1996 Toyota Land cruiser problems
The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā) (also sometimes spelled as LandCruiser) is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.
Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.
Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.
As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.
Social links
Common 1996 Toyota Land cruiser problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Land Cruiser 1996, several common problems have been reported:
- Difficulty in Diagnosing Contamination in Transmission Fluid or Engine Oil:
- Owners have faced challenges in diagnosing contamination in the transmission fluid or engine oil, with experts suggesting inspections involving pressurizing the cooling system and checking for leaks.
- Rough Shifting and Transmission Troubles:
- Rough shifting and transmission issues have been prevalent in various Toyota Land Cruiser models, including the 1996 version. Some vehicles have experienced excessive vibration during gear shifts, affecting both upshifting and downshifting. Additionally, older models may shift to the wrong gear after surpassing 120,000 miles, often due to a malfunctioning throttle position sensor or shift solenoid.
- Unexpected Engine Failure:
- Another significant problem reported by owners is unexpected engine failure, which has left some passengers stranded during trips. Despite bringing their vehicles to dealerships, technicians have struggled to identify the exact cause of the engine failures.
- Excessive Oil Consumption and Blue Smoke Emissions:
- The 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser has been noted for consuming too much oil and emitting blue smoke, potentially indicating engine issues. This problem could be attributed to the vehicle's strong engine.
These common problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the Toyota Land Cruiser 1996, ranging from mechanical failures to transmission and engine-related issues.
How reliable are old Land Cruisers?
What Are the Issues to Watch Out for With a Land Cruiser? Other than normal wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on these vehicles. Even 20-year-old models are still running strong. The Land Cruiser's engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are all tough as nails.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?
2007
The 2007 Land Cruiser is the rarest and most sought after/desirable 100-series.
Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
How reliable are old Land Cruisers?
What Are the Issues to Watch Out for With a Land Cruiser? Other than normal wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on these vehicles. Even 20-year-old models are still running strong. The Land Cruiser's engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are all tough as nails.
What series is a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser?
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series Market - CLASSIC.COM.
What is the top speed of a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 4.5 V6.
- Petrol.
- 4WD.
- Transmission. Automatic/Manual.
- Power. 158 kW (215 hp)
- Top Speed. 170 km/h.
- Acceleration 0-100km/h. 11.4 s.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
1996 Toyota Land cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Land cruiser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Toyota Land cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Toyota Land cruiser.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
- VIN: JT3HJ85J0T0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL (GAS) TANK DEVELOPED A STRESS CRACK. LEAKS GAS IF FILLED TO 3/4 OR ABOVE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: JT3HJ85J3T0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 1996 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. CONSUMER STATES UNDESIRED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS CERTAIN THAT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION HE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT MECHANICAL IN NATURE BUT, RATHER A COMPUTER SOFTWARE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION. THE SITUATION OCCURRED AT TIMES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT BEING USED WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE FLOOR MAT OR LINKAGE STICKING TO BE INVOLVED. THE CONSUMER STATED WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS, IT DOES NOT TRIGGER ANY CODES IN THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER ALMOST CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED TO RETURN TO IDLE AND THE BRAKES WERE NEARLY UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE . *JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-10
- VIN: JT3HJ85J8T0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 1996 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PURCHASED NEW BY ME WITH APPROXIMATELY 89,000 MILES. AT APPROX 88,000 MILES, THE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE MECHANISM FAILED. IN PARTICULAR, THE OPENING MECHANISM BROKE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATION OF IMPENDING PROBLEMS. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM EITHER INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT WAS NECESSARY TO CRAWL OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FROM THE PASSENGER DOOR (AND BACK IN TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR). THE DEALER HAD TO REMOVE THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL WHILE THE DOOR WAS CLOSE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE PANEL AND SEAT. THEREAFTER, THE DOOR OPENING MECHANISM WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. TOTAL COST FOR PARTS AND LABOR WAS APPROXIMATELY $750 PLUS THE ADDITIONAL $350 COST TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED DOOR PANEL. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-15
- VIN: 4T1BG12KOYU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A TOYOTA DEALER IN MORROW, GA THAT THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS ENGINE SLUDGE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD NOW THAT THE ENGINE HAS LOCKED UP, DUE TO ENGINE SLUDGE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-09
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCING BRAKE WEAR. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN TWO YEARS. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXT0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKING SYSTEM COMPONENT REPLACED BUT DID NOT FIT PROPERLY CAUSING VIBRATION AND PREMATURE WEAR OF THE ROTORS AND TIRES.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3HJ85J4T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TRUCK RAN INTO ANOTHER TRUCK MAKING SUDDEN STOP; BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR,CAUSING INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. ACCORDING TO DEALER, BRAKES WORKING NORMAL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXTO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES HAVE BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM CAUSING DAMAGE TO ROTORS AND TIRES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXTO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, BRAKES DAMAGED TIRES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85J3T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85J6TO
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOWS FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: JT3HJ85J4T0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC LOCK DEVICE FOR SECURITY FAILED.
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: CONSUMER NEEDED TO ORDER A PART FOR INSTALLATION OF A CHILD SAFETY SEAT, THE INFORMATION WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS AS WELL AS THE DEALERS TO INSTALL THIS IMPORTANT COMPONENT THAT IS USED TO SECURE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXT0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXT0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
Negative 1996 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
Positive 1996 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
-
After 9K miles in four months, I am still in awe of this vehicle. I picked this over brand new Envoy/TrailBlazer and Yukon/Tahoe and I am very happy with my choice. The extremely capable full time 4 wheel drive did not skip a beat during some fairly adverse winter driving conditions. I am already thinking in terms of the
-
I bought a 96' off ebay with 78000 miles 4 years ago and it has been overall very solid. While it does tend to burn oil at a rate of about a quart every 2000 miles, it is still very reliable. The only critique I have is that I'm only 5'10 and the seat doesn't go back far enough for my liking. However, I would buy one again and again. At 80000 miles, the catalytic converter went out, but the dealer replaced it for free. Although the mileage is terrible at 12 city and 16 hwy, you can buy parts online for cheaper. I changed my tires and pads myself for a very cheap $20 per axle with a lifetime warranty from Autozone. If you want to pull anything with it, I'd suggest getting heavy duty shocks.
-
This is definitely the best SUV I have ever had the pleasure of owning and driving. It is as solid as a rock and I feel confident that my family is very safe in it. I have put 175,000 miles on mine and have only had to do about $400 worth of repair work, in addition to the usual oil changes and a recent set of new tires.
-
I purchased my 1996 LC with 40000 miles in 2000 and it quickly became my primary luxury car. However, when my first child turned 16 in 2002, it had already accumulated 110000 miles and it was time to pass it on. My son and I added a brush guard to make it even more rugged and off he went. Over the years, as each of our three daughters turned 16, they too had the privilege of learning to drive in this marvelous, gas-guzzling, oil-devouring beast. Despite its age and mileage, the LC has proven to be a reliable and safe vehicle, having seen us through countless adventures and challenges. Even after 285000 miles and four teenagers, it still runs like a dream and recently proved its worth in the snow. Thank you, Toyota, for creating such a tough, comfortable, and dependable car.
-
I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your car! Although it may not have the best gas mileage and may eat through brakes, it's great to hear that it's been reliable for you. It's impressive that in over 100000 miles, the only repair needed was a blown head gasket. It sounds like you've got a real gem on your hands!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Toyota Land cruiser problems:
15 Problems of Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser - YouTube
Apr 12, 2023 ... Here are 15 annoying problems/issues of the Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser that owners just learn to live with: 1. slow windows 2. fraying ...
problems with FZJ80 series land cruiser 1996 : r/LandCruisers
Feb 21, 2023 ... Swivel hubs leaking · Steering box leaking · Tappet cover leak · Rear main leak · Bullbar parkers not working · Transfer case/ gearbox leaking · Front ...
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Top 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems · Power Steering Pump May Leak on Higher Mileage Vehicles · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High ...
Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series common problems and solutions ...
GUIDE · CHASSIS CRACKS AROUND THE STEERING BOX Being a massively popular solid axle front end four-wheel drive, the first thing everyone does when they get an 80 ...
Q&A: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Check Engine Light ...
Mar 23, 2011 ... ... problems. The light primarily addresses emissions and certain electronic function right? The engine seems to be running fine. Additionally ...
Other years of Toyota Land cruiser
Are you having problems with your 1996 Toyota Land cruiser?
Ted Becker 2024-11-08
I am confident in stating that the maintenance costs of this vehicle are higher than expected. Despite purchasing the vehicle used at 78k miles, the catalytic converters had to be replaced at 86k miles, along with the front knuckle seals which cost a staggering $1200. Although the dealer covered the converters under warranty, the VSV valve is now faulty and will cost over $400 to repair.
Rhiannon Mosciski 2024-03-10
I bought the Land Cruiser because I heard of its great reliability. It has been a good car, able to haul kids up skiing and having no trouble with snow. However, I have had some issues with maintenance. It goes through brake pads and rotors quite quickly, and I have had to replace the rotors twice in just 80,000 miles. Additionally, I had the head gasket blow out in Vail, which was extremely expensive. I have spent far more on maintenance for this car than any other I've owned, including my Fords. Despite these issues, I still leave it in the garage except to haul kids skiing. Overall, I have mixed feelings about my LC, but it has served its purpose well.