KnownCarProblems2004 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 414 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the body and structure (49% of complaints, typically around 119,000 miles). It is 6th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2004 Toyota Tacoma problems
Body and structure
203 complaints · 49%Half of these problems showed up before 119,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Frame: I had my Tacoma in for work (the clutch would not return fully to the up position) and the dealer (tj Toyota, potsdam, ny) said there were holes in the frame. There was one on the left side near there sway bar and two on the right side just in front of the passenger door. The dealer called Toyota and Toyota…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that during a routine inspection, it was discovered that the sub frame had holes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however no results were available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Suspension
84 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
On january 19, 2011 at approximately 7:15 am, I was driving approximately 15 MPH on a dirt road, came around an approximate 90 degree right hand turn heading down hill, slid on mud or ice and hit a rut. After all wheels had passed through the rut the vehicle drove up and over a small rise (bump) in the road. After…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an unrelated service where it was discovered that the leaf spring fractured due to frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Other or unspecified
32 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles.
From a dead stop to any speed, it felt like I no acceration. I would have to feather the gas pedal to get up to speed. I've replaced fuel filter, 02 sender ( front), maf sender ,fuel pressure regulator ,cleaned all grounds, had fuel pump tested , had head gasket checked ,changed spark plugs and wire's, cleaned…
9/8/2017, while working on my 2004 Tacoma I found a 3 inch and a 1 inch rust holes in the frame near the left rear wheel. Near the right wheel I found a 1 inch hole. All it took was a tap with a hammer. How safe is that?
Speed control
30 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.
Vehicle suddenly loses engine power, usually when pulling into traffic, starting from a stoplight or attempting to pass on the freeway. In all cases resulting in dangerous situations. The dealer attempted to fix the issue once, acknowledging it was a common problem with the vehicles throttle body system. After $1000…
With steady pressure on the gas pedal, the vehicle intermittently hiccups (as if foot was taken off the pedal) and vehicle changes speed and then surges back to accelerate. I believe it to be the throttle by wire throttle bodies which was placed in the Tacoma model for 2003-2004 and then later revised in 2005-present.
Steering
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist.
Power steering pump seal failed at 57000 miles. Failure noticed by (low fluid) pump noise on 09/19/06. Pump replaced by dealer on 09/23/06 under extended warranty. Dealer stated that they had seen several power steering pump failures with less mileage.
Purchased 2004 Tacoma for $18,000, from right Toyota in scottsdale, az in june 2006, received bill for $25,000+!! So much for agreeing on a price! I also purchased an extended warranty for $2200 (included in the $25,000). Weeks after getting the truck I noticed the rear passenger side seemed to give when turning…
Brakes
24 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, disc, indicator light.
Both rear axel seals leak gear oil onto and into the rear brake drums which substantially reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes. This condition began around the 60,000 mile mark and will continue indefinitely until the gear lube is all drained off, which then will most certainly cause severe power train damage.
After driving approximately 10 miles in a heavy, wet snow, shifter on automatic transmission could not be moved past reverse into park. Parking brake could not be pulled. Blockage of both components felt quite solid. Because vehicle could not be put into park, ignition could not be turned off and key removed. Vehicle…
Fuel system
24 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 99,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, she noticed something had become detached from under the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank protector was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis.…
On several occasions my truck has completely lost power. A few times it happened while pulling into traffic resulting in me almost being hung out in a busy intersection. When I push the gas pedal, it starts to move forward, then suddenly loses power. I believe the problem is somewhere in the throttle body. I also get…
Transmission
22 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 43,500 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, axle assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Oil changed at Toyota dealer, mechanic discovered rear differential leak. Took the vehicle to private mechanic and discovered the rear differential leak was caused by rust to the body. The 2004 Tacoma had only 27,000 original miles which was brought new. Web search discovered 20 complaints at least on the differential…
Both rear axel seals leak gear oil onto and into the rear brake drums which substantially reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes. This condition began around the 60,000 mile mark and will continue indefinitely until the gear lube is all drained off, which then will most certainly cause severe power train damage.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Toyota Tacoma recalls
Wheels and tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in february 2013. Owners may contact their toyota dealer or the toyota customer experience center at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 tacoma light trucks manufactured from august 28, 2000, through august 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where r
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Seat belts: front
Risk: This does not meet the standard.
Fix: Dealers have replaced the seat belts. No vehicles were sold to consumers.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, 'seat belt assemblies.' the driver's side seat belt has incorrect markings.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Toyota Tacoma
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Tacoma?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (203 complaints, typically around 119,000 miles); suspension (84 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles); other or unspecified (32 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Tacoma have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 23, 2012 (wheels and tires). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Toyota Tacoma?
- It is 6th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints, with 414 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.