One problem related to hatchback/liftgate has 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.
-hatchback electronic closure fails for the second time within a one year period -replaced motor once because vehicle does not operate without--exhaust fumes come through the hatchback, unable to lock vehicle, lights don't automatically shut off, water during rain or snow gets inside vehicle, etc there is no manual over-ride to enable closing the hatchback there is no purpose for an electronic closing device--you still manually pull down the hatch, and once closed, the motor engages to latch it shut! the part wasn't covered under warranty, despite other hatchback complaints (poor aerodynamic design with lots of dirt thrown up on hatchback), so there have been issues with using the key lock, being unable to roll down the window, and now the vehicle is rusting around the window.