2002 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 141,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER, 9% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,500 miles. 3 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.
“The frame of this 4RUNNER has been experiencing excessive rust since the time I got it used from a dealer. Once their undercoating wore off, my mechanic replaced rusted up brake lines back about 9 years ago. He said it was because the frame was very rusty and they did a new rust treatment. For the past few years I have been battling issues related to the frame. A plate was put in to strengthen an area. It only has 164k on it, I rebuilt the transmission at 125k, and the body is in good shape. Just that the rust is spreading everywhere underneath. …”
NHTSA complaint #11194759, filed 2019-04, 145,000 miles“I bought a 2002 4runner sport from jim barkley Toyota in asheville nc. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle I noticed a vibration in the brakes. I had them checked and was told the rotors were warped and had them turned. A few months later it happened again ,and I had to put a new set on. Then once again I had to replace them, when we did we also replaced the pads and the entire system was not working and we brought the vehicle to the dealership to have it looked at, and they worked on it and stated that it would be $3000 to fix it because the calipers and actuator would need replacing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112755, filed 2005-03, 1,000 miles“Without any warning the vehicle lost all braking power. The brake pedal would not go down and at that moment the warning lights came on but that was after the vehicle had already lost it's brakes. The car was towed to headquater Toyota and they determined that the hydraulic brakes power booster assembly had failed. It was replaced at a cost of $3127.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10498781, filed 2013-02, 107,000 miles“Takata recall: I was driving on. Freeeway (5) freeway and ball joints busted off and lost wheel and slid about 60 feet before stoping. Busted break line and bent control joint.”
NHTSA complaint #11085188, filed 2018-04, 354,000 miles“April 28, 2005, no injuries. Contact states he was wearing a seat belt. It was rainy. And while driving 45 MPH vehicle lost control and veered to the right. Tried to steer left, but steering wheel would not go left. Applied brakes, and they failed. Then, hit semi trailer truck on left side. Contact has regular maintenance has service records.”
NHTSA complaint #10119837, filed 2005-05, 45,000 milesRelated 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 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
88 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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