CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,440 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
My 4runner has excessive frame rust on the entire underside of the vehicle. The rust is far more pervasive than on any other vehicle I have seen and will become dangerous if not fixed. I believe this is a problem with all 4runners from this time period (2002-2006).
Frame is completely rusted out. The engine and transmission are strong but the frame is the weak link to this Toyota. This vehicle will not pass inspection and will need to be scrapped.
Excessive rust throughout the entire frame of the vehicle that could potentially be dangerous. Many rusted parts are connected to other parts of the vehicle such as the auxiliary crossmember, fuel tank strap and frame itself. Vehicle has a clean carfax history.
We have a 2004 4runner with extreme body rust a corrosion which has caused the failure of numerous components, brakes, gas tank, transmission lines, wheels and other suspension and exhaust items. We originally noticed this failure and began taking steps to correct areas of concern, but the excessive rust has prevented many repairs on suspension, brakes and other components. We recently had an incident that almost caused a roll-over when the brakes seized and the transmission lines failed. I can describe this in more detail at request. When we try to remove bolts, brackets and associated hardware, they are seized, rounded off and/or broken. With no way to repair damaged parts or remove the rust, we may be forced to scrap a vehicle that is otherwise running perfectly. We have taking extreme measure to attempt to mitigate the continuing damage, but seem to have no option for existing damage. I do know there is 1 open investigation on this issue from 2018, NHTSA action number: DP18002. Original complaint number voq 11098055
- Lincolnshire, IL, USA
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Had vehicle almost two years. Had the frame and under carriage rust proofed by krown in late 2018. Recently while having the frame and under carriage rust proofed by rust check they pointed out that there was a big hole in the frame. We were going to have it repaired but when they dropped the gas tank we were told that even more of the frame was compromised to the point that they said it couldn't be repaired. We feel we have no choice but to scrap it.
Transmission would not shift in motion leaving from a stop sign. I later found out my transmission lines had corroded away leaking a large amount of transmission fluid. After replacing brakes and adding brake fluid I noticed the brake fluid had leaked from bottom. I had to replace all brake lines and fittings due to corrosion.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4 runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service at an independent mechanic, the technician noticed the muffler and chassis were fractured around the seal. The technician informed the contact to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealer. The vehicle was later taken to bill page Toyota dealer, 2923 annandale rd, falls church, va 22042, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Car frame is completely rusted. Nothing is repairable anymore. Rear suspension and break lines effected by rust and broken! rear suspension can't be fixed due to rust broke connection to frame. This is not acceptable, specially since there is a recall for the same frame model on Tundra, Tacoma and sequioa at Toyota!
My 2004 4runner frame has a major rust problem. It has holes all over and some parts are breaking down due to rust. I took it to a Toyota dealer. They told me that they cannot do anything. They didn't advice for replacement as the cost, they say, could be around $15,000. I didn't want to get rid of the car as it has only 74K miles and the body, interior and engine are in perfect conditions, almost like new.
Frame is severely rusting. Holes present which had to be patched numerous times for it to pass inspection. If something is not done soon, I will be forced to get rid of the vehicle because of safety concerns and it not being able to pass pa inspection. This has to be addressed now. For years, Toyota dealerships have been supposedly taking pictures and sending them to Toyota. They know it is a problem and nothing is being done about it!
The frame of my family's 2004 Toyota 4runner is badly corroded, with only 120K miles on it. It did not pass a recent inspection and is unsafe to drive. Two different mechanics told me that if we hit a hard bump, the frame could split. There is an investigation, but Toyota needs to recall these cars and fix them, or replace them. I can't afford to junk the car and buy a new one, but I can't drive my young children in it either. Thank you.
Frame has rust problems. I spent thousands of dollars to keep the 4 runner functioning safely and now it is all to waste because the frame that the truck sits on is rusting out and is no longer safe to drive. Toyota must take accountability and include the '04 4runner on the frame recall. My 4runner is in excellent condition, except for the frame. Toyota dealership manager did not want to work on it and even admitted that it's a very common problem.
The frame of the 2004 4runner is rusting out and there are visible holes in the frame that support the vehicle. This appears to be a very common problem according to the dealership with several of the 4runner and Tacoma models being affected.
2004 Toyota 4runner with 110K miles with rusted frame. The car is otherwise in perfect shape and well maintained. The frame rust makes the vehicle unsafe to drive all other Toyota models with the same issue with frames from the same factory were recalled. The 4 runner was not addressed
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop for scheduled maintenance. The mechanic found that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notiified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Frame has rusted through in at least three areas. In addition, parts of the frame I can pull off by hand. The front crossmember is 80% what it used to be due to parts falling off caused by rust.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to temecula valley Toyota (located at 26631 ynez rd, temecula, ca 92591, 951-319-7911) for inspection. The dealer informed the contact that the undercarriage was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mount Vernon, WA, USA