2004 Toyota 4Runner

Above average

Owners filed 678 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › body. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

463 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles; the median is 115,978 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body248
310
Unknown or Other60
000
Suspension56
101
Service Brakes45
200
Structure21
000
Vehicle Speed Control19
301
Air Bags19
507
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
000
Structure › Frame and Members13
000
Steering12
100

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window16V065000
Filed Feb 5, 2016320,409 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

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.

Risk. 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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal11V113000
Filed Feb 24, 20111,363,244 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 14, 2026OH

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.

SuspensionCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 29, 2025MO

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 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 fa

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 31, 2025NJ

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 29, 2025120,000 milesMI

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.

Structure
Filed Aug 19, 2025108,000 milesNC

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.

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2025OH

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2025FL

Rusting frame, no specific incident date. Used today’s date.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 27, 2025MN

Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 3, 2025CT

Excessive frame and suspension corrosion that could lead to serious accidents if not repaired at a very high cost for myself

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2025VA

The undercarriage is full of rust that the repair shop will not test drive or fix due to the issue. No warnings.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 7, 2025CO

Extensive frame rust to the point of structural failure. Cannot support weight or force.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 20, 2024IL

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 16, 2024KY

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,

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 22, 2024IL

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 19, 2024NY

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

Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2024HI

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.

Suspension
Filed Jul 18, 2024IL

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.

Suspension
Filed Jun 12, 2024WI

Frame is severely rusted and has holes started at 40k miles

Carry Handle, Shell, Base
Filed May 15, 2024WA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 2024MO

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.

20 of 678 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267200Routine
202557120Routine
20248100Routine
202332110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
201858510Routine
201736510Routine
201679810Routine
201586900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101451220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
2007154530Routine
2006381530Above average
2005424530Above average
2004 — this page678230Above average
2003695300Above average
2002224330Above average
2001185310Routine
2000483212Fatalities reported
1999330250Above average
1998250451Fatalities reported
1997261425Fatalities reported
1996161512Fatalities reported
1995172401Fatalities reported
199464422Fatalities reported
199351320Routine
199253323Fatalities reported
199143200Routine
199078261Fatalities reported

Compare every 4Runner year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.