1997 Toyota 4RUNNER: brake failure

6 of the 261 complaints about the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER describe brake failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

2025
1
2022
3
2021
2
2020
1
2017
3
2016
2
2013
3
2011
1
2010
1
2008
3
2007
5
2006
4
2005
6
2004
16
2003
15
2002
3
2000
2
1999
7
1998
2
1997
6
1996
2
1995
1
1994
1
1993
1
1992
1
1991
1
1990
2

What owners say

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · CA

1997 toyota 4runner has a momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole, bump.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Brakes, Transmission · TX

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 ?

Filed Dec 22, 2004 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · PA · crash

My rear axle seal is leaking on the brake shoes. I have already replaced it twice. Once in the winter of 2002 and again in the spring of 2003. The first time it happened I had an accident where my brakes failed and I rear ended somebody. The rear brake shoes were saturated with axle grease. I recently took it to a shop and they need to be replaced again. The mechanic said they wouldn't touch it and I have to take it a dealer. They think I might have to go as far as replacing the axle in order to stop the problem from recurring.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Brakes · NY

Intermittently when the brakes are applied pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem.

Filed Oct 13, 1998 · Acceleration · CA · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 60-65 MPH, using cruise control, when taking cruise control off, it wouldn't go off. Used brakes, brakes didn't work, vehicle wouldn't slow down. Vehicle immediately vibrated and rolled over down a 25 foot embankment. Dealer not aware.

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.