MYRModel Year Report

1996 Toyota 4 Runner

● Typical for this model
1996 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:15.276Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota 4 Runner Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
1996: 89 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199452
1995125
199689
1997122
1998120
1999110
2000104
200131
200232
2003168
200466
200515

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 10%

10% of complaints: tires — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HELLO, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT OVER THIS WEEKEND DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TIRE. THE TIRE BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SMASHING INTO A CEMENT CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE TIRE IS A GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060510

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SUSPENSION 7%

7% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HIT A STOP SIGN POLE AND A BIG TREE AT 50 TO 60 MPH DURING WET WEATHER. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN THE COLLISION OF THE DRIVERS HEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030315

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970219

FAILURE ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961004

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 2002 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

◆ 2003 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Toyota 4 Runner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Toyota 4 Runner is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Toyota 4 Runner?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota 4 Runner have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.