2004 Toyota 4RUNNER Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 2%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the seats of the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER, 2% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2004 Toyota 4runner. Due to poor design drivers seat frame has collapsed. This is a very common problem for 2003-2005 4runners according to my local Toyota dealer. So much so that Toyota has several service bulletins issued regarding the matter. I had been driving with it broken for several months before realizing the problem. Had I been in an accident with the frame broken, the seat would have offered zero support and it's failure could have resulted in death in an otherwise survivability accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10303520, filed 2010-02, 63,000 miles“I have a new Toyota 4 RUNNER sr5 purchased in april 2004. The drivers seat is loose and moves back and forth when you step on the break or gas peddle. The service department at dayton Toyota has told me that it is a normal condition and there is no repair available. He showed me other 4 runners on his lot with the same problem. I find it very hard to believe that these vehicles can be sold in this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10074823, filed 2004-06, 500 miles“Drivers seat on Toyota 4 runner, when adjusted and locked in place, has way too much lateral movement. The seat rocks from side to side approximately 1-2 inches. It is most noticeable when you are strapped into the seat, with the seat belt on and seat locked in place. I had my independent mechanic check the seat to make sure it was securely bolted/fastened to the frame of the vehicle. He told me it was, but that the problem was actually the seat frame, and that the word he was getting is that Toyota maybe instituting a safety recall soon. This is a serious safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542921, filed 2013-09, 120,000 miles“The driver's seat moves (or rocks) while driving. The local dealer assures me that the defect is not a safety issue, yet I don't feel comfortable driving the car. This is an ongoing problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10127549, filed 2005-07, 16,000 miles“I have a 2004 Toyota 4 RUNNER and I took it in when it was new for the front driver seat. Where the seat connects to the back when you stop or start the hinge or track has considerable play in it and you feel a clunk every time. They replaced the seat but the problem came back. I repeatedly ask Toyota if this presents and danger in the event of an accident since there is so much play in the seat. They told me there is no safety concern. In light of Toyota's track record for lying I'm now more concerned and want to know if this is an issue. Many 4 RUNNER owners experience the same thing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326715, filed 2010-04, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10132055Nov 4, 2013Beginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover…
- 10042555Sep 6, 2011Toyota: information provided for replacing the seat covers for vehicles equipped with side airbags.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 2% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
310 complaintsOther or unknown
121 complaintsSuspension
113 complaintsBrakes
82 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology