2004 Toyota Tacoma

Introduction

The 2004 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck known for its ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capabilities. It offered a range of powertrains, including:

• 2.7L 4-cylinder engine (153 hp/180 lb-ft) with 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission
• 3.4L V6 engine (190 hp/242 lb-ft) with 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission

Engine

2.7L 4-cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption: Oil consumption above 1 quart every 1,000 miles, leading to reduced engine performance and potential engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings, valve seals, or entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure: Premature failure of the timing chain, causing engine misfires, rough idle, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioner assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.4L V6

• Valve Spring Breakage: Failure of valve springs, leading to bent valves and significant engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace valve springs and affected valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: TSB-0144-09
• Spark Plug Tube Thread Failure: Failure of spark plug tube threads, causing coolant leaks and potential engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and repair spark plug tube threads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears: Transmission slipping gears, causing jerking or delayed shifting.
  • Solution: Replace clutches and/or transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Automatic

• Overheating: Transmission overheating, causing delayed shifting or slipping gears.
  • Solution: Replace transmission cooler or repair transmission fluid lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-speed Manual

• Grinding While Shifting: Difficulty or grinding when shifting, especially into reverse.
  • Solution: Replace shift linkage or transmission synchros.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure: Premature failure of leaf springs, leading to sagging in the rear end and decreased load capacity.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front End Clunking: Noises and vibrations in the front suspension, caused by worn or damaged ball joints or bushings.
  • Solution: Replace affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Premature failure of the alternator, causing loss of power to electrical systems and battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain: Excessive battery drain, even when the vehicle is parked.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system, replace affected components (e.g., ignition switch, alternator).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rusty Frame: Development of rust on the vehicle frame, particularly in areas exposed to road salt or humidity.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted sections of the frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Bulb Failure: Premature failure of headlight bulbs, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replace headlight bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioner Compressor Failure: Failure of the air conditioner compressor, leading to loss of cooling functionality.
  • Solution: Replace air conditioner compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Steering Wheel Column Lock Failure: Failure of the steering wheel column lock, preventing the steering wheel from turning.
  • Solution: Replace steering wheel column lock assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Toyota Tacoma is generally a reliable vehicle, but some common issues can be severe and costly to fix, particularly engine and transmission problems. The severity of the issues varies depending on the specific engine and transmission options, as well as factors such as mileage and maintenance history.