1997 Toyota 4RUNNER: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Jan 30, 2013 · Body, Brakes · 159,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, stopping power decreased and the ABS erroneously engaged. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the rear under body frame had fractured in half due to corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was also corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure and current mileages were 159,000..... Updated 03/08/13 *bf the consumer stated on several occasions, they brakes wouldn't perform as designed. The braking system was random, because of the rear -end swaying from being detached. Updated 03/11/13

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · CO

I am the only owner of a 1997 toyota 4runner sr5 4x4, which I purchased new in1997. Within in weeks of owning and driving the vehicle, while braking as I drove over irregular road, I noticed that the brakes were not grabbing, l and the ABS braking system was activated, but the vehicle was not stopping, commensurate with the demand that I was putting on the brake pedal. I was very concerned that I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me! After several such experience, in june or july of 1997, I took the car to the dealership and was advised that they found nothing wrong with the braking system. I still own and drive the vehicle, and the braking system is unchanged. Because I am aware of the problem with the brakes, whenever I drive over irregular road surfaces, bumps or expansion joints I keep a considerable distance away from the vehicle in front of me. I still drive the vehicle, and the brake issue has not changed. Another problem that I experienced with the 4runner was the shifting of the backend of the vehicle when driving over irregular road surfaces. However, toyota recalled the vehicle to make what they considered to be a repair of the problem. Although the fix reduced the severity of the shifting of the backend, it did not totally eliminate the problem.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Brakes · 127,534 miles · SC

1997 toyota 4runner sr5 4x4. While braking and going over bumps, potholes, separations in roadways, the brakes will momentarily fail much like it is activating the ABS braking system.

Filed Sep 22, 2005 · Brakes, Transmission · 19,900 miles · UT

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.

Filed Jun 14, 2000 · Brakes · WA · crash

Tried to make a u turn from a paved roadway into someone's packed gravel driveway. Slowed to 25 MPH and started the turn at less than 20 MPH. Applied brakes lightly to continue to slow the vehicle down to less than 12mph. Suddenly the brake pedal would go no further (felt a hard stop), but the vehicle kept moving. Couldn't turn properly anymore and vehicle kept rolling. There no skidding sounds or sliding sounds. Vehicle moved as if brakes were not engaged. Finally at about 10mph hit a post that ultimately stopped the vehicle. Felt a hard bang on the brake pedal and some vibrating just as the vehicle crashed and also after it stopped. Once it stopped there was a loud klang and a spring recoil noise (very loud). Front plastic skirt broken, bumper crushed and bumper re-inforcement bar bent. Dealer contacted. No problem found with ABS and they claim that is how it should function (all the noise). Have never had a problem with prior vehicles (without ABS) in similar situations. This vehicle has off and on displayed some peculiar ABS behaviour. Brought to the dealer once before and was told the klanging came from the skid plates rattling. This time the noise was the ABS itself ... What next?

Filed Jan 26, 1998 · Brakes · FL

Owner noticed problems with brakes from delivery. Brake pedal is sometimes high and stiff while other times it feels soft and mushy and goes farther down before it seems to be effective. Finally brakes failed completely, pedal went to the floor and the ABS activated.

Filed Jan 20, 1998 · Brakes · FL

Owner has ABS brakes. While applying the ABS brakes pedal went to floor of vehicle, causing vehicle not to stop. Owner has taken vehicle to dealers for problem . Dealers can not duplicate problem.

Filed May 20, 1997 · Brakes · AL · crash

While driving in emergency stopping the ABS system first did not engage then front wheels locked up.