One problem related to oil pump has been reported for the 1996 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My engine catastropically failed at 71k miles. My vehicle had major maintenance performed by Toyota dealerships. The failure of a connecting rod in my engine endangered my life and those of my wife and son by causing my engine to seize up in traffic. The total time elapsed from when my engine was properly functioning to when we were completely motionless was 45 seconds. We narrowly escaped being hit by large commercial vehicles while I was attempting to get to the road shoulder. Toyota was of no assistance to me in this matter. Since my vehicle was out of the 60k warranty, they were not interested in discussing my concerns. My bill to repair this vehicle exceeded $5100. 00. I still posses the failed block and componensts. The Toyota dealership threw away some of the components that I asked them to save (oil pump, etc. ). I would like to know if the NHTSA has information in simialar Toyota discrepancies, and is the agency interested in viewing the failed Toyota components (block, rods, pistons, etc. ) that I have in my possession. I was extremely disappointed in Toyota's response to what was a life endangering event for my family. Please feel free to contact me at my provided phone number. I will gladly provide copies of coorespondence chronically my saga.