144 of the 1,234 complaints filed about the Toyota 4 Runner are about the braking system — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1997.
144
Complaints
12%
Share of all complaints
22
Crashes
0
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
BRAKE PEDAL GOES AL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN SITTING AT A STOP . THE 4 RUNNER HAS 3 MASTERS AND ONE COMPLETE POWER BRAKE UNIT INSTALLED BY TOYOTA AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM, TOYOTA STATED IT IS NORMAL.
NHTSA complaint #10165079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
2005 4 RUNNER V8 HAD COMPLETE BREAK FAILURE AT ABOUT 23000 MILES. VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT INTERSECTION. PULLED VEHICLE INTO PARKING LOT AND THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. EMERGENCY BREAK HAD TO BE APPLIED TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND TESTS FOUND THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN MASTER CYLINDER. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DISASTROUS EVENT. THERE IS NOT WARNING ON THE VEHICLE WHEN SUCH A FAILURE OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10164704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WITHIN YEAR ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED, UNDER WARRANTY. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP WAS DUE TO BRAKING EXCESSIVELY DURING RAIN ON LONG DOWNHILL RUN. SUGGESTED TO GEAR DOWN WHICH I NOW DO. SITUATION DID NOT REPEAT EXCEPT THAT I NOW INTERMITTENTLY EXPERIENCE SIMILAR "PULSATING" WHILE BRAKING. WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER REPAIR SERVICE THAT I WOULD EVENTUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10164617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 4 RUNNER FROM TOMS RIVER TOYOTA. ALL SERVICE OF THE VEHICLE PERFORMED THERE. OVER A YEAR AGO WE COMPLAINED LOW A LOW BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS DEFECTIVE. RECENTLY DEALER RECOMMENDED REAR BRAKE SERVICE. PROBLEM STILL NOT RESOLVED. ON LAST SERVICE VISIT THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN REQUIRING A PAD SPACER BEING INSTALLED. BUT NOW DUE THE MILEAGE BEING OVER THE 50000 MILE WARRANTY, DEALER REQUIRES >$ 250. BE PAID BY OWNER TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. NO SUCH SERVICE BULLETINS WERE FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE SEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #10163213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE CAR WAS NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10151313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
INFO COPY LTR FWD TO TOYOTA REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL, CUSTOMER DISSATISFIED W/QUALITY OF CURRENT TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TS **REFERENCE 10140998*** ON 2 OCCASIONS, THE STARTER WOULD ONLY CLICK. THE VSC, TRAC, VSC OFF AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND FINALLY WENT OFF ON THEIR OWN. TWO WEEKS LATER THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THEY DETERMINED A SENSOR INSIDE THE RIGHT WHEEL AREA HAD BEEN DAMAGED. THE DEALER CLAIMED THE CONSUMER RAN OVER SOMETHING. THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID INFORM THE CONSUMER IF THE REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10141001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: ITHE CONTACT HAD 2002 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER SERVICED AT DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES ,AND HAD VEHICLE SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT TOLD DEALERSHIP WHEELS KEPT LOCKING , AND SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVINGTHE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP LEFT PARTS OFF THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT FOUND THE PARTS IN TRUNK. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID IT HAPPEND BECAUSE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. ALSO, A TAIL LIGHT WAS OUT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT TWO WEEKS AGO, DID NOT HIT ANYONE. WAS GOING SOUTH AND ENDED UP GOING WEST. THE WHEELS LOCKED, AND VEHICLE WENT COMPLETELY TO THE RIGHT, HIT THE SHOULDER, AND FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT WORE SEAT BELTS, AND WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH. THE ROADS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #10140269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
DT: 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT MAJOR BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS AT 19,900 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY BECAME WEAK. THIS TOOK 6 MONTHS TO DIAGNOSE, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS WAS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SINCE LATE 2003. WHEN CHECKED SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ESPECIALLY ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE. SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS, SHE STATES IT WAS BRAKING DIFFERENTLY THAN PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ON AUGUST 19, 2005. THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE WAS PULLING UP HIGHER THAN USUAL. THIS WAS CHECKED, AND THEY FOUND THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE SOAKED IN OIL. THIS REQUIRED THE SEALS, BEARINGS, RETAINERS, SENSOR RINGS AND THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO BE REPLACED. SHE FELT THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REAR AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10134185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
DT: 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT MAJOR BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS AT 19,900 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY BECAME WEAK. THIS TOOK 6 MONTHS TO DIAGNOSE, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS WAS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SINCE LATE 2003. WHEN CHECKED SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ESPECIALLY ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE. SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS, SHE STATES IT WAS BRAKING DIFFERENTLY THAN PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ON AUGUST 19, 2005. THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE WAS PULLING UP HIGHER THAN USUAL. THIS WAS CHECKED, AND THEY FOUND THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE SOAKED IN OIL. THIS REQUIRED THE SEALS, BEARINGS, RETAINERS, SENSOR RINGS AND THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO BE REPLACED. SHE FELT THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REAR AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10134185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
DT: 1997 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT MAJOR BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE STARTED HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS AT 19,900 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY BECAME WEAK. THIS TOOK 6 MONTHS TO DIAGNOSE, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS WAS REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SINCE LATE 2003. WHEN CHECKED SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ESPECIALLY ON WET PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE. SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS, SHE STATES IT WAS BRAKING DIFFERENTLY THAN PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ON AUGUST 19, 2005. THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE WAS PULLING UP HIGHER THAN USUAL. THIS WAS CHECKED, AND THEY FOUND THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE SOAKED IN OIL. THIS REQUIRED THE SEALS, BEARINGS, RETAINERS, SENSOR RINGS AND THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO BE REPLACED. SHE FELT THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REAR AXLE.
NHTSA complaint #10134185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: ON 7-4-2005. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH AT A 8 LANE STOP BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THEY FAILED. NO PRESSURE WAS FELT IN THE PEDAL, AND THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AND NO NOISE. THERE WAS ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THERE WERE NO BRAKES ALL THE WAY HOME. OWNER DROVE VERY SLOWLY, AND USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THEN THE DEALER CALLED OWNER AND REPORTED NO PROBLEMS. OWNER CALLED TOYOTA, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE BEFORE. OWNER DID WANT TO TAKE CAR BACK BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10127623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
APRIL 28, 2005, NO INJURIES. CONTACT STATES HE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. IT WAS RAINY. AND WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT. TRIED TO STEER LEFT, BUT STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO LEFT. APPLIED BRAKES, AND THEY FAILED. THEN, HIT SEMI TRAILER TRUCK ON LEFT SIDE. CONTACT HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS SERVICE RECORDS.
NHTSA complaint #10119837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I BOUGHT A 2002 4RUNNER SPORT FROM JIM BARKLEY TOYOTA IN ASHEVILLE NC. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKES. I HAD THEM CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD THEM TURNED. A FEW MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN ,AND I HAD TO PUT A NEW SET ON. THEN ONCE AGAIN I HAD TO REPLACE THEM, WHEN WE DID WE ALSO REPLACED THE PADS AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND THEY WORKED ON IT AND STATED THAT IT WOULD BE $3000 TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE CALIPERS AND ACTUATOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. I AM SURE WHEN I PAY FOR THIS THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK AND THEY WILL TRY TO GET EVEN MORE MONEY FROM ME.
NHTSA complaint #10112755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
I BOUGHT A 2002 4RUNNER SPORT FROM JIM BARKLEY TOYOTA IN ASHEVILLE NC. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKES. I HAD THEM CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD THEM TURNED. A FEW MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN ,AND I HAD TO PUT A NEW SET ON. THEN ONCE AGAIN I HAD TO REPLACE THEM, WHEN WE DID WE ALSO REPLACED THE PADS AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND THEY WORKED ON IT AND STATED THAT IT WOULD BE $3000 TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE CALIPERS AND ACTUATOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. I AM SURE WHEN I PAY FOR THIS THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK AND THEY WILL TRY TO GET EVEN MORE MONEY FROM ME.
NHTSA complaint #10112755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:ACTUATOR
I BOUGHT A 2002 4RUNNER SPORT FROM JIM BARKLEY TOYOTA IN ASHEVILLE NC. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKES. I HAD THEM CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD THEM TURNED. A FEW MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN ,AND I HAD TO PUT A NEW SET ON. THEN ONCE AGAIN I HAD TO REPLACE THEM, WHEN WE DID WE ALSO REPLACED THE PADS AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND THEY WORKED ON IT AND STATED THAT IT WOULD BE $3000 TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE CALIPERS AND ACTUATOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. I AM SURE WHEN I PAY FOR THIS THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK AND THEY WILL TRY TO GET EVEN MORE MONEY FROM ME.
NHTSA complaint #10112755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10110980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
IN COLD WEATHER BRAKES DO NOT WORK IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING ENGINE RESULTING IN CAR BACKING UP OR MOVING FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN GEAR. THIS OCCURS IN SPITE OF PRESSING HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKES PEDAL FEELS LIKE YOU ARE SECURE BUT THEY ARE NOT WORKING. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10108125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL. THE BRAKES FAILED MANY TIMES ON MY CAR AND THEY WERE IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. EACH TIME THEY FIXED IT TEMPORARILY. ALSO, THEY INDICATED THAT OIL OR GREASE WAS LEAKING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND COATING THE BRAKE PADS, RENDERING THEM INEFFECTIVE. THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDED THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES KICKING IN TOO OFTEN/ LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, AND JOLTING AT SLOW SPEEDS. LAST TIME IN THE REPAIR SHOP THEY GUARANTEED THAT PROBLEM WAS FIXED, YET THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY INCIDENT, AND THAT NEW MODELS WERE DESIGNED TO FIX THIS FLAW. WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THOSE DRIVING 1997 MODELS ?
NHTSA complaint #10109007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES, PEDAL VIBRATES AND GETS VERY SOFT. VEHICLES STOPPING DISTANCE IS MARGINAL AT BEST. ROTORS HAVE BEEN "CUT" ALREADY WITH JUST 13K ON THE VEHICLES DUE TO RUST BUILD UP.BOCH TOYOTA IN NORWOOD MASS. TELLS ME THAT THE BRAKE ISSUE IS "NORMAL" !! THERE IS ALSO A LOUD WHINING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THEY TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL ALSO ! ALSO, THE TIRES HAD TO BE REBALANCED AT 13K AS I WAS TOLD THEY WHERE "CUPPING". SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A FRONT END ISSUE WITH THE 2004 4-RUNNER.
NHTSA complaint #10105812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
VERY STRONG VIBRATION/SHAKING FELT WHEN BRAKING HARD OR DOWNHILL. ROTORS AND BRAKES ARE GOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10104686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.