1996 Toyota 4RUNNER
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.
- Complaints
- 72
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
53% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 72 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 52 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 379 |
| 2001 | 154 |
| 2002 | 192 |
| 2003 | 528 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 410 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 146 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 87 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 60 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
53% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
Traveling nb approaching green light and a car ran red light in intersection. The car on sb swerved on miss them, hit them anyway and hit me head on. Both on their air bags went off and mine did not.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-09
Suspension
32% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata recall. Antilock brakes slipped and didnt stop. The air bags open until after the truck was towed and parked back at my house when no one was in it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-15
Also filed under Air bags and service brakes
I see that you guys have ordered a recall on 2001-2002 Toyota 4RUNNER for the lower ball joint failing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-12
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Toyota 4 runner. The contact isnt currently experiencing any failures at this time. The contact has been waiting to have the recall repair honored since January 1, 2007. The related recall# is 0V021000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-15
Vehicle speed control
6% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have a 1996 4RUNNER that was in good condition until September 4, 2009 when it suddenly accelerated out of control, became a runaway vehicle, and struck a gas station building, resulting in severe property damage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-01
Tires
3% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On July 7, 2012, I was driving my 1996 Toyota 4-runner when the rear driver side tire failed. The four tires were dunlop grand trek AT21 P265170R16 (111S m+s 014814), purchased new and installed in June 2007.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-24
Power train
3% · 2 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1996-07-15Equipment96V098000 The sticker required by part 575, "Consumer information regulations" To alert the driver of "The particular handling and maneuvering characteristics of utility vehicles" Was not affixed to the driver'
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sun visors on the affected vehicles with visors containing the correct labels.
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R
2002-02-28Suspension02V021000 On certain 2-wheel-drive (2WD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) 4RUNNER sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (Simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight…
Remedy: Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. Although the 4WD 4RUNNERS do not exhibit the handling condition, Toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles…
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V098000 · Equipment
- Recall 02V021000 · Suspension
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.