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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.

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,426 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2004 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #50

Jan 032019

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles

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

I just took the car for annual state safety inspection. It failed and the inspector said it is unsafe to drive. The part of the frame that connects the right front and right rear suspension is so rusted that the car is unsafe to drive. We have been driving this vehicle with no knowledge of this hazard.

- Great Falls, VA, USA

problem #49

Oct 102018

4Runner

  • 180,000 miles
Excessive rust on frame creating abnormal handling condition when in motion, safety is becoming a concern.

- New Hope, AL, USA

problem #48

Nov 012018

4Runner

  • 120,000 miles
Parts of the vehicles exterior and including frame and subframe components are excessively rusted. Parts are of the suspension and other hard parts are having to be replaced due to corrosion.

- Jber, AK, USA

problem #47

Mar 102005

4Runner

  • 0 miles

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

Frame rusting badly, especially the lower front radiator supports. Paint clear coat has failed. Rust around the front windshield area. The coating on the alloy wheels started falling off within one year of purchase. The vehicle has 125000 miles I am the original owner and lived in the new england area for 15 years, 3 years in Florida.

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #46

Oct 192018

4Runner

  • 198,000 miles
While driving my lower control arm snapped off on the rear right side of my vehicle. I almost crashed my vehicle and collided with another vehicle because I couldn't control the steering when this snapped off. My mechanic said it cannot be repaired because the frame is hollow in that area an the frame is rusting from the inside out. Pictures available by request. This issue about the frame came up at freedom Toyota in hamburg, pa when speaking to serviceman nicky. He took pictures then on 9/15/2016 and said he was going to send them into Toyota, but found out he never did this. I still have text message on my showing this and the pictures he took that day. Now two years later my vehicle is so bad, it's not repairable.

- Minersville, PA, USA

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problem #45

Nov 062018

4Runner

  • 156,900 miles
Under carriage, frame rust through very similar to the Toyota Tacoma frame rust through.

- Murrells Inlet, SC, USA

problem #44

Nov 032018

4Runner

  • 138,000 miles

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

Kings Toyota dealership informed me that the frame is rusted so severely that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. Service technician says rust is so bad they cannot put it on a lift..

- Loveland, OH, USA

problem #43

Oct 102018

4Runner

  • 160,000 miles
The vehicle frame has rusted through from the inside out. This appears to be a common problem with Toyota frames of this vintage. Toyota has recalled and taken corrective action including frame replacement for us built trucks - Tacoma and Tundra, but has not taken action with 4runners, which are built in Japan. The frame design, however, utilizing a closed box, is the same, and the symptom of rusting through from the inside is also the same. The 4runner identified by the VIN above, at 160,000 miles, is in solid shape, mechanically and cosmetically, but I'm now faced with expensive repairs to the frame to keep an otherwise servicable vehicle in service. Other 4runner owners have reported similar problems. I believe Toyota should extend frame recalls and potential replacements to 4runners of the same vintage as their Tundra and Tacoma recalls.

- Marion, NY, USA

problem #42

Oct 102018

4Runner

  • 134,000 miles
Extensive rust and corrosion on frame and suspension parts. I am the original owner and the vehicle has 134,000 mile. Advised by technician that this is not normal wear.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #41

Oct 112018

4Runner

  • 198,000 miles
Made a left turn at approximately 10 mph, heard loud thunk, stopped vehicle, inspect ed underside left front, wheel "arm" totally detached from frame. Inspected at garage, frame rusted causing separation. Grateful this happened after turning off of 55 mph road. Research indicates this to be a problem with other Toyota makes/models resulting in a recall and subsequent replacement of frames or buy outs. Mechanic indicated that it looks just like Tacoma's he repaired due to the recall.

- Presque Isle, MI, USA

problem #40

Oct 012018

4Runner

  • 128,000 miles

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

Hi, I recently purchased a Toyota 4runner 2004 from a previous owner. I don't know much about cars and how the process works. But when the check engine light came on. I went to go take it to get it fixed as well as preparing the car for the smog test. Which it failed, Toyota the company was unable to fix due to having concerns of being liable and sued incase of a car accident. They also told me that I would have to be careful driving the veichle because a tire can break off. I am a college student and this was the only car that was in my budget. I really hope a recall goes out. I am afraid of my safety as well as others. Thank you. I hope to hear a recall soon.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #39

Aug 312018

4Runner

  • 128,672 miles
Toyota truck frame corrosion upon installation of failed suspension components on my 2004 Toyota 4runner, my independent mechanic informed me of substantial frame corrosion. I contacted lynch Toyota with my concerns, lynch Toyota inspected my 4runner and found substantial frame corrosion, vehicle deemed unsafe, and should not be driven in any capacity, frame replacement recommended by lynch Toyota in manchester Connecticut. The steering shaft is frozen and binding due to corrosion. The suspension components are in jeopardy of breaking away from corroding frame. Toyota refuses to include vehicle in frame replacement program offered to all other body on frame constructed trucks. 4runner frames are failing in the same way as Tacoma, sequoia and Tundra, yet Toyota claims that no program is in place to assist you, sorry for your troubles was Toyota's response when contacted by phone on two occasions post inspection of my 4runner by lynch Toyota.

- Coventry, CT, USA

problem #38

Jul 052018

4Runner

  • 151,000 miles
While driving on the highway my car went out of alignment due to a rotten torsion bar mount. The entire frame also has lots of rot

- Sandwich, MA, USA

problem #37

Aug 152017

4Runner

  • 165,000 miles
The fram is excessively rusted from years in 'cold weather states.

- Morganton, NC, USA

problem #36

Aug 292018

4Runner

  • 160,000 miles
Excessive frame rust, including holes, and general rust all around the frame. Specifically in the front and rear.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #35

Aug 012018

4Runner

  • 145,000 miles
Rust on the frame including the rear bumper, crack in the dashboard from drivers side over to the center of car. Drivers seat excessive movement at attachment between seat back and base on external portion of seat. The vehicle was parked at various times when inspected. Repainted rims that paint had flaked and peeled.

- Newtown, PA, USA

problem #34

Aug 212018

4Runner

  • miles
2004 Toyota 4runner frame rust recall

- Somerville, NJ, USA

problem #33

Jul 012018

4Runner

  • 140,000 miles
The frame and structure have rusted from the inside out to an alarming degree. Specifically at the frame weld points in midsection and the rear attachments to axle. It is a safety hazard and it has rusted far more quickly and dramatically than any of the other components. None of my other vehicles have deteriorated in this way.

- Portland, ME, USA

problem #32

Jun 152018

4Runner

  • 242,000 miles
My 2004 Toyota 4 runner has serious safety issues with the frame rusting. I have routinely maintained the vehicle, including routine washing underneath on the frame. I took my vehicle into the Toyota dealer for service and they declared the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to rust on the frame. There is nothing wrong with the body of the vehicle, no rust. The engine works perfectly. The Toyota dealer kept pictures of the frame. They stated that Toyota had recalled Tacoma, Tundra, sequoia frames for the same reason.

- Tazewell, VA, USA

problem #31

Jan 012018

4Runner

  • 130,000 miles
Dashboard cracking next stage is melting which will cause glare on windshield reducing visibility.

- Enfield, CT, USA

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