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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:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,437 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 seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2004 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Oct 192021

4Runner

  • miles

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

Side curtain shield airbags.

- Mescalero, NM, USA

problem #23

Sep 062021

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 238,000 miles
The contact owned a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner. The contact stated that the driver-€™s and front passenger air bags failed. The contact stated that when at complete a stop at the red traffic light, the vehicle in the rear failed to stop and crashed into the contact's vehicle rear-end, pushing the vehicle into the roadway. The driver-€™s and front passenger air bags failed to deploy and caused the front passenger's head to hit the dashboard, suffered injuries to the head, six broken back vertebrae, three broken ribs, head concussion. The contact was the driver and had no injuries to report. The front passenger who was her husband was airlifted to the hospital. The State Trooper mentioned that the other driver might have been on their phone however it was unknown due to them suffering fatal injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The contact advised that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 238,000.

- Madisonville, TN, USA

problem #22

Mar 232020

4Runner

  • miles
Cracked dashboard risk of airbags deploying

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #21

Sep 302019

4Runner

  • 180,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4runner. While driving in reverse over a small bump, both frontal air bags deployed without warning. The vehicle was taken to larry H miller Toyota murray (5650 S state St, murray, ut 84107, (801) 590-0640) and numerous failure codes were located. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V065000 (air bags). The vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 10909230699. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

- Midvale, UT, USA

problem #20

Jun 062017

4Runner

  • 45 miles
The airbags failed to deploy upond impact from a tractor trailer. Car completely totaled.

- Newman, GA, USA

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problem #19

Jun 152004

4Runner

  • miles
Tamara recall (airbags)

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #18

Apr 052017

4Runner

  • miles

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

I had to schedule appointments to take the car to Toyota because of the airbag defect.this happened twice once in 2013 and they said that there was no charge and than they charged me $346 and said it was to replace fluids...the second recall was in 2016 this time there was no charge.

- North Haven, CT, USA

problem #17

Mar 152017

4Runner

  • 136,000 miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. When the contact started the vehicle, the four side curtain air bags deployed in the vehicle. The contact sustained neck injuries and the passenger sustained burns and cuts on the left side of his arm. The occupants did not require medical attention. There was no fire, crash, or police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. An investigator inspected the vehicle. The contact was awaiting authorization for the repairs. The failure mileage was 136,000.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

problem #16

Apr 302016

4Runner

  • 40,000 miles
I was notified in April 2016 that my curtain airbags may need a new module due to the unintentional operation of these air bags. Since then, I have heard nothing from the dealer. I think Toyota is dragging their feet in supplying the dealers with the replacement module.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #15

Oct 032016

4Runner

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V065000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Voorhees Township, NJ, USA

problem #14

Oct 312015

4Runner

  • 149,000 miles

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

I have already received information on the interim G1C. This is also about the frame on my vehicle which is rusted very bad. The rear passenger arm mount has already broken. There are also holes in the trave and the long pieces of metal on the frame. The skid plates are also rusted. Also the tow ring on the passenger side is getting ready to snap. I have been learning more information about this problem with some Toyota vehicles. I am afraid that I am riding in a very dangerous vehicle. I was just wondering if anything can be done about this, since Toyota is aware there is a problem with rust. When the arm mount broke I was driving with my children in the car, the rear end of the vehicle was bouncing all over the place. It scared us all becase we did not know what was going on. I w

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #13

Jan 182016

4Runner

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16V065000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The VIN was not available.

- Kileen, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 012013

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
We have a melting dash in our 4 runner. It can burn to the touch and has progressively gotten worse over past year. It is sticky to touch also and has a bad odor also. We made complaint to Toyota but no offer to repair. I called dealerships and they said they have been notified of the problem but Toyota Corp has not given them approval for parts to replace. I am concerned about summer months getting hotter and it making our airbags go off or dash could catch on fire.

- Key Largo, FL, USA

problem #11

Feb 062015

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 10 mph, the driver and passenger side curtain air bags deployed independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

- Marion , NC, USA

problem #10

Nov 072014

4Runner 6-cyl

  • miles
Severe cracks on dash panel on passenger airbag and whole dash.

- Lakeland , FL, USA

problem #9

Sep 162013

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 146,000 miles
Vehicle has abnormal amount of rust on frame metal parts with excessive chipping an corrosion. Also, of almost more concern is that the airbag sensors are completely rotted through, as if they were sacrificial anodes. Frame failure due to abnormal rust could cause a catastrophic accident. Sensor failure of the airbag sensors (behind front bumper) while driving could cause serious injury or death to driver or other cars on the road. I have never seen anything like this amount of corrosion.

- Quogue, NY, USA

problem #8

Jun 212014

4Runner

  • 90,444 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the contact crashed into a pole and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 90,444.

- Irvine , CA, USA

problem #7

Mar 122008

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
My dashboard has several cracks form one side to the other all across the airbag which concerns me a whole lot, I also have a 2002 4runner which does not have this problem, the material is pretty different to the 2004, the 2004 looks and feel very poor, not sure if Toyota will step up to the plate to warranty this defect ! if the airbag deployed on its own and someone get injured then I guest Toyota will try to help. These trucks are made in Japan, the quality should be a++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #6

Apr 012009

4Runner

  • 45,000 miles
Air bags failed to deploy. I had sent in a complaint after the incident. Car was totaled and driver was injured with a front end collision. Toyota refused to look at car for airbag defects. I can send images if needed. Recalled for too much force" how about just defective" this is at least as dangerous as deploying with too much force in my opinion.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #5

Oct 012012

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
I began to notice that my dash has started to crack and it is in the area of the air bag. I did some research and found out that many 2004 Toyota 4runner owners are having the same problem. I called Toyota to ask for info and they refused to assist in the matter or even help pay for it to be replaced. This concerns me for my safety, since it is in the area of the air bag. Toyota is aware of this defect in the dash but has done nothing to remedy the situation. It is not only a safety concern, but it also depreciates the value of my vehicle. I have listed my case number and one other that I know of below with Toyota. Other from research- [xxx] mine - [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- San Antonio, TX, USA

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