2004 Toyota 4Runner Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2004 Toyota 4Runner is an absolute workhorse, renowned for its bulletproof V6 engine and rugged construction, making it one of the most dependable SUVs of its era. This vehicle offers exceptional long-term value and capability, assuming you meticulously inspect for frame rust, which is the primary Achilles' heel. If you can find a rust-free example, especially with the V6, it represents a fantastic investment for years of reliable service.
Biggest Strengths
- V6 1GR-FE engine durability
- Robust automatic transmission
- Exceptional long-term structural integrity (excluding rust)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
What breaks on the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Toyota 4Runner by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Toyota 4Runner. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.
Relevant Products for Your 2004 Toyota 4Runner
Parts and accessories matched to your 2004 Toyota 4Runner
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
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