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.

  • July 9, 2018 · 167,000 miles

    Body

    The 4runner was well cared for and the frame has rotted to nothing in under 15 years. It is extremely unsafe and is the same issue present in the tacoma's and other toyota full frame vehicles. The rust develops early and in the same spots on all models. It spreads rapidly and compromises the entire frame making he vehicle unsafe to drive. I believe toyota has shown a pattern of neglect reguarding the manufacture of…

    ODI 11111247

  • July 2, 2018 · 254,000 miles

    Body

    Frame is rusted and warned will likely not pass state inspection when renewal is required in june 2019 by several mechanics

    ODI 11132234

  • July 1, 2018 · 140,000 miles

    Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    The frame and structure have rusted from the inside out to an alarming degree. Specifically at the frame weld points in midsection and the rear attachments to axle. It is a safety hazard and it has rusted far more quickly and dramatically than any of the other components. None of my other vehicles have deteriorated in this way.

    ODI 11112779

  • June 10, 2018 · 22,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was parked, cracks were seen in the dashboard. The dealer (zt motors of fort walton beach, 1000 n beal pkwy nw, fort walton beach, fl 32547, [redacted]) was contacted, but the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 22,000. *tt updated 9/26/18*jb

    ODI 11102571

  • May 29, 2018

    Body

    2004 v8 4 runner with only 62,000 mi.,frame fracture right rear @ lower control arm attachment point. Left rear of frame missing two sides @ wheel well and large hole at lower control arm attachment. Advised by mechanic not to drive the truck. This is the same issue toyota had with the tacoma and tundra trucks of the same years. The frame is rusted to the point that the suspension that attaches to it will fall off.…

    ODI 11099854

  • May 12, 2018

    Body

    Excessive amounts of corrosion and rust on the vehicle's frame. Frame welds are rusting through in various spots. I only have 112k miles on this vehicle. This amount of rust and corrosion is unacceptable.

    ODI 11185843

  • May 7, 2018 · 134,000 miles

    Body

    Total vehicle frame is rusted through. Not safe to drive

    ODI 11092213

  • May 5, 2018 · 95,000 miles

    Body

    The frame has rusted on the passenger side where the frame is welded together. The chicago northside toyota dealer found it while doing work on my vehicle. It is about a 3 inch hole on the outside of the frame and there is also a rusted hole on the opposite side near the brackets. Please see pictures attached. They told me it is unsafe to drive. They tried to get toyota to fix it because the sequoia and tundra have…

    ODI 11103073

  • May 1, 2018

    Body · Suspension

    Premature rusting if the frame and other components of the vehicle. Driving could be or turn into a safety hazard.

    ODI 11207918

  • May 1, 2018 · 95,000 miles

    Body

    Frame is prematurely failing. There are holes rusted in the frame. This has been a known problem with other toyota models which utilize the same frame. Toyota did a random "inspection" where they identified and fixed on piece of the frame but have failed to provide support for the entire frame. The car is now unsafe as it has failed a vermont state inspection.

    ODI 11124478

  • April 17, 2018 · 140,000 miles

    Body · Suspension

    Frame is rusting out creating a driving hazard which could result in injury to driver and or passengers

    ODI 11088733

  • March 9, 2018

    Body

    My 2004 toyota 4runner will not pass it's next inspection due to a hole from corrosion in the frame. The hole is in the passenger side frame. The car is always kept in the garage, is washed regularly and all maintenance work has been done by a toyota dealer

    ODI 11187454

  • March 6, 2018 · 150,000 miles

    Body

    My 2004 toyota 4runner will not pass it's next inspection due to holes from corrosion in the frame.

    ODI 11184505

  • March 1, 2018 · 160,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    Upon pre-inspection of my personal vehicle for purchase i found that both rear corners of the frame were totally rotted out. Upon further inspection, after removal of the rear bumper, it turned out that the rust extended almost entirely through the corners of the frame. There was also a major hole in the frame where the factory welds were conjoining pieces of the frame right where the exhaust bracket mounts to the…

    ODI 11183554

  • February 23, 2018 · 17,000 miles

    Body

    My 2004 well-maintained toyota 4runner's, with 170,000 miles, frame rusted so badly that it wouldn't pass the nys inspection. The frame on this suv is the same frame as the recalled 2004 toyota tacoma's, which were able to have there frames replaced due to rusting issues.

    ODI 11075110

  • February 15, 2018 · 117,000 miles

    Body

    Flaking rusty frame. Any undercarriage scratch immediately rusts

    ODI 11111292

  • January 18, 2018 · 100,000 miles

    Body

    I have a 2004 toyota 4runner that i believe is too dangerous to drive due to the severely rusted frame. I have attached some photos to see for yourself. I contacted toyota twice to see if there's anything they could do and there was nothing. They told me to file a complaint with nhtsa. Also i have had cars longer than this truck that have no frame rust and i live in the same area. Therefore it can't be caused by the…

    ODI 11063820

  • January 11, 2018

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    Vehicle frame has holes around high stress areas from severe rust and corrosion.

    ODI 11062265

  • January 1, 2018

    Body

    Front right and left frame extension brackets rusted out and rotting. This is happening with many other owners and needs to be addressed.

    ODI 11181538

  • January 1, 2018 · 130,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other · Visibility/Wiper

    Toyota dashboard cracking / melting after toyota extended warranty ze6 closed out. This needs to be a recall i have seen dashboards that have melted and cause window glare. Which affects drives ability to see.

    ODI 11079888

  • November 11, 2017 · 120,000 miles

    Body

    Upon visual inspection frame found rusted through on right side just forward of rear axle and appears to have rusted from inside. Suspect low quality steel was used. Excessive rust on entire frame. Body and mechanical systems are in excellent shape with 120,000 miles. Toyota should be responsible for repairs as frame should last for 20 years.

    ODI 11048436

  • November 1, 2017 · 110,000 miles

    Body

    Significant rust throughout frame, as well as many components around the engine.

    ODI 11154006

  • October 31, 2017

    Body

    Excessive rust on frame. Deteriorated structure near radiator and skid plate.

    ODI 11153180

  • September 4, 2017 · 97,000 miles

    Body

    Frame rusting badly. Front cross member already completely rusted through.

    ODI 11021352

  • August 22, 2017 · 100,500 miles

    Body

    2004 4runner. Frame is extremely rusted and truck will become dangerous to operate in the very near future. Truck is garage kept and well maintained. No body rust or other issues. 100,500 miles.

    ODI 11019249