NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints for the 1996 Toyota T100. Most complaints involve power train (26) and structure (25). The EPA rates it 15–20 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.
THESE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS FAIL TO HOLD THE SPEED SET BY THE DRIVER AND CAN ACCELERATE ABOVE THE INTENDED SET SPEED.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“MY 1996 TOYOTA T100 FIRE WALL UNDER CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FAILED AND CRACKED FROM FATIGUE. DISTANCE OF CLUTCH TRAVEL WAS INADEQUATE TO DISENGAGE. REPLACED CLUTCH FOR NO REASON. *TR”
“1996 TOYOTA T100 WITH APPROX 77000 MILES, RARELY DRIVEN, GARAGE KEPT AND WELL CARED FOR, CANNOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF RUST ON FRAME, CONTROL ARMS, UNDERBODY COMPONENTS, REAR BUMPER. AM CONCERNED IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT, IT WILL DISINTEGRATE AND CAUSE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER, OR IF STRUCTURE FAILS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IT CAN CAUSE HARM TO OTHER DRIVERS/PASSENGERS. TOYOTA LEFT THIS MODEL OUT OF THE RECALL BUT THESE ARE THE EXACT SAME ISSUES REPORTED WITH TACOMA AND TUNDRA OF SAME MODEL YEAR RANGE. TRUCK WOULD RUN FOREVER IF NOT FOR EXCESSIVE RUST. YOU CAN DO BETTER TOYOTA, SO DO BETTER. *TR”
“SEAT BELT TENSIONER TOO WEAK AND ALLOWS SEAT BELT TO HANG LOOSE ONCE BUCKLED. UNWARY DRIVER CLOSES DOOR AND A LOOP OF SEAT BELT HANGS OUTSIDE VEHICLE. COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC RESULTS IN CRASH. NOT UNCOMMON FOR ME TO SEE OTHER T100 PICKUPS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A LOOP OF BELT VISIBLE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T100 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| T100 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| T100 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| T100 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| T100 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| T100 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (26), structure (25), seat belts (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Toyota T100 at 15–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).