2004 Toyota 4Runner problems and complaints

Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The most-reported areas: Structure (310), Unknown Or Other (116), Suspension (113).

Key takeaways

  • 678 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 28 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 20 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Structure31046%
Unknown Or Other11617%
Suspension11317%
Service Brakes8312%
Air Bags375%
Power Train365%
Vehicle Speed Control345%
Steering325%
Engine And Engine Cooling254%
Hydraulic233%
Electrical System223%
Engine183%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2004 Toyota 4Runner 4-DR.Not ratedNot ratedNot rated3/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-06-14

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.

Suspension,air Bags,structure - filed 2025-12-29

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...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2025-08-31

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.

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.