2004 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2004 Toyota Tacoma has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse ($400-$1,200 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $80 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma, early first-generation Tacomas had a well-documented problem with front lower ball joints wearing prematurely and, in some cases, separating from the steering knuckle. When this happens, the front wheel can fold outward, causing sudden loss of steering control and major suspension damage. The issue was serious enough to trigger Toyota recalls and is widely discussed in owner communities and NHTSA complaints.
Inspect front lower ball joints for looseness, torn boots, grease loss, and play during any front-end service. If original or suspect joints are still installed, replacement with updated OEM-spec parts is the safest fix; many owners replace both sides proactively. After replacement, a front-end alignment is typically required and any damaged tie rods, CV boots, or brake hoses should be checked.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2015 Toyota Tacoma, across both first- and second-generation Tacomas, owners commonly report coolant leaks from the radiator's plastic end tanks or the tank-to-core crimp seam as the radiator ages. The leak often starts as a pink crust or dampness near the upper tank, then progresses to visible dripping and overheating risk if ignored. This is a routine age-related Tacoma failure documented in owner forums, repair shops, and complaint databases.
Inspect the radiator tanks and seams for dried Toyota pink coolant residue, pressure-test the cooling system, and verify hoses and cap condition before replacing parts. The standard repair is radiator replacement, often along with new upper/lower hoses, cap, and fresh coolant. If the truck has overheated, the thermostat should also be checked or replaced.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2015 Toyota Tacoma, tacomas in this era commonly develop EVAP system leak faults that trigger a check engine light, often caused by a failing charcoal canister, stuck vent valve, cracked hoses, or a rusted filler neck in salt-belt trucks. Owners usually notice no drivability problem, but the truck will not pass emissions and the light often returns after a gas cap replacement. The pattern is well documented in NHTSA complaints, forum troubleshooting threads, and repair databases.
Proper diagnosis requires smoke-testing the EVAP system rather than guessing, with close inspection of the gas cap seal, canister, vent valve, purge valve operation, hoses, and filler neck. Depending on the leak source, repairs range from replacing the cap or vent valve to replacing the charcoal canister assembly or corroded filler neck. Clearing codes without smoke-testing often leads to repeat repairs.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
EQUIPMENT
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
TIRES
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tacoma pickup trucks manufactured August 7, 2014, to December 22, 2014. The affected vehicles may have had their tires and wheels changed to TRD PRO accessory tires and wheels, causing the inflation information on the tire placard to be incorrect which may result in the tire being improperly inflated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Tacoma vehicles manufactured September 2, 2014, to October 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may contain an incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
+ 11 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2004-2004 Toyota Tacoma has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse, Radiator Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks from Aging Plastic End Tanks, Evaporative Emissions Leak Faults from Charcoal Canister, Vent Valve, or Filler Neck Corrosion. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2004-2004 Toyota Tacoma has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota Tacoma issues range from $80 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse, typically costs $400-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Early first-generation Tacomas had a well-documented problem with front lower ball joints wearing prematurely and, in some cases, separating from the steering knuckle. When this happens, the front wheel can fold outward, causing sudden loss of steering control and major suspensio… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
Across both first- and second-generation Tacomas, owners commonly report coolant leaks from the radiator's plastic end tanks or the tank-to-core crimp seam as the radiator ages. The leak often starts as a pink crust or dampness near the upper tank, then progresses to visible drip… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
Tacomas in this era commonly develop EVAP system leak faults that trigger a check engine light, often caused by a failing charcoal canister, stuck vent valve, cracked hoses, or a rusted filler neck in salt-belt trucks. Owners usually notice no drivability problem, but the truck w… Repairs typically run $80-$900. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
