Brakes
Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.
What Owners Say
"Overall, this 4Runner has been an excellent vehicle, and very reliable. However, it does seem more prone to calliper problems than normal, possibly due to infrequent use and living close to the ocean."
Robert M., BC (2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4-L V6)"This seems to be a weak area on an otherwise excellent vehicle. It has required attention on a recurring basis. Calipers need regular servicing/ lubrication to keep the problem at bay."
Anonymous, BC (2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4-L V6)"just needed new brake pads for front end, nothing out of the ordinary, wear was good, possibly exacerbated by rotors"
Anonymous, WA (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"At about 236,000 miles the brake caliper kept the pad against the rotor and all parts needed to be replaced. This is only the second set of front brakes on this vehicle"
Mary H., FL (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Both sides of the rear brakes seized at different times over the past 12 months. One was completely replaced; the other fixed."
Anonymous, MD (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Had the brakes redone at a shop and then had to have them redone in less than 3 months"
Anonymous, TX (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Brakes continue to have problems with premature wear and giving vibration upon braking. It has been to the shop several times and they claim they've fixed it, but it has continued for years, even with new brakes (pads, rotors). Dealer shop problem?"
William M., CO (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Front passenger side disc pads wore out much faster than the drivers side. Not sure if it was caused by a problem with the caliper or corroded disc pad pins. I changed the pads and pins and so far the wear is normal."
N K., HI (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Brakes pads have a very short life, seeming to require replacement after only a short mileage interval. The rotors warp and cause severe vibration on braking. Toyota dealer has never been able to figure out what is wrong despite many brake jobs over the years. It worked fine when new; after that, constant problems and no solutions. Just shrugs."
Anonymous, CO (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Ever since the first brake job, back at maybe 30,000 miles out of the current 187,000, the brakes showed very severe vibration when applied. Despite having the pads and rotors replaced several times, the problem persists to this day. I suggested to the dealer several times that maybe the calipers were sticking, but I was always told they were fine. They just say I have to live with it. Very poor answer. They say it must be due to overheating driving on mountain roads. But I have driven many cars on mountain roads without this problem. No one can come up with a fix."
William M., CO (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"i've had the rotors replaced and machined. but after driving for a while after having the problem addressed, it returned. i do not have a heavy foot on the brake pedal so it's frustrating."
Anonymous, CO (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Brakes are undersized which causes over heating leading to warped rotors. I'm on my 4th set in 230k miles"
Anonymous, OR (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"The vehicle developed an extreme vibration under breaking, happened suddenly, rotors had to be turned and ground"
Anonymous, WA (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"This is the first set of front rotors needed to be replaced"
Mary H., FL (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Braking system in general requires excessive pedal force. The rotors in particular overheated and warped repeatedly. I upgraded to larger tundra brake parts with better success but still not up to typical Toyota performance standards"
Anonymous, OR (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Warped"
Anonymous, FL (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"New rotors installed by dealer 60000 miles ago are warped and vibrate considerably when braking. Had rotors resurfaced, which was a temporary fix. I don't believe that these are genuine Toyota parts, but cheaper aftermarket parts installed by the Toy"
Jeffrey L., WI (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"rotors consistently warp"
Anonymous, FL (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"The callipers are a weak item, and sometimes when they "go" they take the rotors with them."
Anonymous, BC (2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4-L V6)"i've had the rotors replaced and machined. but after driving for a while after having the problem addressed, it returned. i do not have a heavy foot on the brake pedal so it's frustrating."
Anonymous, CO (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"Replaced factory rotors with aftermarket rotors this time for much better results. Factory rotors often warped within the first year. New rotors haven't warped yet and have less fading."
Anonymous, MD (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)"The front brakes are badly undersized and overheat during normal operation causing the rotors to repeatedly warp. I've replaced 3 or 4 sets after repeatedly truing them and running out of material."
Anonymous, OR (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)
"ABS started to FAIL. Braking was difficult to control. Brakes continued to engage even after reducing pressure on the pedal. This condition was worse during hot weather conditions."
Robert M., CA (2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4-L V6)