1997 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 11%of 261 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,534miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER, 11% of the 261 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,534 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am the only owner of a 1997 Toyota 4runner sr5 4x4, which I purchased new in1997. Within in weeks of owning and driving the vehicle, while braking as I drove over irregular road, I noticed that the brakes were not grabbing, l and the ABS braking system was activated, but the vehicle was not stopping, commensurate with the demand that I was putting on the brake pedal. I was very concerned that I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me! …”
NHTSA complaint #10320119, filed 2010-03, 1,000 miles“1997 Toyota 4runner sr5 4x4. While braking and going over bumps, potholes, separations in roadways, the brakes will momentarily fail much like it is activating the ABS braking system.”
NHTSA complaint #10319967, filed 2010-03, 127,534 miles“While driving on the highway at the speed limit (60 MPH), the vehicle surged/jolted forward pulling to the right. I was unable to regain control of vehicle causing me to merge into the direction of a tractor trailer. I tried to turn away from tractor trailer to avoid collision. My vehicle hit the rear tire of the tractor trailer and I began to swerve out of control. My brakes didn't seem to help either, they didn't function. This resulted in the vehicle rolling over 3+ times, the car was totaled. All passengers were hospitalized but no other vehicles or people were hurt from the accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10276395, filed 2009-07“The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, stopping power decreased and the ABS erroneously engaged. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the rear under body frame had fractured in half due to corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was also corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure and current mileages were 159,000..... …”
NHTSA complaint #10495207, filed 2013-01, 159,000 miles“I was making a right hand turn into a parking spot. At the moment right before you straighten the vehicle wheel to park, the car suddenly revved up for about 1 to 2 seconds causing the vehicle to accelerate forward. The vehicle went over the curve and hit the building in front of the parking spot.”
NHTSA complaint #10435256, filed 2011-11Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 43% |
| 2024 | 2 | 20% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 5 | 13% |
| 2021 | 6 | 17% |
| 2020 | 5 | 15% |
| 2019 | 5 | 8% |
| 2018 | 7 | 12% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% |
| 2013 | 5 | 14% |
| 2012 | 7 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 15 | 16% |
| 2007 | 29 | 19% |
| 2006 | 34 | 9% |
| 2005 | 32 | 8% |
| 2004 | 82 | 12% |
| 2003 | 74 | 11% |
| 2002 | 21 | 9% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 26 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 29 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 11% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1993 | 8 | 16% |
| 1992 | 12 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 14% |
| 1990 | 9 | 12% |
| 1987 | 2 | 40% |
| 1986 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER
95 complaintsBody and structure
76 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsTires
18 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology