2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Complaints and Recall Information
The 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 10 complaints and 2 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report extensive frame rust which compromises structural integrity, causing the vehicle to become unsafe or undrivable. Several complaints describe issues with corrosion affecting the frame and suspension, sometimes leading to loss of vehicle control while driving.
Common Issues- Frame rust causing failure. Some vehicles develop structural rust that makes the 4RUNNER unsafe to drive or completely undrivable due to breakage.
- Loss of vehicle control. Rusted or broken frame results in steering instability and swaying during braking or acceleration, raising safety concerns at highway speeds.
- Undercarriage corrosion. Owners report heavy rust buildup on the undercarriage that repair shops refuse to service due to safety risks.
- High repair costs. The corrosion issues require expensive repairs which some owners find prohibitive or impossible to complete due to extensive damage.
- Inconsistent manufacturer response. Dealers and the manufacturer reportedly decline to address or acknowledge frame rust despite multiple inspections and complaints.
- Rust holes in subframe. Some vehicles have visible holes caused by rust in the front driver’s side subframe, detected during routine servicing.
- Safety hazard with no warnings. Frame failures often occur without prior indication, posing immediate danger to drivers and passengers.
- Service refusal due to rust. Specific repair shops refuse services like tire changes or maintenance when frame rust is severe enough to prevent safe lifting.
- Failure at moderate mileage. Complaints include rust and frame damage appearing around or after 100,000 miles, affecting vehicle lifespan.
- Excluded from earlier recalls. Owners note that other Toyota models with frame rust issues were recalled but the 4RUNNER was excluded, frustrating consumers.
The 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER has 2 recalls affecting vehicle speed control and side airbags. The recall components cover the accelerator pedal assembly and the air bag control module, both posing potential safety risks.
Recalls- Accelerator pedal. NHTSA recall 11V113000 affects over 1.3 million vehicles including 2003-2009 4RUNNERs. The pedal could get stuck in the wide open position when trapped by incompatible floor mats. This defect risks high speeds that are difficult to control and could cause crashes or serious injuries. Toyota offers pedal modification or replacement and floor mat replacement as remedies.
- Side curtain airbags. Recall 16V065000 covers 2004-2006 4RUNNERs with side curtain shields that may deploy unexpectedly due to improper air bag control module programming. Inadvertent airbag deployment increases occupant injury risk. Dealers will replace the control module free of charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs related to frame rust, safety system defects, or unresolved recall issues may have protections under state lemon laws. Those affected should consider consulting an attorney familiar with consumer rights for guidance on potential claims.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Summary
2004
Model Year
10
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
1683653
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
320409 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
1363244 vehicles affected
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
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.
Complaints
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2125218UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2124851STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2121333STRUCTURE
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
ID: 2118304STRUCTURE:BODY
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 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.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2118303POWER TRAIN
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 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.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2113896UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rusting frame, no specific incident date. Used today’s date.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2103930STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2079577UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Excessive frame and suspension corrosion that could lead to serious accidents if not repaired at a very high cost for myself
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2068742STRUCTURE:BODY
The undercarriage is full of rust that the repair shop will not test drive or fix due to the issue. No warnings.
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
ID: 2063179STRUCTURE:BODY
Extensive frame rust to the point of structural failure. Cannot support weight or force.