1996 Toyota 4 runner problems

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The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across five generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura.

The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road.

For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform.

As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components.

The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.

1996 Toyota 4 runner

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Common 1996 Toyota 4 runner problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1996 Toyota 4Runner based on complaints from owners:

  1. Braking System Problems:
    • From 2014 to 2017 models, the 4Runner faced issues with the brake system. Owners reported brake failure, temporary lock-ups, warping problems, premature wear on front brake components, and issues with the brake master cylinder.
  2. Rust/Body/Paint Problems:
    • The 4th-gen 4Runners, particularly around 150k miles, were prone to rust and corrosion issues. Owners discovered severe rust and corrosion on the frame and suspension during maintenance checks.
  3. Damaged/Cracked Dashboard:
    • Owners of 2004 4Runners reported problems with sticky, melted, and cracked dashboards. Exposure to direct sunlight caused melting or damage to the dashboard, which not only affected aesthetics but also posed a risk by potentially hindering airbag deployment.
  4. Transmission Issues:
    • Model years from 1990 to 2016 experienced transmission problems, leading to rough shifting and power loss. The root causes were identified as faulty shift solenoids or throttle position sensors, necessitating replacements to resolve these issues.

These problems highlight key areas of concern for 1996 Toyota 4Runner owners, impacting safety, functionality, and overall driving experience. Owners facing these issues may need to address them promptly to ensure the continued reliability and performance of their vehicles.

1996 Toyota 4 runner engine

How many miles will a 1996 Toyota 4Runner last?

Overall, Toyota's long-time reputation for making reliable vehicles overrides any foreseeable rust issues and confirms that the 4Runner can last 200,000 miles. If you put effort into maintaining your 4Runner, it may even go beyond 300,000 miles.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
  • Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
  • Melting Dashboards.

Are old 4Runners reliable?

A: Historically, the Toyota 4Runner models from the years 1999-2000, 2008-2009, and 2017 to the current fifth generation have been praised for their reliability.

What is the best years for Toyota Four Runner?

The best used Toyota 4Runner years according to generation are as follows. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner received the least complaints from 2017 to 2021. In 2017, the complaints from customers dropped out of the double-digit range, and in 2021, only one complaint was lodged against it.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
  • Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
  • Melting Dashboards.

Are old 4Runners reliable?

A: Historically, the Toyota 4Runner models from the years 1999-2000, 2008-2009, and 2017 to the current fifth generation have been praised for their reliability.

How many miles will a 1996 Toyota 4Runner last?

Overall, Toyota's long-time reputation for making reliable vehicles overrides any foreseeable rust issues and confirms that the 4Runner can last 200,000 miles. If you put effort into maintaining your 4Runner, it may even go beyond 300,000 miles.

What generation 4Runner is a 1996?

Third Generation

Third Generation (1996-2002)

The third gen 4Runner made its appearance in 1996 and is said to be the best one yet, in its class. This 4Runner had two options for engines, being a 150 horsepower 2.7 4-cylinder, and a 183 horsepower 3.4 liter V6.

1996 Toyota 4 runner complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Toyota 4 runner.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Leave your review of 1996 Toyota 4 runner

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Toyota 4 runner problems:

Brother looking at 96 4runner - issues? Things to look for ...
Brother looking at 96 4runner - issues? Things to look for ...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/brother-looking-96-4runner-issues-things-look-92423/

Aug 15, 2006 ... also check for rubbing and excessive wear in the wheel wells. part of my bumper is a little torn/worn from rubbing. other than that, i havent ...

1996 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
1996 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1996-toyota-4runner/problems

Problem with your 1996 Toyota 4Runner? Our list of 28 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Toyota 4Runner.

Common problems/mistakes when replacing the timing belt ...
Common problems/mistakes when replacing the timing belt ...
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/137017-common-problems-mistakes-when-replacing-timing-belt.html

Mar 7, 2013 ... ... 4runner. My next big project has me a little worried though. I picked up this kit Timing Belt Kit Toyota 4 Runner 1996 to 2002 3.4L 5VZFE V6 ...

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners ...
3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners ...
https://www.4runners.com/threads/3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.630/

Jun 2, 2015 ... Post 2- Known Issues & Red Flags, Maintenance Items. Post 3- Transfer case differences, E-locker, TRAC/VSC, 5-speed, 4Cyl information. Post ...

1996 reliability? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
1996 reliability? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128490-1996-reliability.html

Nov 11, 2012 ... most people consider the 3g 4runner to be one of Toyota's most reliable vehicles. But, it really depends on how its been maintained (regular oil ...

Other years of Toyota 4 runner

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4 runner 1997
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1996 Toyota 4 runner photo