Skip to content
BrakesPart report

2004 Toyota Avalon Brakes Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 205 total for the year
Median mileage
45,400miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Toyota Avalon, 3% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,400 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2004 Avalon xls - ABS dash light has been staying on continuously for over two years once engine is started. I took it to dealer once about three years ago and dealer said it was because a book was under the back of the driver's seat. The light was not continuously staying on when the dealer told me this. The problem continues.”

NHTSA complaint #10242172, filed 2008-09, 30,000 miles

“I was driving in my lane at 40 MPH until an austex towing truck went into my lane without a signal and I was right beside him. I honked to no avail and he was still proceeding into my lane. I hit the brakes as hard as I could to avoid him hitting me and I had to swerve a little to my left (to my left was the curb as it was a 2 lane road) to avoid him hitting my right side of the car. After I avoided him, he was driving half into both lanes for about 5 seconds then he returned to his lane.”

NHTSA complaint #10556313, filed 2013-12, 75,890 miles

“While backing slowly, the right foot was moved from accelerator to foot brake pedal. As pressure was applied to the foot brake, the car accelerated in reverse, continued turning, smashed along side of another vehicle and turned a half circle. Driver's left foot pressed the emergency brake causing car to stop. Total elapsed time no more than two seconds.”

NHTSA complaint #10316175, filed 2010-03, 45,400 miles

“Slow loss of brake fluid on 2004 Toyota Avalon xls. Dealer had to replace brake master cylinder and brake booster. Repairs were covered under warranty, however I feel that this was a serious problem and one that should be reported as there may be other vehicles with similar problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10169171, filed 2006-09, 9,902 miles

“My daughter was in a car accident in dec 2013 involving our 2004 Toyota Avalon. We suspect the cruise control did not release as it should have. She had been using the cruise control and tapped the brake to release it as she exited a highway she then stepped on the brake to slow down as she exited the eastbound highway to maneuvere the exit curve to merge onto a southbound interstate highway. On the curve she noticed the car wasn't slowing down as it should, and when she braked harder, the brakes locked up sending her into a swerve. …”

NHTSA complaint #10630302, filed 2014-09

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2022113%
2021210%
2020110%
201968%
201828%
201717%
201629%
20151126%
201477%
2013129%
2012310%
201188%
201012%
20091011%
200872%
20072510%
2006288%
20052511%
200473%
2003155%
20021513%
20011410%
20002213%
199967%
1998137%
1997119%
19961211%
19951114%

Other parts of the 2004 Toyota Avalon

Air bags
127 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota Avalon

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology