general problems of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner

Axel supports rusted off the frame making it dangerous to drive.

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. Now, it may be too late to repair due to the extensive rust. I have spent thousands of dollars maintaining my 4runner over the years. I feel Toyota has knowingly deceived all 4runner owners of this safety issue. All current owners of early model 4runners should be alerted of this safety issue as loss of control of your vehicle on the highway is imminent.

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.

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.

Frame rust issue. Rear shock and spring mount on frame has broken due to excessive rust.

I recently bought my 1996 4runner at the beginning of 2015. There was some rust on the frame but no noticeable damage from the outside. Now, six months later I had it looked at because the exhaust system became increasingly loud. The mechanic looked at the frame while looking at the exhaust system and he found that the frame had rotted from the inside out. He recommended I do not drive it anymore as it is unsafe. He said he would never attempt to repair damage such as my 4runner has. My vehicle only has 166,000 miles on it. There is no reason the frame should be as damaged as it is or to have it rusted from the inside out.

Takata recall I have a bad rust problem on the chassis frame underneath.

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.

I was pulling a u haul trailer as I have done many times, but this time I noticed the trailer wanted to sway at 40-55 mph. When I returned the trailer I then notices the truck handling badly, at 65mph it was almost impossible to keep it in my lane as it was rocking similar to having a broken strut. I got the truck home and called under it and that's when I saw the mount for the lower right rear control had broken completely away from the frame. Unless this can be repaired, which is highly unlikely the truck will have to be scrapped. All other features on this truck are in great working order. Toyota need to do something. I have a friend who had a 95 tacoma who received a letter from Toyota that instructed him to come in once a year for a free inspection for this type of failure, if it did't pass Toyota would by the truck back. I'm trying to contact the zone office now to see what action I need to take. I have a 1957 chevy 3/4 ton truck and has no rust issues, what's your deal Toyota!!.

As I know other people have posted, I have the classic 4runner rear differential seepage. Mine is a 1996. Seems to be due to a bad casting from factory. Never have I run into this before. Vehicle was regularly washed, hardly any rust on entire vehicle, but for the rear differential casting to be rusted through/porous enough to seep gear oil through the interstices while maintaining structural integrity (safety issue?!!!!!) is a major failure for Toyota as far as I'm concerned and should be redeemed by company. I see from reading online blogposts that I am 1 of many that have experienced this problem. I've had many other older vehicles, one in my possession now (1989 Ford f-150 which has been used in winter but sat all last summer, and hasn't been washed in years) that has no problems remotely like this related to the rear axle. Somewhere along the line Toyota put out faulty rear axle housings, and I'd like to see them stand by their product and fix these---as I'm seeing through investigation that this is a common problem with many Toyota owners. Same problem. Toyota has failed to address the issue, and I'm afraid they will lose many customers (including myself) if they continue to ignore the issue. Too bad. The truck still runs and looks great otherwise. Seems like a large price to pay as far as loss of business for Toyota, but to not address a simple mistake like this and make the customer happy?-----their choice. If you can address this issue with Toyota and make them repair their mistake, I would greatly appreciate it, as I'm sure many formerly happy Toyota customers would agree. Thank you for your time, a concerned consumer.

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.

Alarm remote inoperative.

There was a recall for the sun visor however the Toyota service department was unable to fulfill the recall due to the part not being available.