1998 Toyota 4RUNNER Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 24%of 250 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER, 24% of the 250 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was informed of and shown excessive frame rotting/rusting through from a mechanic. The frame looked relatively normal roughly 6 months ago. I am aware that some of their other trucks have recalls due to the same issue, and I am seeing instances of this on the internet for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10679595, filed 2015-01, 235,000 miles“The right rear stabilizer bar connected to the frame failed. The frame connection rusted thru and separated. Lots of frame rust. I heard a loud clinking noise as I was driving and noticed considerable side sway while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11079119, filed 2018-03, 94,500 miles“I was driving on a back road, hit a pothole and the rear drivers side control arm ripped away from the frame. Found out frame was rusted from the inside out, and should not have been inspected. I had just recently bought the vehicle, and it had gone through pa inspection two months before I bought it. Its a shame, the rest of the truck, motor, interior, body panels, was in perfect condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10514736, filed 2013-06, 183,861 miles“Vehicle started shaking and clunking. I was near home and able to get it back to my driveway. Upon towing to the mechanic, it was discovered that the rear control arm had rusted out and detached from the frame. Frame rot was discovered on the side rails. Car is considered undriveable and should be totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10485150, filed 2012-11, 83,680 miles“While driving on a busy road the rear lower control arm frame mount broke due to frame rot. The vehicle started to sway back and forth violently and I was able limp it to the repair shop. The frame and mount for the control arm are rotted through and the vehicle is not safe to drive, this is my main daily driver vehicle. There is no fix for this besides replacing the frame. I know there is alot of miles on this truck but mechanically there is nothing wrong with it and it runs great.”
NHTSA complaint #10532892, filed 2013-07, 333,849 milesRelated recalls
- 02V021000Jan 18, 2002On certain 2-wheel-drive (2wd) and 4-wheel-drive (4wd) 4runner sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle…Covers: Toyota 4RUNNER 1996–1998
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 6 | 15% |
| 2021 | 10 | 28% |
| 2020 | 4 | 12% |
| 2019 | 7 | 11% |
| 2018 | 4 | 7% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 10 | 11% |
| 2014 | 3 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 11 | 11% |
| 2007 | 14 | 9% |
| 2006 | 65 | 17% |
| 2005 | 77 | 18% |
| 2004 | 113 | 17% |
| 2003 | 114 | 16% |
| 2002 | 49 | 22% |
| 2001 | 27 | 15% |
| 2000 | 102 | 21% |
| 1999 | 66 | 20% |
| 1998 | 60 | 24% |
| 1997 | 95 | 36% |
| 1996 | 39 | 24% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER
78 complaintsTires
30 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology