2004 Toyota 4RUNNER: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 612 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (48% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 612 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2026
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2025
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Excessive frame and suspension corrosion that could lead to serious accidents if not repaired at a very high cost for myself”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2025
“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”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2024
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2024
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2024
“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.”Owner report · Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness · May 2024
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2024
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 23 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 4RUNNER by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
NHTSA has 612 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER. The most complained-about area is structure (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 121,255 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:side/window. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.