2004 Toyota 4Runner recalls and problems

The 2004 Toyota 4Runner has 2 safety recalls and 612 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
612
Crashes / fires
23 / 3
Injuries / deaths
18 / 0

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

2004 Toyota 4Runner recalls

Recall 16V-065: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 320,409 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 11V-113: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Feb 24, 2011 · 1,363,244 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Toyota 4Runner problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure309
Unknown or Other115
Suspension108
Service Brakes57
Air Bags36
Vehicle Speed Control30
Power Train29
Steering26
Electrical System20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Engine18
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)15

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 260
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 13
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 13
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 9
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 4
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 3
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 121,000 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 4Runner complaints

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

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 14, 2026
I was informed by my mechanic that my vehicle has extensive rust and corrosion on the vehicle frame.I understand there was a recall on this issue by Toyota but did not include this model year. This issue affects not only driver safety but also resale value.
Suspension · reported Dec 29, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Frame, Suspension, Airbags / Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: Safety was put at risk due to frame & suspension failure due to severe rust. Also due to failure of deployment of AirBags. Rusted Frame Failure subsequently caused safety of Injured Party and other motorists to be at risk due to the Injured Party’s 4Runner to dart across oncoming lane of traffic with no warning other than a swaying motion felt immediately…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 31, 2025
The body frame on this vehicle is almost completely rushed out. I don’t know what to do. If I should have the frame replaced I know there’s been a couple recalls on similar Toyota models.
Structure · at 120,000 miles · reported Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered rust on the front driver's side subframe. Additionally, the subframe had developed holes due to rust. The cause of the failures was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Structure · at 108,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Other Toyota 4Runner years

Compare all Toyota 4Runner years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner: 16V-065 (air bags), 11V-113 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report structure problems most often (309 reports), followed by unknown or other (115). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 121,000 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.