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CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
121,000 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. change the master cylinder brake pump (2 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. replace master cylinder brake pump (1 reports)
2004 Toyota 4Runner brakes problems

brakes problem

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2004 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #5

Nov 302019

4Runner SR5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My wife was driving this vehicle down a hill in our town in Clarksville AR an all of the ABS and TRAC Systems lit up and a loud audible buzzing noise came out of the dashboard. Moments she had no stopping power with vehicle and we had a near miss with another vehicle and was able to get the vehicle into a bank parking lot. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!

- Scott D., Clarksville, AR, US

problem #4

Sep 052017

4Runner SR5 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

ABS brake shutdown, 6 months now. Never worked again no matter what I tried. Dealer said $3000 to fix. I paid $25000 for this car and now this. This problem should be a recall. Now what ? It's now sitting in my drive way. No money to fix this sh*t. What the f--------?

- dyoll51, West Haven, US

problem #3

Nov 232016

4Runner SR5 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

ABS, CVS and brake light are on with a noisy alarm all started when I was in rush hour traffic. Always serviced at the dealer. Never driven off road. Oil changed every 3,000 miles. Car is babied. In rush hour traffic. Several lights from the instrument panel turn on suddenly, including the ABS, CVS and Brakes lights. A disturbing noisy alarm start to sound immediately. My 4Runner brakes barely work (very scary) so had to down shift to a lower gear and use emergency brake to stop. Toyota has to know that this is a recall issue. A quick search on the internet shows this to be a well known,common, expensive and dangerous issue for 4Runners. Common Solution: Replace Brake Master Cylinder for thousands of dollars. Come on Toyota. We've been loyal to you for decades, be loyal to us.

- nharrison, Chula Vista, CA, US

problem #2

Aug 172015

4Runner Limited 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

click to see larger images

abs not working properly

ABS, cvs and brake light are on with a noisy alarm

Meanwhile I was driving several lights from the instrument panel turns on suddenly, including the ABS, CVS and Brakes lights. A disturbing noisy alarm start to sound immediately. I'd to slow my speed carefully and then after few minutes driving my 4Runner lost completely the brake system. The brake pedal turns too stiff and barely provide the capacity to stop the vehicle. It was a very scary experience. I had to continue my driving with the emergency break till I get to my home. Fortunately thats happened about 5 miles from my neighborhood and I react timely to avoid a crash. In my opinion Toyota should make a recall to fix this problem that have serious potential to provoke a dangerous crash and severe injuries to the driver and passengers in the case of driving on highways or country roads. Also, in my opinion this is one of the most "craping" designs that Toyota ever built. Not to mentioned the ridiculous price that Toyota's 'stealership' ask from 4Runner owners to repair the vehicle. Its important to add the poor stock part availability to fix the problem timely.

Thanks...!

- manucordero, Caguas, Puerto Rico

problem #1

Aug 162013

4Runner SR5 4.01

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

click to see larger images

abs not working properly

Togo problems con Los freno se predio la luz abs y. Tarik of. no tego freno nunca me avia paseo. Pero la pieza Cuesta mas que un proto de un carro Nuevo

Si la paseo a Otro Toyota

Gracias. Carlos Rivera

- Carlos R., Trujillo Alto, San Juan, Puerto Rico

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