2003 Toyota 4Runner Service Brakes Problems
- 35
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 35 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- front brake · 5 records
- lights came · 5 records
- brake pedal · 4 records
- brake caliper · 4 records
- trac brake · 4 records
- brake calipers · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 13 |
| 60–100k mi | 10 |
| 100–150k mi | 6 |
| 30–60k mi | 3 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
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…
ODI 11308782
Service Brakes
My daughter returned from work two days ago and parked the vehicle, she did not notice anything wrong with its drivability. The next morning she started the vehicle and a loud warning tone was being emitted from the dash. She asked me to look at it and i noticed the brake and abs warning lights were on. I tried depressing the brake pedal and it went completely to the floor instantly. I tried backing up the vehicle…
ODI 11287801
Service Brakes · Unknown Or Other
Extreme frame rust. Car is low mileage, well-kept, and outwardly in excellent condition. Recently suffered near-total brake failure. Towed it to shop for repair. Shop refused to repair brakes. They said frame was severely rusted. The rust had eaten away the point where the brake lines attached to the frame, and brake fuid was leaking from that juncture. They said if they removed the brake lines to replace them, they…
ODI 11219909
Service Brakes · Steering · Suspension
The control arm separated from the rotted rusted frame while driving. Almost died!
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 11208227
Service Brakes
Only a few months after complete front brake replacement:rotors, calipers, pads,when braking at high speed downhill on good highway, the vehicle began vibrating strongly. Stopped at mechanics to have it checked. I had the tires balanced and rotated. Left front brake rotor was extremely hot, diagnosed as warped rotor. Replaced under warranty,caliper and rotor again. Now only a few thousand miles later the vibration…
ODI 11308104
Service Brakes
Moving vehicle at school parking lot - 17 year old daughter driving about 3 months after getting her license. Vsc trac abs lights all came on, a low tone noise and the brake peddle was hard as a rock when depressing.
ODI 11196777
Service Brakes
When in motion or stopping, on city streets or the highway, turning included, the abs system makes excessive nosies such as chirping, squeaking, and grinding. Currently, there has not been a crash or injury as a result; however, there is documentation within toyota service and online forums of this issue and concern among 2003 models.
ODI 11269418
Air Bags · Service Brakes · Unknown Or Other
Car was running perfectly. Brakes were services 6 months ago. Traveled from nc to fl for holiday. Started car maintenance light went on showed air bag indicator light with ear piercing buzzer. Went to drive car to toyota service department and had no brakes. They would work slightly but to dangerous to drive. Did not have brakes
ODI 11162641
Service Brakes
Takata recall my son and i both have a toyota 4-runner and the abs hydro buster / brake master cylinder went out on the 2004 and is about to go out on the 2003. I recently bought the 2003 and the problem recently started. I'm trying to find out if there is a recall on either of these vehicles. 2003 4-runner toyota very recently 2004 4-runner toyota i need to verify the date of problem thanks
ODI 11157031
Body · Service Brakes
The frame on my suv is very rusted and causing continuous problems. I've had to replace numerous parts underneath my car (sway bars, tie rods). Just the other night while driving home in a snow storm, i completely lost my brakes. Two of the main brake lines were completely corroded. A new frame would solve a lot of my problems. They've recalled tacomas and sequoias, wondering what the hold up is on the 4runner…
ODI 11152160
Service Brakes
Continuous brake caliper issues with then locking up causing them to prematurely wear out rotors and pads. Now with the cause of this issue, lost brake pressure all together almost causing me the driver create an accident in an intersection that could have been a devastating outcome. The vehicle only has 155000 miles, this should never have happened, i've already paid it off pocket alot of money for the brake…
ODI 11120761
Service Brakes
Tamara recall : the master brake cylinder has went out and everyone who i have spoke with has told me these particular vehicles are bad about. My brakes go all way to the floor no pressure at all and will not stop. I was on al hwy 278 in piedmont and went straight through red light almost getting it from from and rear of truck.
ODI 11124096
Service Brakes
Abs problem disables brakes function. While driving the dash alerts lights (vsc track, abs and brakes ) went on. Thanks god this happened while driving at a very low speed and in a flat terrain. A toyota ex-employee told us that the company became aware of this problem almost 10 years ago. No security alert was issued. However, a company bulletin described the abs malfunction and offered replacement to those who…
ODI 11121924
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
Recently bought my 4runner, took it to the dealer to be inspected, only for them to tell me that the frame was compromised due to rust damage. Toyota has agreed to replace frames on tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's, but not 4runners, even though they are all the same frames.
ODI 11098103
Service Brakes
Catastrophic brake loss without warning. Vsc, tac and e-brake lights with loud audible alarm with loss of ability to brake. Only with strongest pressure on brake was able to slow vehicle. Fortunately, no collision or injuries occurred. Report this to toyota - no advisory or recall notice has been issued. Representative told me that no one would contact me and the case would be close. This flies in the face of a…
ODI 11053514
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
The vehicle feels like it's bottoming out going over the slightest little bump when in motion and the rotors were making a horrible sound going down the highway even after the brakes had been checked. Spent $400+ on new brakes & rotors only to find out that the frame is completely rusted out and the mechanic advised us not to drive it at all. It was too dangerous and would cause a bad wreck when it finally did drop…
ODI 11055270
Service Brakes
While pulling into a grocery store parking lot, aloud cabin alarm sound and abs, vsc and trac and brake warning lights on the dash came on. My vehicle seemed to stop ok so we did our shopping, when we started the car it still had the lights lit up and braked ok. We were close to home so i drove slowly trying to get there about half way home i applied the brakes and the pedal was hard as a rock and would not slow…
ODI 11023359
Service Brakes
I am deeply disturbed by the thought itself that my son and i could have died or severely injured while the brakes didn't work last weekend. All of a sudden, bunch of lights on the dashboard came on and continued loud sound started coming from the dashboard when i was reaching my son's school to drop him off for a tennis match. While i feel very fortunate that i was driving very slow and i was able to apply the…
ODI 10986265
Service Brakes
Front brake caliper pistons seized up causing me to go through a stop light. See enclosed video. Please review all the complaints regarding toyota 4runner caliper pistons seizing up. This is a serious design defect that requires your immediate attention.
ODI 11100102
Service Brakes
While driving at approximately 30 mph on a city street, with my little girl in the vehicle, breaks failed and loud cabin alarm sound and abs, vsc and trac dash lights came on. We were close to home so we got it there into the garage applying emergency break and using shifter in order to stop and avoid crashing. Had vehicle towed to dealership twice as they said the fixed it after only having it 30 minutes and said…
ODI 10967489
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes · Steering · Traction Control System
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While driving 65 mph, the vsc and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The anti-lock braking system engaged and locked the front brakes. The vehicle violently pulled to the left lane and the steering and brakes failed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and repair the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they were unaware of the failure previously…
ODI 10908283
Electronic Stability Control · Service Brakes
I've been doing research online for the non stop vcs trac, vcs off, abs and brake warning lights and buzzers going off. It has been described as a common issue with toyota and can lead to complete loss of brakes, but no recall. The dealership wants $3200 for the part and $600 to install. I guess toyota needs fatalities to back their product. Shame on toyota.
ODI 10891848
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. When the vehicle was started, the abs, emergency brake, and vsc trac lights remained illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The contact placed the vehicle in drive and then depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop. The contact quickly placed the gear in park and called a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an…
ODI 10836389
Service Brakes
Owner was driving vehicle in a city at 10 mph when abs, vsc, trac and ebrake light came on along with an alarm sound. Brakes completely failed and would not respond on several attempts. Managed to slow car to side of the road without hitting anything by pressing ebrake and pumping brake pedal. Towed to auto repair shop and was told that the hydraulic brake booster completely failed and brakes would not work without…
ODI 10789387
Service Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While driving at 65 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and felt stiff, which caused a longer braking time. When the failure first occurred, all the warning indicators were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated and there were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that…
ODI 10986402
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2003 Toyota 4Runner.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.