Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2004 Toyota Tundra: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota Tundra, most recently filed October 2019. Owners have filed 466 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
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Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota Tundra. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V741000 Filed Oct 17, 2019

Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
72.6% repairedof 928,220 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V741000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V883000 Filed Dec 12, 2018

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.
74.5% repairedof 168,993 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V883000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V285000 Filed May 13, 2015

Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
89% repairedof 1,973,468 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V285000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V286000 Filed May 13, 2015

Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
86.7% repairedof 1,069,055 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V286000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 07V013000 Filed Jan 19, 2007

FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT

Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.
Consequence
IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Repair progress not yet reported533,124 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V013000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V254000 Filed Jun 2, 2005

FMVSS 225/208 PASSENGER AIR BAG CUTOFF SWITCH

Air bags · on-off switch assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MANUAL AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE A CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGE SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SPECIFICATION DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence
THIS STANDARD ESTABLISHES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER LOCATION AND STRENGTH FOR THE EFFECTIVE SECURING OF CHILD RESTRAINTS, TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS' FAILURE, AND TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT CHILD RESTRAINTS ARE PROPERLY SECURED AND THUS MORE FULLY ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL EFFECTIVENESS IN MOTOR VEHICLES.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MANUAL AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH, REPLACE THE OWNER'S MANUAL, AND AFFIX A NEW SUN VISOR AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAN IN EARLY JANUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Repair progress not yet reported156,111 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V254000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V225000 Filed May 17, 2005

BALL JOINT FAILURE

Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Consequence
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported768,379 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V225000
Listed for 2004 Toyota Tundra. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V123000 Filed Mar 30, 2005

TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM/VSC SYSTEM

Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BOTH VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) AND THE TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEMS. THE TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM MET ALL CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS ON MODELS WITHOUT VSC, HOWEVER THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXHAUST LOCATED IN A POSITION WHERE CONTACT BETWEEN A BRAKE LINE FOUND ONLY ON VEHICLES WITH VSC AND THE TRD EXHAUST PIPE MIGHT OCCUR.
Consequence
IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXHAUST PIPE FLANGE MAY RUB AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF SO EQUIPPED, WILL REPLACE THE TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. DURING THIS REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE SPECIFIC BRAKE LINE TO ASSURE IT HAS NOT BEEN DAMAGED AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Repair progress not yet reported5,726 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V123000

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Owner complaints (466)

466 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.

25involved a crash
1involved a fire
21injuries reported
1deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Tundra, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 466.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2004 compares with other Tundra years

Best and worst Tundra years →
2000200120022003200420052006200720082009
This year (2004)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 16 mpg combined

16
mpg combined
15
city
18
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,200
CO₂ tailpipe
555 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$4,082per year
$340per month
938gallons a year

Miles ÷ 16 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2004 Toyota Tundra configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 18 / 16$4,200555
3.4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive15 / 18 / 16$4,200555
3.4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 18 / 16$4,200555
3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 17 / 15$4,450593
4.7 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 16 / 14$4,800635
4.7 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 16 / 14$4,800635

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2004 Tundra for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Tundra years

Where to next

2004 Toyota Tundra FAQ

How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Tundra have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 19V741000 (air bag), 18V883000 (air bag), 15V285000 (air bag), 15V286000 (air bag), 07V013000 (suspension), 05V254000 (air bag), 05V225000 (suspension), 05V123000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2004 Toyota Tundra problems?

Owners filed 466 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (200), Suspension (152), Air bags (50) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2004 Toyota Tundra get?

EPA rates the 3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 15 city, 18 highway and 16 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2004 Tundra compare with other years?

Among the 2000–2009 Toyota Tundra model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (38) and the 2000 the most (1,011). The 2004 drew 466. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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