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2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 82, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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

I was driving at a speed of 50 MPH on pooler parkway in heavy traffic and a buzzer went off. All of a sudden my dashboard gives off multiple warning signals: vasc trac, trac off, ABS (I) brake. I do not know what the problem is so I pull off the road and try to stop the car, but the brakes fail. I had to have the car towed. Chatham toyota in savannah ga tells me it's about $4,000.00 to repair this. This failure could have killed my whole family.

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Chassis, brakes and all under carriage of 2004 toyota 4 runner is rusted. Soon the car will not pass inspection. I do not live in a salt water zone. My car has never driven through salt water. I have 71,000 miles on the car. The brakes were so rusted that I had to replace them. The car will be too dangerous to drive soon.

Filed Oct 17, 2019 · Body, Brakes · 34,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. While operating the vehicle, a squeaking noise was heard coming from the rear passenger side braking mechanism. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the subframe experienced severe rusting and corrosion. Also, the rear passenger side brake caliper and brake line were rusted. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and atlantic toyota (193 sunrise hwy, west islip, ny) were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2019 · Body, Brakes · 180,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. The contact discovered that the entire undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted. Due to the rust, the brake lines started to rust and caused the vehicle to have complete brake failure. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the entire undercarriage had accumulated rust, which LED to the brake failure. The mechanic recommended that the contact get rid of the vehicle. The contact had the brake lines repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via email, but the contact had not received a response. The contact spoke with koons westminster toyota (375 baltimore blvd, westminster, md 21157, 410‑876‑6400), but they did not assist. The brake lines were repaired; however, the rust still remained. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 120,000 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated when the vehicle was started and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to big island toyota kailua-kona (808‑329‑8517, located at 74-5504 kaiwi st, kailua, hi 96740) to be diagnosed, but the failure recurred. The contact also stated that the brake fluid level was above normal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. *bf

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · 94,500 miles · WI

Rumble when over 20 MPH and turning slightly right on any surface.

Filed Mar 25, 2019 · Brakes, Suspension · 194,000 miles · CT

The frame of my truck is complete mush! I've taken excellent care of my 4runner as it has been my most favorite vehicle. I'm being warned to get this fixed due to it being a dangerous situation & wouldn't you know I'm driving home & I loose all control over my vehicle on hellacious mountain roads, brakes completely gone! Everything rotten! Why weren't we notified how dangerous these trucks truly have become?

Filed Nov 9, 2018 · Brakes, Suspension · 117,000 miles · IL

Frame is extremely rusted, it just flakes off and after inspecting the joints am afraid that it will soon become a safety hazard also the brake calipers become in-op (frozen) have replaced the 2 front calipers 3 times and the 2 rear calipers twice

Filed Nov 4, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 138,000 miles · OH

Kings toyota dealership informed me that the frame is rusted so severely that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. Service technician says rust is so bad they cannot put it on a lift..

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Brakes · 270,000 miles · VA

Brake calipers keep seizing & need to be replaced. 09/10/2018 07/24/2014 04/17/2013 04/13/2013 06/18/2012

Filed Sep 7, 2018 · Body, Brakes · 102,000 miles · IL

My 2004 toyota 4 runner is in the dealer for routine maintenance. Most of the car maintenance have been at this local toyota dealership. I just had the cv boots and sway bar bushings replaced this past spring and summer. I have the records for these particular maintenance and repair. My service mechanic mentioned there is significant amount of rust on the frame/ chassis. On september 7, the mechanic at the same dealership showed me again the excessive rust on the frame. It is so severe, one of the loops for towing the truck in the front of the frame just broke off. I attached the picture of the broken hook/loop in this document. The truck has 102,000 miles on it. It is mostly in the garage if not being used. I understand that other models in the same years like the toyota tacoma & toyota seqoiua have the same excessive rust but there is an already recall program for these models. Do the 4 runner from the same years have the same frames. Why is there no recall for the 4 runner for the excessive rust isssue which can be a safety problem for the driver and the passengers? The mechanic does not reccomend me driving this car due to the excessive rust. The mechanic warned me that rust is so excessive that my radiator can just fall off because the part of the frame holding it in place is so corroded from rust. I am hoping toyota can address this issue sooner than later. It is a safety issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2018 · Brakes, Suspension · 165,000 miles · NC

The fram is excessively rusted from years in 'cold weather states.

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · TX

I've put a down payment of 1200 at premier auto sales . In victoria tx I left feel positive about the vehicle . The sales man told me as soon as they get a mechanic to look at it . It didn't have an inspection either . So I took it to p&h all they did was right in a paper an sent it back with me to the car lot after I picked it up from it being dead the battery terninals where horrible the check engine light came on the oil light after a brand knew oil change kept smoking so took it back so they could look at it to find out they just cleared the codes . Picked it out he following monday well the vehicle smelt like it was burning had to use my emergency brake to stop . Called them and the sales lady in the front said it wasn't their problem still within the 30 day period so took it to the brake place down the road from them my brakes were so back they had to change everything he said I could have caused a wreck because of them being so wore down . I called to make arrangement with them and they were just being ugly about the situation over all . I've tried to be nice and do the right think this was unsafe for me as well as my children .

Filed Oct 20, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 158,000 miles · VA

Abs, vsb trac on/off, and brake lights come on suddenly along with continuous high-pitched alert. Brakes eventually become difficult to work. Had towed to dealer, by the time dealer looked at, it wasn't happening and they could find nothing wrong. Picked up car, happened again on way home (both times making right hand turns). I am told this may be an electronic problem but regardless, to fix it, it will cost thousands of dollars ($4500 first quote) and requiring replacement of a number of parts/an entire assembly: brake booster/accumulator/master cylinder assembly. Besides the dangerous condition, don't understand why is built such that so much would have to be replaced and cost so much. Prior to this, seemed to have had more than usual problem with brakes, with multiple frozen calipers for example.

Filed Aug 25, 2017 · Brakes · TX

After traveling at speeds close to 75 miles an hour. I exited highway to parking lot. Backed out and was unable to stop car from rolling. Moved car to new parking area and had to use parking brake to slow down. Shut down car check fuilds. Restarted car to loud buzzer and ABS lights. Very concerned if happened on highway could have been fatal to myself and others around.

Filed Jun 25, 2017 · Brakes · 168,000 miles · KS

While driving, an alarm began sounding and the brake light, asb light and vsc lights all came on, we stopped and checked the brake fluid and found it was full. We then continued to drive home. Within 2 miles the brakes went out. There had been absolutely no indication of anything wrong up to that point. It is a miracle that we were not in an accident.

Filed Jun 20, 2017 · Brakes · 137,000 miles · WA

While driving on residential street at 30 MPH, vsc, ABS and trac dash lights came on and cabin alarm sounded. The brakes were not functioning. I had to use the emergency brake and evasive driving to avoid rear ending a school bus. After bringing to my mechanic I learned that the master brake cylinder had failed. The part is $3,100 from toyota. Spending money on car parts and repair is all a part of owning a vehicle, but no car should be designed where the brakes completely stop operating because of an electrical short. It is insanely dangerous and this will cause deaths for sure, how can it not? I have researched this and it is a very common and well known issue. A lot of drivers have been very frightened by this issue, including myself.

Filed Jan 19, 2017 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · IN

Brakes failed while driving with 3 year old in back seat. Had to have vehicle towed to dealer to replace faulty ABS actuator pump. Luckily not on the highway when brakes went out. Over $2,000 to replace part.

Filed Aug 9, 2016 · Brakes · 146,000 miles · OK

Driving (slowly), every light on the console lit up dealing with, ABS, traction etc...accompanied with a high pitch warning tone, depressed on the brakes to stop...only no brakes, used the emergency brake to successfully stop, no incident. Called a tow truck to take to dealership.toyota dealer said codes c1223 (ABS control malfunction), c1252 (hydro-booster pump motor) and c1256 (accumulator low pressure) appeared. When he checking the codes, there was already a service bulletin showing previous (known) issues with this. I call this a serious design flaw, no component should render the braking system useless and not be a recall. Researched online and many complaints about the same thing happening on automotive forums and such. We were quoted $3000.00(ish) to repair. We were very lucky to not be traveling at high speeds in traffic. Reported this to toyota corporate/regional support.

Filed Mar 14, 2016 · Brakes · VA

Rear breaks - left and right (both) sides ceased up.

Filed Feb 18, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 152,000 miles · OH

Bought 4th generation 4runner in 1-15 from dealer after owning 4 prior 3rd generation ones and this one is plagued with excessive rust beyond normal wear in frame (some holes), suspension, steering rack and shaft, brake components, virtually everything steel under the body has rusted excessively while body remains rust free. I know 95-03 tacomas and tundras were under frame and brake line recall due to same issue but from the huge number of postings on internet of problem being just as bad if not worse in 3rd and 4th generation 4runner. Yes the frames were a different style but the frames in these 4runners are even worse as problems with rust due to design are eating their way from inside out making it more of a silent killer as it goes unnoticed until rust breaches all the way thru frame and by that point it is not only unsafe to drive, it has been unsafe to drive for a long time before getting to that point. This is major problem as noted in 1000's if not more noted cases on internet forums and toyota refuses to take responsibility leaving all these people stuck with them and their families and kids that they put in these potential death traps at risk of frame, brake, steering, suspension failures that could result in loss of vehicle control, accidents, and deaths. I've cleaned, sprayed rust preventative oils and paints on areas of concern and rust makes its way back thru in weeks time. The many of owners with this issue are stuck without resources to buy another daily driver and have no choice but to take chance with the uncertainty of potential failure at anytime. Toyota is aware and obviously knew they had rust issue with other model years but they know they have same issues with newer models not included on original frame rust recall and its time they are forced to step up and take responsibility for the faulty frames and underbody steel components.

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · VA

The brake get hard and ABS, brake vsc and trac sign came on with alert whistle while I was driving in the neighbothood luckily.. Mechanic said it is rare to go bad but it is brake booster assembly goes bad. Is this the same issue as prius?

Filed Dec 5, 2015 · Brakes · 194,000 miles · FL

While driving at approximately 30 MPH on a city street, with children in vehicle, breaks failed and loud cabin alarm sound and ABS, vsc and trac dash lights came on. I had to pull into a grassy swale, apply emergency break and down shift in order to stop and avoid crashing into traffic. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Abs pump break master cylinder was replaced at a cost of $3,300. I have read many posts in blogs from toyota owners with similar issue, and some that caused accidents. I had just come off the highway, so this could have caused a serious accident just minutes earlier. Merits an investigation.

Filed Aug 19, 2015 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · LA

When I returned to my home and pulled into my garage, an alarm sound went off in the dashboard and all of the dashboard warning lights came on. The car was driving fine just prior. The next morning I went to try to drive it to drive it to the dealer and noticed that my brake pedal was very hard to push and had virtually no braking ability. After getting the car towed to the dealership, they said it needed a new ABS actuator assembly (aka an ABS module). The brakes themselves were replaced within 2 years prior to this incident. On the day that the incident happened, I did some research online to see what the alarm and warning lights were indicative of. I saw that this had happened to other people most of which had it happen while driving and were therefore left with the inability to brake. I feel fortunate that this did not happen while I was driving, possibly leading to a serious, if not fatal, accident.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 86,000 miles · NJ

2004 toyota 4runner limited, has excessive chassis rust and rotted out at some point on the sub frame, contacted the dealer and there is no recall available also called toyota and recall is not available.I am afraid that the chassis will break and cause an accident.

Filed Jul 14, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,285 miles · HI

I was driving home at around 50 MPH and had to brake and suddenly the vsc/ABS brake dash indicator lights came on and a loud alarm started to sound. I did not hit anything, I just pressed the brake pedal and whole system went off. I was very close to the exit to a toyota service center, a couple blocks away, so I drove very carefully to it and parked the car. When the service representative started the car again, the vsc, ABS, brake dash indicator lights illuminated with the audible alarm once again. She also said the brakes were hard and that I should not drive it anywhere. Replacement of the system cost me around $3700, out of pocket. Since there was no accident or collision, my insurance company said they don't cover maintenance repairs. After checking if there had been a recall on this issue, which there wasn't and reading about other toyota owners experiencing the same problems with the vsc/ABS brake dash electronic system, I truly believe there should be a recall on the toyota vehicles using this vsc/ABS brake system. A faulty brake system is a very dangerous issue that needs to be addressed. My car has only around 60k miles on it and I am the original owner of this toyota 4runner.

Filed Jun 8, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 84,000 miles · NY

Front caliper seize up l/f and r/f 3 incidents 11/2012 02/2015 06/2015

Filed Dec 13, 2014 · Brakes · 198,000 miles · CA

Driving home and my brakes stopped working. I had my mechanic look at it and he said the ABS module had failed. He said that only my front brakes are working. I feel very unsafe driving my car.

Filed Oct 15, 2014 · Body, Brakes · FL

I have a toyota tacoma 4 door 4 cly pick up..I was on the internet and just notice a recall about brakes,,is my truck included in this recall? And another I have never got any letter or anything telling me about any recalls on my truck and I see here there has been recall for front ball joints and crack frames ,,,seat belt problems..I was in shock..so what do I do can they still fix any problems if any and check my truck..thank you

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Brakes · 235,000 miles · KY

I started my vehicle @ 3pm when I got off work as soon as it started the vsc, ABS and brake light came on as well as a alarm in the dash. I also noticed the clock in the dash said 1:00 instead of 3:00. When I depressed the brake I had virtually no brakes. I have read up on this and found that a bad ground cable on the battery can send a low voltage signal to the cars computer and shut down the brake system. I think this needs recall!

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