1999 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 112about this part
- Share
- 34%of 330 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 176,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 112 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER, 34% of the 330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 176,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 4RUNNER went in for shocks and we were told we have a rusted frame. We only have 89,000 miles on it and we have kept up with all maintenance. This vehicle still has lots of life left in it and disappointed about the frame. I have seen other reports of the same problem with 4runners.”
NHTSA complaint #11318803, filed 2020-03, 89,000 miles“My frame is rusted almost to pieces. I know this is a common problem with 4RUNNER of the same year models. And I hope to get a recall because it's putting me and others at risk of wrecking the car and possible injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #11396194, filed 2021-02, 262,000 miles“The driver's side lower rear link fell off the frame due to severe rusting. Passenger side about to. Mechanic won't even attempt a repair. The frame is too rusted. The vehicle is not safe to drive. I bought it used and have had it for 2.5 years. Toyota has no recall on it and can not assist me, even though this is the same issue that the tacoma and other models were recalled for.”
NHTSA complaint #10683353, filed 2015-02, 146,200 miles“The frame on the passenger side rear rite under the rear door frame is rusted all the way through very bad don't feel safe driving it !!! I just bought it less than a month ago from an individual that is a car sales man for Toyota west in columbus oh !! Wanting to know what I can do I haven't even put a 1000 miles on it !!”
NHTSA complaint #10572707, filed 2014-03, 169,000 miles“My complaint is with severe rust damage to the frame of the car. There are other models with the same issue as mine and they have been recalled. Mine needs to be taken care of as well. There is no way that the entire frame should rust. I would expect over time to some small patches of rust but not the entire frame. There is so much rust that I could never fix it completely myself. Toyota should be held responsible for their poor plating process in the late 90's to early 00's.”
NHTSA complaint #11131961, filed 2018-09, 236,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123420Oct 27, 2017TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER
66 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsTires
28 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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