2004 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV renowned for its reliability, off-road capability, and luxurious features. It came equipped with a 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its ruggedness, durability, and comfortable ride. Common complaints revolve around fuel economy and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

4.7L 2UZ-FE V8

• Valve Cover Gaskets Leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential engine bay mess. Visible oil drips or oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the exhaust manifold, leading to exhaust leaks. Symptoms include a hissing or ticking noise, especially upon cold start, and potential decrease in fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cracked exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine behavior, hesitation, stalling, or poor acceleration. Check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TPS.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

A750F 5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Difficulty shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure in severe cases.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable “clunking” or jarring during gear changes, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, or 2nd and 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Fluid flush, valve body service, or in severe cases, a transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Height Control Suspension (AHC) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The AHC system may fail, causing the vehicle to sag on one side, fail to adjust to different height settings, or display warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the AHC system, which may involve replacing accumulators, height sensors, the pump, or the control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Airbag Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear airbags lose pressure, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag. This results in poor ride quality and can lead to further suspension damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear airbags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges may become inoperative, flicker, or display incorrect readings. The entire cluster may intermittently lose power.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows operate slowly, erratically, or stop working altogether. A clicking sound may be heard when attempting to operate the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation, particularly on the frame, undercarriage, and around the wheel wells. This is more prevalent in areas with heavy road salt use.
  • Solution: Rust repair, rust prevention treatments, or in severe cases, frame replacement (which is very costly).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the severity and extent of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may stop working, flicker, or display distorted images. The touch screen may become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Fan Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor for the climate control system may become noisy, operate intermittently, or stop working entirely.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser is a generally reliable vehicle, but like any older car, it is prone to certain issues. The most common problems revolve around engine leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, suspension (especially AHC) problems, rust, and electrical component failures. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for more extensive repairs like transmission work or AHC system overhaul. The severity of the issues is moderate, as most problems, if addressed promptly, will not leave you stranded. However, neglecting these issues can lead to more significant and costly damage over time.