1. Toyota 4Runner
  2. Problems
  3. 2004
  4. Body

2004 Toyota 4Runner Body Problems

173
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 173 stored complaint records:

  • 2 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • frame rusted · 21 records
  • frame rust · 18 records
  • unsafe drive · 16 records
  • rust frame · 12 records
  • passenger side · 11 records
  • frame rusting · 10 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi57
150–400k mi42
60–100k mi23
30–60k mi7
1–30k mi2

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 29, 2020 · 120,000 miles

    Body

    The frame of my family's 2004 toyota 4runner is badly corroded, with only 120k miles on it. It did not pass a recent inspection and is unsafe to drive. Two different mechanics told me that if we hit a hard bump, the frame could split. There is an investigation, but toyota needs to recall these cars and fix them, or replace them. I can't afford to junk the car and buy a new one, but i can't drive my young children in…

    ODI 11307195

  • January 20, 2020 · 210,000 miles

    Body

    Frame is severely rusting. Holes present which had to be patched numerous times for it to pass inspection. If something is not done soon, i will be forced to get rid of the vehicle because of safety concerns and it not being able to pass pa inspection. This has to be addressed now. For years, toyota dealerships have been supposedly taking pictures and sending them to toyota. They know it is a problem and nothing is…

    ODI 11307205

  • January 1, 2020

    Body

    The frame of the 2004 4runner is rusting out and there are visible holes in the frame that support the vehicle. This appears to be a very common problem according to the dealership with several of the 4runner and tacoma models being affected.

    ODI 11292397

  • December 28, 2019

    Body · Suspension

    Severe rust on frame and suspension attachment points. Rust is not superficial but rusting from inside of frame tubes.

    ODI 11291792

  • December 9, 2019 · 110,000 miles

    Body

    2004 toyota 4runner with 110k miles with rusted frame. The car is otherwise in perfect shape and well maintained. The frame rust makes the vehicle unsafe to drive all other toyota models with the same issue with frames from the same factory were recalled. The 4 runner was not addressed

    ODI 11287875

  • December 4, 2019 · 122,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop for scheduled maintenance. The mechanic found that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notiified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

    ODI 11286913

  • November 5, 2019 · 166,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to temecula valley toyota (located at [redacted], temecula, ca 92591, [redacted]) for inspection. The dealer informed the contact that the undercarriage was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.

    ODI 11278430

  • October 4, 2019 · 137,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine alignment by an independent mechanic, it was noticed that the frame was corroded all the way through. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The frame failure became worse. The contact referenced a nhtsa action number regarding the structure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000. *js

    ODI 11270152

  • October 2, 2019 · 115,800 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the front passenger side to the rear subframe showed extensive corrosion. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be unsafe to drive for much longer. Brown's toyota of glen…

    ODI 11271465

  • September 24, 2019 · 142,814 miles

    Body

    I bought this vehicle at dealership may 2018, frame components completely rotted through i will include photos vechicle unsafe to drive transmission lines rotted when i looked closely i saw frame rotted. *tr

    ODI 11258334

  • September 20, 2019 · 188,711 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing state inspection, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,711.

    ODI 11258526

  • August 12, 2019 · 160,095 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the subframe was rusted and corroded. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,095.…

    ODI 11243320

  • July 14, 2019 · 128,500 miles

    Body

    Frame has rusted through, leaving several holes, some very large, presenting a significant safety hazard.

    ODI 11231713

  • July 1, 2019

    Body

    There is an unreasonable amount of rust on 4th generation 4 runner. Seems to be a common problem and makes the car unsafe.

    ODI 11231289

  • June 21, 2019

    Body

    Local toyota dealer inspected frame found multiple holes in the frame , estimate given of $17,793.54 for new frame all parts needed with the frame parts and labor. Contacted toyota and they will do nothing to correct the faulty frame issue

    ODI 11221896

  • June 17, 2019 · 179,000 miles

    Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    I own a 2004 toyota 4runner with significant rust on the frame that has nearly rusted through in some areas. Through my research i determined that this has been an ongoing issue for many toyota vehicles close to the 2004 model year. Apparently the frame was not properly coated and rust has grown on my vehicle as well as many others at a much faster rate than is typically expected. I am worried about the safety of my…

    ODI 11220670

  • June 12, 2019 · 190,000 miles

    Body · Electronic Stability Control · Suspension

    Takata recall, the radiator mount and frame supports are rusted out, also the rear shock and air suspension mounts are rusted out. Vehicle was in motion when shock mount broke.

    ODI 11222590

  • June 8, 2019 · 125,000 miles

    Body

    The body/frame of the car is suffering from severe corrosion/rust. The rust has started eating through the frame. This appears to be a common problem in toyota 4runners from 2003-2007 model year. In my case my vehicle is a 2004 model year. This is a serious risk and hazard.

    ODI 11218705

  • May 30, 2019

    Body

    Frame is rusted so bad it is about to break in half. Mechanic said he has never seen anything like this before. Frame should hold up better than this. Afraid to put frame up on lift to rotate tires because thought it would break in half. Frame is rotting before our eyes. Vehicle still runs good. It is a shame the frame is wearing out before the vehicle does. Vehicle is drove everyday. Hopefully frame will not give…

    ODI 11221240

  • May 29, 2019

    Body

    The frame on my 4runner is rotting. It has a few holes in it and the rust is everywhere. I do not understand how it could be so rotten so quickly, especially where i live. There are a lot of other 4runners close in age that are experiencing the same issue. Toyota needs to replace the frames on the 4runners like they did on the tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's. I drive my 4runner everyday on the highway and am…

    ODI 11210565

  • May 22, 2019 · 333,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. During a state inspection, the inspector diagnosed that the frame on the front driver's side, just before the rear wheel, was rusted and had holes. The contact was informed that the failure needed to be remedied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…

    ODI 11221264

  • May 22, 2019 · 244,000 miles

    Body

    Excessive rust has appeared in a number of structural areas in the frame of my 4runner. Complete rust through has occurred in many areas of the frame and in key stress points. The rust appears to be coming from the inside out so it is tough to identify additional areas that rust is affecting and further degrading the safety and strength of the frame. The rust was identified during a normal visual inspection of the…

    ODI 11209351

  • May 1, 2019 · 34,000 miles

    Body · Service Brakes

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While operating the vehicle, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear passenger side braking mechanism. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the subframe experienced severe rusting and corrosion. Also, the rear passenger side brake caliper and brake line were rusted. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and…

    ODI 11269222

  • April 30, 2019

    Body

    Upon bringing my car to toyota for service, they have been noticing more and more rust perforation on my chassis, last year trying to fix a flat the jack went right thru the chassie rail due to being all rusted out and flaky. Today i went for an oil change and multi point inspection found rear shock broken on pass side and more rust at all seams of welding as well as holes and weak thin spots of metal. Mechanics…

    ODI 11204875

  • April 3, 2019

    Body

    Vehicle did not pass va state safety inspection due to a corroded hole in the frame. Similar to recall in place for toyota tacoma

    ODI 11193566