2004 Toyota 4Runner Problems

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 oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.

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.

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 oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.

Rusty frame undercarriage. It’s not going to get any better due to the fact I have to drive on hwy 80 with all the construction, that’s a hazard itself, potholes everywhere that puts stress on your frame and the salt every winter.

UNKNOWN: Excessive frame rust. frame is excessively rusting to the point where the brakes and suspensions is connected to the frame has been compromised. brake lines rusted to the point of failure, thus almost causing a wreck. Vehicle is now parked due to safety concerns involving the excessive rusting that is happening to the frame and any components that is attached to the frame.

Unknown: we were on [XXX] when the car went out of control. It first spun one way and then the other way and then we hit the concrete abutment where the guardrail connects to it. We hit it head on. It was as if we were on ice or oil, unable to gain control or brake. We checked the road and it was dry. Other cars were going by with no problem. The airbags didn’t deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown: we were on [XXX] when the car went out of control. It first spun one way and then the other way and then we hit the concrete abutment where the guardrail connects to it. We hit it head on. It was as if we were on ice or oil, unable to gain control or brake. We checked the road and it was dry. Other cars were going by with no problem. The airbags didn’t deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TAKATA RECALL, THE RADIATOR MOUNT AND FRAME SUPPORTS ARE RUSTED OUT, ALSO THE REAR SHOCK AND AIR SUSPENSION MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN SHOCK MOUNT BROKE.

CHASSIS, BRAKES AND ALL UNDER CARRIAGE OF 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IS RUSTED. SOON THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I DO NOT LIVE IN A SALT WATER ZONE. MY CAR HAS NEVER DRIVEN THROUGH SALT WATER. I HAVE 71,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE BRAKES WERE SO RUSTED THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THEM. THE CAR WILL BE TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE SOON.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG ISLAND TOYOTA KAILUA-KONA (808-329-8517, LOCATED AT 74-5504 KAIWI ST, KAILUA, HI 96740) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WAS ABOVE NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *BF*JB

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 oncoming traffic, progressing into the drainage ditch on the oncoming traffic side of highway. Once the 4Runner impacted the drainage ditch at a 90° angle, the 4Runners momentum dispersed by causing the 4Runner to overturn 3 times landing on its wheels in the adjoining field. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Repaonse: Independent Service Center has confirmed the problem with the Rusted Frame, Rusted Suspension, and Air Bag failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response : Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Repaint: No warning lamps prior to failure. Symptoms indicative of failure were an unknown minor swaying sensation while driving. Injured party was under the impression that there may have been a tire low on air, which was discovered to be incorrect later.

Side curtain shield airbags.

Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.

I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what’s happening and they don’t seem to know why it’s doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can’t figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don’t seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.

2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - Frame rust: currently not drivable due to complete breakage from the rust. Driving 2 hours home on the highway I almost lost control, pressing/releasing the brake and/or gas pulls the steering side to side and sways the truck (fish tail) due to damage from the frame rust/breaking. There is no control of the rear end. Truck was in great condition prior to the frame snapping. Vehicle has been inspected by multiple mechanics (including Firestone, Welding/fabricating Auto Repair shops and small owned mechanic shops), possibly won’t be able to weld due to the amount of rust. Firestone won’t perform any service if the vehicle needs to go in the air (tires, oil..etc) due to frame rust. This has been a huge problem with Toyota, they addressed other models around the same year but excluded the 4Runner for unknown reasons. The dealership will not address the issue unless instructed by corporate. This problem jeopardized my safety and the safety of others around while I was driving at highway speeds, there was no warning when it occurred. Vehicle is available for inspection any time, as it currently is not going anywhere without a tow.

TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT IN MOTION LEAVING FROM A STOP SIGN. I LATER FOUND OUT MY TRANSMISSION LINES HAD CORRODED AWAY LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER REPLACING BRAKES AND ADDING BRAKE FLUID I NOTICED THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED FROM BOTTOM. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES AND FITTINGS DUE TO CORROSION.

Rusty frame undercarriage. It’s not going to get any better due to the fact I have to drive on hwy 80 with all the construction, that’s a hazard itself, potholes everywhere that puts stress on your frame and the salt every winter.

The rear tailgate window shattered while vehicle was in driveway as soon as it was turned off. Before it shattered there was an odor of something like plastic burning. Fortunately no one was hurt by the exploding bits of glass. The sound the breaking glass make was loud and startled the passengers. Good thing the vehicle was not in motion on the street or highway. On the internet I saw where other people shared the same problem on their Toyota 4Runner. Then I saw that Toyota had put out, TSB-0189-17, which stated exactly what happened to my 4Runner. Due to this possibly dangerous incident this should be upgraded to a vehicle safety recall.

RUST ON THE FRAME INCLUDING THE REAR BUMPER, CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD FROM DRIVERS SIDE OVER TO THE CENTER OF CAR. DRIVERS SEAT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT AT ATTACHMENT BETWEEN SEAT BACK AND BASE ON EXTERNAL PORTION OF SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT VARIOUS TIMES WHEN INSPECTED. REPAINTED RIMS THAT PAINT HAD FLAKED AND PEELED.

DRIVERS SEAT ON TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, WHEN ADJUSTED AND LOCKED IN PLACE, HAS WAY TOO MUCH LATERAL MOVEMENT. THE SEAT "ROCKS" FROM SIDE TO SIDE APPROXIMATELY 1-2 INCHES. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN YOU ARE STRAPPED INTO THE SEAT, WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND SEAT LOCKED IN PLACE. I HAD MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECK THE SEAT TO MAKE SURE IT WAS SECURELY BOLTED/FASTENED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOLD ME IT WAS, BUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ACTUALLY THE SEAT FRAME, AND THAT THE WORD HE WAS GETTING IS THAT TOYOTA MAYBE INSTITUTING A SAFETY RECALL SOON. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR ACCIDENT, I AM CERTAIN THE SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE, PUTTING THE DRIVER AT SERIOUS RISK OF HARM OR EVEN DEATH. *TR

RECENTLY BECAME THE OWNER OF 04 4RUNNER WITH WHAT WE THOUGHT AT FIRST GLANCE WERE NEW TIRES. AFTER POOR DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CHECKING THE TIRES WE FOUND BOTH FRONT TIRES WITH TREAD CHUNKING OFF IN MEDIUM PIECES AND ARE UNSAFE. BOTH REAR TIRES ARE FINE. WE LIVE ON A PRETTY SMALL ISLAND WHERE DAILY DRIVES ARE AT MOST PROBABLY 50 MILES MAX IF THAT. THESE TIRES ARE COMPLETE CRAP AND NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I WILL NEVER RUN A MICHELIN TIRE AGAIN DUE TO THIS. OBVIOUSLY THE COMPANY CARES MORE ABOUT PROFIT THAN LIVES. P165 70R17 LATITUTE TOUR DOT B7KP 004X 1014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH TIRES, TIRE LINE: 105S RUGGED TRAIL, AND TIRE SIZE: P265/65R/17 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE CRACKING AROUND THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT INSPECTED OR REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE DOT NUMBER AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

THE SUN VISOR KEEP DROPPING AND IT IS HARD TO SEE AND IT IS OBSTRUCTING THE VISION WHILE DRIVING

TOYOTA DASHBOARD CRACKING / MELTING AFTER TOYOTA EXTENDED WARRANTY ZE6 CLOSED OUT. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL I HAVE SEEN DASHBOARDS THAT HAVE MELTED AND CAUSE WINDOW GLARE. WHICH AFFECTS DRIVES ABILITY TO SEE.

Something is causing the straps to fray I was informed this is a a problem, checked my seat and sure enough my straps are fraying. Evenflo says it’s my fault.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH over a bump in the road, she heard an abnormally loud sound and the windshield shattered without impact and the sunroof panel loosened. The contact also stated that the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORTS EDITION. I ALWAYS HEAR RATTLING NOISE WHEN I AM DRIVING 40 MPH. RECENTLY, I TOOK MY CAR TO TOYOTA TO HAVE THIS ISSUE SERVICED. THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE. I WAS GOING DRIVE IT OUT OF STATE WITH MY WIFE FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY, BUT THEY RECOMMENDED I NOT TO DRIVE IT. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE. IT WAS GOING TO COST ME OVER $1300, BUT LUCKILY I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.I HAVE HEARD ABOUT POWER TRAIN PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL OF TOYOTA THAT LED TO IT BEING RECALLED. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS WHEN I COME TO A STOP I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS ISSUE, TOYOTA SAID ITS THE 4WHEEL DRIVE, BUT I WASN'T USING THE 4W DRIVE WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURRED FOR ME. EVEN NOW ITS STILL A PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO BEFORE SOMETHING GOES WRONG. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH AND TAPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT BECAME STUCK AND RAPIDLY ACCELERATED THE CAR. I HAD TO SHIFT THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND TAP THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO GET THE GAS PEDAL UNSTUCK. THE CAR HAD BEEN ON CRUISE CONTROL EARLIER BUT AT THE TIME THAT THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. HITTING THE BRAKE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE GAS PEDAL AS WOULD BE EXPECTED IF IT WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL. *TR

I HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA 4 DOOR 4 CLY PICK UP..I WAS ON THE INTERNET AND JUST NOTICE A RECALL ABOUT BRAKES,,IS MY TRUCK INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? AND ANOTHER I HAVE NEVER GOT ANY LETTER OR ANYTHING TELLING ME ABOUT ANY RECALLS ON MY TRUCK AND I SEE HERE THERE HAS BEEN RECALL FOR FRONT BALL JOINTS AND CRACK FRAMES ,,,SEAT BELT PROBLEMS..I WAS IN SHOCK..SO WHAT DO I DO CAN THEY STILL FIX ANY PROBLEMS IF ANY AND CHECK MY TRUCK..THANK YOU *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT AND NOTICED THE LOCK WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE SEAT BELT UNDER HERSELF AND MANEUVER HERSELF OUT OF THE SEAT. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TO BE CLEANED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER CLEANING THE BUCKLE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED AND HAD METAL PIECES WITHIN THE PUMP. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT IF THEY RECEIVED ENOUGH COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL THEN THEY COULD POSSIBLY OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

I HAVE PURCHASED IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE ARE NOT ANY RECALLS OR TBS'S ON THE 4RUNNER FOR THAT PROBLEM. TODAY(2/24/10) I FIND ONLINE A TBS FOR THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE. I CALLED A DEALER AND HE SAID THAT SINCE I HAVE OVER 80K ON THE TRUCK, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS NOT FAIR AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. YOUR PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE SMELL. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS IN THE SAME SITUATION THAT I AM IN. TSB NO. EG00303. *TR

I'VE PUT A DOWN PAYMENT OF 1200 AT PREMIER AUTO SALES . IN VICTORIA TX I LEFT FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT THE VEHICLE . THE SALES MAN TOLD ME AS SOON AS THEY GET A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT . IT DIDN'T HAVE AN INSPECTION EITHER . SO I TOOK IT TO P&H ALL THEY DID WAS RIGHT IN A PAPER AN SENT IT BACK WITH ME TO THE CAR LOT AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM IT BEING DEAD THE BATTERY TERNINALS WHERE HORRIBLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE OIL LIGHT AFTER A BRAND KNEW OIL CHANGE KEPT SMOKING SO TOOK IT BACK SO THEY COULD LOOK AT IT TO FIND OUT THEY JUST CLEARED THE CODES . PICKED IT OUT HE FOLLOWING MONDAY WELL THE VEHICLE SMELT LIKE IT WAS BURNING HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP . CALLED THEM AND THE SALES LADY IN THE FRONT SAID IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM STILL WITHIN THE 30 DAY PERIOD SO TOOK IT TO THE BRAKE PLACE DOWN THE ROAD FROM THEM MY BRAKES WERE SO BACK THEY HAD TO CHANGE EVERYTHING HE SAID I COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK BECAUSE OF THEM BEING SO WORE DOWN . I CALLED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT WITH THEM AND THEY WERE JUST BEING UGLY ABOUT THE SITUATION OVER ALL . I'VE TRIED TO BE NICE AND DO THE RIGHT THINK THIS WAS UNSAFE FOR ME AS WELL AS MY CHILDREN .

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON AUTOMATICALLY BUT THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT. THE DASH LIGHTS MAKES IT APPEAR THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. (I TRADED IN AN OLDSMOBILE WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS). I HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCATIONS DRIVEN MANY MILES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. I BELIEVE THE AUTOMATIC DASH LIGHTS SHOULD BE DISABLED OR AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS REQUIRED IF DASH LIGHTS ARE AUTOMATIC.*AK