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 |
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
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!