1996 Toyota 4RUNNER Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 161 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 202,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER, 7% of the 161 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 202,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Known documented issues with Toyota 4RUNNER frame rot. This particular vehicle the control arm support brackets are showing signs of rust through with holes appearing in the brackets. This is documented with photos! The vehicle was purchased new by my father in 96, always garage kept ,in 2006 I bought the vehicle from him and also is kept in a dry garage not sitting out over moist soil. The 4RUNNER has never been in a accident. I am a certified mechanic who performs safety inspections as I work for engineering university. …”
NHTSA complaint #10836354, filed 2016-02, 129,034 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114127, filed 2018-07, 260,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11150439, filed 2018-11, 205,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10908527, filed 2016-09, 282,546 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2025 | 9 | 15% |
| 2024 | 2 | 20% |
| 2023 | 12 | 36% |
| 2022 | 8 | 21% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 9 | 27% |
| 2019 | 12 | 18% |
| 2018 | 9 | 15% |
| 2017 | 14 | 39% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 14 | 16% |
| 2014 | 11 | 14% |
| 2013 | 10 | 28% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 12 | 13% |
| 2007 | 21 | 14% |
| 2006 | 78 | 20% |
| 2005 | 68 | 16% |
| 2004 | 121 | 18% |
| 2003 | 111 | 16% |
| 2002 | 32 | 14% |
| 2001 | 25 | 14% |
| 2000 | 60 | 12% |
| 1999 | 37 | 11% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 21 | 8% |
| 1996 | 12 | 7% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 4 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER
42 complaintsSuspension
39 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsTires
14 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 30, 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