2002 Toyota Tundra: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Brakes · WA

Approx every 3000 miles the rotors warp and have to be replace. It is a dangerous situation if traveling or pulling trailers. I do not do either and very careful with truck. Still happens. Dealer didn't do the tsb before I bought it with 16,000 miles on it. I don't put many miles on it so it was out of warranty when first had the problem. Didn't realize it was a recurring problem until the second time I had to have it fixed. Lots of forums on the same problem. No coop from toyota or dealers.

Filed Nov 16, 2006 · Brakes · CA

I was driving about 30 mile per hour when my brake started to vibrate violently. After carefully inspected, I found that three studs were broken, two from the front left and one from the front right. A friend of mine, an auto mechanic, said that the studs might have been broken due to uneven wear of the rotors and loosen of the nuts. Well, I have been complaining about my rotors warping too fast to the dealer, but I was told that brake system is not covered by the warranty. I brought this problem up several time, but the same thing answer was given to me. Recently, I went back to the dealer and told the service manager about the incident. There I found out that all the complaints I made to the service department were not documented. I was told that they only documented if work orders were written. That means I have to pay them to document. The manager said he may considered replacing my brake system if the problem was documented before. Toyota has heard and read hundreds of complaints about this brake problem. This problem is a safety issue and it should not be ignored.

Filed Aug 18, 2005 · Brakes · 27,200 miles · RI

From day one when I purchased my toyota tundra on 9/30/02 I have had a problem with the brakes. I brought the truck back 2 days later to tell the salesman that I felt that the brakes "shuttered" when the vehicle was driven in city traffic conditions and braking distance was increased the more that I drove the vehicle. They checked the truck that day and I was told that it was fine. Now, almost 3 years later with only 27,000 miles the brakes are worn and the rotors have to be replaced. The dealer says that the brakes are not covered but they might replace the rotors. I see that there is a history with the rotors warping and causing the pads to fail prematurely. I don't understand how toyota can sit back with a blind eye when clearly there is a problem with the braking system.

Filed Aug 4, 2005 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · AZ

I own a 2002 tundra that has the brake vibration (warped rotors) problem now at 50,000 miles. The truck had 20,000 miles when the problem first surfaced and then took it to the dealer and got fixed, but the problem off course started again around 40,000 miles and when I contacted the dealer they told me that toyota will only cover the problem till 36,000 miles. This is a universal problem for this model.

Filed May 31, 2005 · Brakes · 39,000 miles · SC

1.excessive break vibration during stoping. Thought to at first related to tire balance. 2.front brake rotors warped from heat buildup and improper ventilation. 3.contacted local toyota service department. Advised of (toyota tsb #br004-02 brake upgrade) authorizing replacement of: dust shields, front rotors, calipers,pads,rear drums,and pads. Toyota refuses to repair with mileage being 41,000 as truck is not in warrenty. Toyota would like to repair for $1803.25. Toyota would not comment on why I was not advised of this problem before warrenty expired. As of now, have contacted toyota southeast and issue not resolved. Tundra will now have to be repaired out- o-f pocket, as break failure is imminent, and safety is compromised. Independent mechanic suggest replacing rotors with performace cooling disc and ceramic pads to minimize warping.

Filed May 24, 2005 · Brakes · 53,000 miles · CA

My 2002 toyota tundra has vibration in the brake system. Toyota tried to say it was normal wear after 50k miles to have warped rotors. Never happen on any other vehicle I had. I spent $400 on there 60k mile inspection (when truck had only 52k miles and they checked brakes ok. Then I drove off and boom vibration in front brakes. Now they claim it is the rotors and

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Brakes · 20,341 miles · WA

Vehicle has excessive vibration/shaking when braking, especially downhill, and most notably at speeds between 40-50 MPH. Repair attempts have been made at 20,341 miles and 24,312 miles replacing calipers, rotors and drums, as well as attempts at resurfacing badly warped rotors/drums. Condition still exists at current mileage of 28,128 miles. Fear that this is a dangerous condition that will result in loss of handling, control, traction or may lead to an accident if brakes fail to stop the vehicle. As this also does not appear to be an isolated case, this condition is likely to affect vehicle reputation and (re-sale) value as well.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Brakes · 3,500 miles · TX

Front rotors warping numerous times since the purchase of the vehicle. Approximately every five thousand miles.

Filed Mar 23, 2004 · Brakes · 3,000 miles · TX

Consumer complained about a braking system problem. Rotors warped every 3000 miles, causing front end to shake when braking.

Filed May 20, 2002 · Brakes · NM

When applying brakes vehicle pulsates, brake system has been replaced three times. Rotors are warped, and pads worn unevenly. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer also states the rear drum rotors warped.