1996 Toyota 4 Runner
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › 4 Runner › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Toyota 4 Runner. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1996 Toyota 4 Runner. Newest first.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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 side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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 rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2WD 4runner to lose directional stability.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in a loss of control and could increase the risk of a crash.
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 should receive the replacement parts. owner notification began february 28, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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's side sun visor.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: owners may not be aware of the handling and manuevering characteristics of this vehicle increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sun visors on the affected vehicles with visors containing the correct labels.
Owner complaints
161 complaints17 involved a crash1 involved a fire16 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Wheels
I have noticed that my vehicle doesn’t seem to be balance and most of the time i am afraid the tires will fall off by the movement of the vehicle. And the metal parts that attachment part it looks very bad on the metal parts like it rusted so bad. I hope they will be able to figure out whats wrong and if i am the only one who is experiencing this issue.
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1996 toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the sun roof detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that she would receive a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 256,000.
- Suspension
My vehicle has been slipping a lot causing me to lose control of the vehicle it's not the first time it has happened just recently it happened again and I was told to check if there was a recall on the vehicle but there wasn't but after researching my 4runner I've read there was some recalls on the car about the rear suspension.
- Suspension
The rear axle/suspension IS completely rusted out. Just took it to my auto shop for an oil change and they will not put it up for an oil change because they are afraid it will collapse.
- Suspension
The axel support rusted off causing it to separate from the frame. this results in a dangerous condition
- Unknown or other
Axel supports rusted off the frame making it dangerous to drive
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Frame IS rusting vary badly, in two years the frame that IS the drive train will be all gone rust! and auto will not be drivable then
- Unknown or other
1996 toyota 4runner, the frame IS rustting out totally. The total frame IS rust or gone. This 4runner was zebarted when new. I have bought this 4runner new from sunshine toyota battle creek,mi
- Structure › Body
Excessive frame corrosion. Vehicle unsafe to drive.
- Air bags · Service brakes · Suspension
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.
- Structure › Body
My 1996 toyota 4runner suffers from excessive rust that caused me to be have a horrible loss of vehicle control due to the frame excessively cracking. The cracking was due to what an independent research company stating that the right-rear frame rail cracked and separated from the frame due to…
My 1996 toyota 4runner suffers from excessive rust that caused me to be have a horrible loss of vehicle control due to the frame excessively cracking. The cracking was due to what an independent research company stating that the right-rear frame rail cracked and separated from the frame due to excessive rusting. The independent research company pointed to numerous known reporting's on the internet as a common occurrence of this vehicle. I made a personal call to toyota customer care and was told that they logged my complaint but that they would not cover any claims herein to help in fixing the issue. my vehicle only had approximately 137,000 miles at the time of the incidence. the occurrence happened when I was traveling on an interstate at approximately 65 miles per hour. I crossed an area that had standing water (not deep by any means mind you) and the rear end completely shifted out to the right of me and caused me to spin. this water went across all three lanes and no one else experienced anything like I did. the vehicle completely spun around and I ended up in the emergency lane facing head on at oncoming traffic. I was fortunate that no one was injured or hit in the incident. however, the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the separation from the frame after this. I am uploading the results of the independent assessment stating their findings and showing pictures of what has happened.
- Unknown or other
I am the sole owner of my 1996 toyota 4runner. I have all service and maintenance records. New toyota parts have been used in all repairs performed by my local toyota dealership. While driving my 4runner this spring, I noticed it starting to sway on the highway. A rear sway bar broke off. I can…
I am the sole owner of my 1996 toyota 4runner. I have all service and maintenance records. New toyota parts have been used in all repairs performed by my local toyota dealership. While driving my 4runner this spring, I noticed it starting to sway on the highway. A rear sway bar broke off. I can feel the vehicle sway when accelerating and decelerating. Not once did my toyota dealership service department mention that my frame was deteriorating from rust. It has been on the lift a hundred times for maintenance and repairs, some extensive, and not one mention of a rusting frame. Now, it may be too late to repair due to the extensive rust. I have spent thousands of dollars maintaining my 4runner over the years. I feel toyota has knowingly deceived all 4runner owners of this safety issue. All current owners of early model 4runners should be alerted of this safety issue as loss of control of your vehicle on the highway IS imminent.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Frame rust, a fair amount of rust IS causing concern and makes me question how trustworthy vehicle IS. the date listed isnt the date of the incident its roughly around the time the extent of the rust had been noticed.
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
Frame IS rusting from inside out. Holes in frame big enough to push your whole arm through. Areas of frame connected to suspension prematurely rusting out. This rest of this vehicle IS in excellent condition, body panels included. welder told me entire frame IS rusting away and repair to the frame…
Frame IS rusting from inside out. Holes in frame big enough to push your whole arm through. Areas of frame connected to suspension prematurely rusting out. This rest of this vehicle IS in excellent condition, body panels included. welder told me entire frame IS rusting away and repair to the frame IS very difficult anf expensive even if possible. vehicle has under 185,000 miles and runs great. I hear creaking developing and am afraid car may split in half. why IS toyota not stepping up after admitting to badly manufactured frames.
- Engine · Seat belts · Suspension
Shock absorber completely went threw the frame causing the 4 runner to go size to size while driving. Frame IS rusting from inside out. Very very dangerous. The same exact frames on the tacomatacoma got a recall, they replaced them. Why wasnt this recalled on the 4runner? And the seatbelts just pop…
Shock absorber completely went threw the frame causing the 4 runner to go size to size while driving. Frame IS rusting from inside out. Very very dangerous. The same exact frames on the tacomatacoma got a recall, they replaced them. Why wasnt this recalled on the 4runner? And the seatbelts just pop out of the buckle while your just driving. Something has to happen soon or somebody IS gonna get very hurt ,or killed. 1 more thing. I had a wheel pop off also from the ball joint breaking luckily that was in my driveway, luckily I wasn't on the main road I could've killed somebody.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering · Suspension
I was getting on the hiway ramp and was traveling 60pmh when my vehicle felt like it wanted to move over to the next lane while the steering wheel was held steady. I took the vehicle to northpark toyota in san antonio texas on august 29,2017. Iwas told the parts were ordered and would take 2weeks…
I was getting on the hiway ramp and was traveling 60pmh when my vehicle felt like it wanted to move over to the next lane while the steering wheel was held steady. I took the vehicle to northpark toyota in san antonio texas on august 29,2017. Iwas told the parts were ordered and would take 2weeks to come in. I called 2weeks later and could not get any info on the parts ordered. Today IS 10/16/2016 and still no info. I have been driving the vehicle little because it has wanted to move over to the next lane several times even though I hold the steering wheel straight.
- Structure › Body
The frame has prematurely rusted through in front of the right, rear trailing arm. My shop tells me the frame IS too rusted to repair it.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Takata recall I'm super disappointed in the rust problem with toyotas, I've owned now three tacomas, all rusted out, I recently gave up and tried buying a 1996 4runner, got a really good deal on it, I can see why anyways I bought it and it turns out the whole frame was coated so I couldn't see…
Takata recall I'm super disappointed in the rust problem with toyotas, I've owned now three tacomas, all rusted out, I recently gave up and tried buying a 1996 4runner, got a really good deal on it, I can see why anyways I bought it and it turns out the whole frame was coated so I couldn't see rust, with further inspection there's a big crack in the frame from rust, and the whole frame IS rusted. The crack IS right beside the exhaust, I contacted toyota and they said bring it in for inspection and they said it would need replaced, but would cost 14-16 thousand dollars. Then they charged me for the inspection 60 dollars, when they didn't even tell me I'D be charged. Toyota really needs to step up!!! Feel free to call me at [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
There was a recall for the sun visor however the toyota service department was unable to fulfill the recall due to the part not being available.
- Unknown or other
Takata recall I have a bad rust problem on the chassis frame underneath
- Structure › Body
While cornering in city driving I heard a clunking noise and investigated when I arrived home. The frame has corrosion at the right rear trailing arm bracket. The bracket was rusted away from the frame at the top but still attached at the bottom. The bracket and frame were welded with addtional…
While cornering in city driving I heard a clunking noise and investigated when I arrived home. The frame has corrosion at the right rear trailing arm bracket. The bracket was rusted away from the frame at the top but still attached at the bottom. The bracket and frame were welded with addtional metal. I checked the rest of the frame and noticed there IS also a hole in the crossmember below the drivers seat and other larger rusted holes along the frame. This IS a major safety concern. I will have to take it to a frame shop as toyota says there IS no recall on the 4runner only the tacoma and tundra. I know many other 3RD generation 4runner owners who have the same problem. The vehicle body has no rust other than a small surface area at the drivers door rocker panel and near the windshield. The vehicle IS very well maintained.
- Suspension
Frame badly rotted crossmember for transmission and left rear are worst .
- Structure › Body
I own a 1996 toyota 4runner that has frame IS rusted with large holes. It has not caused an accident yet but I believe the manufacturer should be held accountable. Especially when the same company has replaced frames and bought back other models for the exact same issue. How am I (as a 4runner owner) just overlooked and brushed aside.
- Unknown or other
Frame IS so rotted it won't pass inspection. seems to be a common problem with toyota. They replaced frames on the tacoma and a few others, why not the 4 runner.
- Structure › Body
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. I am still in physical therapy for partial rotator cuff tear, sprained neck, back, shoulder…
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. I am still in physical therapy for partial rotator cuff tear, sprained neck, back, shoulder, elbow and I still cannot use right arm from elbow down. I have not worked since the accident. I want to know why my air bags did not go off.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
- 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131928A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
- 10061620Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10061578Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10010473Owner renotification of non-completed special service campaigns and limited service campaigns.
- 10004671Special service campaign (ssc) - 20A renotification rear suspension modification for owners whose vehicles have not yet had ssc 20A repairs completed.
- 10003563Spare tire carrier operation. Various modlels including the 2004 landcruiser and 4 runner.
- 10000267Special service campaign 20A regarding renotification of rear suspension modification.
- 6088659This service bulletin provides the location of the grease fittings for the propeller shaft joints.
- 629499Information regarding rear suspension modification.
- 628690Subject regarding special service campaign to modify the rear suspension.
- 627389Subject regarding head gasket replacement.
Every Toyota 4 Runner model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.