Problems with 2004 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

Took my 2004 toyota 4runner sr5 to local toyota dealer for inpsection and maintenance. left dealer thinking truck was in great shape. when changing brakes, noticed an cv joint boot was torn so took the truck to a mechanic to have the axle replaced (since they don't just replace the boot anymore). the mechanic called me as soon as he put the truck up on a lift and informed me that there was serious rust issues down the passenger side of the frame that could be a safety issue. the weld along the whole passenger side of the frame seems to have rusted out and there is a hole the whole length of the frame. there are also additional holes toward the front that are rather large in size. called toyota, not the toyota dealer, and they gave me a case number and suggested i take the vehicle to my local dealer for an inspection and diagnosis. when i asked what would happen upon a bad diagnosis, they stated nothing because there are currently no recalls or campaigns for the toyota 4runners only the tacomas, tundras and sequoia's. i believe that this is a serious safety issue and toyota should be responsible for correcting this isssue before causing people serious injury or even death. i am terrified with my daughter driving this vehicle and would think toyota should step up to ensure the safety of their vehicle owners.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame support member was corroded. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 88,540. ma 10/2 updated 10/18/2017*cn

Toyota frame rusting. the frame on my 4runner is rusted to the point where i feel it is unsafe. the welds that hold the rear control arms are rusted completely through. when looking at the frame rail you can see daylight through the welds. there are other spots on the frame rails that are rusted just as badly i'm not able to get pictures off

The dash board of the vehicle has cracked from one side to the other with multiple cracks in the cover over the passenger air bag. i am concerned whether this will affect the performance of the passenger air bag if it should need to deploy. *tr

Bought 4th generation 4runner in 1-15 from dealer after owning 4 prior 3rd generation ones and this one is plagued with excessive rust beyond normal wear in frame (some holes), suspension, steering rack and shaft, brake components, virtually everything steel under the body has rusted excessively while body remains rust free. i know 95-03 tacomas and tundras were under frame and brake line recall due to same issue but from the huge number of postings on internet of problem being just as bad if not worse in 3rd and 4th generation 4runner. yes the frames were a different style but the frames in these 4runners are even worse as problems with rust due to design are eating their way from inside out making it more of a silent killer as it goes unnoticed until rust breaches all the way thru frame and by that point it is not only unsafe to drive, it has been unsafe to drive for a long time before getting to that point. this is major problem as noted in 1000's if not more noted cases on internet forums and toyota refuses to take responsibility leaving all these people stuck with them and their families and kids that they put in these potential death traps at risk of frame, brake, steering, suspension failures that could result in loss of vehicle control, accidents, and deaths. i've cleaned, sprayed rust preventative oils and paints on areas of concern and rust makes its way back thru in weeks time. the many of owners with this issue are stuck without resources to buy another daily driver and have no choice but to take chance with the uncertainty of potential failure at anytime. toyota is aware and obviously knew they had rust issue with other model years but they know they have same issues with newer models not included on original frame rust recall and its time they are forced to step up and take responsibility for the faulty frames and underbody steel components.

The tailgate of the suv opens it while driving. the tailgate clothing latch sounds as if it has closed, but has not. this results in the tail gate opening up while driving. this began after having a repair on the back window system, that was a recall from toyota. also, there's no protection from the edge of the tailgate rusting. i've been told this is in every toyota 4runner from 2004. this has been a problem for many years for me, but i did not know that there was a way to report it.

Went in for a oil change and was offered a 28 point inspection. at dealership, ira toyota, milford, ma 28 point inspection tells us there is holes and rust in the frame and the vehicle would not pass inspection. this 4runner has been kept in mint condition with receipts to prove. did some research on line to learn many 4runners and tundra's have been recalled for just this reason. updated 7/23/15*cn *tr updated 9/20/2017*cn

Took my 2004 toyota 4runner for a oil change and free 28 point vehicle inspection. was told by the authorized toyota dealer that the frame was rusted broken and had holes similar to the tacoma recall. called toyota california and all the would do is offer a $500 service allowance to one of my other toyota's (camry) the car is in great shape and now will not even pass inspection. i have gone to other web sites and found many other 2004 4runners with the same problem. *tr

Frame is rotting in several spots. toyota has issued recalls on tacomas, but not the 4runner which has the same frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed multiple fractures across the dashboard. in addition, the contact stated that the dashboard appeared to be melting, which caused a glare that hindered the contact's visibility. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired due to part unavailability. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vin was included in a voluntary recall for the dashboard replacement. the failure mileage was 50,000.

Severe cracks on dash panel on passenger airbag and whole dash. *tr

Front support frame under radiator rusted through. the local toyota dealer told me this is a common problem and there is no fix. the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the question is how would this hold up in a frontal crash. the vehicle has a little over 85,000 miles and this happens. it is in a area where salt is used. many of these vehicles are on the road, many like me would not have known of a broken frame unless the skid plate was removed.there was also an issue with the transmission lines running along the frame listed in another complaint. *tr

There is lot of rust on frame, under carriage and its also in the suspension. its also causing fluids to leak and i had to replace the muffler assembly due to rust. i purchased this car as certified used from prestige toyota of nj with only 5000 miles in august of 2005, i purchased this toyota because of their stellar reputation in the auto industry but i am extremely disappointed with this car. i have less than 109,000 miles and at the way this rust is progressing, i will have to junk the car very soon. i cant risk being on the road with my family and have this rust bucket fall apart on the middle of the road. i have been waiting to see if there is a recall but haven't seen anything come through yet. please include my car in any vehicle safety recalls, or class action suits against toyota. thank you

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4 runner. the contact stated the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician verified the failure and stated that it could not be repaired. the manufacturer was unaware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

The entire frame and underneath the vehicle is rusted from front to back.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact noticed a large amount of rust on the frame near the radiator. the dealer stated that the boots on the front axles needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Vehicle frame is rotted and unsafe had it looked at , my auto shop said it is unsafe cannot sell the car in the condition of the frame i have owned it for 4 years and it has always been in a heated garage through the winters, have taken good care of the vehicle the only way i found out the frame was rusted was i had new brakes installed and they told me the frame on the vehicle was rotted out. very unsafe to drive but it is my only vehicle so i have no choice but to drive it , have tried to sell it to dealers and no one will buy it with the condition of the frame toyota needs to do something about this matter. *tr

Inspection of underside of vehicle revealed extensive frame rust and perforation through the sides of the frame. lower radiator support rusted through, control arm support rusted through. dealer inspected and verified, no program available for repair. dealer stated common problem in northeast vehicles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. during routine maintenance, the contact noticed that the frame was rusted out. the vehicle was taken to toyota of bellingham (360-676-0600, located at 1100 iowa st, bellingham, wa 98229) and the contact was informed that there was no recall. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Frame is rusting out. *tr

Extensive frame rust. unsafe body structure. multiple holes in the frame due to rust issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the dashboard was fractured near the passenger side air bag. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Underbody frame rusted out in several places. *tr

Vehicle has abnormal amount of rust on frame metal parts with excessive chipping an corrosion. also, of almost more concern is that the airbag sensors are completely rotted through, as if they were sacrificial anodes. frame failure due to abnormal rust could cause a catastrophic accident. sensor failure of the airbag sensors (behind front bumper) while driving could cause serious injury or death to driver or other cars on the road. i have never seen anything like this amount of corrosion. *tr

Dashboard cover developed hairline surface cracks. dashboard cover was still soft to touch and retained a sponge type feel. the thin skin of over the sponge-like core is what cracked. other complaints for this same issue are reported on toyota owners forum web pages. the dashboard cover is defective. *js

The frame has rusted thru making holes and if not repaired will be unsafe to drive. toyota has not offered a recall which is criminal because there are so many that have this problem. all of their other similar vehicles of all ages have "recalls" but they refuse to do so as "yet" on the 04. dealers and body shops and internet searches site thousands of these 4runners are affected. *tr

Dashboard has started cracking on passenger side. now it has spread all across the dash to the driver side. i'm worried the airbags may deploy. this truck is in pristine condition and kept in a garage when home and under covered parking at work. i also have a 2003 tundra with more miles and dashboard is fine. the tundra is not parked covered. my mother has a 1997 toyota corolla. parked in the sun all day in texas. dashboard is fine. this has to be a toyota quality issue on 2003 and 2004 4-runners. online these are the year models that seem to have this issue. *tr

Drivers door latch mechanism would not permit driver to exit the vehicle. door would not unlock, though all electric and manual actions to unlock the door appear to work, latch handle would not move. this condition was normal for the vehicle when new if the door was locked. all other doors in the vehicle would open from the inside if locked. drivers door latch failed prohibiting driver from exiting the car and was replaced. replacement latch would permit emergency exit from the vehicle if the lock was activated. *tr

Frame has excessive rust. the vehicle has spent most of its life in nh/me. it is now registered in fl. it has been in florida for about 16 months. i have filed several complaints with toyota and they keep telling me my vehicle is out of warranty so they will not do anything. the rust is bad enough that the front cross member can be flexed by hand. it is not unusual for me to find large chunks of rust in the driveway in the morning after the vehicle sits over night. i have cleaned and treated the rust myself as well as several coats of paint to try to stop/slow the rust but it has not done much good. toyota has voiced problems with every other full-framed vehicle they have including the older pick ups, tundra, sequoia, and most recently the 05-08 tacoma's. i am on several toyota forums and this is not a problem on a few vehicles. if the vehicle has been in the rust belt the frames are severely rusted. i do have several pictures i can send if needed. *tr

I am the original owner of 04 v8 4runner sport and it just passed the 200,000 mile mark. the suv runs great still, but the frame is rusting out so bad that it is becoming dangerous to drive. we had to weld a patch for the radiator support and the front tow/tie down hook broke off, the entire frame is rotting out from the inside out. there are holes in the frame.this is an known issue for toyota and don't know why they didn't recall the 4runner when they recalled the other toyotas of the same year. i would like to be part of a class action lawsuit. i have 2 other trucks 1988 f250 and 2004 f550 that have no rusted out holes in the frames only surface rust. so it isn't just because i live in ny.

Frame rust

We have a melting dash in our 4 runner. it can burn to the touch and has progressively gotten worse over past year. it is sticky to touch also and has a bad odor also. we made complaint to toyota but no offer to repair. i called dealerships and they said they have been notified of the problem but toyota corp has not given them approval for parts to replace. i am concerned about summer months getting hotter and it making our airbags go off or dash could catch on fire. *tr

The toyota dealership does not want to repair the safety recall they did on 2004 4runners toyota. i called over a year ago and no action has taken place. the recall was over the gas pedal and dashboard, i also have a case number and have called many times and they only tell me to wait. they didn't even bother to check the car and i also went in personally so they could order the parts and they told me they would call when the parts came in, the guy told me to give it six months and now it's been over a year and still have not received any call. i know this recall warranty ends this year 2017 and it seems like the toyota don mcgill in houston dealership is waiting for the year to end so one can pay for the changes to be made, which is unfair because this is a toyota recall. i hope you can help because this has taken over a year to fix now and the toyota don mc gill in houston has been no help what so ever. this is a safety recall and they need to fix it i already did my part i have called, i have a case number and i have gone personally to talk to them and order the parts.

2004 4runner limited, frame rusted out. *tr

Frame is rusted badly poor breaking system i had to replace the lines that keeps my toyota stabilized. i put so much money into my 2004 toyota 4 runner limited. now the rust has taken over on sides and under radiator. transmission lines now leaking badly rust has been an on going problem but when i had it inspecited mechanic brought me out in the garage to show me.

I began to notice that my dash has started to crack and it is in the area of the air bag. i did some research and found out that many 2004 toyota 4runner owners are having the same problem. i called toyota to ask for info and they refused to assist in the matter or even help pay for it to be replaced. this concerns me for my safety, since it is in the area of the air bag. toyota is aware of this defect in the dash but has done nothing to remedy the situation. it is not only a safety concern, but it also depreciates the value of my vehicle. i have listed my case number and one other that i know of below with toyota. other from research- [xxx] mine - [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Vehicle was being parked alongside the curb when it suddenly jumped the curb, the sidewalk onto the uphill grassy landscape, hit and severed a tree, and almost crashed the house inches away, then bounced back to the street- all in about 3 seconds. the tires spun violently and left a thick residue of rubber and thick smoke throughout. the brake was hard and stuck , as i managed to put the stick to neutral and then to park. i was truly shocked and shaken that i could have hurt or killed myself or others. this is the second time this happened- the first in july 22, 2009 when the same acceleration happened when i was moving the vehicle into the garage, surged in about 2 secs. crashing into the storage and the garage walls. reference: toyota claim no.[xxx] (2009) and no.[xxx] (2012). in both cases toyota disowned any responsibility. while toyota assures me of the safety of the vehicle, i cannot in my right mind continue to drive this vehicle nor pass it on to somebody else except to return it to toyota. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

On or about july 16, 2012 owner noticed that the vehicle dashboard had vertical cracks near the driver side and passenger side air vents. on or about 9/21/12, owner noticed a horizontal crack in the passenger side dashboard above the glove box. vehicle has not been in any accidents and has been housed in garages at work and home. *tr

My dashboard is melting and cracking. *tr

Linear cracks appeared seemingly overnight across the entire dash (toyota calls it the safety pad). car is in pristine condition, and a sunshade was used daily. this must be a defect in materials. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact noticed that the entire length of the dashboard exhibited cracks which originated from the driver's side air bag housing. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 97,377.

Suv is unsafe to drive due to excessive rusting of frame and all other undercarriage metal parts. frame integrity is seriously compromised. rust is exponentiating over time. rust leaching to other majors parts like the exhaust. transmission, radiator, ac, wheels, brakes, exhaust, steering, etc all are compromised and failing due to rust. this has been going on for years. radiator replaced. ac leaking. oct 2011 heat shield rust noted by toyota. feb. 2014 heat shields were removed by toyota. they claimed that the truck doesn't need the heat shields. they did not mention the frame rusting or the lifetime exhaust rusting. they did not mention that this is a common issue with 4runners. i have always had issues with that service dept. but the only other toyota is worse. this issue needs serious recall asap. i think these trucks will start failing and causing deaths soon. numerous issues with this truck over the years all may be due to rust. brakes don't seem to last and the truck is hardly used. i believe rust is interfering with the brakes.

Excessive rust and corrosion to the point where my skid plate came off and transmission fluid lines broke apart, leading to major leak and fix - luckily it came off in driveway and not on highway where someone could have been significantly injured. shocks have holes in them from rust and corrosion, as do support bars and frame. can break off pieces of the frame in my hand without effort. concerned that frame could crack, support components could fail while driving because of corrosion. other toyota models have been recalled for rust, using the same components but assembled in different factories than the 4runner and land cruiser models, to my understanding. this is a safety issue that toyota must address before anyone is seriously injured.

My 2004 toyota 4/runner dash board has cracks all in the front of the right side air bag (passenger side) they continue to grow becoming deep. they appeared at one time, this very unusual, i have owned a 1993 toyota 4/runner and the dash board never has cracks and it was always parked out side. my 2004 toyota 4/runner is a garage kept vehicle. this is a safety violation, only cracks on the front of the dash board above the glove box where the air bag is. i called toyota dealership and they said nothing can be done, to replace it will be about 1,000.00..i also sent a complaint to toyota customer service and the field inspector will not look at my 2004 4/runner because it is out of warranty and the year...my 2004 toyota is very clean and very well kept, as stated at the dealership when they inspected it and said they never saw anything like this. this is a safety issue and toyota field inspector will not see my truck...no one can tell me that this will not deploy the air bag...i am a toyota customer and i am not getting customer service. do i need to take my toyota 2004 4/runner to another dealership that cares...or i should not buy a toyota vehicle. i am getting the run around from the dealership and toyota customer service. *tr

I have been reading online where many owners of toyota 4runners in the 2003-2004 year range are having a cracked dash on the passenger side above the airbag. in an accident, the plastic could cut you if the air bag goes off and water could go down crack and get into airbag system. to my knowledge, toyota will not admit fault in the dash. this is too common to not be a toyota defect. this should be made right. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the frame was severely rusted and corroded. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 67,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the dashboard developed multiple cracks and he was concerned that the air bags would become exposed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the dashboard needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who filed a report and offered to pay half of the repair costs. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 64,000. ...updated 10/19/12 *bf

2004 toyota 4-runner dash cracking above glove box/ air bag in two places. getting larger daily. *tr

Dashboard is riddled with cracks all over. many of the cracks follow along the same lines as other owners who have posted pics of their dashboard online. my other car from a similar year, had the same issue and that manufacturer replaced it with a goodwill repair, probably to avoid a full recall. it seems to be a common issue for multiple manufacturers for cars in the early to mid 2000s. *tr

The dashboard on my toyota is cracking real bad. it gets worse each year. i have talked to several people with 4 runners and they are having the same problem as well. i am very concerned about the safety of my airbags. *tr