repaired · 2021 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2004 Toyota TundraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 466 owner complaints about the 2004 Toyota Tundra, most often about the structure. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-883 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 8, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Toyota Tundra has problems
466 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
200Structure2 crash/fire/injury
152Suspension8 crash/fire/injury
50Air bags8 crash/fire/injury
46Power train5 crash/fire/injury
26Steering
18Service brakes
15Service brakes, hydraulic
13Electrical system
11Vehicle speed control
6217 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 200 | 2 |
| Suspension | 152 | 8 |
| Air bags | 50 | 8 |
| Power train | 46 | 5 |
| Steering | 26 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 15 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 6 |
| 17 other systems | 62 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2004 Toyota Tundra 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.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
Show 4 more recalls
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF…
no report yet
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. THIS STANDARD ESTABLISHES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER LOCATION AND STRENGTH FOR THE EFFECTIVE SECURING OF CHILD…
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
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXHAUST PIPE FLANGE MAY RUB AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
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?
110kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 138 structure complaints. 40% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles55under 100k miles83100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Tundra 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 Tundra median. How we score
'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 Tundra safety ratings
2004 Toyota Tundra 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
6 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Toyota Tundra, and the recalls they led to.
- LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURELed to recall 07V-013
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 18V-038
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- FRAME CORROSIONLed to recall 09V-444
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14E-073
- LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONNo recall
In owners' words
What Tundra owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was Emissions tested, and rust was discovered on the driver’s and passenger’s side subframes. The dealer was notified of the issue, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after purchasing tires for replacement, the tire technician stated that the subframe was damaged from corrosion to the front frame, the side members, and the rear subframe. The contact was informed that the most severe corrosion was…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds and then parking the vehicle, the contact observed oil leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check…
Own a 2004 Tundra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.