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2004
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Toyota 4Runner

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
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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
See all 2004 Potential Trouble Spots

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)
Load more

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

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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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
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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