Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Unknown: we were on [redacted] 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.
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. …
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.
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. …
On Sunday, July 25, 2004, I was pulling from a driveway to a tar road and when applying my brakes the vehicle did not slow down and made a very loud ticking noise in the rear of the car. I assumed it was my ABS system making the noise. I was not going more than 2 miles an hour and was able to just accelerate and go on my way. I used the brakes in my vehicle at least 5-10 times on my way home. I pulled in my driveway and parked my vehicle. Approximately 6 hours later, my husband got into the vehicle to move it in the driveway about 10 yards forward. I was in the house. In the house I heard that very same ticking noise and then a loud noise and I knew that my husband had crashed my car. The brake pedal went right to the floor and the car smashed thru our garage. I got into the vehicle and pressed the brake pedal and it again went right to the floor. …
I experienced a terrifying "acceleration problem" this past week as I was parking my car at a local store. I'd already slowed down to almost a halt, but as I put my foot on the brake to come to a complete stop, it suddenly lurched forward with shocking speed. I instinctively threw the gear into park; it stopped as it crashed into the steps leading to the store entrance. The cause had nothing to do with a floor mat (I don't have any) nor "sticking" gas pedal (the car had already come almost to a halt before it suddenly accelerated). The brakes were useless and felt like they were disengaged; acceleration May have occurred after depressing the brake pedal (this is still cloudy in my mind). I bought the car new, in 2004. This is the first time I've had any problem. I wondered what I might have done to cause the problem after so many years without any. …
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. …
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. …
Vehicle was being parked alongside the curb when it suddenly jumped the curb, the sidewalk onto the uphill grassy landscape, hit and severed a tree, and almost crashed the house inches away, then bounced back to the street- all in about 3 seconds. The tires spun violently and left a thick residue of rubber and thick smoke throughout. The brake was hard and stuck , as I managed to put the stick to neutral and then to park. I was truly shocked and shaken that I could have hurt or killed myself or others. This is the second time this happened- the first in July 22, 2009 when the same acceleration happened when I was moving the vehicle into the garage, surged in about 2 secs. Crashing into the storage and the garage walls. Reference: Toyota claim no.[redacted] (2009) and no.[redacted] (2012). In both cases Toyota disowned any responsibility. …
Brake complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, 12% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota 4Runner brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota 4Runner brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.