2004 4Runner with tons of little problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum

cburnap · 12-18-2005, 08:21 PM

OK...I am so glad to have found this forum. I really would like to hear some feedback from other 4runner owners. I have a 2004 Limited 4runner and have had so many little problems I can't believe it. They are little problems, however a new vehicle should not have problems like this. Some of the things I've had to repair are:both rear seats (re-do the underside because they would stick), my passenger seat needed recovering because the leather was peeling, buttons on the dash have fallen out, ashtray broke, one of the vents (for heat/cool air), and others! Toyota has a great reputation for reliable cars, this is my first one, and I am debating on selling it and buying another one. All of the dealers say that no one else has had as many problems as me...is this true?? I don't feel good about purchasing another one after this experience!
What do you think??
Thanks in advance

sharp4runr · 12-18-2005, 08:26 PM

All those problems are new to me and they seem like small problems that the dealer should be able to fix. If you feel so strongly about it, see if the dealership will do a buy back and buy something else or another 4runner.

It could be worse, at least you don't get stranded on the side of the road.

iFORCE · 12-18-2005, 08:35 PM

Wow... i've never seen or heard of a 4runner go through all those problems. Did you buy this vehicle brand new?

I would start contacting the Toyota HQ or the dealership management. These problems should not have happened even with extreme use.

are you sure its a 4runner and not a rebadged ford?

cburnap · 12-18-2005, 08:50 PM

Yep, bought it new...after owning a Jeep Cherokee (which isn't known for their reliability-but I never had a problem). When I arrive at the Toyota dealership they are irritated to see me, my greeting is the same "OK what's wrong now". They have suggested that there is something I am doing-but I don't see how I could cause those problems. I actually have to go in tomorrow for another repair....boy are they going to be happy to see me again. I know the problem could be much worse, but it is really irritating to be at the dealership so often-with a new car. I tried to work out something with the dealership, but they wanted to make too much money on the deal so I can't go through them. I figured it wasn't worth contacting headquarters because I haven't had any major engine problems...maybe I will try anyway.

Northof49 · 12-18-2005, 10:01 PM

I work at a Toyota dealership and have never seen a 4rth gen with broken/falling apart interior pieces in that multitude. In fact, the only broken pieces I've seen, is stuff that customers have admittedly broken due to mis-use. Maybe not the case with yours, just saying it's not normal.

GYoter · 12-19-2005, 12:37 PM

I havent had any of the problems you mentioned, nor have i heard of anyone having those problems. Even with pulling the dash apart many times for the stereo and taking the guage cluster out once i have not had any issues with buttons or vents or even rattles.

Good luck with that man.

jbrhymer · 12-22-2005, 06:31 PM

4th gen here and only really had 1 problem. But that was due to the roof rack end cover not being installed correctly. Other than that it has been bulletproof.

Fro-Runner · 12-26-2005, 05:17 AM

When I arrive at the Toyota dealership they are irritated to see me, my greeting is the same "OK what's wrong now". They have suggested that there is something I am doing-but I don't see how I could cause those problems. I actually have to go in tomorrow for another repair....boy are they going to be happy to see me again.

Hmmmm, just like at the dealership........I don't believe you are going to get too much sympathy here either. Our 4Runners just haven't/don't fall apart.
My question to you would be to ask if you had kids in the age 5-15 brackets. They can do damage just by being exploratory. You have to keep a close eye on children....otherwise you may have purchased the ONLY 4Runner made in the USA........I pity you if you did that.

POS Racing · 12-26-2005, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cburnap When I arrive at the Toyota dealership they are irritated to see me, my greeting is the same "OK what's wrong now"

Why don't you take it to another Toyota Dealer isn't there more than one in Oregon?

Any Toyota dealer can do warranty work. Sound more like you have a bad feel for your dealer rather than a bad 4Runner.

Mark86 · 12-26-2005, 05:12 PM

That is definitely not Toyota quality. I never had any problems with buttons falling out or leather peeling in any Toyota I have been in. It sounds more like something you would expect from an American brand. If I can ask, which buttons fell out? All of the buttons in my truck are tightly fit into their place. Did you have any aftermarket item installed behind that dash? Maybe the installer could have messed something up.

cmcgrail · 03-29-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cburnap

OK...I am so glad to have found this forum. I really would like to hear some feedback from other 4runner owners. I have a 2004 Limited 4runner and have had so many little problems I can't believe it. They are little problems, however a new vehicle should not have problems like this. Some of the things I've had to repair are:both rear seats (re-do the underside because they would stick), my passenger seat needed recovering because the leather was peeling, buttons on the dash have fallen out, ashtray broke, one of the vents (for heat/cool air), and others! Toyota has a great reputation for reliable cars, this is my first one, and I am debating on selling it and buying another one. All of the dealers say that no one else has had as many problems as me...is this true?? I don't feel good about purchasing another one after this experience!
What do you think??
Thanks in advance

I have had a few problems also with my 2004 v8 4runner. my xreas suspension had to be changed so i put a regular gas suspension instead. the truck is a little bouncy but liveable for temporary means. don't forget the timing belt at 170000km 106000 miles. my back window dropped, 348$ to change the slides but still no ash tray or button issues.

Jeff4runner · 03-30-2012, 10:29 AM

Sounds like you found the only 4runner that was absolutely abused by some incompetent monkey, or drugged up idiot. Like everyone else, never any interior problems. Yes, there is some staining, but thats due to the cloth interior and taking it to mudfest (Which performed wonderfully for a heavy SUV under all the abuse).

The_official_seppi · 02-20-2020, 11:39 PM

Did you have isssues making posts, it won’t let me?

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