Red = complaint received and forwarded to Toyota, but no response from them
Blue = complaint received and forwarded to Toyota, and response received. Owner not happy yet.
Green = complaint received and forwarded to Toyota, and response received. Owner happy.
| Type 0f vehicle (ie Fortuner 4.0) | Fortuner 4×2 D-4D |
| Car registration number | CY xxx xxx |
| Telephone number | 082xxxxxxx |
| Email address | xxxx@xxxxx.co.za |
| Your story | Hi,I seem be the last person to even realise that there is a problem with this vehicle, but I surely experienced it over the X-mas holidays.We bought a new Penta caravan to the end of 2008 and went on leave with it over the X-mas holidays. Towing this caravan, became an absolute nightmare though. Anythinng over 80km/h, is shockinly unstable. (I’ve been towing for many years, boats, caravans ext.) My previous tow vehicle was a 3.0 KZTE and it was much more stable that this vehicle.
While on holiday, I heard from various people how heard the same story and a lot of advise was offered. I decided to do everything according to the book when we came back and ensured that the tire pressure was correct, the load weight on the towbar was only 80kg, but still this problem was even worse at certain stages. When you go dowhill, it “fish tails” like mad at 70km/h. When arriving home, I decided to make sure where the problem was and put my wife’s BMW 320d in front of the same caravan. I was on the N1 doing 140km/h and it was as stable as anything. When I realized that the towing heights were the same for both vehicles, I new the problem lay with the Fortuner and there were no more getting away from it. Now I was told to spend in the region of about R3 000 to put some “baloons” in the rear suspension and I’m told my problem will be over. Why does Toyota not do this then???? Who can I speak with at Toyota HQ to try and solve this problem. Thanks |
November 10th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I have been facing problems in my 2009 4×4 d4d Fortuner about 2nd gear having a hard shift. It at times behaves normally but many times it just gets hard.
I complained to Toyota they have changed my gearbox and rear shockers but to no use.
They took six months and 25000 kms to actually agree to accept the fault. My vehicle had been to them for seven times and spent almost 20 days with them. No use.
I thought I am the only one in India and world to have problems with fortuner till I read this forum. Thanks a lot.
I have documented my emails to them over here: http://www.4wd4all.com/forums/showthread.php?805-Toyota-Fortuner-amp-Uttam-Toyota-forgets-quality-and-service
Regards
Rahul
India
September 18th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
I got my 2008 Fortuner 4.0 V6 last in early 2010 with much love for it. In January 2011, it nearly became my executioner. I had just brought it from its 90 000km servise when I took i on a road trip across the border-north. However, something was bothering me becuase the car would shake/back-wheel skid whenever I applied the break at over 60 km/hr. I felt it was a service problem and decided will take it back as sson as I got back from my trip. The sunday I came back from my trip it was wet. I was making an offramp-onramp curve and I applied the brakes but the car skidded, so I let go of the brakes, kept my hands steady on the steering and praying as the car flew into and across oncoming traffic towards gorge.
Thanks to a God who listens when we call on his name in times of need and the metal guard-rails on our roads – I did not get injured and did not bump anybody – but my car had to be repaired at over R30000.
I still feel the bouncing when making corners, but I make do my best to slow down and dreak a little – something I don’t even think about with my 2006 toyota corolla.
I love the Fortuner, but I also agree it is not reliably stable relative to its high sensitivity – gravel and wet roads or corners and one cannot use the ‘diff’ in these situations.
November 28th, 2011 at 9:20 am
I purchased a new Fortuner 3D4D end August 2011, the last before the latest model was released. We towed our new Sprite Splash caravan, with “yellow blade” stabilizer from Ermelo to Badplaas via Carolina for the weekend 4 to 6 Nov, 11 and all I can say at this stage it “what a pleasure” I was made aware of the stability problems other owners have experienced and was consious of this when I took it out on the first trip but there was no sign of any instability in this SUV, I stuck to a steady speed of 100 Kph, in fourth gear and speed control on, that gave a 2,500 rpm and appears to be what the Fortuner liked and the hills of 100 m was not an issue, appeared to get the best of the torque at this rpm, the Fortuner did not know of the Splash was behind, ups, downs, bends turns, and for those that know the road from Badplaas to Carolina, the “Rooi bult” was handled extremely well by this SUV, both going down and going up.
I previously towed with a 1997 Ford Falcon Fairmont and that same “Rooi bult” was always my nightmare as the Fairmont really struggled going up with temp just touching red when reaching the top.
With the Fortuner, I recorded a ave of 13,2 L/100 km with the Splash in tow over the 260 km trip from Ermelo and back, this I am sure will improve as the car only has 1,500 km on the clock now, so far I am not dissapointed.
Andre
June 6th, 2011 at 1:14 am
Hi there,
suvrollovernews.com is an interesting site for 4 by 4 owners.
It also has an article going back 9 years on the Toyota 4runner which was recalled for stability problems!
May 31st, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Pathetic to say the least; I purchased a brand new Toyota Fortuner from Godrich Toyota in June 2010. Living in Middelburg it is more convenient to send it for services at Barloworld Toyota. For the last 3 services (namely 20000km, 30000km and 40000km) I have been requesting to fix the rear PDC. This was purchased with the vehicle and not a aftermarket fitment as I was accused by the Manager Pieter Cilliers. He then said it is not there responsibility to repair and I must send it back to Godrich. Or they could repair it but I will be charged. Is Toyota not the Original Equipment Manufacturer? Why must the customer go out of his way to repair a fault on a Toyota?
April 21st, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Hi All, my 3rd posting. My 2010 Fortuner is now 34 000kms, returned from Zambia in the weekend. I have to admit that the vehicle went very well, even though i exceeded the service by 4000kms. I noticed a little screw fell out from under the dashboard while avoiding those potholes in Zambia. And, there’s a slight rattle in the front right corner when idling. Will ask them to check when i send it for service next week. Before i left, I changed the headlights and front fogs to HID units (cost R3000)…very big difference when driving in Zam/Zim. I could see those donkeys and cows from miles away. Harare to Beit Bridge at night (averaging 140) was without any issues. But, like everyone else, i did feel the tail dives when i first got the vehicle. It doesnt seem to happen anymore. I keep my tyres at 2 bar pressure and its very stable.
April 16th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
What are 2011 views on Toyota Fortuner stability?
Have shocks been upgraded?
How is this upgraded vehicle on gravel?
Does anyone know what is in facelift for later this year?
March 10th, 2011 at 10:12 am
I have a 2011 4×4 V6 4.0L Fortuner. What a car. I’ve been towing my caravan “Sprite Splash” new model 3000Km and no problems in doing that. Handeling of the vehicle in towing was great. Heavy on juice though but having that power great great car. Off road also great no problems yet….
February 4th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Hi
I bought my self a 2008 fortuner, and i must say, it drives like a dream. But one thing that concerns me is the handling of the fortuner on gravel road. Come on Toyota this is a factory problem. My BMW 325 drive’s better than the fortuner on gravel road.
I think Toyota should recall all Toyota Fortuners
September 8th, 2011 at 8:12 am
Are u kidding u must not know how to drive in gravel i go 100km/ph and no problemmmm and baddd roads in costa rica really bad roads i also have a 2008 fortuner it has 87300km and i drive it hard really hard and fast and iv never had any problem it is a great car but only if u give it a good maintainace and have the oil change when needed and have the 10000km, 50000km, 80000km check by the same angency dont compare a bmw with a toyota they are 2 diferente cars u can hit really hard the toyota and he will keep climing the bmw can take offroad but never like a toyota does
January 29th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
hi.i bought the first unit in my area after the launch in 2005.
3.0 d4d 4×2.it was abit top heavy but after changing the rims and tyres to 18″and wrangler threads i never had a smoother safer ride.i did a
180 000km and found that the gear box started humming and the interiour
wind noise startrd picking up.
i traded it in for the facelift 2011 3.0d4d 4×4 and not much diferent.
this new 1 is a bit heavier on fuel weighin more and feels a bit more stable on the road but a good all round vehicle and peace of mind that comes with owning a toyota.will recommend it anytime…
January 14th, 2011 at 6:01 am
New is not always better !!
In 2007, I bought a new Toyota Fortuner 4×4 3D. What a vehicle, this golden wagon took me and my family to places that I previously only read about in magazines. For almost 170 000 km’s old “Biellie” kept going. The Fortuner got the nick name “Biellie” during a very rough trip to the Okavango Delta.
Stupid fool that I am, in December while on holiday in George in the Western Cape, I exchanged Biellie for a brand new Fortuner. I added a few nice extras and felt like a million dollars driving out of the showroom is George. This million dollar feeling lasted exactly 12 days and 1474 km’s.
In Bloemfontein, on my way back to Mpumalanga, I discovered that oil was leaking out of the gearbox. This was a proper leak. The front of my trailer was covered with oil and the next morning there was a puddle on the paving. Everybody that has worked hard for something can imagine the emotions that go through your mind. To make things worse, my ordeal with Toyota started.
I phoned Toyota roadside assistance and they informed me that it is their responsibility is to get me save and then get the vehicle to an approved garage. As I was already save they informed me that it is now my problem how I get my family and 4×4 trailer home. I phoned the Toyota dealer where I bought the Fortuner. I was informed that Toyota has stopped to help people with rental cars. Toyota SA does not have an afterhour’s number so if you want ask then for help or log a complaint – wait until Monday.
There I was, Toyota has sold me a Fortuner that broke down after less than 1500 km’s and then left me stranded in Bloemfontein (nothing against Bloem I studied there). R 4800 that is what it will cost you to rent a double cab bakkie from Europe Car to get you to your home in Mpumalanga. Imagine what it will cost you if you get stranded in Maun Botswana. Still this was not the end.
We managed to get back home and on Monday I started phoning and writing e-mails. I bought a new vehicle and will not settle for anything less. Everybody recommended that I phone the Toyota Customer Care Centre (CCC), so I wrote e-mails and called the CCC (let’s rather leave it just there).
My vehicle was towed to Toyota in Bloemfontein and I was still stranded without a vehicle. Nobody wanted to take responsibility to help me with a rental car – just lies. Then they could not find the oil leak. Fortunately my brother who stays in Bloemfontein could drive to Toyota and what a miracle, they could find the oil leak on the gearbox as I told them.
My brand new Fortuner is now “fixed”. The gearbox was removed and the oil seal replaced. Is it still a new vehicle? Can I trust this new second hand Fortuner up Sani pas? I don’t think so. I could have saved a lot of money not to mention the emotional impact and disappointment by keeping Biellie.
Andre Maartens, Evander
December 29th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
My first posting here – I bought a new diesel 4×4 Fortuner in November 2010. After 10 proud days of ownership I got a huge fright at 90kph on the N1 freeway (!) when negotiating a mild bend where there been recent roadworks. The – almost invisible – corrugations caused the rear to dance a little and feel as though the rear wheels were in the air. The passengers were unaware of the moment but I was definitely not in control of the car. I tried to replicate the problem again over the same road later but could not.
I read a lot and took the plunge and fitted KONI shocks to a one-month old vehicle with 1,000kms! I have just returned from a 10-day Namibia tour (4,500kms in total – 2000kms on gravel) and I had no issues whatsoever. On the good Nam gravel roads I could esaily reach 130kph (as an experiment?). On the poorer corrugated C-roads there was quite lot of vibration through the stiffer shocks but the car was rock solid. Sudden sandy patches presented no problem at speed.
Without realising it, my confidence grew to a point where I tried an old trick I learned in a Ford F100 on Northern Cape roads, of twitching the car sideways into sudden dips in the road – to avoid a 90 degree frontal bump – and turing into the slide on the way out and up.. The VSC complained loudly about that but the handling was rock solid.
I can only say that the R6k was well spent on the Konis. My only complaint is that the rear mudflaps are too short and alowed stone chips under the rear bumper.
November 9th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Hi all. Some feedback on my 2010 Fortuner 4X2 Auto….its now 13000 kms. Problems so far: central locking (driver door switch a little faulty at times..started two days ago) and a slight rattling sound on the dash, above the speedo (stops when i place my hand on it..a bit irritating on gravel roads). Besides that, its running very well. Also, make sure you only use 50ppm diesel. Anything else and it rattles (sounds like a bearing knock) and smokes alot (sooth all over the back and even inside). Doing a roadtrip to Zambia next week. Lets see if i survive those monster potholes along the way…
November 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
im buying a new 2010 fortuner in 2 weeks what you people think ?
July 30th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I bought my 30D Fortuner in April 2010 (Face Lift). 10 000km on the clock. I must admit that I had NO bad experiences at all. Towing a 2008 Penta and it is only a pleasure. I took my vehicle to Buschmansnek with 75km dirt / unpaved road with NO problems with a speed of 80 -100km. I drove a 30D Hilux for four years before the Fortuner
My question: How is it possible for some owners that experience NO problems and others with a total other view of it? If it was really a bad or un-safe vehicle, WHY are there so many of it on our roads? Thank you Toyota for a very good vehicle and an affordable diamond on my premises.
May be it is a case of jealousy makes you nasty. I rest my case!
October 11th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Boats
I only logged on again since the wind noise at my drivers door happened again yesterday 11/10/2010 between Reitz and Frankfort in the Freestate.I shall send you the recording as you seem to not believe what people say. What should Fortuner owners experiencing these problems be jealous of ? People have lost their lives. Why would Toyota owners that has a RAV and a Cruiser complain if nothing is wrong, at least they have products in the same stable to compare it with.Since the new tyres on mine it is better, but drive on Mimosa ave in Centurion coords 25° 51.513′S , 28° 5.606′E and tar next Waterkloof airbase Trichard road coords 25° 48.573′S , 28° 12.828′E and you will see what we mean.Look at the Google Street view at Mimosa and Amsterdam road intersection, the larger corrigation is clearly visible that is causing these fishtail problems. Go drive there and see! Toyota should also do that.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:17 am
where was ur car made thats the diference mine was made in argentina, whant ur fortuner better???? ad old man emú its stupid how good it rides and u can go faster
July 5th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
we are planning to buy a new 2010 toyota fortuner a month or two from now and i would like to know after you guys already got one, would it be the best choice for us to buy the toyota fortuner? i am very concern with the breaks because ive read alot of the complaints of toyota fortuner owners. we are talking about getting a mitsubishi montero or hyundai tucson if the toyota has less to offer.
December 14th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Hi Thinking
I was also thinking of buying a Fortuna, but fortunately for me and unfortunately for my mate he bought one first.He has had endless problems with a foul rotten egg smell finding its way into the cabin when accelerating. Toyota says it is the catalytic converter which produces this smell,but why is it coming into the cabin???Toyota tried to help by bending the tailgate hinges with a chisel and removed most of the paint in the process,covering it with tectyl.I have bought a 2007 ml320cdi cheaper than a new d4d and I have not looked back.165kw 510nm of torque and tows my Penta like it is a Venter trailer.
Look into this option
July 1st, 2010 at 11:19 am
Hi guys…some feedback on my personal experience…..you never really know until you try for yourself. Got the 4×2 Auto 2 weeks ago.
Drove from Durban to Nelspruit and back for a soccer match…so drove on both gravel and tar.
Power, speed and economy is very good. Very low revving….very different from a car. Pushed it only once on a straight on the N3 all the way to max… Definitely very powerful.
Ride was bumpy, stability good BUT, does feel “funny” when breaking suddenly on gravel. Feels like it wants to go to the left. Happened twice on a fairly good gravel road. Now that I’m aware of it, I more careful and I don’t have a problem. Because of its power, you tend to forget that you’re not driving a car. Recommeded pressure by others is 2.3 front and 2.4 back, I reduced it to 2.0 all around and its perfect…. feels like a car now. Never towed anything so not sure about that yet… fitted an adjustable bar which apparently fixes the stability problem when towing.
I was told by a friend that its around 40mm higher on the right side and I checked it out. It definitely does seem to be a bit higher on the right side. I parked next to another one to compare and it’s the same case. But my vehicle was around 5cm higher all around !!! Both had same 17 inch tyres. I think they changed the suspension.
Aircon is a problem. It’s too cold. Temp control doesn’t work too well cos its freezing even at 26… so usually drive without AC and switch on only for short while when I need it. And the smell of the leather is getting to me….
By the way, I also have a 2010 (Feb) Merc C200K Avantgarde, which I also love. I just realised now that since the Fortuner arrived, I only used the Merc once. I think I prefer driving the Fortuner more.
March 31st, 2011 at 10:37 pm
hi i bought a fortuner as well, i do the road from nelspruit to joburg quite often and i must say i have a similar problem , the car skidding to the left out of no blue, while im driving at 120km/hr also making a noise, its like someone is braking while im driving . i must say its quite scary and when i asked the dealer in nelspruit they told me its quite normal cos its because of the abs brake . but im not too sure about that! as its quite dangerous , it happens while you are driving at 120-140km/hr dont know if i can trust the fortuner !!!!!!
April 13th, 2010 at 8:34 am
In my opinion the stability problem on the fortuner has not been solved. I bought a fortuner in Feb 2010. I had the opportunity to take the vehicle on a dirt road this easter holiday. The vehicle is very comfortable on the dirt – much softer ride than my Patrol. But as I was just starting to enjoy the ride I drove over a corrigated stretch on a slight bend (speed 80 km/hr, tyre pressure 210 kPa) – suddenly the front right nose dived, the back swung out and i was headed 90 degrees to the road straight for the bushes. The stability control beeped its curses and I could get the car back under control and in the right direction again. I proceeded at 60 km/hr with far greater caution after that, the vehicle continued to want to loose the back end on corrigations or after hitting largish bumps.
I have been driving 4×4 and 4×2 bakkies on dirt roads for 30 years. sometimes the back would swing out at high speeds when over cooking it, but nothing like this.
My Patrol or even my previous Nissan Sani 4×4 would not even have flinched at 80 km/hr on this road. The road really was not any big deal at all.
My Opinion – Toyota SA, you have a problem – admit it, fix it, move on before more people die.
April 13th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Thanks Andrew. This is not good news. I was under the impression that the new Fortuner had the handling problem sorted out, but from what you are saying this is not the case at all.
Anyone else have an opinion on this?
KC
May 7th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
My son in law lost control of his hired Fortuner near Helmeringhausen, Namibia on Friday 30 April 2010 on a straight piece of dirt road doing 110-120km/hr. Overturned and rolled three times. Only medium bruises and scratches and a bruised neck for all 5 incl. driver. Thank the Lord!
Not for me, this vehicle ever!
March 17th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Hi
I’m driving a Toyota 2007 Hilux D4D DC and enjoy it very much.. I had some close calls on gravel roads and have to agree that this is not a very stable bakkie. One of my friends was also in a Fortuner accident and broke 3 neck vertebras. Luckily they fused it and he is not paralysed.
He tried to take the case on with Toyota without success.
I had so many bad experience with Toyota McCarthy in Centurion that I will never buy Toyota again till there is proper proof that it is a save vehicle and the quality of service improve. Sorry.
At one stage they had to replace a bearing in my gearbox. That same night I went down to the Freestate. At about 8H00 that evening, close to the Randburg off ramp on the N1 my driving shaft fell off. The technician did not tighten the screws????? They never even properly apologised.
Alles loop reg… altyd reg…is bullshit if it comes to Toyota……. Hilux and Fortuner.
Toyota is killing there support!!!!! The bad part is they do not commit themself to go public and admit that they will need to investigate.
March 17th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Hi Frikkie
Thanks for your reply. I am not sure what to say regarding your experience, apart from saying it’s shocking!!
KC
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi Guys,
Why not take action like the USA ??? Look at the public in the USA – stabbing out at Toyota for a defect in the PRIUS and others. Toyota Japan have intervened and action is taking place as a result. Has anyone ever tried going down that route to action these issues with the Fortuner/Hilux. Toyota has to part with MILLIONS of Dollars the correct the Prius defect and the vehicles are being called in for action. What makes Toyota SA so special that they are not attending to this problem ???? The Fortuner/Hilux is such a good “looking” vehicle I am sure that their sales figures will rise to new heights if they get their ducks in a row, “that is on their feet” I’d say !!! Still reckon a used PRADO is the better buy here ! Take it easy all you current owners of these units…
March 8th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
On Friday 5 March 2010 I was driving at about 60km/h on our 1,5km dirt road from the farm to fetch the kids at school with my 2008 Fortuner. Halfway I hit a patch of loose soil that was the result of a caterpillar’s tracks earlier that morning. I lost controll and the vehicle swayed from left to right until it hit the side of the road and flipped over on its roof. I was not wearing a seatbelt and the airbags did not pop out. The car looked like a sportsmodel once turned on its wheels again. Fortunaltey I was ok and alone in the vehicle. It was completely written off. There was no stability once I hit the loose soil and the roof was flat after it flipped over. I loved my Fortuner, but I love my life and my family more, so I would rather buy a safer vehicle.
January 26th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Just for interest sake, not sure if any of you have seen this posting on Youtube?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eGC4sbXDVc
January 26th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I have yes, thanks Duncan. ASW seems very impressed with the face-lifted car. I see he couldn’t help to have an opinion on us who complain about the road holding of the previous generation vehicle.
KC
January 19th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Hi Duncan no problem
I too love the look of this vehicle and I was going to buy one about 18 months ago. My wife’s boss owns one and he says you can change the tires and the suspension, but WHY should you to make it safe. Anyway please drive safe and be careful when turning that steering wheel above 40 Km/h.
January 19th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Sorry Duncan I can’t I was a little busy trying to help these poor people what I can tell you for sure is the tyres were good and no punchers.But still even if it was the first fortuner off the line it should not of acted like that, it was like something from a Hollywood movie it was lucky that no one was coming up the other way. Now every time a see a fortuner on the road it brings back bad memories and I cringe.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Thanks Philip, sorry if i sounded a little insensitive, didn’t mean to come across like that. The reason for asking is I have a 2009 Fortuner D4D and do a lot of driving on dirt and tar, I am loving this vehicle and have not had any issues at all, but I am listening with interest at all the comments.
Sorry you had to experience such an horrific scene, been there and not nice.
Cheers for now
Duncan
January 19th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Here is my two cents worth regarding the Fortuner, on December 17 2009 while driving down to Cape Town just before de doorns I was witness to a fatal accident involving a Toyota fortuner and nothing else the vehicle was driving on a STRAIGHT tar road at 110Km/h 100 meters in front of me, 11 o clock in the morning sunny and dry, all of a sudden the vehicle swerved SLIGHTLY to the left then the right SLIGHTLY. Instantly the vehicle took off in the air about 5 meters in height spun around like a top 8 times did 3 barrel rolls and landed the other side of the road in the ditch on it’s side.The Diver was killed outright, front passenger seriously injured and a 4 year old injured slightly in a baby seat at the back. If you look at the video clip on this blog you can tip these vehicles below 60 Km/h very easily, to me there is something really wrong with these vehicles pitty you can’t find a ncap rating for it.
January 19th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Philip
This is a terrible, terrible story. Thank you for sharing this horrendous experience with me. I have also looked for an NCAP rating, but as this car is not sold in Europe and USA (and why not??????) there doesn’t seem to be any data available on crash test results.
Anyone else have any info regarding crash tests for the Fortuner?
KC
January 19th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Can you confirm what model this Fortuner was, I would be interested to know if it was “face lift”
January 12th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Have all these problems been solved on the 2010 models ??
January 12th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hi Nolan
Everyone I have spoken to who owns a face-lifted car seems quite happy with the handling.
KC
January 7th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I am about to buy a 2006 V6 4×4 Fortuner and do not know whether I should proceed with the deal.
I have read and heard as many bad as good feedback on the handling of the Fortuner. I am currently driving a 2.7VVTi DC Toyota Hilux with 220 000km done and I have not expierienced any of the issues as mentioned with the handling. (I must agree it is not a M3 but it is not as bad.)
Are there any happy pre 2009 Fortuner owners out there ???
January 7th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hi Pieter
I can’t speak for other people, but I am now quite happy with my 2006 V6. I obviously used to be unhappy (hence this website), but after fixing what I perceive to be the problem, my car now handles beautifully.
I replaced the tires with Bridgestone All Terrains, and the suspension with Camil 4×4 suspension.
This all means you could probably fix the handling issue for an extra R20000 if you find out you own one of the tail-happy cars.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Please look at this video all wannabe D4D owners.
http://www.teknikensvarld.se/tvtv/071031-toyota-hilux/
November 30th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Jeepers, what an excitement killer this forum has been! I took a 3.0d Auto for a test drive on Friday and I was waiting for the finance to come through today. Based on comments here I will nor be getting the Fortuner!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hi Graham, I had a holiday arrange in Namibia 2 months ago and came to the same conclusion to abort my purchase of the “new” Fortuner. Somehow the only thing that appears to be new are the new 17″ wheels and the stupid “Plastis-wood” which is a big NO-NO !! Well, I went on holiday to Nam with my Merc and she still amazes me after the 3rd trip. Only pity is that some roads are a bit bad for such a low-set car. I will be going for a test drive in the new Kia Sorento, 2.2 Diesel. Have a look at the spec’s on this one mate, absolutely amazing. Just don’t know about the offroad capability. If Toyota want to hold the lead with the Fortuner SUV they will have to come up with a plan very quickly and release the next generation on these vehicles. Maybe one of the late model used Prado’s will be the best answer, just beware of the diesel auto, bit of a donkey. V6 4 x 4 is good, only a bit thirsty otherwise excellent. Keep me posted on your opinion of the Sorento, Koreans are really getting up there fast and service is as good as it gets…..
November 19th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I was unfortunate to roll a Toyota Hilux D4D Double cab at a speed of around 60 km/h while turning on a gravel road. In front of me a Pathfinder with trailer just went around the turn at the same speed with total confidence. On later investigation I found the left front wheel ( 16 inch ) deflated. After speaking to a few persons it became clear that the D4D’s tend to be loose on gravel and it doesn’t take much to flip over. While still in die vehicle strapped to the seat the roof was intact then suddenly collapse. A few regular bakkie drivers told me to lower the tire pressure to 1.9 bar when even driving on gravel road, since they are often over inflated.
Today I have no confidence in this Toyota range, sorry.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Hi, In January 2008 I bought a Toyota Fortuner V6 4×4 for my wife, mainly because we needed a bigger family car. We have heard stories before questioning the safety of the vehicle, until Wed night 26th of August 2009 when the above suspicion was confirmed.
My wife was on her way back from work when I received the distress call. When I arrived at the accident scene the car was upside down, the paramedics took one hour to remove my wife as they had to cut her out of the wreck. According to the police report she was travelling around 60km/h. She went around a sharp bend on a semi-gravel back road and the car fish tailed. She lost control and the car tipped over. Needless to say the vehicle is a total write off and according to the assessor my wife was extremely lucky to be alive. We are living with the consequences now as my wife’s foot was nearly amputated. According to the doctor her right leg will never recover 100% and we are in and out of the hospital for operation after operation.
We will definately persue this matter with Toyota and the courts.
THINK OF YOUR FAMILY AND DONT BUY A TOYOTA FORTUNER. MY WIFE WAS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE !!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I’ve have swopped my BMW X3 2.0 in June for a new Fortuner 2009 3.0 D4D. I’m as happy as can be. I couldn’t wait to tow with it (Jurgens Classique – tando stabelizer). Last week, we did almost 2000km and had a strong wind. What a dream come true! No problems what so ever, in fact I will hook it up tommorow just for the sake of having fun towing. My brother in law got his 2009 3.0 D4D 4×4 three weeks ago and was just as happy, towing his Sprite Swing (yellow blade stabelizer). Make sure you’ve got your drop plate and the right tyre presure. Do I miss my BMW? NO! If you had any doubt; I can highly recomend the new Fortuner. Go ahead and buy one, it is nothing less than one big joy to drive!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I am a proud but worried owner of a 2009 Fortuner since Aug 09. From what I read in the comments I found no difference to the older version except for the cosmetic changes. You dont have to travel on dirt roads to find out how bad the handeling of this vehicle is. The vehicle feel very nervous on the road. You feel you have to be constantly aware of what it is going to do. Just travel on the R511 to Hartebeespoort and you wil quickly realise how unsafe and unpredictable this vehicle is. The speed limits on this road is 80 & 100 km/hr in diferent places. To try and maintain this speed on the R511 boarders on suaside. I had a Mazda 2.5 TD DC before this Fortuner and it could handle that road at more than 40 km/hr faster than the Fortuner without me veeling unsafe and trying to prevent the vehicle from overtaking itself.
I must agree with everybody that this is a coffin on wheels and Toyota should be taken to court to prevent more loss of life. For myself – I will be stuck with the Fortuner untill I can afford to get ridd of it, and that I will.
November 10th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
what action can we take
i have the same problem and the dealership says there nothing wrong with vehicle
suppose to be my dream vehicle it all shuttered.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hi
There are things still happening on the Fortuner front, for instance a Carte Blanche story.
Thanks for writing
KC
September 8th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I bought a 2009 3.0 D4D and am really enjoying it so far. Friends warned me of the roll over problem but this did not deter me – I have had lots of fun so far but only once taken it off road onto gravel and she was fine. The problems I have are finishes in terms of rattles, rear door not closing properly, rear air con not working, plastic bits coming off, air blowing out of all vents and not just the one selected and the fact that Ive put in three pints of oil in 8000km since new. Luckily she is in for a service shortly and they will sort all of this out.
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I have as yet not received feedback from Toyota around my 1st mail above – in the meantime had a very poor experience when I took my Fortuner for its 1st service with Toyota. Will never return to that dealership ever again. Some good news is that I have just driven to Cape Town and back and it was an absoulte pleasure (given aircon was not working etc etc) Handled like a dream at 140 – 160kmph and averaged 9.1 litre per 100km. The wind in the Karoo was hectic but she was very very stable.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I bought a new 2009 Fortuner 2009 a couple of months ago and it is by far the best SUV I have ever driven. I previously drove a Discovery 2 TD5 and the Fortuner leaves it standing in all areas. Living and working at a Game Lodge, I do many kms of gravel road driving and this vehicle has never given me the feeling of instability. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking at buying one. I have not driven an earlier model of this vehicle so cannot comment on any problems, but the 2009 is awesome to drive under all conditions.
Hope this helps.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Duncan for your comment. I have heard the same thing from friends; they agree that the new car has awesome handling.
KC
September 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Hi Kaptein/Duncan,
Thanks, this news is a bit more comforting. I have also been assured by some of Toyota’s personnel that the 2009 vehicle I was given for a test run was a huge improvement on it’s predecessor. I have been informed that the “speedo” had been disconnected for reasons of the vehicle not accumulating unnecessary Km’s. It was explained to me that this in turn would have an effect on the VSC, hence the “loose footedness” Not being an SUV “fundi”, My question; Does this explanation make sense?
A colleague has bought a Hi-Lux DC 3.0 D-4D and had a nasty experience with the old “Gatswaai” After this incident he has had “Old Man Emu” modification done and he is “Over the Moon” with the vehicle’s roadholding and performance. He has also mentioned that he knows of a farmer in the Karoo that had the same done to his Fortuner and has done speeds in excess of 120 Km on gravel. If this proves to solve the problem, should the guys at Toyota not be looking at such an installation to save the good reputation thay have built to date. Maybe there are some other peaople that can comment on this “Old Man Emu” suspension. See “www.lasport.co.za” for more info on this. Comments would be appreciated to force my hand to a Fortuner purchase…….
December 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Interesting that you compare the Land Rover Discovery to the Fortuner. I myself havent driven a Disco 2. But I do drive both a 110 and Series 3 shorty.
We have a farm in the Natal Midland, and there is approximately 1km of gravel to our gate, but right at the gate is left hand bend in the dirt road, now I can take that bend at 100km/h in the 110 no problems at all, get a bit of skip in the back left wheel as the corrigations bounce it around, but no slide, no oversteer nothing. I can do it at 90km/h in the series 3. the leaf springs are a bit harder and tend to bounce the back out more.
But we have had 3 Fortuners and one Hilux up side down in our feild. We now have a sign in the road that says “Toyota drivers reduce speed to 40!!” as the last Fortuner to do a flop was only travelling at about 60km/h.
One of them went over at around 80km/h and looked like confetti, with bits of vehicle strewn through the feild for 100 odd metres.
I wont touch a Coil Sprung Toyota!
December 10th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Can you confirm if any of the Fortuners were 2009 models?
January 21st, 2010 at 8:29 am
Yes, I agree with Duncan. I have owned my 2009 D4D for almost a year now and 14km.
I love it! Would not trade it for anything. But yes it is a large SUV and can not be thrown around, I think driver attitude is a big factor
January 21st, 2010 at 8:37 am
Yes, I agree with Duncan. I have owned my 2009 D4D for almost a year now and 14000km.
I love it! Would not trade it for anything. But yes it is a large SUV and can not be thrown around, I think driver attitude is a big factor
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
HI,
I am interested in purchasing a new 2009 fortuner, is this better than the older version. Does the newer face lift model have the suspension problem resolved? Should I rather settle for a low milage Prado, for around R300000,00?
August 13th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Did you get a reply – Im also looking at buying one Is the new version better
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Feroz,
Apparently the new version is brilliant. I haven’t driven one, but a friend owns one, and he is really happy.
KC
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 am
Hi Kaptein/Guys,
As of today, for the practicallity of the Fortuner, I had reached a decision to buy a new 2009 Fortuner 3.0 D-4D. These articles I am reading on this vehicle is leading me away from this purchase. I will be calling the Toyota agents to hold back the order until I can really be assured on the safety of this latest 2009 “upgraded” version. I took one out for a test run, in windy conditions I must add and it felt somewhat “loose” on the tar. During the test, I noticed that the VSC alarmed, indicating a problem in the stability of the vehicle and that at around 100Kph, on tar ???? Just doesn’t seem right! Why does the client have to pay a pretty packet and then start upgrading a new vehicle to ensure the safety of the passengers ?? My wife will be the primary driver transporting our family in this good looking vehicle & I am now obviously reluctant to proceed unless someone can convince me otherwise. We all love our families and cannot expose them to such dangerous conditions. For the time being I will stick to my old MB C270 CDI and like many others, I think I will be looking out for the more proven Prado.
September 4th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thanks Mike for your feedback. I was quite interested to read that your experience with the new car suggest that the car still feel loose on tar. I honestly don’t know what to say about it. My hope was that the new cars feel and act more surefooted, and now you are the first person to say that it might not be the case. I will definitely be following the articles on the new car.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I can only tell you of my experiences. I have been driving a Fortuner D4D now for the last 4 months, I have 7000kms on the clock, and it has been the best vehicle I have ever driven or owned. I do quite a bit of dirt road driving in and around the Reserve and have never once had the feeling the vehicle was unsteady or unsafe.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Hi Pre-Durban
As far as I know, the problems seems to have been sorted out. The new Fortuner now comes with traction control, bigger tires (17″ compared to the original 16″), upgraded bearings, Bridgestone AT tires and apparently better shocks.
A friend of mine recently bought one, and he says the road holding is now amazing. He sold his old Fortuner a few months after buying it brand new, because he reckoned the car was unsafe.
This same friend says a Prado is in a different class. The Fortuner ride is more bakkie-like, where as a Prado is much more luxurious.
KC
August 13th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Hi Kaptein,
Thanks for the advise. I will surely consider purchasing this vehicle now, as it is one of the most versatile vehicles around. The new spec also looks great. I spoke to the dealer and one of the comments made the the problem on the older models pertained to the General tyres that they came with as standard fitment. Aparently the high side walls of the tyre and the side roll of the tyre was the problem. According to a durban dealer there was a process where these vehicles were recalled and the tyres were changed and the problem has subsequently been resolved.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hi Pre-Durban
Good luck with the buying process. It’s always fun to look for a new car!
My personal experience regarding the tires was a bit different from what the Durban dealer suggested. The vehicles were not all recalled; you had to take your car to Toyota, and they then decided whether you qualified for replacement tires. I then waited 6 weeks (I think….) for new tires, but eventually gave up and bought Bridgestone ATs. This transformed the car’s handling. I then realized that the car still feels like a boat on water after driving a few km’s on gravel, so I went and bought 4×4 shocks. This sorted out the handling problem completely. So, my opinion is you need tires and shocks.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Please guys, buy the PRADO, it is bt far superior to any “un” Fortuner. There is just too much work to be done before this can be classified “safe” for family use. Secondly the interior is absolutely ugly to say the least……..
June 15th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I sit in the same position as Edward. I thought the problems were over and was seriously considering the Fortuner diesel 4×4. I pull a big caravan and boat and last thing I need is an unstable tow vehicle. I too will prbably look at a low mileage Prado. Such a pity as Toyota have built up such a good reputation.
Regards
June 8th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I have a Fortuner in Thailand and do not seem to have the sanme problems as you guys in SA; I don’t know if we have a different suspension/shock absorber but the ride is certainly very much on the firm side.
September 27th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Dear Stuart,
I hope you’re still following this forum, may I ask what’s your cold tyre pressure for daily use.
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Shit.. Shit.. Shit…….. was really looking forward to buying a Fortuner and up-grading it to go traveling around the country. Doesn’t look like that will be happening.
Toyota SA you really disappoint me.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
My Fortuner scare.
I bought a 4×4 diesel Fortuner in 2007 as a towing vehicle. This was replacing a Isuzu 350 Double Cab. I own a 2004 Gypsey Regal Caravan and have been towing caravans, boats and trailers for years. On our first camping trip doing about 95km/h my caravan started to sway uncontrollably from side to side going downhill. I just barely saved our family from an accident because it was completely out of controll. This is the same caravan I have been towing to the same camping spot for 3 years and I normally tow at 110km/h as it is normal N1 highway driving.
I experimented with towing speed and found that going downhill at anything more than 80km/h you are taking your family’s lives into your hands. I must add that I was pumping the tyres 3bar as per the 4×4 forums when towing. I stuck it out as I would lose too much money on the car if I get rid of it right away again. The last straw was in January this year while driving (not towing) the car was hit by a crosswind from the right. I was travelling at about 120km/h. When the croswind hit the car it bent the body over so far that the right rear tyre scraped against bodywork and again it was just pure luck that we did not have a horrible accident. The following Saturday I traded my first and last Toyota in on a Usuzu Double cab again. I beleive Toyota is alienating future car buyers with not sorting out this death trap of a car.
Rather be safe than sorry…
October 1st, 2009 at 9:20 am
Riaan
Re-reading your post, I remembered what used to happen when a crosswind hit our car. A high-pitched whistling sound would fill up the cabin, originating from the door seals. After upgrading tires and shocks, the whistling sound went away completely.
KC
January 19th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I have a 2007 4×4 diesel.(Remember how we waited on lists for them?, my first one was stolen out of the washbay in Alberton 2 days before I took ownership.Waited 4-6 weeks for next vehicle) Dreadfull performance on pull away until 1500 revs.Will not pull away at steep uphill in 1st gear high range with 4 adults, could not solve problem up to now. Yet it idles up driveway, but do not touch accelerator. SAC only does test on 4×4 dyno in 3rd and 4th gear.Had tyres changed after rear end break away in 2009 at 50km/k on corrugated gravel road. Whistling sound happened on N9 between Uniondale and George. Wind from SE left back going down to George.This happened in Dec 2008 and 2009. Recorded the sound om sons cellphone.How many of you had your spare wheels stolen? No spare wheel lock as standard on Fortuner. R 6000 gone. Had same lock as standard on my Colt 3.0! Toyota must take resposibility here, saw they had Andrew St.Pierre White on TV the other night swearing that there is nothing wrong. You should get Toyota (de Vos I believe)St Pierre White and unhappy Fortuner owners together ??????
April 20th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Hi Edward
In hindsight I probably should have bought the Prado too. Even though my handling problem seem to be sorted out, the fact that such a heavy car comes with drum breaks installed, and only 2 airbags, is a real worry for me.
Thanks for your post.
April 20th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Same here. Was just about to buy one (2009 model in which I though the problems were resolve) today and have finally decided against it based on this and other forums. Will probably look at a low mileage used Prado instead.
April 14th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Charles
I wish Toyota could see what they are doing to their brand from our perspective.
Thanks for the post.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Thank you guys. I was just about to buy one and am now quite put off. One expects better than this for over R300 000. Toyota needs to get its act together from what you are saying. What a pity. It is a very good looking vehicle.
I will stay with isuzu or look at the Mazda Twin cab.
Regards,
February 27th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Copy of letter to Editor of SA 4X4
#######################
Hi Neil,
I trust that you are well. Here we go again on the Toyota Fortuner Saga,
but I think due to recent events this HAS got to be addressed in a very
serious light.
The problems experienced with the Toyota Fortuner have been discussed in
length over the past two years in every publication available and on every
blog or website possible. It is with great disappointment that I found
that the suspension on the “upgraded” 2009 model is (apart from the
tyres), exactly the same as previous model. Why the continues denial and
almost “no-care” attitude from Toyota to recall these Vehicles as this is,
in my opinion, what should happen. This is no “small” problem as they want
to make out as people are loosing their lives out there and families are
left in pain due to the reluctance of one of our major OEM companies to
admit and rectify the problem on one of the the best selling SUV’S in the
country.
Herewith my opinion/views on this touchy problem:
1) So, what is the problem?
I honestly do not believe that the tyres on the Fortuner is the major
cause of the problems experienced. On the 2009 model, Toyota have changed
from a 16″ 265/70 tyre to a 17″ 265/65 tyre. What they have achieved is
that the sidewall height has decreased from 185mm to 172mm which of course
lessens the “Air Height” and thereby reduces the “bounce and roll affect”
of the tyre. If the tyres were the real problem then by stiffening the
suspension with either Uprated Shocks and/or an Airhelper Suspension,
should have no real influence on the suspension characteristics and
performance. However, this has proven to solve the problem in hundreds of
vehicles over the past two years.
In my opinion the real problem can be attributed to two components in the
suspension design.
a) SHOCKS
I believe the Shocks used on the Fortuner is poor quality. Any standard
shocks “reaction time over velocity” curve is basically a straight line
curve. This has the inherent problems in the “very low” and “fast”
reaction time areas. What happens is that in high speed situations the
Shocks reaction time is to slow to react with changes on the road surface,
especially on gravel roads where the Tyres do not stay on the road surface
but actually starts to jump from one point to another causing difficulty
on controlling the Vehicle. The shock acts almost as if becomes “stuck”.
This is even greater when an external force such as a Caravan or Trailer
now influence the suspension characteristics.
The best visual explanation is the way the rear axle of a truck starts
bouncing under hard braking due to the fact that the Shock cannot act
quickly enough.
b) COIL
The fact that to Coil is only +/- 75mm in diameter and it is positioned in
front of the axle increases the length of the Coil by +/- 80mm. If we
consider the fact that the Coil is actually a “soft” coil to obtain a
softer ride, together with the length and fairly small diameter I believe
we have a recipe for disaster. Once the shock and coil starts “fighting”
each other to control the damping affect on the Vehicle, it will become
impossible to handle.
2) How do we solve the problem?
a) FIT UPRATED SHOCKS
Uprated shocks are designed in such a manner that the reaction time in the
fast moving areas are actually moved down on the Force curve allowing the
Shock to react quickly and efficiently in these circumstances.
b) FIT AIRHELPER SYSTEM
An Airhelper system does basically the same as an uprated shock with the
advantages that it carries the load over a bigger diameter (75mm in this
case) and has a positive downward force on the tyres. Also, off course it
has the advantage of offering extra carrying capacity.
c) FIT UPRATED COILS.
Although this is an option, please beware not to fit to Coils with heavy
load characteristics as this will result in a “hard drive” when empty.
Another problem is that most uprated coils gives lift to the Vehicle.
3) Conclusion.
There are enough suspension knowledgeable guys in the market. Toyota
should be big enough to reach out, put a task team together, solve the
problems in a fashionable way and stop this ridiculous loss off lives.
Over the years the market and especially the 4×4 enthusiast has stood by
Toyota – maybe it is now their turn to show some appreciation for this.
Worried.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hi Worried
Did you ever receive a reply from the editor?
KC
February 11th, 2009 at 4:30 am
Hallo,
I totally agreed with all who had the feeling something must be wrong somewhere with this Hilux/Fortuner.I drive a Hilux 4×4 3.0l diesel manual, yes I would say there is something wrong with the suspension, not the tires nor the pressure in it or the stock shock absorbers or springs but I would blame it on the faulty suspension engineering by Toyota.Don’t waste your time trying to correct it, you’ll not get it right cos it needs to be redesign.Just drive carefully since you’ve owned it but you’ll never enjoy the ride because of the suspension, it bounces more than it absorb on irregular surfaces and rear end skips, in a very unstable manner this Hilux Vigo/Fortuner is still left unattended by TOYOTA no matter how many people had adressed them because they don’t believe they’d ever go bankrupt.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hi
I was wondering if you have the same problems with the Fortuner over in Thailand?
Kaptein
February 8th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Hi Guys,
I will be writing an indept letter to “SA 4×4 to explain my views on the problems with the Fortuner 4×4 – and yes, I am fairly knowledgable in the design/working of Vehicle Suspensions. Hopefully we can have this published in the March 09 edition and HOPEFULLY we can get Toyota to realize that NO LIFE is worth their continues “denial” of the problem.
In short I do NOT believe the tyres are the Problem!!! There are design problems on the Suspension itself and the way the Rear Coil springs are located. If the Tyres were the problem, then by fitting an Air Helper Suspension OR by changing the Shock would not have an influence on the unstability of the Vehicle. However, over the past year it has become basic knowledge in the market that once an Air Helper Suspension or uprated shocks are fitted the problems are solved on the handling – this at a cost of +/- R 2 200,00 (excl)!!!
Well, let’s see if we can get my letter to “SA 4×4 Magazine” published and see what Toyota will comment on this – at the end of the day we are trying to HELP Toyota and to stop this needless loss of lives.
Untill further.
Worried
February 25th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Hi Worried,
I look forward to your letter. Would you mind sending me a copy?
Kaptein
January 21st, 2009 at 10:17 am
Hi ME
I assume you mean you replaced the tires in November 2008, and not 2007? The replacement tires were not available in 2007, so that is why I think it must be 2008. Anyway, thanks for the post. It seems that the replacement tires do not sort out the problem. In the new brochure for the face lifted Fortuner, you can clearly see the car fitted with Bridgestone AT tires. My car is fitted with Bridgestone AT, and they made a massive difference. Toyota South-Africa seem to be one of the only companies on the planet that sell a car which only work with a specific tire, and then not very well either.
I am starting to think I should have bought a Prado. Not only does the Fortuner have the road holding problem, but now news is also surfacing that air bags don’t deploy in accidents. And then, the Fortuner only have two of those, which is not enough I think.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:02 am
WE HAVE GOT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA FORTUNER. DURING NOVEMBER 2007 TOYOTA DID PUT UP NEW TYRES (NOT EVEN 10 000 KM ON THE CLOCK), AND THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS MY HUSBAND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE GRAVEL ROAD OF OUR FARM – THIS VEHICLE LEAVING THE ROAD. SO… THE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED WITH NEW TYRES. I HAVE MAILED ANDRE JORDAN TELLING THEM THAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS WITH MY HUSBAND AND CHILD IN THIS VEHICLE I WILL HELD TOYOTA SA LIABLE, BECAUSE WE KEEP ON TELLING THEM SOMETHING IS WRONG. I HAVE GOT A RAV 4 AND MY HUSBAND A TOYOTA LAND CRUISER, AND THIS VEHICLES IS STABLE ON THE SAME GRAVEL ROAD. ANYONE USING A GRAVEL ROAD – DO NOT BUY A TOYOTA FORTUNER!