2004 Toyota Tacoma: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Toyota Tacoma has 414 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and suspension. Owners most often flag frame rust/rot (including on replacement frames from the rust recall): frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

414
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
27
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Toyota Tacoma vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2004 a good year for the Tacoma?

Across the 7 Tacoma model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2023) to 414 (2004). With 414 complaints, the 2004 Tacoma sits abovethe model's median of 138.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

structure
203
suspension
84
vehicle speed control
30
steering
29
power train
22

Recalls affecting the 2004 Tacoma

tires:temporary/emergency spare tire

Campaign 12V542000

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 cold climate states

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E065000

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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E026000

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL T

suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint

Campaign 05V225000

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 BALL JOINT MAY EVENT

What owners report on the 2nd generation Tacoma

Owners of the 2nd generation Tacoma express strong affection for the truck, frequently calling it the "peak Tacoma" and praising the 4.0L V6 engine as solid and reliable. The most common criticisms center on the uncomfortable seating position and seats, which

  • Frame rust/rot (including on replacement frames from the rust recall): Frequency: recurrent
  • Uncomfortable seating position and seats, described as sitting too close to the floor: Frequency: very frequent
  • Poor fuel economy, typically 16-19 mpg: Frequency: very frequent
  • Smog pump failure on 2012 models: Frequency: isolated
  • Transmission failure shortly after 100k miles (one owner report): Frequency: isolated

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Tacoma. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Tacoma listings typically run $27,275–$40,236 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Tacoma model years

Compare every Tacoma year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Tacoma against its rivals