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
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 57 |
| 150–400k mi | 42 |
| 60–100k mi | 23 |
| 30–60k mi | 7 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
The frame of the 4runner is rusting through and has cracks, and holes. It is becoming unsafe. This is not surface rust, but the frames are literally rusting away. Toyota needs to replace these frames as they did the tacoma's from the same year that were a similar, if not identical frame.
ODI 11001850
Body
Frame recall needed. I have bad rust in my frame despite regular washings and care taken. Is it a widespread problem and it is unsafe to drive. Please help!
ODI 10984938
Body
Excessive rusting of the frame. Holes developing in main frame members.
ODI 10984752
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While viewing the undercarriage of the vehicle, the contact observed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle's warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
ODI 10980203
Body
Vehicle has severe rust on frame and perforation of at least one crossmember. Other toyota models that share this frame have been recalled (tacoma, sequoia).
ODI 10971124
Body
Frame is rusting in key areas making the vehicle unsafe to drive untill repairs are made to the frame. There are rust holes near the cross arm and above the rear control arm and the spare tire detached while driving due to rust.
ODI 11154348
Body
I took the vehicle in for inspection and was told the vehicle has frame rust in several places and would not pass inspection. I was informed of the tacoma, sequoias and tundra recall and since the 4runner is the same frame not sure why the 4runner was not included.
ODI 10949522
Body
My frame has 10 plus holes in it all over the vehicle, it's sitting in my driveway as it will split in two any second by the transmission cross member, toyota it's time to start recalling these frames as there are millions of complaints
ODI 11217660
Body
Heavy frame rust and corrosion occurring in a garaged 4runner with only 65,000 miles to date. Very advanced for mileage, and soon to be a structural and safety concern. Crossmembers, frame, and suspension attachments. Two exhaust shields have had to be reattached. Also, my dashboard is cracking despite being garaged, and my second set of factory aluminum wheels have had the clearcoat and finish crack off and are…
ODI 10939822
Body
The frame is rotting ..and i can not stop or prevent it ..eventually the entire frame will fall apart..causing a safety concern for me and my family ..i bought a toyota for its dependability..not how fast it would kill me
ODI 11192044
Body
THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT SINCE 2017
ODI 11191082
Body · Steering · Unknown Or Other
Frame and rear axle housing rust - caused the upper control arms, which prevent rotation of the rear axel, to disconnect from the housing/frame. Also, steering has become stiff and bumpy as you turn the wheel. This may be due to front crossmember rust or rust on the steering universal joint.
ODI 11001548
Body · Suspension
My 2004 4runner, with less than 80,000 miles, has significant and overwhelming under carriage rust. There is a frame rot hole. One of the trailing arm brackets on the axle has rusted to the point where the trailing arm was no longer connected. This is one of the points where the axel is connected to the vehicle and keeps the axel from rotating. There are front suspension parts completely rusted to the point my…
ODI 10940217
Body
The rear sway bar has rusted completely away from the frame. While i was driving and on the freeway. Rusted heavy on frame and underbelly
ODI 10927593
Body · Engine
Frame has way too much rust for a vehicle of this age. Exhaust manifold ticking noise. Both are well documented issues with this model year....
ODI 10930156
Body
Frame badly rusted, during tire change lifted car with toyota jack and it went inside frame, front tow hooks rusted off and fell off, half of bar supporting oil hoses rusted off.
ODI 10918659
Body
Frame very badly rusted. Seems to be a common complaint. Why is nothing being done?
ODI 10908830
Body
Rust erosion of the frame resulting in danger in driving the vehicle. Vehicle has been garaged kept for it's entire life and maintained on a regular basis. Frame is now near deterioration.
ODI 10908774
Body · Unknown Or Other
I took my vehicle to freedom toyota in hamburg, pa to get serviced and they told me my frame was rusted that bad that it would not pass inspection, and could not be repaired. This is very upsetting, because it's only 12 years old. I have a 1998 toyota 4runner previously and that was 14 years old before i got rid of it with 324,000 miles. The bumpers were known to rust out on those, and the frame was rusted on that…
ODI 10904885
Body
We have just discovered the underside and frame of the vehicle is completely rusting out, with only 80,000 miles on it. We live year-round in nc where we get very few snowfalls with subsequent salt used on the highway. However, the rust is prevalent and comprehensive. We are taking it to determine the extend of the damage and what it will take to repair.
ODI 10904601
Body
Va state safety inspector today pointed out excessive rust on frame, particularly passenger side rail with most serious safety concern right in front of rear passenger side wheel. Rust is far beyond what should be normal given life of the truck and mileage only at 117k. Researching and this appears to be a systemic toyota manufacturing problem with 4runner (and other toyota models) of this age. Toyota should repair…
ODI 10896568
Body · Unknown Or Other
The entire frame and underneath the vehicle is rusted from front to back.
ODI 10910182
Body
Extensive rust all over the under-body and frame of the vehicle, despite regular car washes to rinse off any salt.
ODI 10978715
Body · Wheels
Cross member under radiator that the tow hitches connect to are completely rusting out and falling apart as well as the skid plate noticed this hooking up ropes to secure my kayaks. The paint on the tire rims are pealing and corroding
ODI 10887995
Body
I own a 2004 toyota 4 runner that has a really bad rust problem around the lower radiator support. It has 145000 miles and it's been garage kept most of it life ..
ODI 11143582