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2004 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 228.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

315 reports with mileage · 99 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 203 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports3 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

414 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2018
StructureSuspension

TOOK TRUCK IN FOR INSPECTION AND THE FRAME IS DETERIORATING TO THE POINT THE BED IS BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND SEPARATING FROM THE CAB. THE SUSPENSION IS COMING LOOSE FROM THE MOUNTS. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY ONE THE MECHANIC HAS SEEN WITH DETERIORATION. THESE TRUCKS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!!

NHTSA ODI #11163090

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2018
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND TOOK IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE FRAME FOR UNDERCOATING. THE BODY SHOP NOTED SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME WITH SUSPENSION PARTS THAT ARE ALSO FULL OF CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THIS RUST ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN…

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND TOOK IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE FRAME FOR UNDERCOATING. THE BODY SHOP NOTED SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME WITH SUSPENSION PARTS THAT ARE ALSO FULL OF CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THIS RUST ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS RUST/CORROSION. I NEED THE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR SOME REASON THIS VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS NOT RECALLED BUT THE BODY SHOP STATED THIS SHOULD HAVE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS FRAME DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST THAT IS NOTED UNDER THE VEHICLE ON THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION PARTS.

NHTSA ODI #11151455

151,000 miles · Nov 2, 2018
SteeringStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION PERTAINING TO THE FRAME, WHICH AFFECTED THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION PERTAINING TO THE FRAME, WHICH AFFECTED THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

NHTSA ODI #11144915

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2018
Structure

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA XTRACAB. CONSUMER WRITE WITH CONCERN TO VEHICLE NOT BEING COVERED UNDER FRAME PERFORATION WARRANTY EXTENSION. *AS *JS

NHTSA ODI #11140908

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2018
StructureSuspension

TAKATA RECALL FRAME IS RUSTED

NHTSA ODI #11120800

178,468 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Air BagsSuspensionCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY HI TOYOTA (14612 VALLEY CENTER DRIVE, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, 866-405-5098), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,468.

NHTSA ODI #11119621

66,000 miles · Jul 25, 2018
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CHASSIS FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO IRA TOYOTA OF DANVERS (99 ANDOVER ST, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 739-8300) WHERE AN ANTI-CORROSIO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CHASSIS FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO IRA TOYOTA OF DANVERS (99 ANDOVER ST, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 739-8300) WHERE AN ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY WAS APPLIED TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #11113626

224,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Structure

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH SEVERE CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE FRAME. IT IS NOT SAFE AND COULD CRACK AT ANYTIME. ESPECIALLY WHERE THE LEAF SPRING MEETS THE FRAME, I CAN LOOSE THE REAR END.

NHTSA ODI #11111771

122,390 miles · Jul 11, 2018
Structure

ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO IVE TAKEN MY TRUCK TO PRICE TOYOTA IN NEW CASTLE DE FOR A FRAME INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO CALL THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURE ABOUT THE FRAME RECALL ISSUE BUT THEY NEVER GOT BACK TO ME AND JUST RECENTLY IVE HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE FRAME.

NHTSA ODI #11110875

62,700 miles · Jun 20, 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

WHILE IN REVERSE, IDLING SLOWLY TO A STOP TO PICK UP A HOT WATER HEATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, SENDING THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OVERHEAD DOOR AND THROUGH EXPENSIVE HOT WATER …

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WHILE IN REVERSE, IDLING SLOWLY TO A STOP TO PICK UP A HOT WATER HEATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, SENDING THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OVERHEAD DOOR AND THROUGH EXPENSIVE HOT WATER HEATERS AND SPAS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO THE WAREHOUSE UNTIL IT HIT AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT AND STOPPED. THE THROTTLE CONTINUED TO HIGHLY REV THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAREHOUSE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED AT HIGH SPEED ON THE WAY OUT, AND ONTO THE STREET. BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE THROTTLE RESUMED NORMAL SPEED OPERATION. NEXT DAY, TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE THROTTLE PROBLEM BECAUSE, BEING A 2004, IT DID NOT THROW COMPUTER FAILURE CODES. INDEPENDENT GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. EARLIER IN THE SAME WEEK, THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHEN BACKING UP AT LOW SPEED, BUT I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT OR THE SERIOUSNESS OF A FAILING THROTTLE. THE TRUCK IS NOW OPERATING AFTER REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #11102755

Official recalls

3

12V542000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

Nov 23, 2012

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 road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

05V225000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

May 17, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: 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.

04V214000 · Seat Belts:front

May 5, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. NO VEHICLES WERE SOLD TO CONSUMERS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.