2025 4Runner SR5 brakes squeal like dying banshee when cold

[bharri17]

To follow up, Toyota corporate support got back to me rather quickly. In a long-winded response, they basically said there's nothing they are going to do other than suggest I reach out to my local dealer. They did say that they are 'documenting my case', whatever that means.

In other words, no solution, just harass your local dealers until Toyota figures this out and either issues a recall or TSB.

Frustrating.

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[FoozGrind]

To follow up, Toyota corporate support got back to me rather quickly. In a long-winded response, they basically said there's nothing they are going to do other than suggest I reach out to my local dealer. They did say that they are 'documenting my case', whatever that means.

In other words, no solution, just harass your local dealers until Toyota figures this out and either issues a recall or TSB.

Frustrating.

Yea said the same to me

 

[Chris_4Runner]

This is exactly what mine does. I can’t even sneak out at 6am to dunkin donuts anymore because the entire neighbor will snitch on me. I’ve opened a case with Toyota and expressed my disappointment. There is no excuse for this and what pisses me off is now that I own it this is my problem I have to chase them down to deal with.

Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear ur stuck with this for now - but this helps as posts like this that helps me pull my breaks on buying a Toyota - and after 40 years of a hardcore Toyota fan and owning all kinds of Toyotas I’m now considering other brands!!! Great work Toyota !!! Keep up with this decline and ur going to lose ur loyal customers!!!!

 

[bruce]

I submitted a video to Toyota brand engagement. They called and said they’d work with the dealer service dept to arrange the test when brakes are cold, ie morning after sitting all night. I’ll likely have an appointment soon, will update with results.

 

[FoozGrind]

I submitted a video to Toyota brand engagement. They called and said they’d work with the dealer service dept to arrange the test when brakes are cold, ie morning after sitting all night. I’ll likely have an appointment soon, will update

keep us updated! I can’t live with this noise. I’ve been driving the wife’s Camry

 

[4Runner Provisions]

If you file a complaint via Toyota website, you will be assigned a case manager as others have said, but it is a CYA by Toyota. They are essentially a liaison for Toyota and not helpful. They recently told me there is no fix at this time, but there are many cases being reported and the brake issue is under investigation. Some dealerships are stepping up and replacing pads/rotors, but they say it is not a permanent fix as they believe the noise will return. Toyota is on a bad run with vehicles and brake issues- 2024 Corolla, 2022-2024 Tundra, 2024 Land Cruiser, and now 2025 4Runner.

 

[CaptStevo]

Joined the forum to research this same issue and BAM! I'm not alone. Guess it's going to have to be the complaint to Toyota just hear the same answer. Already did the dealership complaint route.
Can anyone explain the random curved lines in this front rotor? Both front had the same lines. After talking the service manager into trying new rotors, they just looked like a cleaned up version of the originals, same lines, leading me to suspect they did not put new rotors on.

 

[LARIN]

Not just a Toyota problem, Ford F150 will do this also Chevy, I owned both of these full sized pickups they will do this in certain conditions

 

[outdoorCO]

Not just a Toyota problem, Ford F150 will do this also Chevy, I owned both of these full sized pickups they will do this in certain conditions

My Ram 1500 would groan a bit when cold and reversing, they eventually did a fix for it.

 

[2Runner_6G]

I have been following this for awhile, and I decided to make my own case with that website. They did contact me back, and I even talked to them on the phone awhile. I sent them videos of me backing up and sent pictures of the rotor.

I took the video during of me backing out of my driveway first thing in the morning when it is worse, but it never fully goes away. In the video you can clearly hear the squeaking with grinding along with the very loud metallic resonating moaning noise. I feel bad for my neighbors who have to hear that every morning.

My rotor looks almost identical to the picture posted earlier, and it tells me something on the calipers is not aligned or there is something protruding where it shouldn’t be.

They said there is no official response yet, and they are still gathering information to identify the problem parts. They did say many people have reported the same thing.

I have almost 3,000 miles on this, and it has been doing it the entire time I have owned it. Luckily, the back brakes seem okay so hopefully I am still safe while they take their time to figure this out.

 

[FoozGrind]

If they don’t fix it I’ll def be getting rid of my 25 and finding a different brand. I’ve driving 4Runners for 16 years never once had a problem like this and not about to be the laughing stalk of the neighborhood for the next few years and additionally psychologically it’s affecting my driving. Because I am so concerned with the noise my reverse braking I am constantly not holding the brake down and trying to pump it but i know it doesn’t help I’ll end up backing into something.

 

[2Runner_6G]

I agree with you. I do the exact same thing backing up now. I have accidentally gotten a little too close to a fence backing up like that because I was trying my best not to press the brakes too much.

It really sucks having a new vehicle at this price do this, and it’s worse having people constantly point it out to me.

I have only driven only Tacomas up to this 4Runner, and now I hope I don’t regret getting rid of my 2017 Tacoma.

 

[2Runner_6G]

So, Toyota closed my warranty case today. They said there are no safety or performance concerns, and they have no recommendations to address the issue.

Basically, we just get to live with the terrible brake noise.

 

[FoozGrind]

I got mine back today (2nd time ive brought it to them) They did not hear the noise the first time. The second time they did and opened a TAC case with Toyota. Then they advised me to call the number again for toyota. I did earlier this morning, gave them the information and the problem. Said it was a saftey concern because let's be honest how many of you try to avoid hitting your brakes when backing up because of the sound? Anyhow they called the service center while i was hold and they validated everything and documented my issue and said they will contact me when there is a fix. So I know from the 3rd time talking to toyota now (ive filed 3 complaints) i can tell they have had other calls...

 

[bharri17]

https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Update, I filed a safety complaint here. The noise is obnoxious and no sign of it going away, Toyota seems clueless. I guess we'll see what happens.

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