2004 Toyota 4runner: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Toyota 4runner? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 677 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2004 Toyota 4runner Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Toyota 4runner trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Toyota 4runner Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Toyota 4runner has 677 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- 4runner
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 677
- Crash-related complaints
- 28
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2004 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Toyota 4runner?
The 2004 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Toyota 4runner
Inspection Focus
- Inspect structural components for rust, cracks, or damage.
- Check suspension system for wear, leaks, or failure signs.
- Verify brake system condition, including pads, rotors, and fluid.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and airbag systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect structural components for rust, cracks, or damage.
- Check suspension system for wear, leaks, or failure signs.
- Verify brake system condition, including pads, rotors, and fluid.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and airbag systems.
- Check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Toyota 4runner, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 677 NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, issues appear concentrated in structural problems, suspension failures, and brake system concerns. The data suggests potential patterns in these areas, though the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints limit definitive conclusions.
- Structural problems account for the largest share of complaints, with 310 reports.
- Suspension failures and brake system issues are also frequently reported, with 113 and 83 complaints respectively.
- Unintended acceleration, while less common (34 complaints), is a notable safety-related concern.
- Structural Problems
- Suspension Failures
- Brake System
All 2004 Toyota 4runner Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2004 Toyota 4runner Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota 4runner. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Toyota 4runner Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 677 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Toyota 4runner, NHTSA complaints include 28 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 677 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Toyota 4runner. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2004 Toyota 4runner shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Toyota 4runner based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.