Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tried to make a u turn from a paved roadway into someone's packed gravel driveway. Slowed to 25 MPH and started the turn at less than 20 MPH. Applied brakes lightly to continue to slow the vehicle down to less than 12mph. Suddenly the brake pedal would go no further (felt a hard stop), but the vehicle kept moving. Couldn't turn properly anymore and vehicle kept rolling. There no skidding sounds or sliding sounds. Vehicle moved as if brakes were not engaged. Finally at about 10mph hit a post that ultimately stopped the vehicle. Felt a hard bang on the brake pedal and some vibrating just as the vehicle crashed and also after it stopped. Once it stopped there was a loud klang and a spring recoil noise (very loud). Front plastic skirt broken, bumper crushed and bumper re-inforcement bar bent. Dealer contacted. …
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! After several such experience, in June or July of 1997, I took the car to the dealership and was advised that they found nothing wrong with the braking system. I still own and drive the vehicle, and the braking system is unchanged. Because I am aware of the problem with the brakes, whenever I drive over irregular road surfaces, bumps or expansion joints I keep a considerable distance away from the vehicle in front of me. …
Dt: 1997 Toyota 4 runner. The consumer stated there were two different major braking problems with the braking system. The vehicle started having braking problems at 19,900 miles. When the brakes were applied they became weak. This took 6 months to diagnose, the master cylinder was leaking. She was then informed the vehicle was unsafe to drive. This was replaced at 24,000 miles. She has also been experiencing problems since late 2003. When checked she was told there was nothing wrong. When the brakes were applied, especially on wet pavement, the vehicle would slide. She was told it was probably the ABS, she states it was braking differently than prior to the problem. She took the vehicle to dealer on August 19, 2005. The parking brake handle was pulling up higher than usual. This was checked, and they found the rear brake pads were soaked in oil. …
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. My concern is regarding the periodic engine surge and/or jolting and lack of brake control. This is a safety hazard that must be addressed in order to avoid future incidents. We were very lucky to have not been killed in this auto accident.
Tl* 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..... Updated 03/08/13 the consumer stated on several occasions, they brakes wouldn't perform as designed. The braking system was random, because of the rear -end swaying from being detached. Updated 03/11/13
The brakes on this vehicle is inadequate for the weight plus the anti lock system doesnt help either it only causes more lost of braking power especially on down hill stops.Toyota made these vehicles with two different size front brake calipers.unfortunatly I have the smallest one which just does do a good job stopping such a load.( dot number: )
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.
Complaint received via email. The brakes failed many times on my car and they were in the repair shop four times. Each time they fixed it temporarily. Also, they indicated that oil or grease was leaking from the differential and coating the brake pads, rendering them ineffective. The symptoms included the anti lock brakes kicking in too often/ loss of braking power, and jolting at slow speeds. Last time in the repair shop they guaranteed that problem was fixed, yet the same problem recurred. This was very dangerous. They told me this was not the only incident, and that new models were designed to fix this flaw. What about the safety of those driving 1997 models ?
Consumer states vehicle experienced a tire blowout, no specific tire information given. One month after having the vehicle, a tire blew, with holes throughout it, as if someone had shot it, clearly it was a defective tire to begin with. When the dealership was notified they refused to replace the tires . The consumer was very dissatisfied with thompson dealership in how they have chosen to handle matters. Consumer is requesting immediate attention concerning matter. Briefly read other incidents occurred with in the purchasing of the vehicle. The brakes had to be replaced with only 35,000 miles on the vehicle, the sun visor fell off.
While traveling on the highway the truck has a thumping noise coming from the rear. The dealership is aware of the problem. The right rear seat will not fold. The brackets have been replaced twice and the seat is still half way folded. Also the door indicator light illuminates and does not go off and the locks will not lock. They were inspected and no problem was found. The driver side mirror is falling. The brakes needed repairs performed. The front rotors had excessive rout out.
Brake complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 11% of the model year's 261 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota 4Runner brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota 4Runner brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 128,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.