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 2001 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had made a left turn onto freeway entrance ramp, started accelerating to get up to speed. At approximately 30mph there was a loud bang/pop noise and the vehicle front left dropped down. I hung on to try and keep vehicle under control as it took an sharp left hand turn towards a pole. Even though the brake pedal went to the floor I was able to some how get the vehicle stopped before the passenger side hit the pole where my 1 year old daughter was riding. I had the truck checked for recalls in late 2008 when I purchased it. The report said ball joint recall was VIN # specific and that this truck was not in the VIN range. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes would not respond causing him to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The passenger in the second vehicle sustained neck and back injuries although the contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the brakes had failed because the strut and shock had dismounted from the vehicle due to severe rust on the driver's side under carriage. The vehicle was included in a manufacturer's recall where the under carriage was treated with a anti-corrosion coating. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Rust seems to be coming off by the handfuls and pieces thick enough that I am concerned. I looked under my truck and among other things, metal lines (brake, steering, not sure), the gas tank, and steering linkage became my biggest concern. By the thickness of rust I have gotten from my vehicle I am certain it is not surface rust. How much will something rust before it becomes a failure, especially with a line under pressure such as brake lines? The last time I filled up I noticed gas leaking on the concrete. I am not sure if it is coming from the tank itself or not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because the emergency brake cable was damaged. When the vehicle was mounted onto the lift, the frame fractured in between the cabin and the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was too old and all recalls had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.
Our 2001 Toyota Tacoma 4wd double cab (with 143,000 miles and excellent condition) ABS control unit failed sometimes in early jan 2020. After we searched for replacement part on Toyota dealers' websites, they showed "this product is no longer available." our shop searched and was told by Toyota dealers the same thing. I contacted dealers and they said nothing they could do but to contact Toyota motor north America in plano, texas. We along with our shop searched for used/recycled part across America. We found one from oregon but it did not work after installation. …
My 2001 Toyota Tacoma has dealer verified frame rust perforation. When the first letter from Toyota came to my door in early 2009 I went directly to my local dealer who did not know anything about this issue and stated to me that they would get back to me with more information as it became available to them. Several months later, I was told by the dealer that wisconsin was asking Toyota to provide more data on the propose solutions to this issue and had not approved Toyota to make any repairs. I was also told that they would contact me when I could get my truck inspected. Many more months passed and finally I had enough and called Toyota direct. I was assigned a case manager and she said she would help me get my truck inspected. This finally happened on April 27, 2010. Now they tell my only option is a replacement frame, which to me is not acceptable. …
The brakes failed due to loss of hydraulic fluid. This occurred suddenly. The steel hydraulic brake line has corroded and ruptured within an inch of where it connects to the brake bias valve near the left rear wheel. Upon inspection of the area around the brake bias valve, the bias valve itself, the bolts securing the bias valve, and the brake lines severe corrosion was observed. The inspector who has 35 years of experience working on toyotas regards this corrosion as abnormal for any vehicle of this age. The vehicle's frame was coated with a substance that is supposed to prevent corrosion under a Toyota recall in oct. 2010. This substance was sprayed on the brake line which ruptured as well. The inspector feels that the coating is actually accelerating the corrosion. The inspector observed the coating pealing off of the truck's frame in large sheets.
Emergency brake failure, the emergency brake on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma has seized for a second time. With the emergency brake seized it is not possible to operate the emergency brake. The design of the emergency braking system allows the system to seize due to corrosion at the location where the actuating lever meets the mounting block. I have previously had this repaired by the Toyota dealer at a cost of $350 (2 mounting blocks@ $90.00 each and 1 hour labor per side to remove and replace mounting blocks and actuating lever(s). The protective rubber boot which should protect the joint between the lever and mounting block is located approx 1/8" from the joint, which provides no meaningful protection from water and salt I.e. Corrosion. Once a small amount of corrosion occurs the joint seizes and renders the emergency brake unusable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma sr 5 extended cab. The contact was driving 3-4 MPH when the vehicle drove over a road bump and the lower ball joint proceeded to detached from the passenger side front tire. The vehicle then unexpectedly drifted forward three feet. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where it was confirmed that the lower ball joint detached and needed to be replaced, along with the brake line. The manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the VIN failed to qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:05V225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The failure and current mileages were 129,660.
Dt: the contact stated there was a Toyota recall on 2004-2004 Toyota tacomas regarding the frontal ball joints. The consumer has a 2001 Toyota Tacoma which did not fall under the recall campaign, but the consumer had to replace both front ball joints on June 8, 2004. There was a vibration and a rubbing noise coming from the front end of vehicle. This was the same problem that was stated in the recall. The consumer contacted the manufacturer; they opened a case and did provide the consumer with case number 200508100951. The rotors and pads were replaced.
Brake complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma, 6% of the model year's 396 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › pads (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Tacoma brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 4 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 2001 Toyota Tacoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 143,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.