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 2009 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the brakes failed to respond without causing the contact to crash. The specifics of the crash were unavailable. The air bags did not deploy. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred on multiple occasions prior to the crash. A police report was filed and there were not injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Djr
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went to the floorboard momentarily and then started working again. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician cleaned the brakes and stated that there was no brake failure. On another occasion, while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted from regular gear into four wheel drive on its own. Also, the traction control indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to joel confer Toyota [phone], located at 120 clinton ave, state college, pa 16803) where the technician added transmission fluid and removed a metal piece that broke off the fuel tank cover. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal approaching a stop sign, he had to pump the brake pedal each time to bring the vehicle to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of fayetteville (1352 w showroom dr, fayetteville, ar 72704) where the brake master cylinder was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
I started my truck, outside temperature 22, pulled it into my garage and pressed on the brake to ease forward and the truck would not stop. I pressed as hard as I could on the brake but the truck continued forward and hit the front wall of the garage. It felt like it was trying to continue driving forward against the garage wall. I placed it into park and after calming down backed it off the wall.
Breaks failed at red light on state highway...pedal went to the floor then back breaks slowed truck to a stop...rusted brake line on front left...right brake line also looking to break from rust in the future...not rubber coating on break lines like other lines
A some times low brake pedal, never takes hold at the same hight. Some times as high as just a 1/2 inch. The next time below the throtle by an inch. I have hit a pick up in the rear and a boulder. The dealer told me this is normal. Who do I belive.
Brake failure resulting from rusted brake lines. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer police or any other entity. No warning lamps or other indicators that detected brake failure.
Today, 04/12/14, at around 11:55 a.m., I had my fourth experience of unintended acceleration in my 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The first two incidents I had not reported. The third incident I did report to Toyota, they examined my truck and found nothing they thought would cause the acceleration. Today, I was approaching a busy intersection during a street festival in the downtown section of my home town. My truck did not stop when I pressed the brake, but the engine revved and the tires squealed twice as I tried unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle. It carried me through the intersection - if it had been occupied, I don't know if I would have been able to steer away from pedestrians, as the street was narrow and it all happened very fast. As soon as I had control of the truck, I pulled over to check the rug. …
The brakes on my 2009 Toyota double cab are very spongy and down right scary. After several minutes of driving the brakes become very soft, the height of the pedal decreases and the vehicle pulls to the left or right before it finally comes to a resting stop. The vehicle stops only when the brake pedal is pushed inches away from the floor. The vehicle is very difficult to stop when loaded with cargo or traveling down hill. Sometimes when the vehicle is stopped it lunges forward even when the brakes are applied. I've been in law enforcement for 15 years or more which has allowed me to participate in numerous driving courses. I've also been driving since the age of sixteen,during that time I've owned many cars and trucks including Toyota. My Tacoma has the worse brakes of any vehicle I have ever driven. …
I bought this vehicle used from a dealer in jan second with 155185 miles I let the dealer know about the brakes were to hard we bought the truck and on Thursday 1/12/17 my wife took the truck to work that evening after getting home she told me that the brake pedal went to the floor so I took it to my repair shop on 1/13/17 to check it out they put the computer on to see what was going on they told me it was the ABS unit I also lost the brakes taking it to the repair shop had to pull off the road than went real slow and pulled it into their shop also there was no warranty with the truck the warranty they had was to high so now its going to cost me over 3000 dollars cause the whole unit must replaced I just needed to know and you know if there was any other complaints or problems with that year and model I have had 6 Toyota vehicles and never had this to happen thank you oh yes this was …
Brake complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, 7% of the model year's 519 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Tacoma brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 13 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.