2022 Toyota Tacoma

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that both the front driver's seat and front passenger’s seat were vibrating while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear brake drums were grooved. The dealer turned the rear brake drums; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Pre-Collision malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred upon starting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by rainy and snowy weather; however, the contact stated that the failure had been occurring in good weather conditions as well. The dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle unless the warning light was illuminated at the time the diagnostic tests were being performed. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off upon turning off and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

(HSA/Auto Vehicle Hold) Upon backing out of a heated garage onto a flat, lightly snow-covered asphalt driveway, a light to medium brake apply to test out surface conditions was done, and little to no sliding was observed. Upon reaching a conclusion that it was likely safe to proceed, vehicle was shifted into reverse and upon nearing the crest of a 14% grade on a residential driveway (asphalt), brakes were lightly applied (similar pedal force to the "test"), then released once grade was almost crested. The vehicle had been shifted into neutral and clutch was released prior to applying the brakes. It seemed as if the brake pressure from the light apply was not released, and wheels remained locked causing loss of control. ABS did not activate, and steering input had little/no effect. Vehicle slid off of driving surface and struck a tree, causing damage to rear bumper, tailgate, and rear left quarter panel (no visible frame damage). Upon safely bringing the vehicle back onto the driveway surface (bottom of driveway, ~5-9% grade), a second test to see if brake pressure was trapped was performed. The vehicle was allowed to roll to ~3mph, same light pedal force as before was applied and the brake pedal was released (in neutral with clutch released). The vehicle skidded to a stop with no signs of ABS or stability control activation (no lamps, etc), and about 2s later, a clicking sound was heard from the engine bay and the vehicle began rolling freely again with foot still off the pedal. No warning lamps ever illuminated, nor were any messages or functional notifications. No throttle input was given after the vehicle was shifted out of reverse.

Truck has 3900 miles on it. From day 1, the brakes almost go down to the floor when sitting at a stop. If you press the brakes normally during driving, they seem to be okay, but if you sit at a stop, you can practically push the pedal to the floor. The only time I have ever experienced this is when you have a leak in the system or one of the brake components, such as the master cylinder, has failed. I spoke to one Toyota dealer and they said that there is a seal in the master cylinder that goes bad. I took my truck to my local Toyota dealer yesterday and they said that this was normal and that they have had other customers report the same issue. While I believe the dealer is going off the information that they have, I believe there is something truly wrong with these Tacoma brakes. I am a little terrified to drive this truck because of what could happen if I have to suddenly brake hard. I work on cars as a hobby and have done many brake repairs over the years and I have never encountered a situation like this one. The pedal is too spongy and should never go near the floor. It's unsettling, especially to those that work on cars and know how brakes are to feel and function. I think this issue needs to be investigated and Toyota needs to come forward and admit that there is an issue with the Tacoma brakes or post a bulletin assuring customers that this is normal operation. The dealers should not have to keep telling people that the brakes are OK.