2004 Toyota 4 Runner recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner, but owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

5 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Toyota 4 Runner vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Toyota 4 Runner problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	19
Power Train	10
Seats	7
Tires	6
Steering	6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Suspension	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Electrical System	2
Equipment	2
Visibility	2
Structure	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 6
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 3
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 939 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Toyota 4 Runner complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 100 miles · reported Feb 10, 2006

Strong sulfur smell (Rotten eggs) when accelerating. Can smell with all windows up. Even worse if rear window is down. What's the point of having a rear window if you can't open it. I also own a 2000 4runner and it never smells this way.

Interior Lighting · at 100 miles · reported Feb 10, 2006

Dash lights are on all the time making it hard to know if you headlights are on or not. Have driven several times at night in lighted areas thinking my headlights were on when indeed they were not.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 50 miles · reported Dec 2, 2005

Almost constant sulpher smell. Dealer states that they have no knowledge of problem, and no TSB's. They tell me to keep rear window closed. When my wife is a passenger she has her eyes burning all the time. If you need to step hard on the gas the whole cabin fills and is enough to make you noxious. Toyota needs to remedy the problem asap, or a class action suit should be filed. This problem has soured me on toyota products for good. Like the vehicle but have a hard time cinvicing my wife to go anywhere in it, she always wants to take her kia sorento, more comfort and nicer amenities. 2004…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 6,000 miles · reported Oct 16, 2005

Between june 04, and october 05. These problems still exist.. My truck is in the shop now. Left side manifold catalytic converter assembly, one manifold stud broken, technician drilled and removed stud then retapped hole. New stud installed. C/s vsc light on engine light on, catalytic inefficiency. Converters changed out. Replaced catalytic converters. A c/s vsc light lit, yaw sensor out of tolerance, recalibrated yaw sensor.

Visibility · at 8,000 miles · reported Aug 18, 2005

Windshield continue to crack starting each time mid way the wind shield wiper on driver side. I AM my third windshield and it is cracked again also lots of tundra trucks are cracking the same identical place.

Other Toyota 4 Runner years

200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Toyota 4 Runner years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (19 reports), followed by power train (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 939 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.