Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I do not know if the stopping problem is the brakes, tires, both, or something else. At one point I got new tires and the stopping problem still occurred. My family has been in 3 accidents with other cars and many more incidents by the car itself. When braking in rain/snow/ice and even slight damp roads the car skids forward. We have to keep extra distance in front of now compared to other cars we drive. Also during acceleration on RWD from a stoplight even during dry conditions sometimes the rear tires spin out/burn out/ have no traction.
While driving in the right lane on a 3 lane highway at approx. 65mph, while feeling the vehicle jerk to the right, thrusting the vehicle onto the right shoulder. While trying to compensate to the left, the vehicle, immediately rolled 3-4 times across the 3 lanes of traffic, onto the left shoulder. The left rear axle and wheel was no where to be found.
Perpetual rear brake failure due to leaking rear axle grease seals which throw grease onto rear brake shoes. Soaking them and rendering them useless and innefective. Causing unsafe braking. According to Toyota dealer, and sears auto service in dover, delaware., repairs similar to this are being performed on similar vintage Toyota four runner models on a weekly basis. The average repair cost is over $1000,. This appears to be a vehicle manufacturers defect not a standard maintenance issue and could result in injuries or death. I had no brake power in a number of emergency situations, in others my braking distance increased dramatically, in a few cases, I've had the repairs done but the problem has returned,.
I bought this tire from a Firestone company. I was driving on the I-60 east coming from work. All of a sudden I heard a loud noise and immediately my car started to shake violently. It went out of control, stirred to the left and hit the highway separator (a concrete road block). The front of my car directly went crash into that concrete barrier in a perpendicular position, making a full frontal contact, that release both front airbags. My windshield cracked and my front car area is totaled. I came out of there with neck, head, back and chest injury.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH,the front end of the vehicle and the front passenger side wheel detached from the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a ditch and was towed to an independent mechanic but a diagnostic test was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000 and the current mileage was 137,000.
While daughter was driving on highway. The left front lower ball joint failed causing the wheel assembly to come off the car frame. Speed was the posted 55 MPH. No other traffic, thank goodness. Was able to pull off the road for assistance. This is a stupid design. A major component if it fails should not cause this type of catastrophic failure. It dangerous and Toyota should warn the consumer of this stupid design.
Like everyone else the frame is just rotten through and through in the back, I have a tundra, 2 sequoia's, a highlander and a rav4. Ranging from 2001 to 2015, and the frame on the 01 sequoia looks new, this is a bad frame and gabe at keith pierson Toyota in jacksonville said there is nothing I can do about it. Toyota needs to fess up to this one.
Frame rot has LED to abnormal tire wear, vehicle changing lanes unexpectedly, and death wobble. Tires and shocks replaced September, needed new tires after 90 days also tie rods and bushings. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.
The tires were disintegrating and caused the vehicle to ride extremely rough and choppy. The tires felt less smooth. Firestone admitted that the tires felt choppy and refused replacement. The problem worsened as time went on.
These tires had been a problem with cracked sidewalls, which I had to fight with Firestone to replace on one tire and the spare. Finally in March a freewy blowout forced me to replace the tires. All 5 including the spare. The blowout had the tread seperate from the casing just like the Ford problem. After seeing all that's going on I contacted Toyota who continue to advise me that these are not the same tires call Firestone. I reeated me dialogue with Toyota as a long time customer that I didn't by the tires from Firestone I bought a truck from Toyota. They ate not phased at all. They just continue to say call firstone. Well they have lost a customer with this cavalier attitude. I believe the firstone's problem is greated than just the Ford explorer. The NHTSA should expand immediatley this probe to other makes and models.( dot number: tire size: 15 )
Wheel & Tire complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1999 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner, 11% of the model year's 330 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Toyota 4Runner wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1999 Toyota 4Runner. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Toyota 4Runner wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 160,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.