At the shop, Toyota brake issues have a recognizable signature. 5,400 documented complaints across 192 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Toyota vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 2,920 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 49,852 miles. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
Toyota brakes problems
5,400 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Toyota vehicles for brakes issues. 11 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Worst-affected Toyota model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Toyota brakes 12 on file
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Scion xd and my 2009-2010 corolla, and corolla matrix vehicles equipped with 1
This could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance and a crash could occur.
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles
The contact may cause failure of the rear brake hoses, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Camry vehicles
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles
Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 sienna vehicles
This could result in brake drag with associated brake noise, vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light. Braking effectiveness could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Toyota prius and Lexus hs250h passenger vehicles
Vehicle stopping distances may increase relative to a customer's expectation increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 camrys
A brake tube perforation may result in brake fluid leakage. A leak in brake fluid may impact braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016
Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Toyota brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
5,400 complaints across 192 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 11 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Toyota lineup.
Which Toyota model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2008 Toyota Prius leads with 336 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 Prius (283) and 2007 Prius (282).
What does it cost to fix Toyota brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Toyota lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Toyota brakes recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Toyota vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.