN'T REPORT IT. SECOND INCIDENT, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND HE REFUSED TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. HE SAID THAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T BRING THE CAR IN QUICKLY ENOUGH THE INCIDENT WOULD BE GONE FROM THE ONBOARD COMPUTER MEMORY. THEREFORE, THERE WAS NO POINT OF DOING DIAGNOSTICS. THIS WAS THE THIRD INCIDENT, AND I INTEND TO VISIT THE SAME TOYOTA DEALER IN PALO ALTO ON JANUARY 30, 2006. *AK

   NHTSA complaint 10149040
2. Filed Dec 6, 2005Failure Oct 4, 2005Maynardville, TNLatch, Unknown or other

   WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES IN THE VENT ON THE BACK OF THE HOOD AT WINDSHIELD KEEPS MY CARPET SOAKED HOW CAN THIS BE FIXED? ALSO MY HOOD LATCH IS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH MY HOOD GOES UP 2 INCHES WHEN IM AT TOP SPEEDS (55 OR 65). *JB

   NHTSA complaint 10144533
3. Filed Nov 22, 2005Failure Nov 1, 2005130,000 milesMonclaire, NJBumpers

   DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BUMPER RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE RUST WAS COMPLETELY THROUGH THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE BUMPER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

   NHTSA complaint 10143440
4. Filed Sep 22, 2005Failure Aug 10, 199919,900 milesSalt Lake City, UTSeal, Service brakes, Master cylinder, Pads

   DT: 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT MAJOR BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS AT 19,900 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY BECAME WEAK. THIS TOOK 6 MONTHS TO DIAGNOSE, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS WAS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SINCE LATE 2003. WHEN CHECKED SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ESPECIALLY ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE. SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS, SHE STATES IT WAS BRAKING DIFFERENTLY THAN PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ON AUGUST 19, 2005. THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE WAS PULLING UP HIGHER THAN USUAL. THIS WAS CHECKED, AND THEY FOUND THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE SOAKED IN OIL. THIS REQUIRED THE SEALS, BEARINGS, RETAINERS, SENSOR RINGS AND THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO BE REPLACED. SHE FELT THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REAR AXLE. *JB

   NHTSA complaint 10134185
5. Filed May 18, 2005Failure Oct 9, 2003102,000 milesLockbourne, OHSuspensionCrash

   I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE LOOP AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. AT THE TOP OF THE LOOP, AS I STRAIGHTENED THE WHEEL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER. THE ROCKING TURNED INTO FISHTAILING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FORCEFULLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HIT A GUARDRAIL, ENDING UP FACING ONCOMING FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I WAS 4 MONTHS PREGNANT AND TRAVELLING WITH MY 10 MONTH OLD SON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO SAFETY IN THE MEDIAN. THIS ACCIDENT WAS A TOTAL MYSTERY TO ME SINCE I WAS NOT TRAVELLING AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED. THE GROUND WAS SLIGHTLY WET FROM A BRIEF SPRINKLE.

   NHTSA complaint 10121306
6. Filed Apr 28, 2005Failure Mar 9, 2005116,000 milesGroveland, CAUpper ball joint, Lower ball joint

   WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP POSITION AT 10 MPH RIGHT, THE SIDE FRONT OF THE VEHICLER DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE BALL JOINT SNAPPED, CAUSING THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FAULTY PART AND REPAIRS. *SC *JB

   NHTSA complaint 10115139
7. Filed Apr 6, 2005Failure Jan 1, 2005Austin, TXDifferential unit, Service brakes, Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

   COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL. THE BRAKES FAILED MANY TIMES ON MY CAR AND THEY WERE IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. EACH TIME THEY FIXED IT TEMPORARILY. ALSO, THEY INDICATED THAT OIL OR GREASE WAS LEAKING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND COATING THE BRAKE PADS, RENDERING THEM INEFFECTIVE. THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDED THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES KICKING IN TOO OFTEN/ LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, AND JOLTING AT SLOW SPEEDS. LAST TIME IN THE REPAIR SHOP THEY GUARANTEED THAT PROBLEM WAS FIXED, YET THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY INCIDENT, AND THAT NEW MODELS WERE DESIGNED TO FIX THIS FLAW. WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THOSE DRIVING 1997 MODELS ? *AK

   NHTSA complaint 10109007
8. Filed Dec 22, 2004Failure Dec 21, 200475,000 milesPhiladelphia, PASealCrash

   MY REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE BRAKE SHOES. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT TWICE. ONCE IN THE WINTER OF 2002 AND AGAIN IN THE SPRING OF 2003. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY BRAKES FAILED AND I REAR ENDED SOMEBODY. THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE SATURATED WITH AXLE GREASE. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WOULDN'T TOUCH IT AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT A DEALER. THEY THINK I MIGHT HAVE TO GO AS FAR AS REPLACING THE AXLE IN ORDER TO STOP THE PROBLEM FROM RECURRING. *JB

   NHTSA complaint 10104318
9. Filed Dec 21, 2004Failure Nov 1, 2003119,651 milesReno, NVFrame and members

   WHEN THE CONSUMER ADJUSTED THE DRIVER 'S SIDE SEAT, IT COLLAPSED FROM THE BOTTOM, AND THE MAIN BOLT SHEARED OFF. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK THE WELD WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE METAL WAS VERY THIN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC

   NHTSA complaint 10101236
10. Filed Oct 21, 2004Failure Apr 20, 2004Elkhart, INRear

    THE CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 02V021000 REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10097408
11. Filed Oct 6, 2004Failure Aug 16, 2004NEW Durham, NHLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

    WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE CONSUMER THINKS THE INCIDENT HAPPENED DUE TO THE FAILURE TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS AFTER CHANGING THE BRAKES. *TC

    NHTSA complaint 10087961
12. Filed Sep 18, 2004Failure Aug 14, 200474,557 milesNewbury Park, CAAxle shaftCrash1 injured

    DRIVING IN #1 LANE OF FREEWAY WHEN A STOPPED VEHICLE PROTRUDING INTO THE LANE NECESSITATED ME TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION. I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND AVOIDED THE CAR AND THEN SWERVED BACK TO THE LEFT TO AVOID CAR IN LANE TO MY RIGHT. AT THIS POINT I FELT THE CAR GET BUMPY AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER FORWARD AND WAS PULLED TO THE LEFT AND INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HAD SNAPPED OFF THE AXLE AND THE CAR WAS DRAGGING ON THE PAVEMENT I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND MY LEFT FOOT WAS BROKEN.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10091232
13. Filed Sep 14, 2004Failure Aug 20, 2004Petaluma, CASuspension

    CONSUMER INDICATED THAT DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP FLOOR MANAGER WON'T HONOR THE RECALL ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL DRIVE AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING , SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING, AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2-WHEEL DRIVE TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTACTED TOYOTA 13 TIMES BUT THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSED EXCESS TIRE WEAR. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10089387
14. Filed Sep 10, 2004Failure Jul 28, 2004130,000 milesLong Beach, CAEngine

    WHILE DRIVING HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM , BUT DID NOT RESOLVE IT. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10091799
15. Filed Aug 19, 2004Failure Jun 21, 200449,246 milesPetaluma, CACoil springs

    REAR SPRING COIL ON THE 4 RUNNER COLLAPSED.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10088232
16. Filed Mar 23, 2004Failure Feb 24, 200466,352 milesFOX Point, WISeal, Axle assembly

    ON FEB 24 2004 I WAS ADVISED BY ANDREW TOYOTA (GLENDALE WI) THAT I AGAIN NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS AND REAR BRAKES (DUE TO LEAKAGE) ON MY 1997 4RUNNER. THREE PRIOR TIMES, I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR AXLE SEALS AND REAR BRAKES ON THIS 4RUNNER SINCE 2001: 1. MAR 7, 2001-MILEAGE 71,411. 2. DEC 18, 2001-MILEAGE 83,044. 3. NOV 14, 2002-MILEAGE 90303 I PROVIDED DEALER WITH COPIES OF NHTSA PRINTOUTS SHOWING OTHERS' IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR/MODEL 4RUNNER, BUT , OF COURSE, SERVICE MAGAGER AT DEALER DUANE DOMAGALSKI SAID HE AND TOYOTA REP (BEAUMONT) DO NOT THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM. AND, SINCE IT'S OUT THE WARRANTY PERIOD THERE WASNT ANYTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. THEY GAVE ME THE IMPRESSION, REPEATEDLY, THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT THE NHTSA OR ABOUT PEOPLES' COMPLAINTS, AND THAT IF THE DOT THOUGHT THERE WAS A PROBLEM DOT WOULD ISSUE A RECALL! LEAKING AXLE SEALS MAKE MY REAR BRAKES LESS EFFICIENT AND THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. DEALER AND TOYOTA SEEMED ANNOYED THAT I WOULD DARE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE 4RUNNER REAR AXLE SEALS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10063690
17. Filed Feb 20, 2004Failure Jan 26, 200490,000 milesCentral Falls, RIAir bags, TiresCrash

    WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10059515
18. Filed Feb 6, 2004Failure Jan 11, 2004110,000 milesWoodbridge, VATail lights

    WHILE BRAKING TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THIS COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION TO OTHER DRIVERS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10057650
19. Filed Jan 15, 2004Failure Sep 15, 2003107,700 milesMonument, COEngine and engine cooling

    I HAVE MAINTAINED THE 4 RUNNER'S RECORDS SINCE MY PURCHASE NEW IN 12/96. THEY CLAIM I DID NOT CHANGE OIL FOR A LONG TIME AND CAUSED ENGINE SLUDGE. MECHANIC SAID IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO SETTLEMENT BELOW. TOYOTA OIL SLUDGE FACED WITH A CONSUMER REVOLT OVER LOW MILEAGE ENGINE FAILURES CAUSED BY OIL SLUDGE BUILDUP, TOYOTA HAS BEGUN TO NOTIFY 3.3 MILLION OWNERS OF 1997-2002 TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES WITH 3.0-LITER IMZ V-6 ENGINES AND ALL 1997-2001 TOYOTA VEHICLES WITH 5SFE 2.2-LITER 4-CYLINDER ENGINES THAT IT WILL COVER THE COST OF SLUDGE-RELATED REPAIRS FOR EIGHT YEARS FROM DATE OF INITIAL SALE. WHETHER THIS WILL SATISFY THE THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA AND LEXUS OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY SUFFERED ENGINE FAILURE REMAINS TO BE SEEN BECAUSE TOYOTA'S SPECIAL POLICY FALLS SHORT OF AN EXPRESS WARRANTY. TOYOTA MODIFIED V-6 ENGINES MADE AFTER JULY 2001 BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE EARLIER ENGINES. THE 2.2L 4-CYLINDER HAS BEEN DROPPED.

    NHTSA complaint 10070837
20. Filed Jan 13, 2004Failure Dec 1, 2003Tucson, AZMultiple axle

    MY 97 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING REAR AXEL SEALS AND BENT REAR AXELS. THIS CAUSES THE REAR BRAKES TO BE SOAKED WITH LUBRICANT AND USELESS OR PULL TO ONE SIDE. MY DEALER HAS REPLACED 2 AXELS ON THE LEFT REAR AND 1 AXEL ON THE RIGHT REAR. NUMEROUS SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. BESIDES AN ANNOYANCE, BESIDES A $1,000 REPAIR BILL, THIS PROBLEM IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.

    NHTSA complaint 10053019