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 Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchased new Toyota Tundra in 2004. Performed rust recall at dealer on 07/22/15. October 2016, brakes failed. Brake line completely rusted. July 26, 2021, Toyota Tundra rejected at state inspection for badly rusted frame. Inspectors were unable to get wheel off to inspect brakes because of rust damage. Took to Toyota dealer on March 9, 2022. They performed airbag recall. Unable to do front suspension lower ball joints recall. Dealer said frame could break when they put it on lift. Dealer said Timeframe to repair frame had expired. Estimate to fix frame over $15,000; Plus would need a lot more parts to go with replacement. Vehicle has approximately 68,500 miles on it.
Vehicle's acceleration became uncontrollable. In addition, the brakes and the antilock system seem to failed. The vehicle was in drive and proceeding down an incline, travelling about 30mph when the unintended acceleration occurred.
6/13/13 vehicle did not pass inspection major frame perforation Toyota performed limited frame replacement at their cost after much discussion . Not all severely rusted parts were replaced only the major assembly mounting piece items that were disassembled and couldn't be reused were replaced. No sub pieces of the major assembly were replaced. If the were rusted they were reinstalled. 8/4/14 vehicle did not pass inspection major rust failure deformation and leaking of steering rack housing that was severely rusted and not replaced when frame was replaced. Rack was replaced by owner at owners expense. 4/15/15 rear differential housing rust thru and housing failure. Housing was severely corroded when frame was replaced. Owner was informed it was not part of the frame replacement . Toyota does not have any recall bulletin issued despite the numerous complaints found on the internet. …
When we drive the truck, when you press the brakes they often go all the way to the floor. Driving while on city streets as well as on the freeways. You have to pump them in order just to stop before hitting anyone. After driving 30 miles, we have to refill the master cylinder with brake fluid. We have taken it to the mechanic three times for them to find no leak. A friend looked at it and found that the master cylinder is leaking into the brake booster. We do not feel safe driving this vehicle in this condition. I have an article from fox news stating that our year 2004 Toyota Tundra is included, but when I called the dealer as well as entered it into your system, they state it is not. This is a dangerous condition and I strongly feel that our vehicle should be included in the recall. We have a new driver driving and will not let her drive this truck in this condition. …
The brakes failed to disengage the cruise control and the vehicle continued to gain in speed as I was exiting the freeway. I turned the ignition off and tried to navigate a left turn at 70+ MPH. With the rear end hopping somehow I negotiated the turn but could not turn again. I crossed the next street and ended up going thru the wall of an apartment building and stopped in the middle of the living room. It was only god's design for me not to die this day. Had I not made the first turn I was going to run into a small grove of mature trees. Also, if any other cars had been on the street I could not have avoided them. Luckily the single mother of 3 small children were not in the living room.
I have a 04 double cab Toyota Tundra. Wife was driving and trying to stop .when she pressed the brake pedal truck kept on rolling and smashed into the car in front of her. An inspection was done on my truck and they said nothing was wrong but it was totaled by the body shop so there was nothing to change or fix. I've been looking at a web site called Tundra solutions and there is more people with this same braking problem or brake fade as the call it. Please feel free to call me to get more info.
Truck was purchased brand new. It was brought to dealer for recall and they did not resolve the issue. Now recall is expired and vehicle is dangerous to drive and frame is rusted and there are holes. Almost had an accident when I turned and went down a hill and the brakes did not hold. Other incidents have occurred over the years.
When I complained about front end brake shimmy they stated there is a TSB on the front brake system. When I asked if dangerous until I get fixed I was told no. I got into an accident the day before my appointment to get the TSB repaired. Now my brakes are at 50% 8 months after replacement as well.
Frame is rotting for some reason and I take care of my vehicle. At some point in time it will be very dangerous to drive.
Toyota recalled my Tundra for a rusted frame. Dealer took possession of the vehicle in April. They provided a rental car, but no other update or contact until a week ago when the frame arrived. Now nearly complete, they want to charge me $8000 for additional parts not covered by the recall which they claim is necessary to make the vehicle pass inspection and roadworthy yet many of these parts were unaffected prior to the recall. At no time did Toyota ever inform us of additional costs not covered by the recall. Two of the items are critical to the value and drivability of the car. They include the rear axle and differential which I believe failed due to the same rusted issues as the frame. The additional parts affected were the brakes. …
Brake complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Toyota Tundra, 8% of the model year's 466 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota Tundra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 Toyota Tundra, though it has 8 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 Tundra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires 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.