1997 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the 131 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Front disc brakes will lock up when applied, with the rear brakes having a delay in sequence for stopping from the front, because of this erratic performance, the truck was involved in a collision. Consumer stated while driving 30- 35 MPH on a wet road, he came upon an accident he when he attempted to apply the brakes the front wheels locked up and was unable to steer and slid into the path of oncoming traffichitting another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #817620, filed 1997-10“While driving experienced ABS failure when attempting to slow/stop, pedal went to floor, vehicle continued to roll forward, rear brakes locked up, brake action was inadequate to effectively avoid rear ending at approx. 40mph fast enough.”
NHTSA complaint #808624, filed 1997-02“Brake pads failed. 2 shoes on rear put on backwards. Short needed in back & long in front according to dealer. Front disc pads replaced due to rear brakes. Also, had to replace rotors.”
NHTSA complaint #828080, filed 1998-09“When putting the truck in the park position the whole handle came off. Took to a dealer and was told that the parking brake cable wasn't connected to hold the handle.”
NHTSA complaint #816458, filed 1997-09Related 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.
- 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 33 | 21% |
| 2023 | 6 | 11% |
| 2022 | 6 | 10% |
| 2021 | 12 | 15% |
| 2020 | 13 | 14% |
| 2019 | 56 | 26% |
| 2018 | 48 | 23% |
| 2017 | 32 | 13% |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% |
| 2014 | 17 | 18% |
| 2013 | 18 | 14% |
| 2012 | 22 | 7% |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% |
| 2010 | 21 | 7% |
| 2009 | 35 | 7% |
| 2008 | 30 | 7% |
| 2007 | 43 | 8% |
| 2006 | 49 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 4% |
| 2004 | 24 | 6% |
| 2003 | 19 | 5% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 21 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma
46 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsTires
14 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma
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