Shock absorber completely went threw the frame causing the 4 runner to go size to size while driving. Frame is rusting from inside out. Very very dangerous. The same exact frames on the tacomatacoma got a recall, they replaced them. Why wasnt this recalled on the 4runner? And the seatbelts just pop out of the buckle while your just driving. Something has to happen soon or somebody is gonna get very hurt ,or killed. 1 more thing. I had a wheel pop off also from the ball joint breaking luckily that was in my driveway, luckily I wasn't on the main road I could've killed somebody.
1996 Toyota 4RUNNER: ball joint or control arm failure
8 of the 161 complaints about the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 184,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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. It came to my attention when I was hearing and reading stories of these 3rd generation 4runners have stability problems directly related to the rusted out frame support brackets that hold the control arms in place for the rear axle. This is a main frame component , if the support bracket break free it allows the axle to wander around as it's not being held in place, causing loss of steering stability, it is a road hazard that is eventually going to kill people . I have a 95 blazer that was purchased six months before the 4runner and I still have it! The body on the blazer is literally rusted everywhere however,the integrity of the frame is still solid but the frame is rusted badly ! Conversely, the body on the 4runner is excellent especially for the year, having a rusted out body is a appearance issue not a safety related issue as in the 3rd generation toyota 4runner that reside in the upper midwest. Toyota has a a buy back program with tundra pickups that have frames that are safety hazards. I feel these 4runners are no different than the tundras, toyota should have the frames either replaced or buy the vehicle back! I took great care of this 4runner it looks great ,however I can not sell it due to the possibility of the control arm breaking free from the frame caused by inside frame rot.
Frame broke due to rust by the lower control arm going straight down the road doing about 30mph almost causing me to go off the road. Had it towed to a local garage to find out it was rusted through in several places and the mechanic told me it was a common problem with this year of 4runner. If this had happened going down the highway it could of costed me my life or someone else's and being as common of a problem as it is I feel it should be addressed there's no reason a frame should rust as bad and as quick as this considering it has been undercoated every year of its life
As I was making a right hand turn from a stop, the vehicle became severely poor handling. Upon inspection, it was realized that the mounting flange for the right rear control arm and frame had rusted through and the control arm was no longer connected to the frame.
I see that you guys have ordered a recall on 2001-2002 toyota 4runner for the lower ball joint failing. The part number for the lower ball joint is the same for years 1996-2002 and there are numerous posts of people having their ball joint fail on years prior to 2001. Can you please explain why only years 2001-2002 are covered? This is a liability and toyota should know that the same part number is covered for all 3rd generation toyota 4runners and it is failing on all 3rd generation 4runners. Please do a quick google search and you will see numerous people getting into accidents, flips, etc. On 4runners that are pre 2001 (1996-2000) because of lower ball joint failure. This has the potential of people bringing suit against toyota as well as the safety commission for their negligence in fixing this matter.
As I was merging onto the garden state parkway, I increased my speed to 60 MPH. After going over an uneven surface on the road, the vehicle started to sway back and forth almost uncontrollably to the point where it felt as if it were going to roll. I immediately slowed down to the breakdown lane where I checked to see why the vehicle was doing this. To my surprise the rear control arm on the left side of the vehicle completely broke off of the frame due to what my opinion was rust. After receiving a more detailed inspection by an individual shop, the whole frame was shown to have holes due to rust. After this discovery they informed me that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that I should inform toyota about the incident and see if they would be willing to help in any way. When I did call toyota they told me that there was nothing that they would do.
The vehicle right rear veered to the right because lower control arm detached (broke) from frame (strut rod fastened to the frame). I lost control of vehicle but regained, narrowly missing a little girl on her bike. Toyota has had recalls on tacoma, tundra, and some sienna for prematurely rusted and broken frames. I called toyota in local town and they said my VIN number has had no recall. To my research, the 4-runner has the same frame and build as the tacoma with numerous recalls. Mechanic stated the break should never have happened. I have kept this vehicle within all manufacturer's suggested repairs and maintenance. I trusted toyota as a vehicle that was safe and dependable.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20mph, the front passenger wheel fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the lower ball joint was worn. The vehicle resides at the dealer waiting additional inspection.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Special service campaign (SSC) - 20A renotification rear suspension modification for owners whose vehicles...
- Special service campaign 20A regarding renotification of rear suspension modification
- Information regarding rear suspension modification
- Subject regarding special service campaign to modify the rear suspension
- Information on 4RUNNER rear suspension
Related recalls
Suspension
- What is wrong
- On certain 2-wheel-drive (2wd) and 4-wheel-drive (4wd) 4runner sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2wd 4runner to lose directional stability.
- Risk
- This may result in a loss of control and could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. Although the 4wd 4runners do not exhibit the handling condition, toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts. Owner notification began february 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 02V021000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER?
8 of 161 owner complaints about the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER (5%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Toyota 4RUNNER
VIN decoder
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