2008 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 16%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,685miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER, 16% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,685 miles. 2 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.
“Approx 1 week prior to 6/15 I started hearing an intermittent squeak when driving my car. I took my 4 RUNNER in to have Toyota look at it, 2 days later they determined it must be the brake pump. My car is 4,000 miles past warranty. No one can tell me if it is safe to keep driving until I get it fixed and what might happen if it goes out.”
NHTSA complaint #10339711, filed 2010-06, 40,870 miles“When braking, any bump or pothole will cause the system to lose brake power for about one (1) second, causing the vehicle to continue at the same speed for tens of feet further than expected. Hidden potholes by standing water can cause the vehicle to travel into an intersection or other vehicle. This is the third 4-runner that I have experienced with the same problem. Previous vehicles were from 1994 and 1998, and I had three rear-end accidents, which caused major damage to the other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10877014, filed 2016-06, 163,000 miles“2008 Toyota rav4 began racing badly, took the car in for service, the Toyota dealer cannot find anything wrong with the car. We were driving into our garage, waited for the door to open when the car started racing very badly. I am afraid to use the car, what can we do?”
NHTSA complaint #10312026, filed 2010-02, 13,677 miles“I have gone through 2 sets of front brake calipers on my 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER. It is a common issue where over time, the calipers will seize up and stick on. The only way to tell that there is an issue is either by touch, smell, or feel. Touch, because the rotors get to be over 250 degrees and they cannot be touched. Smell, because the smell of burning brake pads is present feel, because there is a loss of braking. Other than these indications, there is no notice of seized calipers until it is too late. This is a common issue and has happened with most 4RUNNER owners that I talk to. …”
NHTSA complaint #11190068, filed 2019-03, 103,000 miles“I have a 2008 Toyota 4-runner, sr5, 4wd. It has approximately 31,000 miles on the odometer. I purchased the vehicle new. I have experienced several incidents where the vehicle automatically applies what feels like the front left brake. This occurs while the vehicle is traveling at 30-50 MPH on downhill grades. I am applying mild braking when the incident occurs to control the downhill speed. The automatic braking is intermittent and each time a loud beep is heard from the dash area. The effect tends to pull the vehicle strongly to the left. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307760, filed 2010-02, 31,000 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
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 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.
- 10133723Apr 1, 2014It has been brought to our attention that claim processing for LSC BST Phase 3 (2003-2009 4Runner and 2007-2010 Tundra vehicles) we be delayed until Monday April 7, 2014.
- 10133716Mar 31, 2014As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the above listed model and model year vehicles. This feature will cut engine power in case…
- 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…
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 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
27 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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