Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2004 Toyota 4Runner submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 82 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 82, in the owner's own words
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.
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)
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.
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).
The frame is rusted completely throughout. VERY DANGEROUS!
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.
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.
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. *TR
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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*JB
RUMBLE WHEN OVER 20 MPH AND TURNING SLIGHTLY RIGHT ON ANY SURFACE.
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?
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
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..
BRAKE CALIPERS KEEP SEIZING & NEED TO BE REPLACED. 09/10/2018 07/24/2014 04/17/2013 04/13/2013 06/18/2012
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.
THE FRAM IS EXCESSIVELY RUSTED FROM YEARS IN 'COLD WEATHER STATES.
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 .
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.
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.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
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