1996 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 11%of 161 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER, 11% of the 161 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,250 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11140410, filed 2018-10, 150,000 miles“On a straight decent road I applied a brake. Suddenly my tire is locked w/ no steering. The road was partly covered by slushy snow and wet. Since the car is equipped with ABS, I did not try to pump. As the result my car hit a snow bank and rolled over. The user's manual does not indicate ABS may not work.”
NHTSA complaint #702351, filed 1999-01“While driving at 35mph & was turning into curb, road was wet, and vehicle started to accelerate. Applied the ABS and rpms revved up. Lost control of vehicle & spun around, and hit a utility pole with rear of vehicle. Vehicle towed dealer for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #858855, filed 2000-03“Ongoing problem with ABS system failing to work properly,and will not work at all in wet weather. Vehicle been inspected on three occasions and repaired on one occasion ( replaced both front rotors and pads), problem still occuring. Help in this matter is needed.”
NHTSA complaint #833194, filed 1999-01“Consistent brake pad cracking on Toyota high performance, trd, brakes. The trd semi-metallic brake pads have been replaced twice in the last 6 weeks after hearing and feeling grinding noises when brakes are applied. Inspection with the dealer verified that the contact portion of the brake pads exhibited hairline cracks throughout the pads. This occurred both times. Trd warranted them and replaced them but it happened again. They are only paying for the replacement of the pads and not the labor involved. …”
NHTSA complaint #10046865, filed 2003-11Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A 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…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A 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…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 43% |
| 2024 | 2 | 20% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 5 | 13% |
| 2021 | 6 | 17% |
| 2020 | 5 | 15% |
| 2019 | 5 | 8% |
| 2018 | 7 | 12% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% |
| 2013 | 5 | 14% |
| 2012 | 7 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 15 | 16% |
| 2007 | 29 | 19% |
| 2006 | 34 | 9% |
| 2005 | 32 | 8% |
| 2004 | 82 | 12% |
| 2003 | 74 | 11% |
| 2002 | 21 | 9% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 26 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 29 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 11% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1993 | 8 | 16% |
| 1992 | 12 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 14% |
| 1990 | 9 | 12% |
| 1987 | 2 | 40% |
| 1986 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER
42 complaintsSuspension
39 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsTires
14 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology