CarRecallDB

2004 Toyota Tacoma recalls and problems

3 recalls and 415 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma.

3
recalls
415
owner complaints
27
complaints mentioning a crash
3
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 Tacoma recalls

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire

NHTSA campaign 12V542000 · reported November 23, 2012 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 150,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
The risk
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint

NHTSA campaign 05V225000 · reported May 17, 2005 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 768,379 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
The risk
The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 04V214000 · reported May 5, 2004 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 8 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, 'seat belt assemblies.' the driver's side seat belt has incorrect markings.
The risk
This does not meet the standard.
The fix
Dealers have replaced the seat belts. No vehicles were sold to consumers.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Oct 25, 2026 · Suspension

LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE.

Mar 25, 2026 · Structure

Immediately after the manufacturer recall requiring full frame replacement (completed November 2017 by the same dealership referenced below), the vehicle developed abnormal handling not present before the repair, including improper tracking and rear end instability. No warning lights/diagnostic messages were present…

Feb 14, 2026 · Suspension

I was turning into a gas station and all the sudden the vehicle came to a complete stop i was unable to move the vehicle and sat there until the tow truck was able to show up. Looked under the vehicle and on the passenger side front suspension the lower ball joint was no longer where it belongs.

Nov 1, 2025 · Power train

My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I…

Sep 18, 2025 · Structure

The frame broke

Tacoma model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 4396404
2002 3333263
2003 3360301
2004 3415273
2005 10707474
2006 11782667
2007 10541659

Across all years, the 2006 Tacoma has the most complaints (782). All Toyota Tacoma years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, the most recent reported on November 23, 2012 (Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners have filed 415 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (203 complaints), followed by suspension (85).
How many 2004 Toyota Tacoma complaints mention a crash or fire?
27 of 415 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.