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1996 Toyota 4RUNNER body problems

42 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 186,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
42
of this car's complaints
26%
typical mileage
186,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    24
  • Frame and members: underbody shields
    7
  • Frame and members
    7
  • Body: door
    2
  • Body: bumpers
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota 4RUNNER body problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 13, 2018 · Body · 200,000 miles · MI

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

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Body · MN

Excessive frame corrosion. Vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Aug 24, 2018 · Body · 137,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jul 26, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 302,182 miles · MN

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.

Filed Mar 31, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 175,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Aug 16, 2017 · Body · 175,000 miles · UT

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Body · TN

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).

Filed Jun 5, 2017 · Body · 248,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Dec 30, 2016 · Body · 180,000 miles · KY

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.

Filed Sep 9, 2016 · Body · 255,500 miles · AL · crash · 2 injuries

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.

Questions about the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER body

Does the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER have body problems?

Owners have filed 42 complaints about the body of the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 186,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have the most body problems?

The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most body complaints are 2004 (310 complaints), 2003 (284 complaints) and 2000 (256 complaints).

Other 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

Suspension 39Engine 26Brakes 18Tires 14Airbags 9Visibility 7Acceleration 5Transmission 5Wheels 4Electrical 3Seat belts 3Steering 3Driver assistance 1Fuel system 1Lights 1Locks 1

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