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 2006 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Corrosion of pistons in front brake calipers results in an increase in braking stopping distance. Everytime the front brake pads are replaced the same issue is encountered, defect has taken place three times. In the four piston brake caliper the inside pistons on both the left and right caliper are frozen in place . The brake pads on the outside position have twice as much wear as the inside pads. This is an indication of uneven braking leading to increased stopping distance . Toyota maintains , there is not a problem, yet in forums on the web there are many experiences with owners having the same problem , resulting in costly repair bills. There is no warning of reduced braking efficiency .
Corrosion related issues not found on other makes based on personal experience with other boxed ladder frame vehicles Extreme corrosion involving disintegration of the rear trailing arm already haphazardly repaired with steel doubler Ladder frame is disintegrating from interior of frame penetrating towards the exterior facade Compromises structural integrity and safety of vehicle that is seen beyond on many 4runners beside this particular example Brake calipers sticking due to corrosion requiring replacement on multiple occasions Binding of brake components cause severe pull under highway speed braking
Driving in rain on freeway connector road , 25 MPH, required to use brakes due to another driver illegally swerving from slow lane of freeway adjacent to connector road, across two solid lines, in front of a car that hit their brakes, and was rear-ended by a second car, which was in front of me. I had plenty of distance to stop, but when I stepped on my brakes, they instantly locked up and my 4runner immediately began to slide...no control at all to slow down, and it felt like I actually increased speed. I know what ABS feels like, and my brakes are new, installed in July 2012 at a Toyota dealer service dept. This ABS system failed! No pulsating feeling, nothing but locked up brakes, which resulted in my hitting the car in front of me. The truck that made the change, and was almost 90 degrees to the lane we were in then took off. He was not hit, but I chased and caught him for chp. …
I have a 2006 Toyota 4 runner that has been developing excessive rust flaking on the rear axle housing,brake components, frame and rear suspension componets.we have had warranty work performed approx. 1 year ago and the mechanics at Toyota stated they needed to replace or repair various transmission lines before they would return the vehicle to my wife. I asked them what am I suppose to do about all the rust problems and they really didnt have a answer and said I need to talk to the service manager that was not there at the time. I have made every attempt to radicate this issue that has been getting worse over time. Vehicle is garage kept and was purchased new as we are the only owner of this vehicle. Myself and everyone else know Toyota knows about this problem and refused to do anything about it. …
4runner has been garage kept, and the exterior looks perfect, lost all brake fluid, mechanic put on lift and found left rear brake line rusted through and then pointed out that the frame is severly rusted and would not pass inspection. Trailer hitch, will fall off if I try and use it. Box frame is rusted out on the bottom from front of vehicle to the very back. My wifes 2000 Lexus SUV has no rust on frame and drives the same commute each day as me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. While driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed to operate properly. The vehicle was towed to ira Toyota of tewksbury (468 main st, tewksbury, ma 01876, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also noticed rust on the frame. The dealer informed the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle parked in driveway (running) with transmission in park and the emergency brake fully engaged. Vehicle rolled out of driveway, across street, over curb, and down a steep ravine hitting a tree. Broached local dealer concerning any safety issues or vehicle problems and they indicated none had been reported to them or your website and questioned circumstances as reported. Customer paid for all damages and repairs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician stated that the pistons were frozen and the front brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the front brake caliper was replaced once every year from the date of purchase. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The frame is so rusted everywhere that it is unsafe to drive. One huge hole is completely broken through both sides of the frame and the bottom plate has cracked through. I have a highly reputable welding shop set to repair and patch this but I feel Toyota needs to take care of this before it costs me everything.
Takata inflators,ABS. Purchased vehicle used 08/12/2016 the following MIL codes were cleared by selling dealership. C1223, p0456, b1150, cr123, c1241, b1152. Needed repair immediately, passed state inspection even needing the following repairs, both front axles, serp belt, sway bar link and rear brakes.08/24/2016 vehicle repaired by selling dealer and returned with flat tire, I had it towed to tire garage because spare was too old and incorrect size. After I picked up from tire repair I made an appointment for an unrepaired safety recall from 2012 on the ABS at a local dealership. Prior to service appointment I was driving over a speed bump and the vehicle would not drive over bump, ABS lights came on and vehicle rolled backwards. …
Brake complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, 9% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota 4Runner brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 5 recalls 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 2006 Toyota 4Runner brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 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.