2004 Toyota 4 Runner Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2004 Toyota 4 Runner has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA, including 28 crashes, 3 fires, 20 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Structure (310 reports).

2Recalls
678Owner complaints
28Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 4 Runner?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2004 Toyota 4 Runner recalls

Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly

Recall 16V065Feb 5, 2016320,409 vehicles affected

Some SUVs and trucks equipped with side curtain-shield airbags have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed.

Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Recall 11V113Feb 24, 20111,363,244 vehicles affected

Most common 2004 Toyota 4 Runner problems

Problem areas named in the 678 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Structure310
Unknown Or Other116
Suspension113
Service Brakes57
Power Train39
Air Bags37
Vehicle Speed Control34
Steering32
Engine And Engine Cooling27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23

What owners report

2026-06-14, 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.
2025-12-29, Suspension
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 before losing control. Once the Injured Party lost control of the 4Runner it crossed into onco
2025-08-31, 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.
2025-08-29, Structure
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.
2025-08-19, Structure
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.

2004 Toyota 4 Runner questions

Does the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Toyota 4 Runner: Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (310), Unknown Or Other (116), Suspension (113).

How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Toyota 4 Runner has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Toyota 4 Runner years

Other 2004 Toyota models