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Toyota Tundra - Brakes

Toyota Tundra • Engine problems • Brake problems • Misc. problems --- News • Toyota Recalls Some 2007 Tundra Pickups • Camshaft Flaw in New Tundra Pickup • New Tundra Pickup Stumbles in NHTSA Safety Test • Toyota Recalls 533,000 Trucks for Failed Ball Joints • NHTSA Probes 600,000 Toyota Trucks and Vans • Toyota Tundra Recalled to Disable Front Passenger Airbag Switch --- • Toyota Trucks

There doesn't seem to be much question that a design flaw in the Tundra causes the front rotors to warp and wear our quickly. Toyota has issued a technical service bulletin but dealers aren't exactly eager to alert customers to the problem. More often, they string them along until the warranty has expired.

Susan of Chesapeake Beach MD (4/27/04):
We bought a 2000 Toyota Tundra new. We keep it in our garage when not driving. It now has 60,000 miles on it. We are experiencing a brake vibration when braking the truck. It literally shakes the entire truck when it stops. We took it to our dealer to have it looked at and discovered that in Sept. 2003 a TSB was issued from Toyota to the dealer stating they are aware of this problem, (we have a copy of this) and it is a defect in the brake system but told the dealers to only fix the problem if the truck has under 36,000 miles. Out truck was over 36,000 before Toyota issued this TSB2004 bulletin.

Everyone acknowledges the problem but since our truck has over 36000 miles we have to pay for this manaufacture defect. I do not mind paying for normal wear and tear on a car but do not feel I should not be responsible for paying for a known defect on the truck. When I complained to Toyota they responded by saying they will document my complaint on a National Level but that is it.

The cost to repair this is $2000. The dealerships response to my questioning this fee was "maybe it is time to buy a new car". I paid $30,000 for a new truck and it only has 60000 miles on it. I do not want to hear my two choices are to buy a new vehicle or pay $2000 for a know defect in the truck.

Wendy of Beaumont TX (3/25/04):
We have a 2002 Toyota Tundra with the same brake defect that everyone else is having. The rotors continue to warp every 3,000 miles. The dealership has worked on the truck 6 times over the last 12 months and has not been able to fix it. The warranty has now expired and Toyota is not responding to all the certified letters we have sent requesting assurances on the vehicle and if they can not fix the vehicle what action are they going to take to stand behind their product.

Tim of Lakemont GA (3/13/04):
I purchased a 2002 Tundra in Jan 2002. I paid cash of $36,000 and at 14,500 miles the front brakes were shot. I was informed that they would look at it but would charge a diagnostic fee. I chose to have it done locally. Again at 31,000 I was told by the dealer that only the brake lines and master cylinder are covered under the warranty from Toyota. The rotors were turned again and new pads put on. At 45,000 new rotors and pads at $386.00. At that time the brake shop i used said the rear brakes are not even working enough and that causes the front rotors to warp.

Toyota factory once again denied having any trouble and that I drive too hard. I then had the transmission that wouldn't shift into gear or move unless I reeved up the motor for 10 minutes. Upon the dealers recommendation they sent a tow truck and called me 2 days later to inform me that there was nothing wrong with the truck and a low battery caused the transmission not to shift. I had to pay $129.00 tow bill to get the truck.

As a Disabled American Veteran Living on a pension of less than $1,200 a month I will probally fall behind in my bills so that I can continually pay more repair bills on the vehicle I thought was the best. I used my mother's inheritance money to buy the truck and have no other income.

Johnny of N. Richland HIlls TX (2/12/04):
My 2000 Tundra vibrated so bad when I went to slow down it really scared me. I took it to the closest dealer and they did the 30,000 mile check up, so they say. I took it to a local garage and they had to replace the front rotors. 6 months later, guess what? Turn new rotors and new pads. C'mon Toyota. I have had Toyotas for 15 years and never had these problems.

Is this what I expect to get in the future? I did not know they had a problem with the calipers (2000-2003) untill I checked the internet, now my warranty has expired. The dealer says, Oh well, you should have gotten the extended warranty.

Jim of San Dimas CA (1/15/04):
I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra 4WD SR5 extended cab. I have experienced braking problems with the truck literally since the first day, especially when braking going downhill. The brakes pulse and vibrate, including severe vibration to the truck cab, dash and steering wheel. Several times I have felt endangered when needing to stop quickly, as the braking action is erratic.

I was told by a mechanic at my local tire store that the Tundras had a braking problem that was known to Toyota. I called my local dealer and they denied knowing about any problem. Presently, I am informed that there was a "service bulletin" issued for extensive repair of the front brakes including new calipers, backing plates, lines, beraings and other parts to the tune of $2,000+ which Toyota will not cover because my truck is out of warranty due to mileage. Today my brakes are being repaired at my expense and today begins my fight with Toyota to get reimbursed. Toyota is dealing in extremely bad faith on this issue as the braking problems were known to them and the resolution hidden from their customers.

Cost me $2,300 to repair brakes plus unknown, untold consequential damage to truck parts, stereo, attachment points due to ongoing vibration when braking.

Kevin of Raleigh NC (11/26/03):
Rear differential is leaking into my rear brakes. This causes my 2000 Tundra to "grab" the rotors. This was repaired (seals replaced and rotors turned because of damage from the grabbing) under warranty 1 year after I bought it. However, it is happening again (44,700 miles) and my Toyota Service Center has confirmed it. I have not repaired it yet. I have called Toyota Consumer Affairs and told them of the problem and they are contacting the dealership.

At my 37,000 mile service an oxygen sensor went bad. At my very next service (45,000) there are two more that are bad! ($200 each w/labor)

My truck shudders slightly when the brakes are applied. This started very early in the life of my 2000 Tundra. NOTE: I have owned 4 Toyotas prior to this and have loved them all dearly. I buy Toyota over and over because of one reason: they are extremely reliable and quality made. I am SHOCKED that I am having problems with this 2000 Toyota Tundra! I was so excited when I bought it - it was my first new car I had ever purchased and I knew I would just have basic mainentance for the next 100k miles... SURPRISE! I am extremely upset.

Robert of Tampa FL (10/18/03):
My 2001 Toyota Tundra has brake problems, like the other people. I have the TSB from Toyota telling what the problem is, and what parts to change there are two bulletins out -- one for the front and one for the rear. 2000 to 2003 front brakes and 2000 to 2001 for the rear. Toyota will wash there hands of you after the 36,000-mile mark and when you are in warranty they won't tell you.

Robert of Tampa FL (10/18/03):
I own a 2000 Toyota Tundra and have had front brake problems at about 28k miles. Toyota acknowledges that there is a TSB (service bulletin) on the fact that there is a design flaw with the braking systems on the Tundras. The rear brakes do not self-adjust properly thus transferring the braking load to the front wheels. Upon taking an increased braking load, the front rotors are not designed to withstand the excess heat and eventually warp. This causes a severe shimmy and vibration, particularly when braking between the speeds of 40-50 mph.

Turning the rotors on a lathe to remove irregularities will resolve the issue for about one week of normal driving. They have developed retrofit brake replacements with larger calipers and brake pads but for a ridiculous amount of money which is the responsiblity of the consumer. Toyota seems to be doing a great job of dodging the issue. They will not offer to replace any parts free of charge because it is not a "safety concern" and not an official recall. I am hard pressed to believe that it is not a safety concern, particularly in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

A vibration or shimmy due to an irregularity in the rotor is essentially the brakes producing higher friction and resistance to turning at certain points within the revolution of the wheel than at other points within the revolution of the wheel. If a vehicle is stopping on a wet, snowy, or icy surface, it would seem logical that this vibration or (high frequency lunging) could compromise the mechanical grip that the tire has with the driving surface. The inconsistent transfer of momentum and lunging when braking could push a vehicle beyond the mechanical grip threshold which, in more simple terms, would be locking up the wheels. I do not understand why or how Toyota is not taking responsiblity for an engineering flaw that that interferes with braking performance.

The dealership quoted me close to $400 to rectify the brake problem. Since I do my own mechanical work, I decided to order performance front rotors from Brembo ($150) and replaced my front pads ($40) The dealership wanted $99 per rotor (which are identical to the originals that came on the truck) and a much higher amount for the pads (identical to the one that came on the truck. It did not make sense to me to pay an outrageous amount of money to replace faulty, poorly engineered parts with identical poorly engineered parts only to have the same problem happen again.

Toyota now offers replacement calipers and pads that are supposed to fix the problem for approx $300 per caliper and I'm not sure about the pads. All in all, I have read hundreds of posts on message boards, out of perhaps thousands, regarding the braking issues of the the Toyota Tundra. Particularly the 2000-2002's. Apparently they had a re-design on the later models that rectified the problem.

I would be interested in looking into perhaps a class action type lawsuit if one is not already in progress. I know that there are plenty of clients to make it worth while. In resolution to the issue, mileage should not be an issue due to the fact that Toyota dodges and delays this issue. Diagnosis and opinion seems to change when these vehicles are beyond the warranty mileage limitations. Many times the symptoms are not necessarily consistent with a particular mileage. Driving conditions and demographic differences will produce different results when it comes to this particular problem.

Robert of San Diego (10/5/03):
Brakes on my 2002 Toyota Tundra vibrate when applied on the freeway. I have taken the vehicle to two dealers a total of six times and the vibrations are still there. They have completely changed the entire brake system about two times. Cannot find the cause. This is an extreme safety issue.

Kenneth of Fort Bragg CA (8/27/03):
I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra last Dec. and have had a brake problem. At 18,000 miles my brake pads were shot. I called a toyota dealer and every auto part store in my area available listed only one set of brake pads. The ones I need are larger than the ones everyone else carries, parts stores say they are unavailable. The dealer says there are 15 sets on back order for customers, have been on back order for over a week and has no idea when they will be in. I am going to be out of work as I cannot put the old pads back on as they are worn to the metal, I have no way to get the right ones. What does one do? This is absolutely ridiculous. Obviously Toyota has a problem or there would not be 15 back ordered set for a 2003 truck.

I am home for the weekend and have to be to work Mon morning 150 miles from home. I will miss work as I cannot find replacement pads for my 2003 Toyota Tundra which use a type B pad. When I do find them it will be several days if not weeks before I receive them. I lose an average of $280 a day in wages. I paid an enormous amount for a new truck that I cannot drive until fixed.

Rory of Jacksonville FL (9/11/03):
Like many others I have read on your site, we too have had problems with the braking system on our 2000 Tundra. We, too, have taken it to our dealer to find out about the vibration. We, too were told "it is normal for this model". Lo and behold, I find a TSB for this problem on the internet. Also for our 2002 Sequoia, which had the same vibration. We took our Sequoia in for service and referred to the TSB that we found on the internet. We were told by our service advisor that there was "no TSB that HE was aware of.." and "but then, we don't get on the internet too often!"

I then had to go home, print out THEIR tsb, and take it to them. Only then were they willing to do the repair, which involved brakes (which were worn out at 8000 miles), rotors (which were "out of round" at 8000 miles, and the whole caliper assembly and everything. Now, the brakes are fine. Problem is, Toyota doesn't notify the consumer about this problem, because THEY don't want to pay to have it fixed. So now, our Tundra is out of warranty by about 5 months, and they refuse to fix the problem.

I emailed Toyota headquarters as well, and got the same generic response. Basically, that they don't HAVE to notify the consumer, those bulletins are for their dealers only. I believe we have quite a leg to stand on, since we DID complain about this problem LONG before the Tundra warranty ran out, and were told it was normal. This is a crock, and something needs to be done. This problem is not due to normal use and wear, it is a design problem, and one that Toyota needs to fix, and stand behind their product before their outstanding reputation goes down the toilet.

Larry of Fort Leonard Wood MO writes (2/13/01):
I own a 2001 Toyota Tundra, 4x4, SR5 package. I have taken the vehicle in twice. The truck when using the emergency brake for normal everyday operations has had an intermediate braking problem. When it occurs the truck shakes/wobbles upon applying the brakes when trying to stop. After a period of time I went back to using the emergency brake and the issue arose again.

This can become a serious issue regarding the vehicle being able to stop properly in my opinion. I have two 70lb sand bags in the bed for the winter, when this problem occurred it moved these bags. Toyota denies this. They have technical service bulletins out regarding these issues or similar type problems noted on some 2001 and 200 models also affecting the front rotors, brake pads etc. They claim mine does not fall into these categories, because the replacement parts etc were addressed on the assembly line. Although the same conditions I experience apply to what they are trying to fix.

They cleaned and adjusted the brakes the 1st time. The second time regarding the same issue they only drove the vehicle for approximately 43 miles and stated it is operating normally. They refused to write the exact same verbiage on the second service order as I requested describing the problem I am having. I merely want them to find the cause of this issue and fix it. I have repeatedly talked with the regional Toyota office. Miss Stevenson specifically has stated she wants to test drive the vehicle. Although when she is asked specific questions regarding the test drive she will not commit to anything enabling the vehicle to be troubleshooted to resolve the intermediate problem. Toyotas position thru Miss Stevenson is that if they cannot duplicate the condition stated there is no problem to be fixed.

Miss Stevenson will not escalate the potential safety issue regarding the stopping ability of the vehicle when this intermediate problem occurs. She states her decision is final, accept it or move on to other means to resolve the issue. Miss Stevenson has evaded the question of if she drives the vehicle and cannot duplicate the problem what she will do next. I have asked about the most recent Technical Service Bulletin TSB, out regarding the star adjuster on the rear brakes for 2001 models. I have been denied a copy of this even though the conditions I describe to them fall within this TSB. The response I get is we will not just start looking into a problem without duplicating it.

I might be wrong but as far back as I can remember you troubleshoot things to find the problem via whatever means it takes to fix it. Toyota refuses to do this. The vehicle only has approximately 6,200 miles on it. Should you look into this you will find various issues regarding these trucks, Vibrations while driving, these braking issues etc.

Sergio of Walnut CA (7/16/03):
I believe that Larry of Fort Leonard Wood MO is correct that there is a problems with the Tundra brakes. Toyota has asked me to bring my truck in for rotor and brake rapairs. This is too late for me. I had an accident in Feb 03, which I believe was caused by the brake malfunction.

Tony of Garden Grove CA (6/2/03):
I owned a Tundra Toyota V8 Truck 2002. The engine would suddently accelerate and the car started squirming and shaking very strong when braking, so much so that I could not control it and the truck spun around and hit the car driving in the next lane before it stopped. This happened on April 8, 2003.

I had already called and reported to Toyota customer services on April 28. And they had promised to inspect the problem within 30 days but never did. Instead of trying to inspect and solve the problem Toyota made a fault report to my car insurance that my car was already inspected and claimed the decision has not been made on their parts.

I am now very scared whenever I drive that truck. And I hope you understand how terrified I was in the accident. How lucky I am to be alive!

But Toyota is trying to ignore the responsibility of the safety of all customers who are drivng the Tundra. I know I am too little to fight back with the big giant company but for my own safety and to all the Tundra Toyota customers who are driving in danger, please stand up and talk to them to save many lives out there.

John of Tampa FL (8/1/03):
My 2000 Tundra began having vibration problems with its brakes at 38,000 miles. I do all my own mechanical work so went ahead and put on new creamic pads and turned the front rotors. Everything was great for about a week and then the vibration was back. It's finally gotten so bad that I just replaced the rotors with new vented/cross drilled ones. This is at 44,000 miles. I've found that several owners have had the similar problem.

I called the local dealer, Stadium Toyota and was told by the service department that there were TSA's about this but that Toyota would not pay for it since it is out of warranty. The new rotors did not help at all and may have caused the high speed vibration when using the brakes to be even worse. This is dangerous and I'm hesitant to drive it out of town.

I've sent Toyota two e-mails and am going to send a complaint to NHTSA. In the meantime, I'm going to resurface the rear drums, install new shoes, and putting on 4 new tires and rebalancing everything. I am thinking about surfacing the old rotors and reinstalling to see if the problem is better. I do know that I will not give Toyota any money to fix what is an obvious manufacture/design problem.

Sean of Bluefield WV (2/3/03):
I have a very bad vibration in my Tundra when I apply the brakes and a small vibration around 50 mph. I know for a fact that there was a recall on the front rotars because they were not thick enough to handle the weight of the truck. I know this because my brother is a mechanic for Toyota. Will Toyota replace my rotars on my 2000 Tundra? This is my third Toyota I have owned and I will always buy Toyota products. Any info would be great on how I can get this problem fixed by Toyota.

Chris of Durham NC (3/21/03):
I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra. Since I bought it the truck has a vibration but not related to tires. the whole truck shakes. I have brought it to tire companies and they say it is in the truck. Toyota says its the tires and balancing. It has been in the shop 6x to no avail.was told all trucks vibrate.

Edward of San Antonio (2/18/03):
I have owned a 2000 Tundra since new and have expienced front brake problems since new. I feel Toyota should be honest enough to admit to the problem and have a recall before serious accidents happen from failing brakes. The front roters are the problem. They warp at around 10,000 miles, and cause shaking and fadding when brakes are applied. I am on my third set that are warped now at 45,000 miles. All the dealer does is replace with same parts that warp again at 10,000. A recall and a solution would be nice before lives are lost.

Todd of Farmington UT (1/20/03):
I have had my new 2002 Tundra in twice for the same noise a grinding vibrating noise in the front end. They tell me they know it is in the front differential and it is inherent to vehicle model and it is a normal noise. It sounds like metal grinding on metal and I also have some safety concerns and if it is doing damage to other components. After spending this much money on a new Toyota truck I am very dissatisfied and frustrated.

Gary of Grass Valley CA (10/04/01):
I purchased a brand-new 2000 Toyota Tundra truck on 10-31-99 from the Magnussens Toyota dealership in Auburn, CA. This vehicle was purchased for work/personal use, and I wanted an extremely reliable vehicle to accommodate my needs, therefore, I chose this truck because of its reputation for reliability. After owning the vehicle for only six months, I took the truck into Magnussens to have them look at the brakes. They said nothing was wrong at that time. Two months later I took the truck to a different shop to have them look at the brakes, and they indicated that the truck was in need of new brakes at 18,000 miles. That shop installed new brakes at that time.

In June of 2001 (after owning the vehicle for only 20 months) I was experiencing great difficulty in the brake system. It was making loud noises and squeaks whenever the brakes were applied. It got to the point where I knew something was definitely wrong with the brakes. I have never experienced this type of problem with any other vehicle I have ever owned in such a short time. I had put on approximately 35,000 miles, but from experience, I realize that brakes should last at least 50-60,000 miles. I drive a lot of miles for work purposes, however, my load capacity is nothing that should cause such a problem (as was suggested by the dealership).

Having been in this business, and owning several vehicles for the same demands, I have never experienced such a problem with the brake systems of trucks. The dealership took the truck in and installed new brakes in the front and back at no charge to me. As mentioned above, they attributed the condition of the brakes to faulty factory adjustments. After only 3 months, the same identical problem with the brakes began to occur. I contacted Magnussens, and they said that it would cost me $700+ to install new brakes in front and back. They indicated that the brakes were "metal-to-metal" (after only 3 months)!

I imphatically protested having to pay for new brakes after 6,000 miles. The general manager of the service department spoke to his supervisor, and they offered to replace both brakes for $270. Even though I was unhappy with the arrangement, I consented to this due to the fact that I needed my vehicle to work (I am self-employed HVAC technician), and I cannot make a living without the vehicle. They repaired the brakes, and I paid them our arranged amount for this repair. It has now been only 3 days that I have been driving the truck with the new brakes installed, and I cannot help but be apprehensive about my safety in this vehicle due to this condition.

Ed of Cincinnati (10/20/00):
I purchased a 2000 Toyota Tundra after much research which told it to be the best of all the trucks on the market. At about 14,500 miles I noticed a vibration at slow speeds and in particular when hard braking. I told the truck back to the dealer I purchased it from (Kings Toyota) 4 times to have the problem repaired. They were unable to fix the problem and insisted that I was an isolated incident. Finally I got an attorney involved to verify if I had a case for the Lemon Law. I was told that I did have a case.

In the meantime I contacted Toyotas National Customer Relations people about pursuing arbritration. I was sent a form in the mail and my attorney filled it out and sent it back. My next step was to take the truck to a different Toyota dealer (Beechmont Toyota) to have them look at it. They were also unable to fix the problem. However, the service manager at this dealer told me that he has had several Tundras in for the same problem and has not been able to fix any of them.

Learning this, I did some searching on the internet to find that I am not alone, there are literally hundreds of people having the same problem with no results from Toyota. Recently I was contacted by the local Toyota Customer Service person "Dirk Hammersmith". He arranged for a Factory Toyota technician to look at the truck for the sixth time. After tearing the truck apart again and replacing most of the brake system again, they are declaring that the problem is fixed, and that the vibration that I am feeling is normal. I am not sure how this can be normal, being that it was not there when I purchased the truck.

Now I am at 24,000 miles of a 35,000 mile warranty with a truck that is not solid. They have left me no other alternative but to hire a lawyer, an auto expert and to file suit. I have also contacted all of the local T.V. trouble shooters who are looking into it also.

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