Brake Disc Caliper problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner

My 2006 Toyota 4runner limited has excessive rust corrosion throughout the undercarriage of the vehicle including but not limited to the frame, suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust system and bolts/bracing. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had to replace both front axles due to excessive rust at the recommendation of both the dealership and a third party mechanic. While driving, the skid plate detached from underneath the vehicle and was dragging beneath the car after the metal on the plate rusted out around the bolts. Similarly, the heat shield detached while driving on the highway after the bolts rusted out. When I replaced the front brakes (pads & discs), I was forced to purchase brand new calipers because the current calipers were so rusted and seized and the mechanic could not reattach them. I have continued to use Toyota dealerships for scheduled maintenance and the consensus has been as follows: sell the 4runner because it is excessively rusted would be a money pit to repair. Currently, the dealership has recommended I replace the steering rack and pinion due to leaks caused by rust. Moreover, the vehicle has duel exhaust leaks in both exhaust manifolds due to excessive rust. On multiple occasions the dealership told me they could not perform the work because of excessive rust. It has cost me thousands to repair and maintain, all of which is a result of extensive rust. The suspension and frame, including the shocks, struts, and bolts are excessively rusted and I have been urged to repair or sell the vehicle by multiple mechanics and dealerships, though the cost to do so would far exceed the cost of the vehicle. All of the aforementioned is detailed in paperwork from the dealership and supplemented by paperwork from third party mechanics here in san diego. The vehicle has 90k miles on it and has followed scheduled maintenance meticulously.

Brake calipers seize often. I have been through 12 different calipers in 160k miles. The frame has an alarming amount of rust for a vehicle which I have taken very good care of.

I brought my car in for regular service and new brake pads and rotors. I was told one of the brake calipers on the front wheels was frozen. If the brake caliper is frozen, then the car has significantly reduced stopping power. There was no engine light indicating the problem. Multiple people have complained about calipers on the 4 runner. Please conduct an investigation and seek a response from Toyota.

Left front brake caliper extremely rusted and noticed squeaking from same. Also extremely dirty rims from brake dust, replaced with non ceramic pads, but no other rims showed same amount of grit. Took in for service and informed that all other pads had 20% life and left front caliper outside lower piston was seized as well as unserviceable bleeder valve leaving no other option than to replace with caliper. Now, not one week after replacing caliper, new one is already rusting while all others look fine.

The pistons in both front calipers have frozen up and had to be replaced twice. The first time at 90,000 miles and again at 160,000. Many forums on the 4th gen 4runners document many people others having had the same problem. I asked the dealer and they said that it was not a problem they were aware of. This seems to be a design/factory defect. It is very dangerous.

The 4runner pulls to one side and does not stop as quickly as it should. The pistons in both front calipers have frozen up to some extent. I have checked many forums on the 4th gen 4runners and many people have had the same problem. I went to the dealer why my car was under warranty and they said that it wan not a problem and it would not be covered. I purchased remanufactured calipers and had them installed and they are freezing up again. This seems to be a factory defect that is very dangerous.

Anti-lock brakes too sensitive. Under certain conditions, especially if I hit a bump while braking or if the road is wet, the abs kicks in and the vehicle loses braking power (while brake calipers oscillate violently) thereby drastically increasing the stopping distance. I've recently experienced the vehicle stopping from 35 mph in over 200 feet. I wound up in the middle of the intersection. This problem has become progressively worse and more recurring. Local dealership was unconcerned about the danger and cited that this is normal. Certainly, dangerous engineering cannot be accepted as normal in this day and age. Incidentally, this does not occur on other make vehicles with 4-wheel anti-lock brake systems. This symptom has occurred over 100 times, but the dealership always maintained this to be normal and there is nothing wrong.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician stated that the pistons were frozen and the front brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the front brake caliper was replaced once every year from the date of purchase. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. Pam.