- The problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
- The risk
- If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 678 complaints about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (314) and the suspension (113). Those complaints describe 28 crashes, 3 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 2016 for the side / window. For comparison, the 2003 has 708 and the 2005 has 425.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 4RUNNER year, for its age
#18 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 678
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 28
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 20
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER problems
Share of all 678 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Toyota 4RUNNER 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
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
- The risk
- A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- The fix
- The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any toyota all-weather floor mat. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
What owners say
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678 complaints about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 28.
I was informed by my mechanic that my vehicle has extensive rust and corrosion on the vehicle frame.I understand there was a recall on this issue by Toyota but did not include this model year. This issue affects not only driver safety but also resale value.
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 & suspension failure due to severe rust. Also due to failure of deployment of AirBags. Rusted Frame Failure subsequently caused safety of Injured Party and other motorists to be at risk due to the Injured Party's 4Runner to dart across...
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oncoming lane of traffic with no warning other than a swaying motion felt immediately before losing control. Once the Injured Party lost control of the 4Runner it crossed into oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.
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 determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
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 assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
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 from the frame rust/breaking. There is no control of the rear end. Truck was in great condition prior to the frame snapping. Vehicle has been inspected by multiple mechanics (including Firestone, Welding/fabricating Auto Repair shops and...
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small owned mechanic shops), possibly won't be able to weld due to the amount of rust. Firestone won't perform any service if the vehicle needs to go in the air (tires, oil..etc) due to frame rust. This has been a huge problem with Toyota, they addressed other models around the same year but excluded the 4Runner for unknown reasons. The dealership will not address the issue unless instructed by corporate. This problem jeopardized my safety and the safety of others around while I was driving at highway speeds, there was no warning when it occurred. Vehicle is available for inspection any time, as it currently is not going anywhere without a tow.
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 involving the excessive rusting that is happening to the frame and any components that is attached to the frame.
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 replace the frame or give a good discount on the part and labor. I hope someone can help me out with this concern.
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 dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.
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 startled the passengers. Good thing the vehicle was not in motion on the street or highway. On the internet I saw where other people shared the same problem on their Toyota 4Runner. Then I saw that Toyota had put out, TSB-0189-17, which stated exactly what happened to my 4Runner. Due to this possibly dangerous incident this should be upgraded to a vehicle safety recall.
2004 4Runner rear hatch glass imploded with rear defroster on while driving and glass shattered all inside the vehicle in the back behind rear passenger seat. The loud sound when it imploded sounded like we had got shot at and scared all four of us in the vehicle thinking we were shot at. We pulled the vehicle over at the nearest pull over while driving on a coastal two lane road. We searched for any possible bullets. Did not find any and had to clean up as much possible of shattered glass that had covered all of our clothing and belongings. Had no materials to cover the rear broken window and had to continue our drive to meet family members to attend an early event at 9:00 am.
Excessive frame rusting. There are holes in the frame from rusting. At this point in time there isn't anything I can do about the issues. Frame is unrepairable.
Unknown: we were on [[redacted]] when the car went out of control. It first spun one way and then the other way and then we hit the concrete abutment where the guardrail connects to it. We hit it head on. It was as if we were on ice or oil, unable to gain control or brake. We checked the road and it was dry. Other cars were going by with no problem. The airbags didn't deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what's happening and they don't seem to know why it's doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can't figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don't seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.
Toyota 4RUNNER: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 96 | 5 | C |
| 2007 | 154 | 5 | D |
| 2006 | 381 | 5 | F |
| 2005 | 425 | 5 | F |
| 2004 | 678 | 2 | F |
| 2003 | 708 | 3 | F |
| 2002 | 251 | 3 | F |
| 2001 | 190 | 3 | D |
| 2000 | 493 | 2 | F |
2004 Toyota 4RUNNER vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER | 678 | 2 | F | |
| 2004 Ford Explorer | 1,408 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,295 | 14 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Durango | 1,115 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Nissan Murano | 678 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Hyundai Santa FE | 303 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Highlander | 286 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Kia Sorento | 220 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Jeep Wrangler | 192 | 3 | B | 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 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
Does the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER: side / window (February 2016); accelerator pedal (February 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (314), suspension (113), brakes (82).
How many complaints has the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER had?
678 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 21, 2003 and the latest on June 14, 2026. Of these, 28 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 8 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Toyota 4RUNNER 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 Toyota 4RUNNER years have the most complaints?
2003 (708), 2004 (678), 2000 (493). See every Toyota 4RUNNER year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER 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