Poor Handling 2012

[lukes123]

Hello,

I just bought my first 4Runner, brand new SR5 2WD. I cannot believe how poorly this vehicle tracks down the road. It requires constant attention and when on the interstate with a slight cross wind, it requires two hands on the wheel.

Today my wife and I switched cars. I share her sentiment that the 4Runner is not a pleasure to drive since you have to constantly make corrections. She felt relief when she drove her Honda Pilot this evening. I too felt so much more comfortable driving her car today.

I have never driven any car or truck that was such a chore to drive. It doesn't feel safe; don't dare take your eyes off the road for a split second, you may end up in the other lane.

I would like to hear from other owner to let me know if they think this is a problem, or just typical of the 4Runner.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[calikev]

When I got mine the guy was trying to squeeze another mile or 2 per gallon out of it and the tire pressure was about 50. Could this be it? Doesn't sound right to me. I have a 4th gen but have driven the 5th and it handles VERY well and didn't have any of the characteristics you mention.

I'm sure a 5th gen'er will give you some more input soon.

 

[greeneyed90]

I am having the same problem on my brand new 2012 sr5 2wd as well. I definitely think it's a problem, I have an 03 ltd with 225,000 miles that drives fine and hasn't had any driving handling issues. It's hard to believe toyota would purposely make it drive so poorly - it feels loose, sloppy, kind of wavy, not smooth and/or like it has a flat tire or something - no way a brand new vehicle should drive like that. I actually dropped mine off at the dealership yesterday, was basically told they couldn't find a problem and that the steering is super sensitive or some such crap and that it's normal. Said they'd have someone else test drive it again with the tire pressure at 32 psi - I had the pressure at the max 40 psi which did seem to improve the handling just a little bit - I don't see them having a different answer to the problem however and I don't have the knowledge to offer any suggestions or fixes. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what they tell me after they drive it again.

 

[Stifler]

they definitely are more "flighty" that the older models. After having mine for a month or so I think I adjusted to it because it isnt that big a deal now... BUT if there is a strong cross wind I really feel it in the steering.

 

[ZJumper]

Have your dealer check your alignment. Right off the truck mine was toe-out -.2 on both sides and didn't track well--wandered and a correction made it wander the other way. They realigned it to +.05 on both sides and it drove much better.

Another issue, IMHO, is the Bridgestone tires...they are crap. I'm getting new ones put on ASAP.