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 2000 Toyota Echo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo. While driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to stop at a traffic light, the contact applied the brakes but they locked up. The vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front. The air bags deployed and the passenger side air bag shattered the windshield upon contact. No police report was filed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure occurred once before. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact notified the manufacturer who stated that they would repair the vehicle. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the vehicle was included in recall 04V455000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder) but the repair work had never been performed. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 213,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo. While driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to place the vehicle in neutral to stop it from moving. The contact stated that the rpms increased and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was taken to cowboy Toyota (9525 e r l thornton fwy, dallas, tx 75228, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1811131014. The failure mileage was 260,010.
2 accidents due to brakes not working. Stepping on brakes, pumping brakes and the vehicle continues to accelerate. 1 accident occurred during a blizzard and the second one occurred in the rain. I believe there is a defect in the master cylinder.
This is not related to a specific incident, but I feel I should register a complaint about the brakes on the 2000 Toyota Echo. The stopping distance required seems excessive to me, and I feel that it would be nearly impossible to ever cause the car to skid (lock up the wheels) using the breaks if you slammed them on in an emergency despite the car not having anti-lock breaks. All recalls have been done on my car as far as I know. There was one recall which involved them replacing the break booster - I noticed dramatically improved breaking performance immediately after this recall - however after about a year maybe, the car returned to its poor breaking performance. New break pads and shoes, and a brake fluid change did not fix the problem. …
I own a 2000 Toyota Echo. I received a safety recall designated: "ssc 40K - 2000 model year celica and Echo brake master cylinder inspection safety recall notice". I took the car to oxmoor Toyota in louisville, ky but I was told that the recall notice would not be honored unless I agreed to give up my rights to judicial remedies in favor of arbitration. I refused to do so and oxmoor Toyota refused to honor the recall notice. Oxmoor Toyota is located at 8107 shelbyville road, louisville, ky 40222. I believe that this refusal violates the spirit of the recall program and effectively denies me the right to have the recall performed. Please advise me regarding NHTSA's position on this matter. I appreciate you help. Benjamin l. Gardner, 1402 brush jump lane, goshen, ky 40026 [phone].
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo. The contact received a recall notice from Toyota on May 2, 2008 pertaining to the brakes. She immediately called the dealer and was informed that the part was unavailable. The dealer stated that they would call her when the part arrived. The contact believes that waiting three weeks is unacceptable because the brakes are presently failing. She is afraid to drive the vehicle because a crash could occur. The VIN and recall number were unknown. The failure mileage was 59,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 09/15/08 updated 09/18/08.
Vehicle has had brake problems since purchase in April 2000. Front pads were replaced 4 times; in June/ August/ December 2000, and June 2001. Front rotors were replaced once, and brakes failed and caused consumer to rearend another vehicle. Brake pedal felt normal, vehicle just kept going as brake was applied. Damage was $ 2000.00.
Consumer states: all the time there was a constant clanking noise. Brakes caused a problem. Screeching sound when pushing on the brakes, and when stopping made a sound like a truck. Took to dealer twice they said nothing was wrong.
Consumer had an accident that resulted because dealer did not repair recalled item in timely manner. Over three months ago, dealer said they would notify consumer when parts arrived, still has not received call.
Brakes failed to stop vehicle when applied, and it rear ended another vehicle. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. No injuries reported. Vehicle was towed, and totaled by the insurance company.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Certain passenger vehicles have the possibility that the recess retains a rubber seal ring, which is located at the end of the cylinder body, and May be corroded due to an improper washing process.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the brake master cylinder and booster. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Due to a unique combination of conditions which consist of cold ambient temperatures, load applied from air conditioner and other electrical devices, and immediately after starting the engine, there is a possibility that the vacuum in the intake…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster and front brake pads. Owner notification began October 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Brake complaints in other Echo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Toyota Echo?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Toyota Echo, 30% of the model year's 88 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Echo brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-455 (master cylinder, Sep 17, 2004); NHTSA recall 01V-326 (vacuum, Oct 10, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Toyota Echo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 8 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.