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Toyota 4Runner 2004

The 2004 Toyota 4Runner came with 2 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder. It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 2 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD AWD
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Toyota 4Runner
Representative photo of the 4Runner. It may show a different year or version. Photo: RL GNZLZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
4,000 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 4 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)4,785 × 1,880 × 1,810 mm (188.4 × 74.0 × 71.3 in)
Wheelbase2,790 mm (109.8 in)
Curb weight1,972 kg (4,348 lb)
Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 4 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 Toyota 4Runner 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
15 MPG
Highway
19 MPG
Combined
17 MPG
Emissions
325 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG
4.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 16 MPG 20 MPG 18 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 17 MPG 15 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 15 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

2 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW 16V065000 · 2016-02-05 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 11V113000 · 2011-02-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

3 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Electrical 2021723 · 2021-11-24 · Transport Canada
Details

Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.

Airbag 2016051 · 2016-02-02 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the roll rate sensors in the airbag control module may improperly calibrate if the vehicle experiences a body roll motion approximately four seconds after the ignition is turned to the ‘ON’ position. If the vehicle experiences another subsequent body roll motion, the system may erroneously detect a rollover, causing both of the side curtain airbags to deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners to be activated. Unintended airbag and/or seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could result in injury and increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag control module with one which has improved programming.

Other 2011082 · 2011-02-24 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A fully depressed accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2009290 for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-06-14 · NHTSA

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.

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE Crash 1 injured 2025-12-29 · NHTSA

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 rus…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-08-31 · NHTSA

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.

STRUCTURE 2025-08-29 · NHTSA

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 r…

STRUCTURE 2025-08-19 · NHTSA

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 approximat…

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE 2025-08-09 · NHTSA

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…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-07-27 · NHTSA

Rusting frame, no specific incident date. Used today’s date.

STRUCTURE 2025-06-27 · NHTSA

Frame rust. Huge problems on the 4th gen 4runners. Can't believe there's not a recall on this issue.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-04-03 · NHTSA

Excessive frame and suspension corrosion that could lead to serious accidents if not repaired at a very high cost for myself

STRUCTURE 2025-02-26 · NHTSA

The undercarriage is full of rust that the repair shop will not test drive or fix due to the issue. No warnings.

STRUCTURE 2025-02-07 · NHTSA

Extensive frame rust to the point of structural failure. Cannot support weight or force.

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE 2024-10-20 · NHTSA

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.

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2004 Toyota 4Runner have?
The 2004 Toyota 4Runner came with 2 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2004 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?
2 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Air Bags (2016-02-05).
What are the common problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Structure.

Other years

Which Toyota 4Runner year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Toyota

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