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 2017 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
BRAKE FLUID LEAK SEEPING FROM BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, LEAKING FROM ACTUATOR TO BRAKE PEADAL AND DRIPS OF FLUID FOUND ON FLOOR OF VEHICLE. This is an obvious safety risk as not only is oil/fluid dripping on to the brake pedal, if the master cylinder goes out the brakes could stop working completely. This component has been inspected and confirmed by a Toyota dealership and there are other examples of this same issue happening to other Tacoma owners. This issue has been recalled on 2018 Toyota Tacomas, however, the recall needs to be expanded to more years as it is obvious that other Tacomas are being effected.
Brake system is leaking fluid into the cab, and collects on the floor mat. Brake fluid level has dropped below minimum cold level. Mileage 42,164 Leaking brake fluid can cause decreased brake performance, or complete failure of the braking system. Which can result in loss of vehicle control and collisions with other vehicles, structures, or pedestrians. The dealer has not yet confirmed the issue. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone other than the owner (myself). No warning lamps or messages. Leaking brake fluid was seen on the driver floor mat within the last few months, and continues.
The 2018-2019 Toyota Tacomas have been recalled for having a bad Master Cylinder and leaking internally within the truck. The 2017 Tacomas have the same issue. My 2017 Tacoma has been leaking brake fluid on my floormat. I'm sure I am not the only one having an issue with this and because it involved the brakes it does pose a risk on the road If the brakes were to fail due to a Master Cylinder that again has been recalled with the 2018-19 Tacomas. Why not include the 2017 Tacomas as well?
I have started to notice that my 2017 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road has started to leak what seems brake fluid on my carpet. After inspecting my vehicle, I have noticed that the leak is coming from the Brake Master Cylinder. This situation has me worried now that this could lead to a serious accident. There is an apparent recall for this same exact issue for the 2018-2019 Tacoma models but, not for the 2017 model year.
The parking brake sticks. This is an issue because the vehicle automatically applies the parking brake briefly when switching from neutral to first gear or reverse to prevent rollback. When this happens, the parking brake sticks, and the rear wheels lock. I believe the brake cables have been infiltrated with water resulting in rust/corrosion.
Common issue reported amongst 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma owners. Noticed brake fluid dripping from under driver's side dash directly under brake pedal onto floor mat. Upon inspection, found brake fluid dripping down from what appears to be brake booster. Leaking brake booster should be a safety recall with replacement covered by Toyota.
I have noticed brake fluid leaking inside the cab coming from the master cylinder. I see that 2018-2019 models have a defective master cylinder, and a recall has been issued. Truck has 80,000 miles, thinking the 2017 model should be added to the recall. Very unusual for this to be leaking under normal use. Thanks for your time
When fully stopped, in drive, and applying constant pressure on the brake pedal, the brake pedal loses firmness and starts to move further forward. If the operator doesn't apply more pressure to the now moving pedal, the vehicle will start to roll forward. I was able to recreate this issue on several occasions.
Brake fluid leaking on drivers side floor mat because of master cylinder. Brakes are now less responsive even though pads have been replaced. 2018 -2019 Tacomas were recalled for the same issue. This is a pretty big safety concern.
12/9/17 there was a small amount of snow on my driveway. My driveway is slightly on an incline and then levels off at the top I put my vehicle into 4 wheel drive and proceeded up the driveway with no problem. I deactivated the 4 wheel drive and placed my vehicle in park w/o using the e brake. I never use the brake with this vehicle or my prior vehicle a tundra. Two and a half hours later my daughter informs me that she heard a loud bang and observed my vehicle had rolled down the drive way striking a tree. When I went to investigate I observed that my vehicle gear shift was in park. Also there were tire tread marks on the grass and not skid marks. Question is why being parked for over two hours this occurred.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018.
Brake complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, 13% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is drum › shoes/linings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Toyota Tacoma brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-211 (vacuum, Apr 3, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Tacoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 58% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 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.