Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My steering became very loose with a lot of movement in the steering wheel. The universal joint in the steering column shaft was bad. Upon further investigation, both lower control arms on the front wheels were rusted through, (from the inside out), with one of them bent because of the lack of metal support that rusted away, which caused my wheels to be misaligned and hard to control. Upon additional inspection, the frame has rusted out in multiple places which could allow it to break in half. (pictures of one portion of the frame are attached.) I have had the steering column and lower control arms replaced but multiple body and frame shops state the frame is rusted too much to repair. I know Toyota recalled several models for frame rust issues but have not included the 4Runner, which I cannot understand. …
I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what's happening and they don't seem to know why it's doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can't figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don't seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.
My 4 runner only has 147,000 miles and is a great running vehicle but my frame is rotted badly. I have large holes throughout, the front crossmember under radiator with tow hooks has completely rusted off, and now I found where my rear lower drag link bolts to frame is about to come off. I have had to repair rusty brake lines multiple times. My rear axle carrier just sheds large flakes of rust. I love this truck but now it is almost too dangerous to drive and with all the inflation lately I cannot afford another vehicle.
Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.
My 2004 Toyota 4 runner is in the dealer for routine maintenance. Most of the car maintenance have been at this local Toyota dealership. I just had the cv boots and sway bar bushings replaced this past spring and summer. I have the records for these particular maintenance and repair. My service mechanic mentioned there is significant amount of rust on the frame/ chassis. On September 7, the mechanic at the same dealership showed me again the excessive rust on the frame. It is so severe, one of the loops for towing the truck in the front of the frame just broke off. I attached the picture of the broken hook/loop in this document. The truck has 102,000 miles on it. It is mostly in the garage if not being used. I understand that other models in the same years like the Toyota tacoma & Toyota seqoiua have the same excessive rust but there is an already recall program for these models. …
Since buying my forerunner used in 2015 I have only brought it to the dealership for maintenance bed inspections with Toyota professional mechanics. Upon bringing my vehicle in for a routine oil change and inspection I was told that the frame is rusted out and unsafe to drive. I was shocked and upset as I've only used a trusted Toyota professional mechanics and somehow they seem to have overlooked a frame that was completely rusting out and therefore putting my life and my children's lives in harms way. I contacted Toyota headquarters to no avail, they claimed there's nothing they can do as there are no recalls. However I feel they are responsible for their professional mechanics overlooking such a serious issue but yet having no problem with me continuing to put money into this vehicle as I planned on owning it for quite some time. …
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. …
Toyota truck frame corrosion upon installation of failed suspension components on my 2004 Toyota 4runner, my independent mechanic informed me of substantial frame corrosion. I contacted lynch Toyota with my concerns, lynch Toyota inspected my 4runner and found substantial frame corrosion, vehicle deemed unsafe, and should not be driven in any capacity, frame replacement recommended by lynch Toyota in manchester connecticut. The steering shaft is frozen and binding due to corrosion. The suspension components are in jeopardy of breaking away from corroding frame. Toyota refuses to include vehicle in frame replacement program offered to all other body on frame constructed trucks. …
I have a 2004 4 runner I recently have had a steering vibration that is making me crazy it flutters around 55 to 65 I have gone to different dealers and independent shops plus I have done lots of testing with no luck on a permanent fix I have researched the internet for 6 months since the problem really started the only thing I can find is this TSB st001r-05 050908 steering that relates to my problem I have had 9 new sets of tires and a set of new wheels and all new suspension no matter what I do I can not get rid of the flutter it some times perfectly smooth even over bumps sometimes it is wobbling all over I have already encountered a collision due to this issue it was just a fender bender no major damage but the only thing left for me to do is find out more on this TSB I discovered I really like my 4 runner but I cant have this death trap putting people in jeopardy please help with …
The u-joint in my year, and many other years close to the same period, rusts out in the bearings and requires replacement. This makes the steering significantly difficult. Here is just one, of many, websites dedicated to this problem. I am having mine fixed next week but the general consensus is that this is a major fault of Toyota and it should be recalled, here is the website: http://www.Toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/87941-common-steering-problem.html thanks, dan
Steering complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, 5% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota 4Runner steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota 4Runner steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.