- The problem
- THE ECO-CRUISE ACTUATOR CAN BIND THE THROTTLE.
- The risk
- If the actuator binds, engine speed may not decrease to the level anticipated by the operator, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove these actuators until new or remanufactured units can be supplied.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Spartan Highlander Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1996 Spartan Highlander have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 1996 for the vehicle speed control.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Highlander year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1996 Spartan Highlander recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The draglinks have been equipped with an anti-tilt seal on the pitman end that can affect the taper fit of the ball stud taper into the pitman arm. The recommended torque on the stud nut does not overcome the compression of the anti-tilt seal.
- The risk
- This condition can cause a loosening of the joint and ultimate separation resulting in loss of steering.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace washers with 90 degree flanges with washers having a 45 degree flange and sandwich the rubber bushing in the anti-tilt seal. The flanges allow the bushing to properly expand. If a body has been completed on the chassis, the pitman arm will also be replaced.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1996 Spartan Highlander yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Spartan Highlander: every year compared
All Highlander years1996 Spartan Highlander vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Spartan Highlander | 0 | 2 | D | |
| 1996 Spartan Fire Truck | 2 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Spartan Gladiator | 1 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Spartan GT1 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 Spartan Highlander
Does the 1996 Spartan Highlander have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Spartan Highlander: vehicle speed control (November 1996); connection (May 1996). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1996 Spartan Highlander had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1996 Spartan Highlander a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Spartan Highlander year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Spartan Highlander years have the most complaints?
2001 (5), 2000 (3). See every Spartan Highlander year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Spartan Highlander has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data