2003 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes problems

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · GA

So first off I had a Ford Escape and one day it wouldn’t crank up and started beeping loud so I called and got it towed it sat in the shop for 3 days and they told me it was fixed they fixed the abs lights and was told it was ready and I didn’t even make it out of shop and the car was running hot and als realized the miles had been docked back a lot and had to be towed again a week came around and the fan stopped spinning and they said they offer me a trade in because they didn’t know what was wrong well I got this 2003 4 runner and these both were under warranty 3 months in and both had to be taken into service this one for radiator busted only to go into service had it towed and then additional problems they put a new wheel hub and brakes without my authorization and also the gear clip / gear shift was broken and they were trying to fix that and told me my car was ready today went up there and they told me they didn’t even test drive it and that if it started running hot that to bring it back to service I felt unsafe and left the car and not only that the ABS lights and TRAC and maintenance and other lights were illuminated and it wasn’t that way when I brought it in I didn’t feel safe so I left it at service and I’m done dealing with this company . I want a resolution this is unsafe and I’m not the only one who has been done wrong . I have picture proof of the miles . Also the radiator fan shroud was left in the back of the car as well when I went to pick up. This is absolutely ridiculous!

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Brakes · CA

The VSC system in the vehicle becomes disabled due to a firmware 'glitch' identified by Toyota when an emission system issue is detected by the onboard diagnostic system. The VSC system is listed as an 'essential safety feature,' so I'm curious why a recall was never ordered to patch defective firmware that can cause VSC to become disabled due to a completely unrelated emissions issue.

Filed Jul 29, 2021 · Body, Brakes · SC

Due to severe rust underneath the vehicle, there have been a few issues that have made the vehicle very unsafe to drive. Last week, both of my rear brake lines were completely done and leaking brake fluid leaving me with no brakes. This was due to rust and corrosion that had eaten the metal lines away. The radiator mounts are corroding, as well as the skid plate for my fuel tank and a few spots on my frame near the rear. I was not aware of the rust as I just got the vehicle a few weeks ago. I was driving in traffic when my brake light came on and I noticed my brakes didn't seem to be very effective and they eventually got the point where they were not working or slowing the vehicle at all. Once I took it to the shop and they put it on the lift, the mechanics pointed out just how bad the rust was.

Filed Jul 10, 2021 · Brakes, Fuel system · VA

No Accident - Items need to be investigated for Safety Defects on Toyota's. 1> Front Brake Calipers (constant freezing of the front brake calipers). 2> Dash Cover (excessive cracking on the dash covers especially areas that contain airbags). 3> Fuel Pump Connection (on top of fuel tank, connection to fuel pump appears to create a short, which in turn causes vehicle to stall also could cause a fire). 4> Excessive Frame Rust (frame has excessive rust outside and inside which is causing frame to fail. this is a manufacturing issue). These are ongoing issues with Toyota that have been reported and nothing is being done about it. Multiple 4runners are having big time Excessive Frame Rust, which are causing the frame coming apart during highway driving. These photo's show the rust on the outside and inside, all metal is having rust issues. Paint has been applied to cover said rust but it still reappears with-in a few months. Best way to contact me is via e-mail.

Filed Jun 16, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Frame is rotted out and brake lines attached to the frame as well as every suspension component. Car failed inspection deemed unsafe to drive. This problem has been addressed for Tacoma, tundra and sequoia but not 4runner. These frames have the same issue as those and needs to be repaired by Toyota due to lack of rust and corrosion protection. There’s no reason 4runner should be overlooked for the same issue as the other full frame trucks.

Filed Apr 1, 2021 · Body, Brakes · 126,000 miles · AL

The whole under side of the vehicle is rusted. It can't even be driven. My brake line busted the other day (with my kids in the car) and caused me to lose the use of my brakes. We are okay, and the mechanic was able to repair the brake line. But my mechanic was able to stick a pen through the frame. He said with this excessive rust, I should file a claim. After searching online, it seems that there have been recalls on other models of toyota because of rust. Hoping you can investigate and make this right. Thank you!

Filed Feb 5, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · 200,000 miles · NJ

The rear tire assembly ripped loose from its mounts under normal driving conditions..a loud clunk noise....then .brakes were lost and the electrical system showed warning lights on dash board...car is not drivable...massive rust at failure points

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Body, Brakes · 55,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated while having routine maintenance performed, she was informed that there was excessive rust and holes on the subframe. Additionally, the calipers were sticking and the oil pan was rusted. The contact completed the repairs. The vehicle was taken to ramey toyota (135 frazier dr, princeton, wv 24740, (877) 825-2186) and diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The subframe was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 55,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2020 · Brakes · 188,000 miles · WA

Driving on a 3 lane interstate highway, stopped traffic, avs/ABS/brake lights came on with a piercing noise. Traffic began moving approx. 10 MPH, behind semi, brakes went to the floor. No brakes!!!! From center lane was able to go the the left lane into the the shoulder. Stopped next to cement barrier between north bound and south bound traffic (both 3 lanes). Sat there shaking for tow truck driver for an hour and a half with semi trucks flying by! Got it to a mechanic. They called back the next day to say "we are sorry but the component that runs the brake pump is malfunctioning." "we reset it and the brakes are working now, but it will only fail again." it will cost a total of $5,000 to repair!!!! The vehicle is only worth $4,500-$7,000 (at best)!!!! Like others on here, this has happened many, many times!!! No recalls!!! This could have been deadly!!! What happened to prevention of health and safety?! Are they waiting for someone to die before they do something?!!! This vehicle was going to my 16 year old niece for her first vehicle. Thank god that it was not her driving!!! Now she will not have a vehicle because we do not have $5,000 to fix it and a good overall vehicle sitting in our driveway that can't be used. I have had toyota's most of my life, currently drive a tundra as well, this is the first time that I can truly say.....shame on you toyota/manufacturers!!!!

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 173,000 miles · CO

While driving my ABS, break, vsc trac and vsc off light came on solid. It was all accompanied by an alarm. I was in heading down a hill in the snow. Right after the alerts came on I had a hard break pedal with no movement and no breaks. I was not able to use the emergency break as in snow that would not have helped. I have done some research and this has happened to multiple people online and its concerning that if ABS stops/faults you lose all ability to break at all.