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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

Service Brakes complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2023
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesSuspension

2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regu…

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2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas tank fell off of truck while driving. The straps snapped off due to rust and tank fell to the ground. This issue could have caused GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. 2023-lost brakes while driving. TOTAL brake failure. local mechanic stated it was a proportioning valve failure. The housing for it was rusted through and cannot be removed safely. After multiple days of research, a replacement could not be located. Even contacting Toyota, part is unavailable so vehicle CANNOT be fixed. Total brake failure could have led to GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. ONGOING-- vehicle frame is extremely rusted. bumper has fallen off, spare tire fell off, brush guard rusted and fell off. The frame under cab near bed of truck is rusted through. gas tank straps rusted through and tank fell off. You can literally push fingers/hand through the flaking metal. ALL previous recalls were completed including undercoating but the rust has gotten so bad the vehicle is not safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11527190

119,000 miles · Oct 19, 2020
Service BrakesStructureSuspension

PURCHASED 2004 TACOMA IN 2016. DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY FRAME RECALL AND DID NOT INFORM ME THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR FRAME RELATED ISSUES. SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE I'VE ENCOUNTERED COUNTLESS FRAME RELATED ISSUES AND HAVE PUT THOUSANDS INTO FRAME RELATED REPAIRS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IN 2018 ON S…

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PURCHASED 2004 TACOMA IN 2016. DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY FRAME RECALL AND DID NOT INFORM ME THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR FRAME RELATED ISSUES. SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE I'VE ENCOUNTERED COUNTLESS FRAME RELATED ISSUES AND HAVE PUT THOUSANDS INTO FRAME RELATED REPAIRS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IN 2018 ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO ASK ABOUT FRAME WARRANTY. TOYOTA SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. DID NOT LOOK UP VIN OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO VEHICLE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AGAIN THIS YEAR TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AS FRAME ISSUES WERE BECOMING SIGNIFICANT AND BEYOND MY FINANCIAL MEANS TO KEEP FIXING. TOYOTA NOTIFIED ME AT THIS TIME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD IN FACT BEEN UNDER WARRANTY BUT THAT NOW THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED 6 MONTHS PRIOR (WHICH WAS WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME THAT I HAD INITIALLY CONTACTED TOYOTA). TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT FRAME HAD BEEN UNDERCOATED WITH CORROSION RESISTANCE TREATMENT IN 2010 AND WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR 10 YEARS (UNTIL 2020). BECAUSE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH A WARRANTY LETTER AND TOYOTA ALSO FAILED TO NOTIFY ME AS I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I WAS NOT AWARE THAT I COULD HAVE HAD THE FRAME FIXED. WHICH I WOULD HAVE IF I HAD KNOWN. NOW BECAUSE OF NO FAULT OF MY OWN, THE WARRANTY WINDOW HAS CLOSED AND TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I STILL OWE OVER $3K ON A VEHICLE I PAID OVER $11K FOR AND HAVE PUT $4K-$8K INTO FOR REPAIRS. FRAME IS ROTTING FASTER THAN I CAN FIX IT AND IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR TRADE-IN OR SALE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS ESSENTIALLY WORTHLESS AT THIS POINT. FRAME BOLTS ARE NOW ROTTED, TAILPIPE AND EXHAUST FELL OFF JUST THIS MORNING DUE TO CORROSION, SUSPENSION IS CORRODED, BRACKETS ARE ROTTING OFF FRAME, FLAKES OF CORRODED METAL ARE IN PILES BENEATH VEHICLE- AND THESE ARE JUST THE MOST RECENT ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #11365078

269,000 miles · Aug 15, 2019
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

TAKATA RECALL, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA . ON NOVEMBER 2ND I WAS DRIVING HOME , WAS AT A 4WAY STOP, ONCE IT WAS MY TURN TO GO I ACCELERATED AS USUAL AND HAD MY TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK MY TRUCK, IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER I WOU…

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TAKATA RECALL, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA . ON NOVEMBER 2ND I WAS DRIVING HOME , WAS AT A 4WAY STOP, ONCE IT WAS MY TURN TO GO I ACCELERATED AS USUAL AND HAD MY TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK MY TRUCK, IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER I WOULD HAVE, THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST SCARIEST EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD DRIVING! IT COST ME NEARLY 1000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX AND NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE OTHER PASSENGER SIDE FIXED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAYS IT'S HAMMERED...I NOTICED THAT OVER 150,000 TACOMA'S WERE RECALLED DUE TO THIS EXACT PROBLEM, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN IT SAYS I HAVE NO I REPAIRED RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE! WHICH OBVIOUSLY IS NOT TRUE, OR MY BALK JOINTS WOULD BE GOOD TO GO, I HAVE NEVER TAKEN MY TRUCK OFF ROAD OR EVEN HAD IT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE, I HAVE NOT BEAT ON MY TRUCK I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, I FEEL THIS BALL JOINT PROBLEM SHOULD OF BEEN PART OF YOUR RECALL , I COULD OF BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR EVEN DIED AS WELL AS MY SON WHO WAS RIDING WITH ME, THANK GOD WE WEREN'T...I AM PREPARED TO TURN YOU INTO THE BBB IF I DONT GET A REASONABLE RESPONSE

NHTSA ODI #11244235

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2017
Service BrakesSteeringStructure

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN TONKO ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED DUE TO FRAME RUST. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF ALL RECALLS. THE LAST RECALL EXPIRED; THEREFORE, THE CONSUMER WAS INELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #10990428

60,000 miles · Apr 15, 2016
Power TrainService Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI #10855629

220 miles · Jul 9, 2015
Service BrakesSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR THE VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND THE BALL JOINT WILL COME OUT ALSO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE WILL BRAKE AND YOU WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT A $2500 DOLLAR SPENCE FOR A TOYOTA MALFUNCTION IN THE SUSPENSION I HAVE A FRIEND IN CALIFORNIA THAT HAS ONE A YEAR EARLY MODEL THAN MINE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA …

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GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR THE VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND THE BALL JOINT WILL COME OUT ALSO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE WILL BRAKE AND YOU WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT A $2500 DOLLAR SPENCE FOR A TOYOTA MALFUNCTION IN THE SUSPENSION I HAVE A FRIEND IN CALIFORNIA THAT HAS ONE A YEAR EARLY MODEL THAN MINE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HAD HAPPEN TO HIM IN THE FREEWAY ABOUT 60 MPH TO HIM A HAD TO LEARN THE HARD WAY IF YOU HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA PLEASE I AM WARNING YOU TO HAVE THE BALL JOINT REPLACE BEFORE ITS TO LATE THE NEW BALL JOINTS ARE WARRANTY FOR LIFE BUT I WILL CHECK IN TO THAT IF I STILL HAVE THE PICK UP IN FOUR YEARS

NHTSA ODI #10732846

131,200 miles · Nov 12, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,200. UPDATED 12/30/14*LJ UPDATED 05/26/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10654452

67,960 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Service Brakes

ABS ACTUATOR ASSY FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS MOUNTED ON RIGHT REAR AXLE HOUSING, AND BANGED AROUND VEHICLE AND GROUND. VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE OK AND ASSY IS HELD IN PLACE BY WIRE. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652776

100,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Service Brakes

PARKING BRAKE SEIZED AT WHEEL HUB. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525489

77,220 miles · Jul 7, 2013
Service Brakes

LEVER ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE DRUM FOR REAL WHEEL EMERGENCY BRAKES RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS INOPERABLE (SEIZED). CONDITION HAS CAUSED REAR BRAKE TO BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED WHETHER PARKING BRAKE IS PULLED OR NOT. THIS WEARS OUT THE REAR BRAKE PADS VERY FAST, AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON A…

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LEVER ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE DRUM FOR REAL WHEEL EMERGENCY BRAKES RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS INOPERABLE (SEIZED). CONDITION HAS CAUSED REAR BRAKE TO BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED WHETHER PARKING BRAKE IS PULLED OR NOT. THIS WEARS OUT THE REAR BRAKE PADS VERY FAST, AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AN INCLINE. WILL NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING DOWN HILL, NOR WILL IT STOP THE VEHICLE DURING AN EMERGENCY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE. IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING AS AN EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523525

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.