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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.

2004 Toyota 4Runner body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 5 of 13)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #171

Jan 012010

4Runner

  • 50,720 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame had excessive corrosion. The vehicle was taken to rivera Toyota of mt. Kisco (located at 325 N bedford rd, mt kisco, NY 10549, (914) 666-5181), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced for various parts over the years. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,720.

- Katonah, NY, USA

problem #170

Oct 022019

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 115,800 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the front passenger side to the rear subframe showed extensive corrosion. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be unsafe to drive for much longer. Brown's Toyota of glen burnie (7167 ritchie hwy, glen burnie, md 21061, (410) 761-9000) was contacted the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,800.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #169

Oct 042019

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine alignment by an independent mechanic, it was noticed that the frame was corroded all the way through. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The frame failure became worse. The contact referenced a NHTSA action number regarding the structure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

- Bridgeport, WV, USA

problem #168

May 012019

4Runner

  • 34,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While operating the vehicle, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear passenger side braking mechanism. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the subframe experienced severe rusting and corrosion. Also, the rear passenger side brake caliper and brake line were rusted. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and atlantic Toyota (193 sunrise hwy, West islip, NY) were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.

- Brentwood, NY, USA

problem #167

Oct 052019

4Runner

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the dealer (stephen wade Toyota, 150 hilton dr, St. George, ut 84770, (435) 634-6500) noticed corrosion around the frame. The dealer informed the contact that the frame had too much corrosion to repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA action number: DP18002 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 132,000.

- St George, UT, USA

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problem #166

Oct 042019

4Runner

  • 198,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started to sway back and forth. The contact was concerned that there may be an issue with the tires, alignment, or tire balance. The vehicle was taken to a tire and wheel company where the tires were balanced, rotated, and a wheel alignment was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe displayed excessive rust. The contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #165

Sep 202019

4Runner

  • 188,711 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing state inspection, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,711.

- Salem, NH, USA

problem #164

Sep 242019

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 142,814 miles
I bought this vehicle at dealership May 2018, frame components completely rotted through I will include photos vechicle unsafe to drive transmission lines rotted when I looked closely I saw frame rotted.

- Groton, CT, USA

problem #163

Aug 152019

4Runner

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the passenger side subframe had excessive rust and there were holes in the subframe. Prestige Toyota of ramsey (located at 1096 NJ-17, ramsey, NJ 07446, (844) 838-7075) informed the contact that the subframe needed to be replaced and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Ridgewood, NJ, USA

problem #162

Aug 122019

4Runner

  • 160,095 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the subframe was rusted and corroded. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,095. The VIN was unknown.

- Clark Lake, MI, USA

problem #161

Jul 012019

4Runner

  • 213,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe of the vehicle had severe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Toyota of merrillville (4450 E. Lincoln hwy, merrillville, in) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 213,000.

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #160

Jan 012019

4Runner

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was extensively rusted and corroded. Suburban Toyota of farmington hills (35200 grand river ave, farmington hills, mi 48335, (248) 699-7100) was notified and indicated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure. The dealer stated that an appointment needed to be scheduled for diagnostic testing and repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

problem #159

Jul 142019

4Runner

  • 128,500 miles
Frame has rusted through, leaving several holes, some very large, presenting a significant safety hazard.

- Walden, NY, USA

problem #158

Jul 012019

4Runner

  • miles
There is an unreasonable amount of rust on 4th generation 4 runner. Seems to be a common problem and makes the car unsafe.

- Ashland, MO, USA

problem #157

Feb 202014

4Runner

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. During routine maintenance, the contact noticed that the frame was rusted out. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of bellingham (360-676-0600, located at 1100 Iowa St, bellingham, wa 98229) and the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

- Kingfield, ME, USA

problem #156

Jun 122019

4Runner

  • 190,000 miles
Takata recall, the radiator mount and frame supports are rusted out, also the rear shock and air suspension mounts are rusted out. Vehicle was in motion when shock mount broke.

- Boonville, IN, USA

problem #155

Jun 212019

4Runner

  • miles
Local Toyota dealer inspected frame found multiple holes in the frame, estimate given of $17,793.54 for new frame all parts needed with the frame parts and labor. Contacted Toyota and they will do nothing to correct the faulty frame issue

- West Warwick, RI, USA

problem #154

May 222019

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 333,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. During a state inspection, the inspector diagnosed that the frame on the front driver's side, just before the rear wheel, was rusted and had holes. The contact was informed that the failure needed to be remedied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 333,000. The immediate rusted frame area which caused the vehicle to fail nys inspection was repaired on July 18,2019. The vehicle has not been re-inspected yet to see if the repair will meet nys inpection requirements. Other areas of frame are also starting to rust through.

- Big Flat, NY, USA

problem #153

May 302019

4Runner 6-cyl

  • miles
Frame is rusted so bad it is about to break in half. Mechanic said he has never seen anything like this before. Frame should hold up better than this. Afraid to put frame up on lift to rotate tires because thought it would break in half. Frame is rotting before our eyes. Vehicle still runs good. It is a shame the frame is wearing out before the vehicle does. Vehicle is drove everyday. Hopefully frame will not give way while drive on the road. Consumer stated vehicle was taken to the dealer on 08-01-20.

- Turtle Creek, WV, USA

problem #152

Jun 172019

4Runner

  • 179,000 miles
I own a 2004 Toyota 4runner with significant rust on the frame that has nearly rusted through in some areas. Through my research I determined that this has been an ongoing issue for many Toyota vehicles close to the 2004 model year. Apparently the frame was not properly coated and rust has grown on my vehicle as well as many others at a much faster rate than is typically expected. I am worried about the safety of my vehicle as a result.

- Lexington, KY, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

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