Does the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent reported on February 5, 2016 (Air bags: side/window). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (310 complaints), followed by unknown or other (116).

How many 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints mention a crash or fire?

28 of 678 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and problems

2 recalls and 678 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER.

recalls

678

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 16V065000 · reported February 5, 2016 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 320,409 vehicles potentially affected

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

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

NHTSA campaign 11V113000 · reported February 24, 2011 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,363,244 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Structure310
Unknown or other116
Suspension113
Service brakes57
Air bags37
Power train36
Vehicle speed control34
Steering32
Engine and engine cooling25
Service brakes, hydraulic23

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 14, 2026 · Unknown or other
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.

Dec 29, 2025 · Suspension · crash reported
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…

Aug 31, 2025 · Unknown or other
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.

Aug 29, 2025 · Structure · 120,000 miles
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…

Aug 19, 2025 · Structure · 108,000 miles
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…

4RUNNER model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	1	185	10	1
2002	1	225	19	3
2003	3	696	18	0
2004	2	678	28	3
2005	5	425	19	3
2006	5	381	28	3
2007	5	154	7	3

Across all years, the 2003 4RUNNER has the most complaints (696). All Toyota 4RUNNER years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent reported on February 5, 2016 (Air bags: side/window). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?: Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (310 complaints), followed by unknown or other (116).
How many 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints mention a crash or fire?: 28 of 678 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 14, 2026.