2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 from North America - Comments

I've had no problems, with the vehicle, during the first 1500 km of use.

I purchased this vehicle for my weekend adventure trips, which means driving on bad roads and highways. It has surpassed my expectations, and is really fun to drive in poor conditions.

I chose the V8 option, for the full-time 4WD. It easily handled a foot of fresh snow on top of ice over a 40 mile stretch without any problems.

The electronic stability assistance does an excellent job of helping to keep the vehicle pointed straight while on icy roads.

The gas mileage has been lower than I expected, earning only 18 MPG combined city/highway.

The climate control functions are clumsy, and a bit difficult to operate without staring at them while driving.

There are no warning bells if you leave the headlights on and exit the vehicle. This has been a standard feature on most vehicles for 15+ years, so I'm surprised it's not on this vehicle.

I am getting a 2004 or 2005. You are the 2nd person mentioning the lights on warning bell. Is it possible that this model now has the auto-off light feature, hence no need for the alarm? Can't believe Toyota would leave that off, even my 1997 4Runner has it.

I work for Toyota. Any Toyota equipped with an "Auto" feature on its lights will turn off the headlights with a delayed timer when set in "auto" mode. If you have the light switch in the regular on mode, they will turn off as soon as the driver's door is opened. No need for the "on" chime on these models. If the vehicle doesn't have an "auto" mode, then they are equipped with a warning chime.

Do you have a chime for seat belt when you go off-road, or when you engage low gear, if available.

I have a friend with a 2000 4Runner Limited and he just leaves the headlights on, they don't turn off when you open the drivers door, but they do turn off when the car has been off for about 30 seconds. If it were me, I would just turn em off anyway, but it is somewhat of a safety feature to save your battery in case you do forget to turn them off.

We have a 2004 4Runner Limited with V8 - 22K miles - Only thing was the motor for the sunroof had to be replaced.

I have a 2004 4runner. The only major complaint that I have is there is a sulfur smell that comes into the cabin of the vehicle. If not for this smell this would be a dream truck. Iv'e contacted the dealer and I was told that this is a known problem and there are no known fixes for this problem. I also have 26000 miles for this vehicle and the problem is still there.

Sulfur smell is often cause by overheating catalyst converter. Another cause is underpowered engine with restricted exhaust.

I have been told the sulfer smell is from using low octain fuel. With today's gas prices I know it's asking a lot, but try Mid grade or premium and see if it cures the condition. I have a 2004 4Runner Sport with the v6. It has been a great vehicle, but the sun roof motor seems to try to open even when the sun roof is all the way open. No other problems and I like it a lot.

Oddly, a sulfur-like smell also comes from a completely different source: Some vehicles can get some rain/moisture accumulation in the a/c or air inlet vents when they sit outside and can get a little moldy - enough to cause an odd odor when the vents suck air into the cabin. Some regular household sprays into the ventilation inlets can usually get rid of it.. temporarily.

I have a 2004 V8 SR5 4Runner. I really like it for a lot of reasons, however I have had a lot of problems with the hatchback. A year ago, the electronic latch went, and of course was not warranted. Can't get a manual latch so when the electronic one goes it means your hatchback will not close--exhaust gets in even when you bungee cord it shut, you can't lock your doors, etc. Anyhow, a year later it started failing again, so we looked into it some more and found that the hatch holds water when it rains, causing corrosion internally. Unfortunately, Toyota won't recall it. It is $450 Canadian to replace it.

While investigating the electronic problem with the hatchback, the dealer discovered that under the rubber seals around the hatchback window, the vehicle is rusting. Again an issue with the water retention, this time being held in the rubber window seals. Although the Toyota warranty stipulates a 60 month unlimited rust perforation warranty, they are refusing to warranty it. Don't ask me why, I've written directly to Toyota after our dealer called to tell us to pick up the vehicle without the work completed to fix the rust. Toyota themselves told me it was a 5 year warranty, and then backpedalled. I saw the estimate for the repair work and it was over $3000. This is very poor business on Toyota's part. Would love to hear if anyone else is having similar hatchback problems and any resolutions.

Owner of a 2004 limited 4runner, brought brand new in Feb 2004, it now has over 97,000 miles as of MAY 2009. I am very happy with the purchase, it has been running perfectly.

We do a lot of travel during the weekends between GA, TN, SC, NC, and AL doing side jobs with my wife. We loaded the SUV to its full capacity with sale items in the rear on every weekend trip and have had no problems.

We did notice a sulfur smell since we brought it brand new, it comes and go, we told the technician when we service the 4runner, but he said it would go away, it still does it now and then, but not a lot so no big deal.

Some mention they have problems with the sunroof motor, so far we had no problems with it yet.

Right now the technician at the dealer say it's due for a timing belt change. I hope it's not too expensive, but I think it's not cheap either.