1997 Toyota 4RUNNER Engine cooling Problems

“The vehicle had a bad muffler in it so I took into to the muffler shop and as they fixed the muffler they found that the entire frame of the car is rusted out. There are several holes in the frame. I drive my children in this car everyday ( 4 years old and 1 year old) car is not safe and I am currently out a vehicle and cannot afford another one. Still trying to figure out a solution. The entire frame is damaged.”

“Engine stop running, because of slug build up in 4 RUNNER engine 1997. Other cars in the Toyota line have same problem and they are fixing the engine for free, but not the 4 RUNNER. They have 3 models that are doing the same thing, the engine are slugging up and cause engine failure. They said this model does not fall in that line, and will cost me $9,000 to fix, but first they quote me $5000. The oil has been changed every 3000 miles or so, not all by the dealer. …”

“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. …”

“While driving on the highway at the speed limit (60 MPH), the vehicle surged/jolted forward pulling to the right. I was unable to regain control of vehicle causing me to merge into the direction of a tractor trailer. I tried to turn away from tractor trailer to avoid collision. My vehicle hit the rear tire of the tractor trailer and I began to swerve out of control. My brakes didn't seem to help either, they didn't function. This resulted in the vehicle rolling over 3+ times, the car was totaled. All passengers were hospitalized but no other vehicles or people were hurt from the accident. …”

“The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4runner. She stated that while driving at 35mph, the vehicle shut off. She pulled over and noticed that there was a smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle . She also stated that all the lights illuminated in the instrumental panel. The ground wires were burnt and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The dealer was contacted and they stated that there was no recalls and that there was nothing they could do. The vehicle was inspected and they stated that it was the computer that shorted out, there were no repairs done to the vehicle. …”