2004 Toyota Tacoma
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 253 |
| 1997 | 131 |
| 1998 | 300 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 2001 | 396 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 359 |
| 2004 | 414 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 540 |
| 2008 | 445 |
| 2009 | 519 |
| 2010 | 292 |
| 2011 | 186 |
| 2012 | 294 |
| 2013 | 124 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 101 |
| 2016 | 323 |
| 2017 | 238 |
| 2018 | 202 |
| 2019 | 214 |
| 2020 | 87 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 52 |
| 2024 | 144 |
| 2025 | 85 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
50% of complaints: structure — 205 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DECEMBER 26, 2013- GOING EAST ON WARNER RD. AT 45 MILES PER HOUR FROM KYRENE AND WARNER. MINIMAL TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. AT WARNER AND BULLMOOSE A CAR DID NOT STOP AT THE STOP SIGN AT BULLMOOSE TO PULL OUT ONTO WARNER. I HIT THE CAMARO, T-BONED HIM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130808
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
The vehicle has an open recall (NHTSA Recall #12V542) for the spare tire carrier lift plate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241216
Vehicle was taken to dealer with frame rust, crack and holes. Toyota refused to fix , repair or offer parts to repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240130
21% of complaints: suspension — 88 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180813
Also filed under AIR BAGS
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE BRUCKNER BY-PASS I EXECUTED A 90 DEGREE TURN TO A SIDE ROAD. WHEN I TURNED THE TRUCK CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040914
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE IN REVERSE, IDLING SLOWLY TO A STOP TO PICK UP A HOT WATER HEATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180620
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120517
7% of complaints: steering — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and rack.
CRASH6% of complaints: service brakes — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. NO VEHICLES WERE SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
Campaign 04V214000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 05V225000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 To
Campaign 12V542000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (205 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (88 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V214000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V225000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V542000 (tires) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Tacoma is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Tacoma have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.