1999 Toyota 4RUNNER: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 220 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (49% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 220 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The frame above the RT rear tire has rusted completely through. It's where the rear end bolts to the frame, at a wedge welded to the frame with bolt holes in it. It's like it wants to flip over and darts left or right every time there's a dip or rough spot in the road. I chained it and put a tow strap around everything I could to keep the rear end from coming out & killing me or someone behind me”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2023
“The contact's wife owns a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at a slow speed, the back end of the vehicle began to wobble. The contact stated that his daughter pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was inspected and severe corrosion was discovered on the driver's side rear lower control arm mount. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there are no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2022
“Over the years of ownership, my vehicle has been overwhelmed with rust issues. All four axles are rusted to include the brake components. I didn't realize how bad the rusting was until I heard "popping" noise when making turns The rear suspension sway bar link was rusted so bad, it broke free. I had the rack and pinion replaced in August of 2020 because rust ate through the lines. The frame appears to have separations due to rust as well.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2021
“The vehicle reads empty when full and full when empty sometimes. Constantly changing never able to know if the tank is full and ran out of gas since it wasn't reading the correct amount car was not in motion when I ran out fortunately. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2020
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2020
“I recently took my 1999 4runner for a new alternator and power steering belts. The mechanic noted severe frame rust, making the vehicle unsafe. There are actually holes in the frame. The frame is worst near where the cross members connect. There is no body rust. I will not continue to allow my son or anybody else to drive it, as it is unsafe to drive. Despite the narrative to the contrary, the mechanic did not actually point the rust out to me. I noticed it on the bill when submitting to insurance for towing. I then inspected the vehicle myself.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2019
“My 1999 4-runner with only 89,000 miles has a rusted frame. It needs repair or it will not be driveable. I have taken great care of this vehicle. Went in for shocks, and was told by dealership that the frame has rusted.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2019
“I was driving my 4 runner and it started to like it was 'floating' and 'swaying' front to back. I wasn't far from home so I parked her. The next day I was taking my son to school and it felt like the front right side of the car dipped down. We were maybe 20 yds from the house so I parked it. My husband drove it to see what was wrong and he ran off the road and almost rolled the truck. I called our mechanic and he called a roll back to pick it up. The owner drove it and he ran off the road and almost crashed. He looked at it and saw the frame has rusted in half.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the driver's side front seat adjuster lever was fractured. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted or informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 4RUNNER by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
NHTSA has 220 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER. The most complained-about area is structure (49% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 167,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.