The brakes failed, out of nowhere, no codes and no warning. The vehicle was taken to lithia Toyota of [XXX] on XXX for inspection and they say they couldn’t recreate the issue. 5 days later the vehicle was taken to Grants Pass Toyota and they have isolated the issue to be a faulty master cylinder. My safety and everyone on the road was at risk because one dealership failed to correctly inspect and diagnose the issue, all documentation is available. The issue was reproduced by Grants pass Toyota in less than 5 minutes of arrival to their service department. The master cylinder for like vehicles were recalled and mine was manufactured within 4 months of those models that fell into the J16/J06 recall. The exact symptoms that my vehicle experienced. However, my vin was not included in that recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Toyota Tacoma brake failure problems
89 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe brake failure, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 89
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 39,000
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 8Sudden acceleration 4No deployment 4Ball joint 2Adaptive cruise 2Wipers 1Stalling 1Spongy pedal 1
What owners say
Brake Master cylinder. The brakes lose all pressure and do not stop the truck all of a sudden. This is an open recall on many of these trucks but apparently my specific truck isn’t included in this. Because it just happened we are looking for the parts to fix this. Although it’s to the tune of over $1,000. There are no warnings, no lights nothing. Just went to pull out of my driveway and have no brakes. Although the pads are brand new and professionally installed.
What component failed? The rear brake system (rotors and pads) and the components associated with Safety Recall 25TA04 (rear brake hoses). The parts are available for inspection. * How was safety put at risk? The dealer (Island Toyota, St. Croix) labeled my 2024 Tacoma "UNSAFE TO DRIVE" on Invoice #[XXX] but refused to perform the Federal Safety Recall (25TA04) for rear brake hoses unless I paid for an $800 brake job first. This violates federal law by making a safety recall conditional on customer-paid maintenance. I am currently driving a vehicle the dealer documented as "unsafe" because they withheld the free safety remedy. * Has the problem been confirmed? Yes, the dealer confirmed the rear brakes are failed but refused the recall and the 36,000-mile warranty claim. * Has it been inspected by others? Not yet. However, the dealer’s technician failed to record actual millimeter measurements for the pads or rotors on the official invoice. * Warning lamps or symptoms? Metal on metal grinding noise from the rear brakes. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. * Additional Note on Records: The dealer falsified my service records on Line C (Recall 25TC07), claiming I was "unwilling to wait" for a repair that was never even mentioned to me. The dealer also claims I denied service on Line B, but what actually happened is I refused to pay $800 for a premature brake failure that should be covered by my 36,000 mile warranty or as consequential damage from the recall. The dealer then used my refusal to pay for pads as an excuse to withhold the Federal Safety Recall (25TA04). I never denied the safety repair I denied a bill for a factory defect. I have uploaded photos of both rear wheels. The left side is healthy, but the right side is completely destroyed with deep scoring. This uneven wear at only 34,613 miles proves this is a manufacturing defect, not my driving style. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased the truck December 6th 2025 within a thousand Miles within the end of the year I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring suspension component which there's already a recall for that exact make and model just not my VIN number for that cracked leaf spring there was a recall for frame rust and just rust in general and my brake lines rusted out but a certified technician from the used car dealership said it was safe and road Worthy I experienced a brake fire on the front calipers shortly after this brake failure the fire caused 7800 worth of damage I got quoted from Toyota to fix it and that doesn't cover the $2,000 worth of leaf springs which there was already an exact recall for this exact model of truck for the exact damage depicted but somehow my VIN is not applicable for this repair.
On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. ABS did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota Motor North America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a CARFAX report indicated prior front-end damage. The CARFAX vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ECU logs (ABS/VSC/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with PCS stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
The vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 that was later traded for a 2025 Tacoma SR5 due to a serious safety defect involving the rear brake lines. The problem is the same one described in Toyota’s recall: the rear brake hoses can be damaged by debris, resulting in brake fluid loss and potential brake failure. The safety risk was significant. The vehicle was used to transport a young child, and because the brake lines could fail without warning, the truck could not be safely operated for daily driving. Multiple franchised Toyota dealerships confirmed that they had no remedy parts available for several months and that the repair could not be performed. This left the vehicle without a functional safety repair for an extended period. The manufacturer’s public statements indicated that a fix existed, but dealerships consistently stated the opposite. No alternate transportation, loaner vehicle, or temporary replacement was provided during this period. The defect was not reproducible by driving because of the risk involved, but the safety issue was acknowledged by dealerships who stated that the recall was active and unresolved. The vehicle was effectively unusable for normal safe operation. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard; the hazard is related to the physical brake line design and exposure to debris rather than an electronic sensor. The vehicle was inspected by multiple Toyota dealerships, all of whom confirmed that no repair could be performed at the time. The component was not replaced, repaired, or made safe before the vehicle was traded out of due to the unresolved safety defect. The situation caused substantial safety concerns and financial hardship and appears to reflect a wider problem in remedy availability for this recall.
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to formally notify you of a serious unresolved safety issue regarding my leased 2024 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX), currently subject to the official safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 25V‑058 / Toyota Recall No. 24TA04 - Interim Notice 25TB04). Despite repeated attempts to schedule the recall service with Toyota of Orlando, no effective remedy ha been provided to date. The recall documentation clearly states that the defect can cause brake fluid leakage and a potential loss of braking ability, significantly increasing the risk of crash. As a parent of a XXXXXXXXXXt, I cannot safely operate this vehicle under such circumstances. The inability of Toyota to resolve this urgent safety defect in a timely manner not only violates consumer trust but also places my family at unacceptable risk. Therefore: I. I demand immediate confirmation of when and how the recall repair will be completed. 2. If Toyota i unable or unwilling to promptly resolve this issue, I will be forced to escalate the matter through legal counsel, including seeking termination of my lease contract without penalty. 3. I am also notifying all relevant government agencies. including the federal safety agency of Toyota's failure to provide a timely and safe resolution. Attached are copies of the recall notice, service invoices, and related communications for your record . I expect a written response within 10 business days from the receipt of this letter.
On July 25th 2025 the rear brake hose recall repair was performed on a 2024 Toyota Tacoma by an authorized Toyota dealership at Jim Norton Toyota OKC. Approximately one week later, the passenger side rear brake hose began leaking a significant amount of brake fluid. This triggered the brake warning light and a “Loss of Braking Power” message on the dashboard. The brake pedal became soft, and stopping distance increased noticeably, creating a serious risk to driver and public safety. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and was towed to a dealership. The issue was confirmed by the dealer’s service department and repaired. The incident occurred without any prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The problem appears directly related to the recent recall repair, either from improper installation or premature failure of the replacement part.
Loss of brakes
Brake failure because of rusted brake lines.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles. The rear brake hoses can be damaged if mud and dirt builds up inside the rear wheels. This can result in a brake fluid leak.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB04 and 25TA04.
Recall number 25V058000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
- Risk
- Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
Recall number 18V888000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371, or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.
Recall number 18V211000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with an automatic transmission, there is a possibility that the parking brake pedal cable lock nut may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification. In this condition, the lock nut may loosen and come off, which will reduce the effectiveness of the parking brake.
- Risk
- This condition could allow the vehicle to roll if the transmission is not placed into the "park" position and the vehicle is parked on a slope, thus raising the possibility of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the parking brake pedal cable lock nut to the proper torque specification free of charge. The recall began on march 3, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 05V050000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Tacoma brake failure
Which Toyota Tacoma years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (12 complaints), 2009 (9 complaints) and 2007 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Toyota Tacoma?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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