1999 Toyota 4RUNNER Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 7%of 330 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 168,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER, 7% of the 330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 168,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle stalls, incosistently, but, on a frequent basis, at any given time, then will be fine for a long period of time. It eats batteries. I've had to replace the battery every year. A local automotive electrical specialist replaced the b+ cable from the battery to the starter, and the problem went away for a year, but, has since returned. I recently upgraded to a battery with more cranking watts, and have een improvement. However. …”
NHTSA complaint #10820157, filed 2016-01, 180,000 miles“Several suspension and structural components of my 1999 4runner are showing excessive rust. The worst of which is on the rear axle and differential housing. I've recently had to weld a broken stabilizer bracket. The differential housing has rusted so bad that a hole has formed and gear oil is leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10268238, filed 2009-05, 78,000 miles“My 1999 Toyota 4 runner has a severe issue with a rotted out frame. I was simply backing out of my driveway and came to a halt when I heard a thump. As I preceded to drive the vehicle it became apparent the backend was not responding well. I could feel the back end swaying and it felt as if there was an issue with the suspension. I took it in for inspection and was told the frame had rotted out right where the springs attach to the frame on the left hand side of the frame. The right side is rotted as well but the frame is still attached.”
NHTSA complaint #10542818, filed 2013-09, 212,000 miles“While driving from baltimore to washington d.c. On I-95 spd approx 65 MPH. My 1999 Toyota 4runner, started shaking violently. Suddenly I heard a loud crash, the clutch pedal went to the floor, and I almost lost control of the vehicle. I cautiously moved the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and come to find that my transmission had literally fell out from under the 4runner. Even the transfer case fell off the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030247, filed 2003-07, 72,000 miles“My truck was being driven on a long trip. The differential starting making a whining noise that got louder and louder. I stopped at an oil change place at my destination to have them check the fluid. It was almost empty. Topped it up and chanced driving it 400 miles back to chicago. I made it ok and had mechanic look at it. The differential was so rusted that it had holes that allowed it to leak. The mechanic tried to find a used one but they all had the same problem. An internet search turned up countless examples of rusted differentials on Toyota trucks spanning many years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443959, filed 2012-01, 155,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109404Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109492Sep 30, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132084Oct 1, 2013The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or…
- 10061578Jun 13, 2011Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 38% |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% |
| 2018 | 3 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 10 | 45% |
| 2008 | 27 | 28% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 30 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 6% |
| 2004 | 36 | 5% |
| 2003 | 39 | 6% |
| 2002 | 33 | 15% |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% |
| 2000 | 42 | 9% |
| 1999 | 23 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 5% |
| 1997 | 25 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 3 | 5% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 4 | 8% |
| 1991 | 5 | 12% |
| 1990 | 14 | 18% |
| 1988 | 2 | 22% |
| 1987 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER
112 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsTires
28 complaintsBrakes
26 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 31, 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