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2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes problems

82 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 99,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
82
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
99,000
crashes
6
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    2
  • Pedals and linkages
    1
  • Foundation components: disc: caliper
    1
  • Antilock: ABS warning light
    1
  • Antilock
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota 4RUNNER brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 27Brake failure 16

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 22, 2024 · Body, Brakes · IL

UNKNOWN: Excessive frame rust. frame is excessively rusting to the point where the brakes and suspensions is connected to the frame has been compromised. brake lines rusted to the point of failure, thus almost causing a wreck. Vehicle is now parked due to safety concerns involving the excessive rusting that is happening to the frame and any components that is attached to the frame.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Body, Brakes · WA · crash

Unknown: we were on [XXX] when the car went out of control. It first spun one way and then the other way and then we hit the concrete abutment where the guardrail connects to it. We hit it head on. It was as if we were on ice or oil, unable to gain control or brake. We checked the road and it was dry. Other cars were going by with no problem. The airbags didn’t deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 26, 2023 · Brakes · 350,325 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the ABS and the brake warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the dash. The contact stated while approaching another vehicle, he depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, nearly causing a crash into another vehicle. The contact immediately shifted into neutral(N) and veered to the side of the road while continuously depressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 350,325.

Filed Jun 3, 2022 · Brakes, Suspension · NJ

I bought my 2004 Toyota 4runner Sport edition as a new car, and have been the sole owner of the vehicle. I have taken good care of it the entire time. Regular car washes, service maintenance and necessary repairs over time. I recently had my 4runner in for repairs and spent a considerable amount of money, over $6,000 in anticipation of driving it for many more years. Following the repairs I was told by the mechanic that the frame was EXTREMELY rusted and that the entire frame would need to be replaced. There are large holes rusted through in many areas of the frame and a tremendous amount of rust over the entire frame. Rusted Pieces of the frame have fallen off. I fear for the safety of my family and me if I were to drive the vehicle at all. I have barely driven it since learning of the dangerous condition of the frame. I've limited any driving at all to my immediate area, and have driven very carefully and slowly, as I am extremely concerned that there might be a catastrophic failure of the frame while driving and I may be injured or killed, or worse....the vehicle might cause harm or death to another person. I am now basically without a vehicle and have been forced to rely on my daughter's car, leaving the family with only one vehicle. This is a major failure of the vehicle. I can provide photos and video at your request. Toyota must be held accountable for the failure of this frame. The vehicle is now useless. I expect Toyota to rectify this situation immediately. Please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jan 24, 2022 · Body, Brakes · SC

The frame is rusted completely throughout. VERY DANGEROUS!

Filed Nov 25, 2021 · Brakes · VA

Seized front right brake caliper caused vehicle to slide off road during sudden stop to avoid debris in roadway. Took vehicle to a brake shop and they found that right front wheel was locked. This is the third time I have had the EXACT same problem with the brake system. The previous times, the problem occurred during nice weather and with windows open I smelled the burning brake pads and was able to get the problem fixed before it became a hazard. On the first previous incident, the repair required replacement of both front brake caliper, rotors, and pads. On the second previous occasion less than 20,000 miles ago BOTH front and rear calipers, rotors and pads were replaced. This is apparently a known defect in the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, yet Toyota has not conducted a recall to fix an extremely dangerous and ongoing problem. NOTE: I originally purchased the vehicle in New Jersey in 2004 and a Virginia Toyota dealer (Koons Toyota) worked on the brake system multiple times (2005-2006) and finally replaced the entire system.

Filed May 4, 2021 · Body, Brakes · 143,000 miles · MD

Our 2004 toyota forerunner with v6 engine was purchased as a used vehicle in 2019 with 106,000 miles on it. Since then, it has developed more and more areas of rust on the frame despite our efforts to mitigate this issue. We have had to repair the frame, suspension, brakes, and wheel bearings. We continuously inspect the undercarriage and continue to discover more and more areas of significant rust/deterioration despite efforts to clean, treat (with paint, rust inhibitors, welding repairs). We are concerned that this deterioration will soon result in a catastrophic failure and possible accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death.

Filed May 19, 2020 · Brakes, Suspension · VA

Truck has been well cared for and has 330k miles on it. Always clean and maintained properly by myself and previous owners. Frame is showing signs of excessive rust in the front between the wheels and at almost all of the welded areas. Some areas of frame are coming off in chunks as it appears to be rotting from the inside out. This is also affecting fuel/brake likes as well as suspension components. Pictures can be sent upon request. Family has the car at the moment.

Filed Apr 24, 2020 · Body, Brakes · 190,000 miles · TX

Transmission would not shift in motion leaving from a stop sign. I later found out my transmission lines had corroded away leaking a large amount of transmission fluid. After replacing brakes and adding brake fluid I noticed the brake fluid had leaked from bottom. I had to replace all brake lines and fittings due to corrosion.

Filed Jan 4, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 155,000 miles · GA

I was driving my car on pooler parkway in pooler, ga on a city street in heavy traffic when all of a sudden a buzzer goes off and my dashboard immediately gives off multiple warning signals. Vasc trac, trac off, ABS (I) brake. I immediately pull off to the side of the road and try to stop the car, but the brakes fail. This incident could have killed my whole family. I had to have the car towed. Chatham toyota in savannah ga informed me that I was very lucky that I nor my family members were hurt or killed. They also stated to repair this would be $4,000.00 unbelievable! Toyota should warn and inform all buyers of this!!!!

Questions about the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes

Does the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 82 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 99,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have bad brakes?

The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most brakes complaints are 2004 (82 complaints), 2003 (74 complaints) and 2006 (34 complaints).

Other 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

Body 310Suspension 113Engine 43Airbags 37Transmission 36Acceleration 34Steering 32Electrical 22Driver assistance 19Seats 14Visibility 14Tires 12Seat belts 7Locks 5Wheels 5Fuel system 4Lights 3

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