Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Toyota Tundra
The 2004 Toyota Tundra has a mixed reliability record with 466 owner complaints and 13 NHTSA recall campaigns. Key concerns involve suspension and airbag issues. While structural complaints are numerous, the specifics are mostly unclear. Test drive and inspection are crucial to identify potential problems. Buyers should address recalls with the seller and verify past repairs. Recall and complaint data is extensive enough to caution buyers about specific issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Toyota Tundra has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 466 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22E002000 Inadequate Hardness of Ball Joint Housing NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V741000 Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V883000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V286000 Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V285000 Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V013000 FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E065000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V254000 FMVSS 225/208 PASSENGER AIR BAG CUTOFF SWITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V225000 BALL JOINT FAILURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V123000 TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM/VSC SYSTEM NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 200 complaints
- Suspension 152 complaints
- Air Bags 50 complaints
- Unknown or Other 48 complaints
- Power Train 46 complaints
- Steering 26 complaints
Of the 466 complaints on file, 25 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 466 complaints, owners report 21 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Lower ball joint failure
How to check: Inspect front suspension for loose or worn components.
Passenger airbag inflator recall
How to check: Verify airbag recalls are resolved by checking service records.
Structure-related complaints
How to check: Check for signs of dashboard or interior panel wear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine noise and idle smoothness.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rough idling.
- 02
Initial movement
What to check: Steering response and feel.
Red flag: Excessive play or noise.
- 03
First minute driving
What to check: Suspension noise and comfort.
Red flag: Clunks or harshness over bumps.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Brake responsiveness and sound.
Red flag: Squealing or poor braking.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Transmission shifts and engine power.
Red flag: Hard shifts or lack of power.
- 06
During turns
What to check: Stability and steering control.
Red flag: Wandering or struggling to turn.
- 07
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Ease of low-speed turns and noise.
Red flag: Grinding or stiff steering.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Are there service records for suspension work?
- Is there any history of airbag issues?
- Have there been structural repairs?
- Has the vehicle been involved in an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair records
- Complete service history
- Accident repair documentation
- Title and ownership papers
- Previous inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Toyota Tundra at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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