Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I have tried working with Bobby Rahal to come to and understanding on having this repaired due to the fact that my mechanic believes that this rust is in fact the same issue as the frame and should have been replaced when the frame was. All they will tell me is that the recall is closed and there is nothing they can do. Very disappointed in the fact that this was handled when it should have been. Now I am stuck trying to figure out how to pay for this myself. …
Problem with the electronic throttle control on acceleration, the throttle drops off like I let my foot off the pedal, the dealer replaced the throttle body per customer request (me) and it fixed the problem, only to happen again several months later, this happened one time again, a total of 2 new throttle bodys were replaced, now a few years later it failed again trying to pass a car and I almost caused an accident because the throttle failed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the transmission rear differential was corroded and leaking transmission fluid while the local mechanic performed routine maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000. Updated 7/14/15
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.
My 2004 Toyota Tacoma double cab prerunner v6 sr5 has 18,000miles and has had the following problem for a while. I did not notice it until about 2 months after I had purchased the vehicle. Which tells me that the problem could be a progressive issue. The truck continues to show an increase in the problem. Problem description: when driving the Tacoma down the road the Tacoma drives fine. But when approaching an intersection where the vehicle is brought to a complete stop is when the following occurs. The vehicle will shift to the rear and a jerk sound is heard and felt. When releasing the brake on the vehicle you will feel and hear another more intense jerk. When you press on the throttle pedal to move forward from an intersection the vehicle displays yet another jerk. All of these feels as if it is coming from the rear. …
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 said the program for undercoating the frame ended in December and they would not do anything. I bought this truck in January 2011 from the dealer (tj Toyota, potsdam ny) and they did not undercoat the frame before they sold the truck to me (with 77,500 mi). I am currently fighting with Toyota and because my truck cant pass inspection (which expires today) I can not legally drive my truck to work and there for cant work because I am a mechanic and work out of my truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that when driving 50 MPH or more in fifth gear, the vehicle would sporadically engage in neutral without warning. The failure consistently recurred in colder weather. The contact would have to decelerate before the vehicle would engage back into fifth gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised that there were no problems with the vehicle and that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 116,000.
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 rusting thru. Talking to the mechanic reveal this can be a catastrophic event on a highway with the wheels locking up causing fatalities. Toyota dealers contacted provided no help or did not return phone calls.
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 could not have been left on a slope without a chock block. After snow fell out/melted all systems returned to normal operation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 to 60 MPH, the fifth gear disengaged without any warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10. The current mileage was approximately 116,000. Updated 04/02/13
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 3 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 Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
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.