2004 Toyota 4 runner problems

General information about Toyota-4 runner
Overview of popular issues

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across five generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura.

The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road.

For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform.

As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components.

The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.

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Common 2004 Toyota 4 runner problems

The 2004 Toyota 4Runner has been noted for a significant number of complaints, primarily concerning the dashboard, body, and performance. This article will focus on the performance issues, specifically the brake and engine problems.

Brake problems have been a significant concern for 2004 Toyota 4Runner owners. The primary issue reported is that the dashboard would light up with warning lights, and a high-pitched alarm would sound, indicating a brake failure. This issue could lead to accidents, as the brakes would often not work when this problem occurred. The root cause of this issue is still under debate, with some mechanics attributing it to a failed master brake cylinder, while others believe it is due to a faulty ABS actuator pump. Some owners speculate that the problem stems from a bad ground cable on the battery, which sends low-voltage signals to the car's computer, shutting down the brake system. The repair cost for this issue ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, making it a significant expense for 4Runner owners.

The second most common performance issue reported is related to the engine. In cylinder compression tests, mechanics have found that one cylinder is misfiring, often caused by coolant leaking into the chamber due to a bad head gasket. The cost of replacing the head gasket is approximately $3,200, and some mechanics have suggested that a new engine might be necessary, which would cost around $6,000. The average mileage for this problem is around 165,000 miles.

In summary, the 2004 Toyota 4Runner has faced significant performance issues, primarily related to the brakes and engine. These problems can lead to severe accidents and expensive repairs, making them critical concerns for 4Runner owners.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
Melting Dashboards.

How many miles will a 2004 4Runner last?

A Toyota 4Runner can reach 300,000 miles with meticulous maintenance but expect closer to 200,000 miles. The 4Runner is susceptible to Toyota's rust issues. Owners say rust and corrosion are common, and noticeable after only a few years on the road.

Are there any recalls on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner?

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.

What year 4Runner has the best reliability?

Here are the most reliable years for the Toyota 4Runner: 2017-Present Fifth Generation 4Runner. 2008-2009 Fourth Generation 4Runner. 1999-2000 Third Generation 4Runner.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
Melting Dashboards.

How long can a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner last?

Expect a 4Runner to Last Close to 200,000 Miles, with 4.1% of the SUVs Reported to Reach the Mileage Milestone. Toyotas are known for their reliability, and the 4Runner is no exception. The Toyota 4Runner is one of the brand's most reliable vehicles, with many 4Runners living to see as many as 300,000 miles.

Are there any recalls on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner?

Is a Toyota 4Runner a good car?

It's built tough for off-roading, but otherwise the 4Runner falls short of most midsized SUVs. The powerful but rough-sounding 4.0-liter V6 is thirsty, delivering just 17 mpg overall. The ride is unsettled, and handling is clumsy, with noticeable body lean while cornering.

2004 Toyota 4 runner complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Toyota 4 runner.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Toyota 4 runner problems:

Common 4th gen problems? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest ...

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/190150-common-4th-gen-problems.html

Feb 26, 2015 ... Frame rust, stuck calipers seem to be common complaints. Head gaskets on 2003 - 2005 V6 models have a higher than normal failure rate. Some sort ...

2004 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2004-toyota-4runner/problems

Top 2004 Toyota 4Runner Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · EVAP System Fault Due to Failed Charcoal Canister · Car Won ...

Common problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/3460-common-problems.html

Apr 16, 2004 ... My 4runner is great no problem after I lowered the seat with that front knob. 2004 4runner Sport V8 AWD Titanium 2003 350Z Touring Chrome.

My 2004 V8 Limited 4Runner | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]

https://www.4runners.com/threads/my-2004-v8-limited-4runner.29335/

Dec 30, 2022 ... What are some of the known issues with the 4.7L v8/transmission/etc for the 4th gen 4Runners? How much longer, with proper maintenance, can we ...