2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 677 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2004 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Suspension Failures
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 310 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 115 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 113 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 83 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 43 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 37 | 14 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 34 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 32 | 4 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 23 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 677 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Frame, Suspension, Airbags / Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: Safety was put at risk due to frame…
The body frame on this vehicle is almost completely rushed out. I don’t know what to do. If I should have the frame replaced I know there’s been a couple recalls on similar Toyota models.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered rust on the front driver's side subframe. Additionally, the subframe had developed holes due to rust. The cause of the failures was not yet de…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assista…
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - Frame rust: currently not drivable due to complete breakage from the rust. Driving 2 hours home on the highway I almost lost control, pressing/releasing the brake and/or gas pulls the steering side to side and sways the truck (fish tail) due to damage fr…
Rusting frame, no specific incident date. Used today’s date.
Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.
Excessive frame and suspension corrosion that could lead to serious accidents if not repaired at a very high cost for myself
The undercarriage is full of rust that the repair shop will not test drive or fix due to the issue. No warnings.
Extensive frame rust to the point of structural failure. Cannot support weight or force.
Rusty frame undercarriage. It’s not going to get any better due to the fact I have to drive on hwy 80 with all the construction, that’s a hazard itself, potholes everywhere that puts stress on your frame and the salt every winter.
Underbody of vehicle is rusting away from vehicle body, I was made aware of situation at a service appointment in April of 2022, no vehicle collision or wreck has happened because of it yet,
UNKNOWN: Excessive frame rust. frame is excessively rusting to the point where the brakes and suspensions is connected to the frame has been compromised. brake lines rusted to the point of failure, thus almost causing a wreck. Vehicle is now parked due to safety concerns involvin…
Undercarriage frame rusted to the point where structural rust was formed in various places This rust has made a whole and cracks to the frame causing my vehicle to become a safety hazard on the road
I recently bought a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner and the frame of the vehicle has significant corrosion to the extent of holes, weld failures and more. I've never seen frame rust so bad on a vehicle like this. I'm a little uneasy about the safety of this situation. I think Toyota should …
Cars frame is rotting out to the point it is not safe to drive. I was told being in a collision could cause catastrophic failure and the car is just turning 20 years old with 125,000 miles. Can’t get my money back and the car is otherwise is excellent condition.
Frame is severely rusted and has holes started at 40k miles
Something is causing the straps to fray I was informed this is a a problem, checked my seat and sure enough my straps are fraying. Evenflo says it’s my fault.
Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was d…
The rear tailgate window shattered while vehicle was in driveway as soon as it was turned off. Before it shattered there was an odor of something like plastic burning. Fortunately no one was hurt by the exploding bits of glass. The sound the breaking glass make was loud and start…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2004 Toyota 4runner
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2004 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2004 Toyota 4runner has 677 NHTSA owner complaints, 28 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (310 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Structural Problems (310 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (115 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (113 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2004 Toyota 4runner has 28 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 677 total NHTSA complaints. 20 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2004 Toyota 4runner has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota 4runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2004 Toyota 4runner
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.