VehicleVerdict

2004 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 923 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.6 times the median 4Runner year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 310 reports (34% of the total).

923

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

39

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted923 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 7 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 95 complaints1991: 55 complaints1992: 73 complaints1993: 58 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 201 complaints1996: 203 complaints1997: 363 complaints1998: 303 complaints1999: 446 complaints2000: 638 complaints2001: 240 complaints2002: 306 complaints2003: 906 complaints2004: 923 complaints2005: 573 complaints2006: 520 complaints2007: 204 complaints2008: 134 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 175 complaints2011: 182 complaints2012: 112 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 90 complaints2015: 116 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 77 complaints2019: 87 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 55 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 54 complaints2026: 7 complaints
4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure31034%
Other12213%
Suspension11312%
Brakes839%
Engine455%
Electrical System425%
Transmission394%
Airbags374%
Speed Control344%
Steering323%
Tires & Wheels172%
Visibility & Wipers152%
Seats142%
Seat Belts71%
Latches & Locks51%
Fuel System40%
Lighting30%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2004 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V065000AirbagsFebruary 5, 2016 · 320,409 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

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.

11V113000Speed ControlFebruary 24, 2011 · 1,363,244 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 4RUNNER'S FRAME BROKE WHILE DRIVING DUE TO RUST. THERE'S A RECALL FOR TACOMA'S BUT NOT 4 RUNNERS. I THANKFULLY WAS NOT INJURED BUT NOW I'M WITHOUT A VEHICLE. WHEN I BOUGHT MY 4 RUNNER I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION TOYOTA WAS #1 WHEN IT CAME TO SAFETY FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. PLEASE HELP ME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 26, 2020 · crash

“THE FRAME OF MY 2004 4RUNNER HAS HOLES PERFORATED THROUGH THE FRAME. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS SERVICED IT THROUGH THE TOYOTA DEALER. IT ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES ON IT, HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, AND SHOULDN'T BE AT THE END OF IT'S LIFE AS SUGGESTED BY THE TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR. I AM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 23, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 28, 2025 · crash

“WHEN COMING TO A STOP & BRAKING, CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH MUCH DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THIS CAUSED ME TO HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME WITH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING. IT WAS AMAZING PART OF THE BUILDING DID NOT FALL DOWN ON THE TOP OF MY CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 9, 2003 · crash

“I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. I NOTICED THE EXTREME SULFUR ODOR WITHIN THE FIRST 500 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST A COATING ON THE ENGINE. NAIVE AS I AM I BELIEVED THEM. I AM AT 20,000 MILES AND MANY COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA ONLY TO BE TOLD IT WAS THE GAS. THEY HAVE DONE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 28, 2004

2004 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 2004 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 923 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (310 complaints), other (122 complaints), suspension (113 complaints).

Does the 2004 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Toyota 4Runner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 4Runner years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2006, 1999, 1997, 2002, 1998, 2001, 2007, 1996, 1995, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2017. The cleanest record among 4Runner years belongs to 1985.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.