2004 Toyota 4runner — Known Issues & Recalls

Your 4Runner's frame has developed severe rust that is compromising its structural integrity and ability to safely support the vehicle's weight. This is a serious issue that affects your car's safety and stability. The frame will likely need to be professionally inspected and may require extensive rust repair or replacement sections.

Your vehicle's undercarriage frame has developed severe rust that has created holes and cracks in multiple locations. This structural damage has compromised the frame's integrity, making your vehicle unsafe to drive. Addressing this will likely require professional frame repair or replacement of rusted sections.

Your 4Runner's front driver's side subframe has developed rust and holes in the metal at 120,000 miles. This structural component supports your vehicle's weight and steering, so rust damage could affect handling and safety. Your mechanic discovered this during service, and while you've notified Toyota and your dealer, they haven't offered assistance yet. The repair will likely involve either treating the rust or replacing the affected subframe section.

Your 4Runner's frame has developed severe rust, which can weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle over time. This is particularly concerning since it affects the core support system that holds your vehicle together. Addressing frame rust typically involves having a mechanic inspect the extent of the damage and may require rust treatment, repair, or in severe cases, frame replacement or welding.

Your 4Runner's frame is developing rust, which is a widespread problem reported on this generation of vehicles. Frame rust can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle over time. Addressing this typically involves inspecting the frame for rust damage, treating affected areas with rust inhibitor, and possibly reinforcing or replacing damaged sections.

Your 4Runner's undercarriage has developed significant rust. A repair shop has declined to work on it or test drive the vehicle because of the extent of the rust damage.

Your 4Runner's frame has extensive rust damage that is nearly rusted through in multiple areas. You're concerned about safety and may need frame replacement or repair. Frame rust is a serious structural issue that should be inspected by a professional mechanic or body shop to determine if the vehicle is still safe to drive.

Your 4Runner's frame and suspension components are experiencing excessive corrosion, which could compromise structural integrity and safety if left unaddressed. This type of corrosion typically requires extensive repairs at a significant cost.

Your 4Runner's undercarriage is experiencing significant rust that's separating from the vehicle body. This was first noticed during a service appointment in April 2022. While no accidents have occurred yet, this corrosion could eventually compromise structural integrity and safety. The fix will likely involve rust removal, treatment, and protective coating of the affected underbody areas.

Your 4Runner's frame is showing signs of rust. While this isn't an immediate safety concern, rust on the frame can worsen over time and affect the vehicle's structural integrity. Getting the frame inspected and treated with rust prevention or repair products can help prevent further deterioration.

Your 4Runner's frame and suspension suffered severe rust that caused structural failure while driving, leading to a loss of control and a three-roll accident into a drainage ditch. Additionally, the airbags failed to deploy during the crash. Before the failure, you may have noticed subtle swaying while driving, which you initially attributed to low tire pressure. An independent service center confirmed rust damage to the frame, suspension, and airbag system failure.

Your 2004 4Runner's frame has severely rusted and broken, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. When you press the brake or gas pedal, the truck pulls to one side and fishtails uncontrollably, especially at highway speeds, and you have no control over the rear end. Multiple mechanics have inspected it and found the rust too extensive to safely repair by welding, and even routine service shops won't work on it while the vehicle is lifted due to the frame damage. Addressing this will likely require complete frame repair or replacement, which is a major structural repair.

Your 4Runner's frame has developed excessive rust that has compromised the structural integrity where your brakes and suspension connect. The brake lines have rusted severely and nearly failed, which could have caused an accident. The vehicle is no longer safe to drive due to the extent of the frame rust affecting critical components.

Your 4Runner's frame has severe corrosion with visible holes and failed welds that raise safety concerns. This level of rust damage is unusual and may affect the structural integrity of your vehicle. Frame repair or replacement will likely be necessary to restore safety, which is a major repair involving removing and rebuilding or replacing the affected frame sections.

Your 4Runner's frame is experiencing severe rust and corrosion that has compromised its structural integrity. A mechanic has warned that the frame damage is so extensive that a collision could cause catastrophic failure, making the vehicle unsafe to drive despite having relatively low mileage and good condition otherwise. Addressing this will likely require professional frame inspection and repair or replacement, which may not be economically feasible for a 20-year-old vehicle.

Your vehicle's frame has developed severe rust with visible holes starting to form, which was first noticed around 40,000 miles. Frame rust is a structural concern that can affect your vehicle's integrity over time. Addressing this typically involves rust removal, treatment, and potentially welding or frame reinforcement depending on the extent of the damage.

Your 4Runner's rear frame has rusted through so severely that a Toyota dealership refuses to perform a wheel alignment, saying it's unsafe and a waste of money to align your new tires on a compromised frame. The extent of rust damage makes the vehicle potentially dangerous to drive. Addressing this will likely require professional frame inspection and rust repair or replacement of the affected frame sections.

Your rear tailgate window shattered on its own while the vehicle was parked in the driveway right after you turned off the engine. You noticed a burning plastic smell before the glass broke. The sudden shattering was loud and startled passengers, and while no one was injured, this could be dangerous if it happened while driving. The repair will likely involve replacing the rear tailgate window assembly and investigating the underlying electrical or thermal cause.

Your 4Runner's frame and undercarriage are showing rust, which is getting worse due to the constant road hazards, potholes, and winter salt exposure in your area. The stress from rough road conditions and salt deterioration will continue to damage the frame over time. You may want to have the frame inspected regularly and consider rust prevention treatments to slow the corrosion.

The straps on your child car seat are fraying, and you've been told this is a known issue. When you checked your seat, you confirmed the straps were indeed fraying. The manufacturer has indicated they consider this a user-caused problem rather than a defect.