The 1996 Toyota 4Runner is a vehicle that came with a choice of 2.7L 4-cyl and 3.4L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Special Purpose Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–18 city / 18–23 highway / 16–20 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,350–$4,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 444–555 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 7 configurations: 4Runner 2WD, 4Runner 4WD |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1996 Toyota 4Runner. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
The sticker required by part 575, "consumer information regulations" to alert the driver of "the particular handling and maneuvering characteristics of utility vehicles" was not affixed to the driver's side sun visor.
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: owners may not be aware of the handling and manuevering characteristics of this vehicle increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 1996 Toyota 4Runner with NHTSA. 17 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 13 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 32 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Toyota 4Runner. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Owner renotification of non-completed special service campaigns and limited service campaigns. *tt
Special service campaign (ssc) - 20a renotification rear suspension modification for owners whose vehicles have not yet had ssc 20a repairs completed. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1996 4Runners that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Toyota 4Runner; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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