2004 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 310about this part
- Share
- 46%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 137,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 310 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER, 46% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 137,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the vehicle and after turning onto a state highway it suddenly swerved badly and the rear end began swaying back and forth making it uncontrollable. I stopped the car immediately. It was discovered that the frame had rusted so badly it became separated from the rear axle. I had to tow it home on a flatbed trailer.”
NHTSA complaint #11367090, filed 2020-10, 78,000 miles“Transmission would not shift in motion leaving from a stop sign. I later found out my transmission lines had corroded away leaking a large amount of transmission fluid. After replacing brakes and adding brake fluid I noticed the brake fluid had leaked from bottom. I had to replace all brake lines and fittings due to corrosion.”
NHTSA complaint #11322167, filed 2020-04, 190,000 miles“I brought my 4RUNNER in to have the brakes looked at and the mechanic was not able to put it up on a lift because of the extensive amount of rust on my vehicle, they were concerned that it wouldn't hold. I need this vehicle to get around for work and my company, and I am now terrified it is not safe for me to be driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11193158, filed 2019-04, 180,000 miles“Frame is rusted badly poor breaking system I had to replace the lines that keeps my Toyota stabilized. I put so much money into my 2004 Toyota 4 runner limited. Now the rust has taken over on sides and under radiator. Transmission lines now leaking badly rust has been an on going problem but when I had it inspecited mechanic brought me out in the garage to show me.”
NHTSA complaint #11139870, filed 2018-10, 94,000 miles“My 2004 4RUNNER frame has a major rust problem. It has holes all over and some parts are breaking down due to rust. I took it to a Toyota dealer. They told me that they cannot do anything. They didn't advice for replacement as the cost, they say, could be around $15,000. I didn't want to get rid of the car as it has only 74k miles and the body, interior and engine are in perfect conditions, almost like new.”
NHTSA complaint #11310003, filed 2020-02, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
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 complaintsSeats
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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