Two problems related to emission control have been reported for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2004 4Runner.
1. 2004 Toyota 4runner purchased from fred anderson Toyota, 9101 glenwood avenue, raleigh, nc,27622 on 3/18/2004. On 3/29, the service department installed an electrochrmic mirror that had been ordered at the time of purchase. 2. After that I noticed that the engine warning lights, the vsc trac and vsc off light came on in the dash. Also noticed an ammonia smell. 3. I took the vehicle in 4 times for each problem, for a total of 6 times. The first time 4/15, the problem was diagnosed as the purge valve and it was replaced. The second time 4/29, the charcoal cannister was diganosed as the problem, but the part had to be ordered. The third time 5/6, , the charcoal cannister was replaced. The fourth time, 5/24, it was found that the electrochromic mirror was installed incorrectly. The lights have since gone off, but the ammonia smell still occurs intermittenlty during acceleration. I am currently in arbitration because Toyota has been less than willing to cooperate with me. I'm also wondering what permanent damage has been caused to the vehicle. Additionally I have also noticed a vibration in the steering and noted it at the last two visits to the service department.
In March of 2004, I purchased a 2004 limited 4runner (v6) from rodland Toyota in everett, washington. I have had the vehicle in 3 times now for an obvious exhaust problems. The problem is that when driving the car the exhaust is entering the cabin of the vehicle even with the window is up. It is worse with them down. The dealership has told me each time that they do not smell it and have now idea what it could be. They did however give me a notification from Toyota on my 3rd visit that Toyota says it is the gas I am putting in it. I have tried all different types of gas from chevron to arco and everything in between and the smell does not go away. Now that I have read all of the complaints from people on their 2003 4runners I am irate! all of the dealerships obviously know that this is a problem already and yet they continue selling the new 4runners! I just spent $39,000. 00 on a SUV that obviously has a serious problem!!!! it sounds like everyone with a 2003-2004 will have to take Toyota to court to get their money back. Something needs to be done about this now! I cannot believe that Toyota is not owning up to an obvious design flaw!! if the vehicle is omitting hazardous carbon monoxide into the cabin it should be recalled immediately! people are breathing poisonous air coming from the vehicle and Toyota does not think this is a problem. I noticed the exhaust smell right after leaving the dealership when I bought it and now 6 months later it is as strong as ever. I would advise anyone who wants to buy a 4runner to buy a different car all together. I traded in a 1998 4runner for this bad smelling piece of junk! I want a full refund and Toyota can give it to me plus the interest I have been paying!!!!! do not buy one of these cars!!!! they are junk!!!!!.