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 1999 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Over the years of ownership, my vehicle has been overwhelmed with rust issues. All four axles are rusted to include the brake components. I didn't realize how bad the rusting was until I heard "popping" noise when making turns The rear suspension sway bar link was rusted so bad, it broke free. I had the rack and pinion replaced in August of 2020 because rust ate through the lines. The frame appears to have separations due to rust as well.
I do not know if the stopping problem is the brakes, tires, both, or something else. At one point I got new tires and the stopping problem still occurred. My family has been in 3 accidents with other cars and many more incidents by the car itself. When braking in rain/snow/ice and even slight damp roads the car skids forward. We have to keep extra distance in front of now compared to other cars we drive. Also during acceleration on RWD from a stoplight even during dry conditions sometimes the rear tires spin out/burn out/ have no traction.
As I was driving down a 4 lane highway, the steering wheel suddenly jerked out of my hands to the right. I was unable to turn the steering wheel back to the left to correct. The roads were wet from an earlier rain; there was no standing water, no pot holes, or other visible defects in the road. I was in the left lane, traveling about 60mph. The car spun out of control - doing 2 complete spins on the highway, then into the ditch on the right; hitting trees, flipping, hitting more trees, and finally coming to a halt straddling the ditch perpendicular to the highway. Since there was no visible defects in the road that would have caused the steering to act like that, I'd like to know if there is any mechanical problem which would have caused the steering wheel to jerk so hard to the right and keep me from being able to correct it. …
While pulling our 1999 4-runner with 39,000 miles into a parking stall, the brake peddle went all the way to the floor without stopping, resulting in a minor accident with no injuries. A service technician (not from Toyota) examined the vehicle and nothing unusual was observed. However, during a road test, the peddle went all the way down again when he attempted to stop. He pumped the brakes and they "caught" and stopped the vehicle. A Toyota dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. A field service representative from Toyota examined the vehicle today after which, we were called to pick up the vehicle. Other than a visual inspection and road test, Toyota hasn't done anything. I don't believe that I should drive this vehicle on the road but that's exactly what Toyota is telling me to do.
Perpetual rear brake failure due to leaking rear axle grease seals which throw grease onto rear brake shoes. Soaking them and rendering them useless and innefective. Causing unsafe braking. According to Toyota dealer, and sears auto service in dover, delaware., repairs similar to this are being performed on similar vintage Toyota four runner models on a weekly basis. The average repair cost is over $1000,. This appears to be a vehicle manufacturers defect not a standard maintenance issue and could result in injuries or death. I had no brake power in a number of emergency situations, in others my braking distance increased dramatically, in a few cases, I've had the repairs done but the problem has returned,.
The rear axle seals repeatedly fail on this vehicle, I'm now having to make a fourth costly replacement of both the rear axle seal and contaminated brake shoes. For the fourth time the rear axle seal has failed which leaks brake fluid onto rear brake shoes, resulting in severe reduction of rear braking power. Also, as a result the front brakes are placed under undue pressure and warping of front brake rotors occurs which must also be addressed. While I have previously filed complaints over this same issue since 2005 with both Toyota and the nhtsb, there has been no recall initiated. The last time my rear axle seals were replaced was less than 20,000 miles ago. This vehicle only sees normal wear and usage. I am not the only complaint as many others have experienced the same issue based on Toyota forum discussions and a search of nhtsb complaint filings. …
ABS light ;po500 code speed sensor a speedometer not working, wont shift into gear with ABS light on windows malfunction and all electric windows stopped working possibly due to same ABS circuite as noticed same exact timeframe. Apart from that prior malfunctions include airbag light stays on needs restting from dealer and also horn does not operate. Missing/no factory installed fog lamps --dealer wants over 1,200.00 for 2 basic fog lamps from their parts dept.
Went to get and oil change, when my car was returned the car started to vibrate very time I was at a stop sign, then the check engine light came over 12-13 times all with different codes... My car keeps stalling and restarting... The brakes is making a grinding sound just got the brakes done... Fuel injection cleaning ... And the right rear light keeps malfunctioning even after I've change the bulbs on several times...
Experiencing severe vibration when braking at speeds over 50 MPH. Steering wheel vibrates and control is difficult. Identified as warped rotor. Toyota dealer wants to charge to replace front caliper/rotor with larger design. Claims that its common to have it fail shortly after warrantee coverage. (failed at 50000, coverage to 36000) purchased vehicle with 17000 miles and rotors/pads look good.
While driving at highway speeds it became necessary to take evasive maneuvers. When I slammed on the brakes I did not feel the ABS engage. I lost control of the vehicle and hit a guardrail. When this occurred the vehicle rolled front over back and the airbags never deployed. This concerned me. How can a vehicle roll over and the airbags never deploy?
Brake complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner, 8% of the model year's 330 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Toyota 4Runner brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Toyota 4Runner. 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 1999 Toyota 4Runner brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.