Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection when they detected that the rear differential, rear lower control arm and frame were severely corroded. One of the two rear lower control arms had become slightly detached from the vehicle. In addition, the emergency brake also exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2003 Toyota 4RUNNER brakes complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 74, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I purchased my vehicle in february of 2010. I have had to replace both front brake calipers three times each. I had to have both rear brake calipers replaced twice each. Currently my right rear brake caliper is malfunctioning. All of my brake calipers have been seizing up and the cost to have them repaired is expensive. This is a serious safety issue along with an expensive one. I have read numerous internet complaints about this particular vehicle edition having brake problems and the company will not address it. Something needs to be done such as redesigning the brake calipers for this particular vehicle. Thank you.
My 4runner was making a funny noise, and the brakes felt weird. I was due for an oil change, and that's when I had the mechanic at the newark toyota world in newark, delaware, which I always use, check the brakes, and that's when I was told it would cost approximately $1,200.00. Which is very difficult for me at this time to come up with since my husband has been unemployed since october of 2012. But, I need a car for my job, so I had no other choice, I can't drive it without brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 65 MPH, the brakes failed to respond to deceleration attempts and the contact crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was awaiting diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
On approximately february 28, 2012, the ABS/trac control/vsc lights came on and remained lit on my 2003 toyota 4runner. I called the dealership and they said to bring it in right away. They diagnosed the car and came up with "no sensor reading?. It cost me $150 for the diagnostic test. I picked up the car and a few weeks later I brought it back for the same problem. The computer then indicated that there was a faulty o2 sensor which they replaced my cost was over $650. The next week the lights came on again. The dealership kept the car for a few days but later reported that they could not duplicate the problem. They told me that I should wait until it got worse and bring it back. I suffered with this problem for months. I say suffered because when I was in park and these lights came on, I could not shift out of park. The lights would eventually go away and allow me to drive. On 8/24 the problem became worse. I could not shift my car out of park for more than 15 minutes on over 10 different occasions. The warning lights remained lit almost constantly over 3 days. When I called to return the car to the dealership on 8/27, the service person said that she thought there was a recall associated with that issue, but then told me that there was not. Later that day, they called and said that they again could not replicate the problem. After a quick internet search, it seems that many people have had the same experience that I have had on various toyota vehicles. I feel an investigation is appropriate in this instance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle stability control system and the traction control system were not functioning. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the yaw sensor was re-calibrated. The contact was also informed that the failure could have LED to a brake failure in which the brakes would seize. The failure recurred approximately three days later. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,500.
2003 toyota 4runner has 3 faulty calipers 2 on front and one on the rear. The caliper uses a dual piston and the interior lower piston is the one that failed on both front calipers. This issue is know to thousands of toyota owners who inquire (its common knowledge among those who own them.) the fact that both failed at the same time was incredibly dangerous I live in the mountains and losing both front brakes simultaneously is cause for great concern my safety is at risk as well as the safety of my passengers and everyone else. I am not sure why it has taken soo much effort from us (the owners of said vehicles and therefore caliper) to get this looked into. The calipers are of a faulty design and will fail prematurely putting human lives at risk. What more do you need? A person to die before this becomes credited information? Just check out t4r.org to find any number of identical claims.
Took vehicle in for front brake replacement at 121,679 miles. First set of front brakes were replaced at 70,452 miles. Tech called to inform me that front calipers were frozen and would require replacement. Seems to be a relatively common occurrence for high mileage 4 runners. Same time had right axle boot replaced as well. $1,118.00 for the whole job! Of course I almost keeled over but had to have the work done, and wanted dealer to perform the work so I wouldn't have issues later if anything went wrong. Have had all work done at this dealer and they've stood behind all their work, but was still a bit disappointed that the front calipers were shot. Car has always been garage kept, and kept clean, inside and out. In fact, still looks like a new car.
While driving I noticed that my front ABS would not activate in an emergency situation. Braking distances became a lot longer. When I went to check my front brakes, I discovered that the front lower brake piston had frozen. It was the same for both sides. Took it into the shop, and they said the same thing. They wanted to replace the caliper on both sides for a total of $750. I did it myself. This is the same thing that has happened to many other owners, which can be found on www.t4r.org.
While driving front ABS does not seem to be activating. Braking distances worsened as my 03 4runner was driven. It turns out a piston in the brake calipers had frozen costing over $650 in repairs to replace the calipers. This is a constant problem. More info can be found at www.t4r.org.
Brakes failed causing me to run off the road almost rear ending another vehicle. The vsc, ABS and brake lights came up on the dash along with an audible alarm. Repair shop said brakes are fine and that is a computer related problem.
Lower inboard front brake caliper pistons on both sides of the vehicle corroded to the point of being frozen and non-functional leading to excessive braking distance and wear of brake components. Calipers are non-rebuildable and had to be replaced with remanufactured calipers by raybestos. Brake pads and rotors damaged to point of needing to be replaced also.
The vehicle would rev itself up to a high RPM, from a stopped position when I stepped on the gas the vehicle would go in reverse. The dealership eventually replaced the transmission only after the manager borrowed it overnight and experienced it himself, but I have noticed the problem beginning again. Another problem is the radiator leaking and needed to be replaced (I was told it had the wrong kind of antifreeze; it was green and it needs a red kind???). When replacing this I was notified that my front brakes were paper thin and needed to be replaced this repair cost me almost $2000. Another problem is the rear window trim has shrunk. I also had the sunroof replaced after owning the vehicle less than two years. The brake light on the rear hatch does not work as well as the rear wipers (also when I hooked a trailer to it the electrical system seems to be messed up because the trailer lights will not work; went to autozone and tested the trailer and it is fine). The vehicle is starting to act funny again, the engine revs itself to high rpms (this is not the automatic tranny because it happens when it idles as well). The last incident was when I pulled out from a street parking spot and as soon as I put it in drive the vehicle stalled and we lost all power, when I pressed the gas pedal it was as if it was in neutral yet I triple checked and it was in drive. All of the sudden it acted normal and drove about 10 feet then it happened all over again. I also have the rotten egg smell (sulfur?) which is sporadic. Of course the dealer always says they can find nothing wrong, nothing is coming up on the computer. Luckily no injuries have occurred as of yet but I feel it is only a matter of time before I am on the highway and it decides to play these games. Very disappointed in quality of this vehicle, especially since I purchased it because of the reputation.
1. Right front brake caliper froze. Toyota replaced free of charge. 2. Left rear brake caliper froze on 05/05/2010 at 95, 988 miles. My cost $490.73. Left front brake caliper froze on 11/22/10 at 102,712 miles. My cost $470.40. Toyota claimed no responsibility as there was no required recall on that part. They treat brake calipers like tires and brake pads. I know that calipers should not fail. A frozen caliper can reduce braking efficiency by 25 % plus cause instability during braking. I believe the average owner does not know that calipers should not freeze up, so they are buying toyota's denial as appropriate. Updated 01/20/11
2003 toyota 4runner awd v8 with ~99,990 mileage. Front brake caliper inner pistons seized and inner front brake pads failed to apply for indeterminate time period (approximately 3 years and 30,000 miles). Heavy corrosion of caliper contact surfaces also prevented normal travel of oem replacement inner brake pads. Resulted in reduced braking force and intermittent brake pedal pulsation due to thermal imbalance of the rotors. Passenger side inner rotor surface corroded because no brake pad contact was occurring. Probably contributed to front wheel bearing premature failure due to unbalanced braking force on the brake rotors and inordinate torque on the bearing assembly. This vehicle has the original factory brake fluid (I.e., the hydraulic brake system has never been flushed.) this is a permanent failure of the braking system in this vehicle. Replacement of calipers is anticipated. Failed calipers could be made available for inspection but will ultimately be returned for core charge.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the contact applied the brakes and heard a squeaking noise. The contact stopped the vehicle and inspected it; he could find nothing wrong. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the bottom two floating caliper pistons were locked. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 41,000. Updated 1/21/11 *cn updated 02/07/11
2003 toyota 4runner (v6-4wd) had 2 frozen front brake calipers. Had the brakes checked bc intermittent squealing noise and increased braking distances. On each side: outer brake pad barely had anything left (literally less than paper thin) + inner brake pad looked great bc never really used since calipers frozen. Needed both front brake pads and rotors replaced, along with 2 calipers (1 each side). So I basically had no front brakes for months and no way to tell unless someone notices the outer pads are worn and goes to replace them. Poor design leading to safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4-runner. The contact stated the master cylinder was leaking. When applying the brakes, the brake warning light would illuminate followed by a warning chime. The dealer advised replacing the master cylinder but the part was not available. The dealer advised the part would be available within twenty-four hours. The contact stated the part was still not available after five weeks. The failure persisted and became progressively worse. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000 and the current mileage was approximately 140,000.
We have a 2003 toyota 4 runner limited with the all wheel drive v8 engine. I noticed that toyota was going to recall the 2003 sequoia for braking, slowing issues. We have had similar issues with our vehicle with seemingly automatic braking. The vehicle does have a down hill assist button for what I understand to be used in low gear on the transfer. The vehicle being all wheel drive does have a high and low transfer with a center locking differential. The vehicle with slow almost which small lunges, as if the transmission was downshifting with the RPM's being too high for the gear. That is the best I can explain. It is not a sudden stop, no brake lights appear, but the vehicle does slow, as if its dragging, perhaps that is some automatic pulsing of the brakes. Should I take the vehicle to toyota.
When stopped and holding down the brake pedal my 2003 toyota 4runner lurches forward. It feels like the vehicle is going to loose the brakes but then catches. The dealer calls this a known 4runner problem. They say there is no fix from toyota.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that he was involved in a front end crash while driving approximately 50 MPH. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle began pulling to the left when the left tire locked or to the right when the right tire locked. Both tires never locked at the same time. The anti-skid light and traction control warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The failure occurred 5 times in a 4 mile trip. The front end damage was repaired at a body shop. He took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the yaw rate sensor (in the brake system) needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer but was offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 124,000. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Erratic throttle response and erratic/unpredictable/difficult to predict brake application .
I had issues with the brake pedals ever since 2-3 years into driving the vehicle. I have a 2003 toyota 4runner and the brake pedal is not very responsive. I had the brakes, rotors and brake system checked and there are no issues. My biggest issue is with the brake pedal itself. I feel when I hit the brake, a gentle tap doesn't produce a response. Only a mild to hard step on the brakes would cause the vehicle to stop. Im very wary of this b/c I always have to hit the brakes hard to get a response. I feel the brake pedal is loose because it is not very responsive and does not respond to tapping. In fact, if I hit the brakes and the brakes drop one inch, there would be no brake response. I had the vehicle checked by toyota dealer and they said its some sort of brake part that needs to be replaced. Upon replacing that part, I still feel the same looseness in the brake pedal. My most serious concern is that when I hit the brakes sometimes b/c I have to hit it hard, my vehicle feels like it's drifting. The wheels would go left and right and then go straight. This does not happen often, but when it does, it freaks me out. At freeway speed, when I hit the brakes, whether its light or soft, sometimes, the car just does the random drift. I feel its the result of a loose brake pedal and perhaps delayed response to the tires. I changed the brake pads and I had my brakes inspected often due to this issue.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4 runner. The contact heard a noise coming from the front brakes. The contact had to apply the brakes with great force for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle slid to a stop. The dealer's diagnoses was that debris in the rotors caused the noise. However, they were unable to diagnose why the vehicle could not stop without sliding. The front brake pads were replaced, and the rotors resurfaced. The failure mileage was approximately 900 miles. The contact has the repair order. The current mileage was 40,000 miles.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH uphill, a strong odor was noticed. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. The dealership was contacted, who determined the catalytic converter was producing the odor. The extended warranty covered the replacement. Also, the contact was alerted by an independent mechanic about the front brakes. The mechanic machined the front rotors and installed new pads. As a result of the brakes repair, the pedal was too low when depressed. The brakes were rechecked and the mechanic informed all the brake standards were correct. The contact assumed this was a manufacturer defect. The dealership had not been contacted yet for the brake problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This condition could be related to item 2. This condition started last winter and is getting worse.) after being at a stop and releasing the brakes, I get a hard shake/thud from the driveline/brakes. This occurs in 90% of stops/starts. (e.g., if it was normal, it would do it all the time to some degree.) there is no metal on metal noise, just the shake/thud like the brakes are releasing too hard or the driveline has too much lash in it. (condition is worse if you come to a hard stop, before starting again.) 2) sometimes (about 20% of the time) after coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, the transmission goes into first gear hard and/or the converter/torsen differential is unlocking/locking incorrectly. It will actually rock the vehicle forward. Sometimes it gives the same sensation as in item 3. (actually, on a few occasions I get item 2 problem followed by an item 1 problem.
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