no report yet
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk. Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle.
2004 Toyota TacomaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 415 owner complaints about the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Toyota Tacoma has problems
415 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
203Structure7 crash/fire/injury
85Suspension7 crash/fire/injury
30Vehicle speed control
29Steering
22Power train
17Electrical system
15Air bags
15Fuel/propulsion system
12Tires
7416 other systems10 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 203 | 7 |
| Suspension | 85 | 7 |
| Vehicle speed control | 30 | 6 |
| Steering | 29 | 1 |
| Power train | 22 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 1 |
| Air bags | 15 | 10 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 0 |
| Tires | 12 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 74 | 10 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2004 Toyota Tacoma recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
119kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 154 structure complaints. 32% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles50under 100k miles104100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Tacoma year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tacoma median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Toyota Tacoma safety ratings
2004 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (28.3% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Tacoma owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Immediately after the manufacturer recall requiring full frame replacement (completed November 2017 by the same dealership referenced below), the vehicle developed abnormal handling not present before the repair, including improper tracking and rear end instability. No warning lights/diagnostic…
The vehicle has an open recall (NHTSA Recall #12V542) for the spare tire carrier lift plate. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have the recall addressed, but the dealership refused to perform the repair, stating that the frame is too rusted to proceed safely. They recommended a full…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact had taken the vehicle to Kolosso Toyota (3000 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54914) to have his exhaust replaced. While there, he was informed that the entire sub frame was corroded with several cracks and holes had formed around both front leaf…
Own a 2004 Tacoma?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.