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 · Unknown Or Other
Rust rot on frame of body, will probably not pass next in inspection noted by thompson dealership. Toyota fixed other models, but am ignoring my model.
ODI 10883725
Body
Premature heavy rusting on frame rails and crossmembers
ODI 10946231
Body
The entire front frame on my 2004 toyota 4runner rotted within the last year. It was deemed unsafe to drive after going in for a routine inspection. Shameful since the body was in good condition and the car ran great. Toyota should be held responsible for fixing these frames. I had no choice but to get rid of it.
ODI 10871838
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to get an inspection sticker. The mechanic observed rust and holes on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle failed inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
ODI 10870325
Body · Power Train · Suspension
RUST EAT MY FRAME INTO
ODI 10861247
Body
Have seen extreme rust on my frame, so bad i can pick off chunks with my hand. I know toyota is in denial but what is really being done over this issue.
ODI 10864691
Body
Frame rust - frame rear upper control arm has fully rusted through, creating a very dangerous condition where vehicle control can be lost and cause an accident or fatality. Toyota dealer would not replace or repair frame due to vehicle out of warranty. Found out rust after replacing shocks. Welded extra material and painted as an interim action.
ODI 10882200
Body
I have a 2004 4runner which is meticulously kept. The entire front frame which supports the radiator had to be cut out and replaced. There where also multiple spots on the frame rail where steel plates had to be welded on for it to pass inspection. I've been told that there are not enough complaints for anything to be done about the frame. However, anyone i talk to, personal or at shops, is aware of the issue.…
ODI 11194859
Body
The frame of the vehicle is completely rusted to the point where it will not pass inspection.
ODI 10863634
Body · Unknown Or Other
These vehicles are plagued by rust on the frame and components attached to the frames. There is the potential that this can cause a hazard due to failure of critical components of the vehicle. This issue effects multiple vehicles and is not an isolated incident. Frames degrade just like the ones on the tacoma yet no action is being taken to ensure the safety of 4runner owners.
ODI 10824445
Body · Power Train · Suspension
There is excessive rust/corrosion on the frame of the truck. The skid plates completely rusted off the truck in 2010. The transmission lines have corroded to the point they have to be replaced. The engine oil cooler and radiator supports have rusted through. The exhaust rusted off the truck in 2010 as well. Currently there is extensive corrosion on the frame of the truck and the suspension components. These issues…
ODI 10820610
Air Bags · Body
I have already received information on the interim g1c. This is also about the frame on my vehicle which is rusted very bad. The rear passenger arm mount has already broken. There are also holes in the trave and the long pieces of metal on the frame. The skid plates are also rusted. Also the tow ring on the passenger side is getting ready to snap. I have been learning more information about this problem with some…
ODI 10871438
Body
Frame has rust holes in front cross member that runs under radiator. Tow hook is unusable. Professional inspection of entire frame indicated that frame has numerous rust spots that are unsafe. All frame attached undercarriage components are so rusted that removal of parts is is impossible. Cannot find any welding shops that are willing to weld the frame to keep it from total failure in the future. The body panels…
ODI 10787501
Body
The frame of my 2004 toyota 4runner has considerable rust that exceeds normal wear and age. Considering the recall associated with the tacoma of the same year it seems prudent and responsible for toyota to stand by their reliability slogan and remedy this situation, as there are many others in the same condition as mine.
ODI 10762322
Body · Unknown Or Other
My 2004 4runner with $144k miles was recently discovered to have a six inch hole in the frame due to rust, and based on md safety inspection requirements, this vehicle presents a significant safety hazard and can not be registered. The dealership informed me the repair would be a complete frame replaced at a cost of $18-20k. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously throughout it's life with mostly dealership…
ODI 10763726
Body
The outside of my 4runner is rust free. The frame however has extensive rust issues. I have had to have sections cut out and rewelded because it would not pass inspection. The steering column rusted out and had to be replaced because the steering stopped responding.
ODI 11122405
Body · Suspension
Frame has started rusting near welds and holes. Very poor prevention of rust by toyota. Skid plates totally rusted out and fuzed bolts. Rear diff housing is also rusty. Car will probably fall apart in a year or two.
ODI 10733529
Body · Unknown Or Other
Took my 2004 toyota 4runner sr5 to local toyota dealer for inpsection and maintenance. Left dealer thinking truck was in great shape. When changing brakes, noticed an cv joint boot was torn so took the truck to a mechanic to have the axle replaced (since they don't just replace the boot anymore). The mechanic called me as soon as he put the truck up on a lift and informed me that there was serious rust issues down…
ODI 10732127
Body
Toyota frame rusting. The frame on my 4runner is rusted to the point where i feel it is unsafe. The welds that hold the rear control arms are rusted completely through. When looking at the frame rail you can see daylight through the welds. There are other spots on the frame rails that are rusted just as badly i'm not able to get pictures off
ODI 11195236
Body
The dash board of the vehicle has cracked from one side to the other with multiple cracks in the cover over the passenger air bag. I am concerned whether this will affect the performance of the passenger air bag if it should need to deploy. *tr
ODI 10682749
Body · Service Brakes · Steering
Bought 4th generation 4runner in 1-15 from dealer after owning 4 prior 3rd generation ones and this one is plagued with excessive rust beyond normal wear in frame (some holes), suspension, steering rack and shaft, brake components, virtually everything steel under the body has rusted excessively while body remains rust free. I know 95-03 tacomas and tundras were under frame and brake line recall due to same issue…
ODI 10836938
Body
The tailgate of the suv opens it while driving. The tailgate clothing latch sounds as if it has closed, but has not. This results in the tail gate opening up while driving. This began after having a repair on the back window system, that was a recall from toyota. Also, there's no protection from the edge of the tailgate rusting. I've been told this is in every toyota 4runner from 2004. This has been a problem for…
ODI 11203525
Body
Frame is rotting in several spots. Toyota has issued recalls on tacomas, but not the 4runner which has the same frame.
ODI 11156806
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed multiple fractures across the dashboard. In addition, the contact stated that the dashboard appeared to be melting, which caused a glare that hindered the contact's visibility. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to part…
ODI 10926716
Body · Power Train
Front support frame under radiator rusted through. The local toyota dealer told me this is a common problem and there is no fix. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and the question is how would this hold up in a frontal crash. The vehicle has a little over 85,000 miles and this happens. It is in a area where salt is used. Many of these vehicles are on the road, many like me would not have known of a broken frame unless…
ODI 10658726