Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Toyota 4Runner

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2004 4Runner is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2004 Toyota 4Runner has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Toyota 4Runner owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "dont remenber"

    Anonymous, FL (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
    Loose/rattling heat shield

    "screw attachment points on aluminum heatshield broke free"

    Anonymous A., IN (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
    Muffler

    "weld broke between muffler and tailpipe"

    Anonymous A., IN (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "Problem with the frame rusting away. experienced this last year. The right front quarter section behind the right front wheel had to be cut-out and rebuilt."

    Anonymous, OH (2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

    "Shocks/struts had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, KS (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)

    "I could not fill the tank with gas - it would overflow. The dealer replaced the charcoal cannister but it still did the same thing. Dealer reimbursed me for the cannister cost and the labor."

    Anonymous, CT (2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "rear original xreas shocks leaking"

    Anonymous, BC (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "The steering wheel had a loose feeling when driving in s straight line. The vehicle would wander some. After replacing ball joints, tie rod ends and wheel bearings, the problem, although slightly better still persisted. The shop said that the engine real seal was leaking onto the steering rack causing it to fail. The shop had to remove the steering rack to replace the rear main seal and only charged me for a new steering rack plus a wheel alignment. I had the work done at a shop that only worked on Toyota and Honda owned by a Toyota certified mechanic."

    Anonymous A., FL (2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.7-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "frozen caliper piston causing uneven brake pads weaar"

    Anonymous, IN (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
    Other brakes problem

    ""Brake failure, was difficult to stop. Car in shop about 1 week""

    Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission leaks

    "I was having transfer case topped off each time I had the engine oil changed. The last time I drove it a transmission light came on in the dash, but transmission oil looked good and was at a proper level. This caused me to think the issue was the transfer case oil level. It had trouble traveling up my steep driveway pulling a trailer."

    Anonymous A., CA (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)

    "Car is no longer driven gear oil deal makes it unreliable to drive"

    Anonymous, 99 (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Knock sensor failed. Expensive ro get to"

    Anonymous, KS (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Would only blow hot air."

    Anonymous, SC (2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "dont remember"

    Anonymous, FL (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Oil pan and valve cover both leaking oil and had to have new gaskets replaced"

    Anonymous, BC (2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7-L V8)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    2004 SUVs Reliability

    No Data Available

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03*
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10*
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25*
    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 05, 2016
    If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V065000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 320409
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Feb 24, 2011
    A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
    Summary:
    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
    What should you do:
    THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
    For more information:
    TOYOTA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBERS ARE 90L (TOYOTA) AND 90LG (LEXUS).CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF SAFETY RECALLS 09V-388 AND 10V-023.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V113000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1363244
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle