Toyota 4RUNNER Steering problems by year

and an unreasonable risk of sudden component failure. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS & REPEATED DIAGNOSTIC FAILURES: In January 2026, an authorized franchise facility (Maplewood Toyota) replaced a steering universal joint and incorrectly reassembled the linkage out of index by two full splines, bypassing factory matchmarking protocols. This error left the steering wheel heavily off-center and created a severe, constant pull to the right. Over the next 11 months, the vehicle was brought into the authorized dealer network for four separate service visits across multiple Toyota franchise locations to address the persistent pulling and unstable tracking. The authorized network systematically failed to identify the physical, visual misalignment during these safety inspections. In October 2026, the dealership finally admitted to the 2-tooth offset. Rather than executing a safety-compliant overhaul of a primary control tract that had been bound for nearly a year, the dealership executed an unacceptable cosmetic shortcut: they unbolted the intermediate shaft, slid the old parts back to center, replaced only the interior column housing, and released the vehicle. ACTIVE SAFETY HAZARDS & RISK OF CRASH: Despite the physical realignment of the splines, the underlying safety risks remain severe and unaddressed: A. CATASTROPHIC SPLINE STRIPPING RISK: Forcing hardened steel steering splines out of index and torquing them down introduces material crushing and cross-threading to the

impairs predictable vehicle tracking and emergency evasive handling at highway speeds. Because a solid rear axle has no factory adjustment points, this indicates a bent or improperly manufactured axle housing or mounting structure. Due to this ongoing uncorrected factory alignment defect, the vehicle has required close to 10 alignments and is already on its 4th set of tires due to severe, premature tire wear and scrub. Verification & Status: The defect was documented on official dealership alignment equipment at 350 miles. The vehicle and all supporting alignment/service records are available for inspection upon request. The manufacturer executive offices have been formally notified but have refused to dispatch a Field Technical Specialist (FTS) to inspect or rectify the structural factory defect.

move while providing inputs into the steering wheel. Had this occurred while the vehicle was in motion, it could have caused a sudden loss of steering control and significantly increased the risk of a crash or injury. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic upon teardown of the steering column, who visually verified the broken fracture bolt and the resulting free movement of the column. There were no dashboard warning signs, error messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to this event. The column simply came loose and dropped when entering the vehicle after it had been parked. The vehicle had about 120,000 miles at the time of failure.

vehicle because it was not safe to drive. The part was ordered/received and installed. After picking up the vehicle it was evident immediately that the vehicle still had the same issue. The vehicle is now at the dealer waiting on an upper steering shaft that was deemed to have excessive play. The part is on backorder. There are no warning lights associated with this issue. Symptoms include: Clunking noise in driver area when going over bumps and vehicle wanders excessively at speed on uneven surfaces.

of travel, this steering input pulls the vehicle toward and into the oncoming lane of traffic. This steering intervention happens without warning and without any input from the driver. Given that it moves the vehicle into a lane carrying oncoming traffic, it presents a direct risk of a head-on collision. Manufacturer Response I contacted Toyota regarding this issue and was told that this behavior is normal, and that the system will use whatever lane marking is available to determine its steering path. Toyota did not indicate that a fix or software update was planned. I do not consider "the system follows whatever line it has" an acceptable explanation for a feature that actively steers a vehicle into oncoming traffic. Why This Is a Safety Defect 1.The system takes an abrupt steering action with no driver input and no warning. 2.The result of that action is movement into a lane used by oncoming traffic, which is the most dangerous possible outcome of a lane keep assist malfunction. 3.The condition that triggers this behavior (a marked left turn lane with no right-side fog line) is common on ordinary two-lane roads and is not something a driver can always anticipate or avoid. 4.The manufacturer has acknowledged the behavior exists and has characterized it as expected operation rather than a defect.

inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted "to best ability." A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. Despite this, the vehicle was reportedly operating "within factory specifications." The condition has persisted through multiple sets of tires and repeated service visits. The ongoing steering pull, vibration, and instability create a safety concern during highway driving because the vehicle does not consistently track straight and requires repeated steering correction. The issue has been reproducible over multiple years and has not been permanently corrected despite repeated repair attempts and inspections. No warning lights were present at the time of the condition.

steering stability. The vehicle can pull or require correction to maintain proper lane position during normal driving. There have been multiple repair attempts, but the root cause has not been identified or repaired. This condition may present a safety concern due to reduced steering stability and potential loss of proper vehicle control.

vehicle. I'm having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn't know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn't know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I'm ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I'm sad

TOYOTA dealership and to call TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center headquarters to report the issue. That phone number is 1-800-331-4331. Apparently this is a known issue for TOYOTA 4Runners and other models under their brand as I found many complaints from owners on the web. I reached out to TOYOTA and they denied any awareness of an issue and responsibility. The case number is #[[redacted]]. They also told me I need to pay out of pocket to fix whatever the recommendation of the dealership provided to repair and fix. I was appalled at the quick and dismissiveness attitude without any additional further investigation and assistance to help out knowing this is not a normal case of rust for a car. I believe there is a defect and safety manufacturing issue on the vehicle even if is not a current recall and why I am reporting such a huge safety issue. So I took it to the TOYOTA dealership where they also agreed this is NOT normal wear and tear for a car of "length of time" and mileage on it and is a safety issue. They also spoke to the case manager at TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center and also denied them any assistance for repairing of the vehicle. The VIN# is [[redacted]] . I can provide photos of the damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)