Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving my vehicle when the plastic foot rest I had my foot on broke off. I was adjusting my body in the seat and when it broke off it went under my brake pedal and I could not compress my brakes. I took it to the dealership and told them and even when it had 30K miles on it, they told me it wasn't covered under warranty and wasn't a concern. I could have been killed or worse, killed someone else by not being able to stop my vehicle.
We have had a complete brake failure in the vehicle two times since we have owned it. The first time I was driving the vehicle in 15-20 MPH stop and go traffic. I attempted to brake and the pedal felt like a brick and would not move. I quickly removed my foot off the pedal and attempted to depress the pedal again. It did slow the vehicle down but felt jittery as the pedal moved closer to the floor. I did not bring the vehicle in for assessment that time as it did not happen again on the way home, there was no service light on my dashboard signaling a malfunction, and I guess I downplayed the situation in my mind. The second time the brakes failed my husband was driving the vehicle. He was driving approximately 35 MPH getting ready to slow down as a light up ahead turned yellow. He attempted to brake but like my situation, it was like hitting a brick. …
The vehicle was parked in my drive way. Squirrels chewed the wiring harness causing loss of ABS braking, stability control and loss of windshield wipers (during a rain). I understand Toyota uses food based insulation in the 2010 FJ Cruiser. A nice source of squirrel food. From the bare wires and squirrel nesting, it is a wonder my engine compartment didn't catch fire. I believe the squirrel nest building was due to the close food source.
When approaching an intersection to turn or stop, with brakes applied, and vehicle encounters a pot hole or broken pavement, brake pedal goes to the floor and vehicle loses brakes. This has happened to me on multiple occasions. Other drivers of the same model vehicle have encountered same issue across multiple year models.
the brakes are constantly binding up due to rust and need replaced, recently ABS brake lines rusted off causing me to miss a stop sign, very dangerous, Upper rear control arm mount rusted and cracked completely off causing steering and braking problems and had to be replaced to even use this vehicle, , The front rack has been replaced due to excessive rust of lines and fittings, same with transmission cooler lines-rotted off...brake backing plates rotted off.. Even though I have had this undercoated and rust treated, the frame is rusting inside-out...frame braces, everything on the frame is rusted much more than one would expect, even in a salt state like Ohio....my safety was put at risk by faulty brakes, the frame is not safe under hard braking and may cause an accident, the dealer has seen this vehicle, a local independent says "get rid of it"...no warning lamps, just wild things …
On the home my wife went to apply the brakes and she had no brake pressure. The pedal went all the way to the floor. Then several lights and a buzzer sound started, and she could not stop the car. She was able to pull up on the e-brake just before she drove completely into the intersection, where several cars were driving in both directions. The front end of car ended partially in the north bound lane of US MD-5. There was also a home at the end of the road that she could have also driven into. I researched on several forums where other owners have had the same issue and the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. No TSB or recall has been made, but the number of people that have had this issue, something should have been done. My 4-year-old daughter was in the car, and I could have lost both of them. People need to aware of this. …
I am the owner of a Toyota FJ Cruiser (Year:2007), VIN: [redacted] ]) equipped with the TRD High-Performance Brake Kit, which is under recall campaign C0R / NHTSA 12E046. I recently experienced a serious safety issue involving the front TRD brake crossover tube. While driving, I suddenly noticed a soft brake pedal and significant loss of braking power. I was unable to stop the vehicle properly and nearly crashed into another car at an intersection. I had to swerve at the last moment, which could have caused a more serious accident. Upon inspection, I found that brake fluid was leaking from the crossover tube-exactly the defect described in the TRD brake recall. This failure happened without warning, and my safety and the safety of others was clearly at risk. This is unacceptable for a safety recall. I am requesting immediate investigation, assistance, and a permanent solution. …
I recently purchased the used 2007 Toyota FJ with 101,000 miles. During maintenance and inspection, it was found that the fuel tank straps are rusted out and need to be replaced. The rear brake lines are rusted out and need to be replaced. The frame is severely rusted out and failing at the factory welds. I was referred to submit a report and investigate filing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for negligence, as this is apparently a known issue. I am hoping that the will reach someone that is able to help all the owners with the same issues as this should be recalled and repaired to prevent unnecessary injury or death. This is a huge financial burden for those expecting a quality vehicle that will be safe. Failing brakes, loose gas tanks and weakened frames are recipe for disaster.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota FJ Cruiser years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (75), 2008 (35) and 2010 (17) model years. Brake complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Toyota FJ Cruiser brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Toyota FJ Cruiser model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota FJ Cruiser brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles; 60% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › wheel speed sensor/tone ring (1).
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.