Drivers door latch mechanism would not permit driver to exit the vehicle. Door would not unlock, though all electric and manual actions to unlock the door appear to work, latch handle would not move. This condition was normal for the vehicle when new if the door was locked. All other doors in the vehicle would open from the inside if locked. Drivers door latch failed prohibiting driver from exiting the car and was replaced. Replacement latch would permit emergency exit from the vehicle if the lock was activated.
2004 Toyota 4RUNNER: doors won't lock, open or latch
5 of the 678 complaints about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER describe doors won't lock, open or latch.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year
What owners say
Front driver side door will not unlock with remote, key, inside latch, etc. Door will make sounds when electrical locks are pushed, so it is not likely the actuator (which has also been a problem in this make and model). Internet research has shown that there is a component within the latch, a spring of some variety, that breaks and/or falls down into the door compartment. Contacted dealer who was very busy and had never heard of such a problem, but we could bring it in and for 85 dollars/hr, they would look at it and see. Well, we are not even able to get the door open. If a crash were to happen, someone could get stuck inside, as currently one has to crawl from driver side to passenger side to exit vehicle. I feel this is a manufacturing defect, especially with the numerous similar complaints online, that should be recalled and fixed at the manufacturer's expense.
Seat belt housing is broken, can't use belt. Door locks do not work, person may get locked in vehicle if involved in accident.
Tl* - the contact stated that all of the door lock modules failed and he was unable to open or lock the door latch. The driver's front module failed at 38,000 miles, and the passenger's frontand rear module failed at 48,000. The contact had the driver's door lock module repaired. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the a failure in the modules. The dealer agreede to pay for the parts on the passenger front and rear doors, leaving the labor costs to be covered by the contact.*ak updated 01/28/07.
Driver's door will not open. Door locked in lock position, will not unlock using the key or manual switch inside of vehicle. Unable to exit driver's door. Took vehicle to toyota dealer, awaiting word on repair.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER door locks
Is doors won't lock, open or latch a common problem on the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?
5 of 678 owner complaints about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER (1%) mention doors won't lock, open or latch. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER
ABS 27Ball joint 24Check engine light 17Brake failure 16No deployment 11Misfire 8Sudden acceleration 8Harsh shifting 6Jerking 5
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