2004 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Toyota 4Runner problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Toyota 4Runner
2004 Toyota 4Runners for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Toyota 4Runner problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Toyota 4Runner problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Toyota 4Runner problems and repair histories that follow it.
Toyota 4Runner Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | Toyota 4Runner | 30 4Runners, 11.0 months of data per 4Runner, average 109100 miles40 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2004 Toyota 4Runner problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Toyota 4Runner
Engine not specified
| Toyota 4Runner in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 66000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 67000 | 0 | The AC and heat both worked, but either full heat or full cold. Replaced HVAC distributor, didn't fix problem. |
| Oct | 2009 | 74000 | 0 | Never had problem fixed because didn't want to have the instrument panel ripped open. |
| Toyota 4Runner in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 60000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 63000 | 800 | Brake calipers froze. One in the front and one in the rear. |
| Jan | 2012 | 92000 | 3200 | 4wheel drive transfer gear |
2004 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
245-horsepower 4.0L V6 4-speed automatic RWD
| Toyota 4Runner in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 96000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 96000 | 100 | Squeaking noise, changed accessory belt tensioner and idler pulley. |
| Mar | 2013 | 112000 | 100 | Changed rear brake pads, resurface rotors, change/flush brake Fluids |
| Toyota 4Runner in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 50000 | 529 | water pump replacement |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota 4Runner in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 78000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 79000 | 100 | Turned front brake rotors and replaced front brake pads. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
245-horsepower 4.0L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Toyota 4Runner in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 33000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 40000 | 120 | Electric sunroof was binding and needed manual assistance to get it to close. Dealer found no broken or worn parts, cleaned and lubed all accessible components, now seems to be working fine. |
| Oct | 2012 | 82000 | 1000 | Water pump was leaking slightly - enough so I could smell coolant when parking, and the coolant level would drop a few ounces over the course of a month or so. The water pump was replaced along with thermostat and some hoses and fittings. |
| Mar | 2013 | 83000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 76000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 90000 | 200 | Stuck Caliper |
| Dec | 2011 | 92000 | 300 | Sway Bar Bushings, Tie Rods |
| Jun | 2012 | 97000 | 0 | 2 caliper pins replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 104000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 92000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 95000 | 190 | light behind information screen burned out |
| Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 85 | Transmission cooler lines rusted through | |
| Aug | 2011 | 40 | Front skidplate rusted through. Bought BudBilt one Front caliper pistons were frozen. One piston on each Replaces all 4 rotors and pads Replaced Idler Pulley with NAPA version $40. Toyota version was $140 | |
| Toyota 4Runner in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | Replace 2 o2 sensors | |
| May | 2009 | 0 | Replaced timing chain tensioner that was broken in pieces. Pieces of tensioner fell into timing chain cover. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 120000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 126000 | 0 | problem with the cv boot leaking, was noted on a routine oil change, warranty covered the repair, dealer reported that the boots clamps were faulty but replaced all the items instead of just the clamps. new warranty period of 12 mos extended |
| Mar | 2013 | 134000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 133000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 133000 | 2655 | Head gasket failed, which caused cylinder #6 to misfire due to coolant leaking into combustion chamber. |
| Toyota 4Runner in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 23000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 39000 | 450 | Frozen front calipers, both sides. |
| Oct | 2012 | 51300 | 385 | Both front calipers had frozen pistons, so they were replaced with remanufactured calipers. |
| Mar | 2013 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 82000 | 200 | Front passenger wheel bearing started buzzing when the car was being driven straight or making a right turn. Replaced wheel bearing with OEM part which fixed the problem. The mechanic suspects the problem was caused by the tire hitting a curb. |
| Oct | 2011 | 125000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 99000 | 0 | AC/Heat was blowing only hot air. Bad Wiper Motor Broken clip on a heat shield caused a constant rattle. Front turn signal out, caused by a cracked housing holding the bulb. Bulb and socket replaced. |
| Dec | 2010 | 126000 | 175 | Major transmission leak, car would often not shift into first. |
| Jan | 2011 | 127000 | 616 | Radiator Leak. Replaced. |
| Aug | 2011 | 135000 | 0 | Alternator died. |
| Feb | 2013 | 167300 | 650 | Both brake lines blew, at same time. CV replaced - front. |
| Mar | 2013 | 169000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 73000 | 50000 | Steering rod rusted and steering felt very heavy, replacement was made under 100k zero deductable ext. warranty.took a week because first part defective from toyo parts(bent) and second part was in another region, so shipping and install longer. now good. |
| Nov | 2009 | 78000 | 600 | front calipers worn out both sides, replaced. Turned rotors and new brake pads. |
| Jan | 2010 | 81300 | 559 | battery light on dash came on in Georgia on my way home from Florida. Went to AutoZone for battery check and alternator dead. Replaced at TireKingdom late Saturday afternoon. 475.00 brutal, but stuck till Tuesday(toyota dealer had to orderpart)worse! In Virginia heard strange vibration sound when letting off the gas at highway speeds, thought maybe flat tire, but no. Mechanic in Potomac Md. looked over and tail pipe had separated from muffler, thus backpressure was causing problem. Fixed in NH. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
235-horsepower 4.7L V8 5-speed automatic RWD
| Toyota 4Runner in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 51000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 58000 | 0 | wiper motor. Wipers would not work in delay switch postiton; wipers would not 'park' when switched off |
| Jul | 2010 | 65000 | 600 | replaced all four rotors as well as pads |
| Apr | 2012 | 87300 | 1500 | Timing Belt replaced. Water pump replaced as well. Radiator also found to have leak. |
| Mar | 2013 | 95000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 112000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 114000 | 0 | had NAV/CD module go out...dealer wanted too much to replace unit...over $600 so we didn't do the repair. |
| Sep | 2011 | 138000 | 0 | Developed oil leak from oil pan. Probably gasket. Repair not done at this time. |
| Jan | 2012 | 141000 | 200 | I initially reported this as an oil pan leak, but it turned out to be the rear seal on the transfer case. |
| Feb | 2012 | 142000 | 150 | seal on torque converter leaked. did't replace, just did temp repair with silicone and new seal. Will require major work in future to replace damaged gear in T/C. Estimated cost will be $1500. CD component in NAV unit quit working. $400 to repair. Didn't repair it. |
| Mar | 2013 | 176000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
235-horsepower 4.7L V8 5-speed automatic AWD w/low range
| Toyota 4Runner in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 117000 | 25 | Welded loose heat shield. |
| Mar | 2013 | 121000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 73160 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 74400 | 0 | Front skid plate got loose, and was rubbing against the left tire, when steering wheel is cranked all the way. |
| Oct | 2009 | 84320 | 60 | Repaired and re-attached heat shield that had gotten loose. Replaced clamp on front axle boot, was cracked, and boot was starting to spray grease on undercarriage. |
| Sep | 2012 | 117800 | 1050 | Heater fan capacitor/ amplifier burned out and needed replacement. Part alone was close to 900 dollars with taxes. |
| Jan | 2013 | 118620 | 1200 | Repaired rear brakes. Changed TPMS sensors for all four wheels. |
| Mar | 2013 | 119040 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2005 | 0 | Heater blowing cold air - diagnosed as fault with dealer installed block heater - replaced under warranty | |
| Jun | 2007 | 410 | Front calipers seized. Calipers and front rotors replaced under warranty. Front and rear Pads and rear rotors replaced at own expense. | |
| Nov | 2007 | 25 | Light fitting on passenger side indicator failed - needed socket replacing as well as bulb | |
| Apr | 2008 | 311 | Windshield replacement (damaged when loading lumber inside vehicle - my fault) | |
| Jan | 2010 | 415 | Check engine light came on - dealer checked codes and reset after concluding no problem Check engine on again - dealer took vehicle for the day and identified leaking gasket on exhaust. Gasket replaced and CEL reset. Problem resolved Alternator failed - towed to dealer. Replaced with rebuilt unit. Battery tested and confirmed ok. | |
| Aug | 2010 | 0 | Service tech pierced radiator when replacing timing belt and water pump. Towed to dealership and radiator replaced at their expense. | |
| Oct | 2010 | 345 | Windshield replacement - cracked by stone thrown up by vehicle travelling in opposite direction. | |
| Dec | 2010 | 576 | LH CV axle replaced and front right caliper replaced (identified at routine service in December) | |
| Jan | 2011 | 93000 | 650 | Heavy steering, felt notchy. Diagnosed as requiring a replacement Intermediate shaft in steering column - part on back order Replaced intermediate shaft - heavy steering issue resolved |
| Mar | 2011 | 94860 | 780 | Noise from under vehicle. Parts showed exhaust had sheared at entry point to baffle box. Could not be welded - was not corroded - part just broke at what is a weak point. Related exhaust parts replaced. Dealer gave 15% discount |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota 4Runner in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 82000 | 10 | CV Boot clamps broke causing grease to coat suspension components. Unsuccessful repair. |
| Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 0 | replaced two seized front brake calipers | |
| Jun | 2012 | 121000 | 295 | passenger front wheel bearing was loose and had to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 225000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 23000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 27000 | 0 | When backing up & parking my car trailer on two separate occasions the "Check Engine" came on. The "D" and "R" indicators were both lit dimly. The 4Runner's on board computer recorded and stored an error code. Replaced Park/Neutral POS Switch Assembly. |
| Dec | 2009 | 29000 | 0 | CD Player not working correctly. Unit removed during this visit and sent in to be serviced by Audio Service Center. |
| Jan | 2010 | 29700 | 0 | Repaired CD Player received from service center. Dealer reinstalled unit. It works as it should. |
| Sep | 2010 | 35000 | 571 | Replaced Seized Driver Side Front Brake Caliper under extended warranty. Replaced brake pads on all wheels. Turned all brake rotors. Brake Fluid Changed. Cost listed does not inlude cost of warranty repair. |
| Oct | 2011 | 42000 | 0 | Frozen Passenger Side Brake Caliper. Caliper replaced. Brake Pads and Brake Rotor were not replaced since they were not worn or damaged. |
| Dec | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 60000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 63000 | 400 | Front caliper seized, both rotors turned, new pads. Extended warranty only paid for one side rotor/pads, but both sides had to be replaced at once. |
| Feb | 2010 | 65000 | 0 | Power steering pump failed. Replaced by extended warranty |
| Mar | 2010 | 67000 | 233 | Windshield cracked across entire width. Safelite installed new windshield. Never noticed an impact, and no crater, just the crack. Happened while the car was parked overnight. I think the '06+ 4Runners have thicker glass because of complaints. |
| Aug | 2010 | 71500 | 114 | Right rear caliper rebuilt, not covered by warranty. Power steering intermittent failure |
| Oct | 2010 | 74000 | 0 | Heatshield over muffler rusted and broke off where it bolts on. This caused a very loud noise as the shield was rubbing the driveshaft. I used bailing wire to hold it in place until I can get the truck up on a lift for a proper repair |
| Mar | 2012 | 85000 | 60 | Oxygen sensor in front of cat on passanger side failed. Replaced with part from Amazon (cheapest found). Highly recommend 7/8" O2 sensor socket. Old O2 sensor caused Check Engine Light + VSC TRAC + VSC off lights |
| Oct | 2012 | 93700 | 80 | Previously installed Denso O2 sensor from amazon failed in same fashion (heater element) |
| Dec | 2012 | 95000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 115320 | 1000 | Front and rear pads and rotors replaced. Serpentine belt also replaced but NOT included in total cost - that was an aditional $192.00. |
| Sep | 2010 | 143220 | 337 | A technician noticed a leak coming from the right inner cv boot during an oil change. After inspecting it, a crack was found in the boot. I brought the vehicle back a few weeks later and the dealer replaced the part at my cost. |
| Jul | 2011 | 159960 | 364 | The caliper on the front passenger side was seized and needed to be replaced. The brakes were beginning to audibly squeal most of the time when I took it in. |
| Jul | 2012 | 184380 | 1485 | The bushings on the sway were worn out and replaced. The total cost for this repair includes a complete fluids replacement and a timing belt change. |
| Mar | 2013 | 203980 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Toyota 4Runner in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 148000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 149000 | 550 | Replaced both front axles. |
| Oct | 2011 | 161300 | 764 | new calipers, pads and rotors on front. new pads on rear. |
| Dec | 2011 | 164000 | 800 | Replaced Timing Belt and Water Pump |
Expert 2004 Toyota 4Runner Repair Advice
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