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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.

1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,112 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

problem #12

Jan 012021

4Runner

  • 160,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH over a bump in the road, she heard an abnormally loud sound and the windshield shattered without impact and the sunroof panel loosened. The contact also stated that the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- New Bedford, MA, USA

problem #11

Feb 202023

4Runner

  • 180,330 miles
The contact's mother owns a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, his mother was made aware that the subframe had excessive corrosion, and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact's mother that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,330.

- Mount Zion, WV, USA

problem #10

Feb 012023

4Runner

  • 146,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that the subframe had sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The contacted indicate that there was a hole going through the subframe while the vehicle was being lifted at the service center. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer covered under the Manufacturer-€™s Extended Warranty coverage for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

- Wayne, NJ, USA

problem #9

Jun 282021

4Runner

  • 130,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw several holes throughout the subframe of the vehicle due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the subframe needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Mondovi, WI, USA

problem #8

Dec 262019

4Runner 8-cyl

  • miles
Toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regards to frame rusting. Consumer states that they noticed that the frame of the vehicle was rusting from the inside. The manufacturer was notified.

- Stratton, ME, USA

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problem #7

Jan 172019

4Runner

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the frame was corroded through. The contact called buchanan's auto sales at (423) 282-5515 (located at N roan St, johnson city, tn 37601), but was not assisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

- Rogersville, TN, USA

problem #6

Oct 022018

4Runner

  • 167,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact noticed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

- Kingfield, ME, USA

problem #5

Nov 222016

4Runner

  • 74,500 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that part of the vehicle's frame was rusty. The front cross member that supported the skid plate was missing and needed to be replaced, not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the vehicle was structurally unsound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,500.

- Hackettstown, NJ, USA

problem #4

Oct 172016

4Runner

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to be inspected and was advised that the frame was rusted and needed replacement. There were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Windham, ME, USA

problem #3

May 312015

4Runner 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,540 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame support member was corroded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,540. MA 10/2 updated 10/18/2017

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #2

Jul 102014

4Runner

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact noticed a large amount of rust on the frame near the radiator. The dealer stated that the boots on the front axles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- Orrington, ME, USA

problem #1

Apr 092009

4Runner

  • 61,980 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4 runner. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a state inspection. The technician observed frame perforation due to severe rust corrosion. As a result, the vehicle failed inspection because of the frame. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a structure body welder shop for a second opinion and the technician stated that the frame had excessive blisters. The technician did not recommend that the frame be repaired because the failure would recur within a year. The failure mileage was 61,980 and current mileage was 62,400.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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