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A brake rotor is the part of the brake assembly that the caliper grips onto thus stopping it and slowing down the car. This is usually a solid piece of machined metal with a special coating of ceramic or other synthetic protection to insure a rust-free and long life. On a good daily driven truck, you can expect your rotors to last up to 70,000 miles and maybe longer. If problems present, you might just need a re-surfacing but rotors usually last long.
Most brake rotors are made of iron with a ceramic coating to prevent rust. Usually, as heat and friction start to eat away at the surface, the rotor’s surface ends up being uneven or may have hotspots. These end up making the truck not brake well and lead to longer braking distances and maybe even squealing.
One thing however is that brakes last a long time. So, it came as a surprise to me when Luciano Strinati posted on the 2022+ Toyota Tundra Facebook Group saying, “Reached 10,000 miles without a problem. However, I need to replace both front rotors this weekend. I'm not feeling too great about that.”
Here’s the thing with brake rotors. Even if your truck is over 2 tons and is very heavy, a solid piece of machined metal should be able to stop your car longer than 10,000 miles. Luciano even said that he hasn’t towed anything or done heavy driving. The question here is, why did it fail so soon? Let’s take a look and see what other owners said.
Wallace Casey said, “Both of my previous Tundra’s had warped rotor issues. Nothing new and went aftermarket and had no issues.” Aftermarket rotors for a 2022 Toyota Tundra range anywhere from $80-$400. I personally wouldn’t put anything aftermarket on my truck unless it’s tested but who knows? Maybe the Chinese have stepped up their aftermarket auto parts game.
Even if you replaced the rotors on previous Tundra’s, for a reliable truck like the Tundra, you shouldn’t have to replace rotors after only a few thousand miles. That means one of two things. One, you drove it like a go-kart. Or two, you towed an overweight trailer. But would this service be covered by your bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Unfortunately, this isn’t something that your warranty would cover. According to a Toyota dealership, “Components of your car that have to be repaired or replaced because they are worn out from use are not covered under the warranty.” Things like brakes, brake pads, filters, etc.
However, unless Toyota releases a recall on these Tundra’s specifically for their brake rotors, it may be a liability issue for Toyota. Also, according to another comment posted by Luciano, a shop told him that Toyota was keeping the weights of these rotors down for better gas mileage.
This may come as a surprise since the Tundra already gets terrible gas mileage (in terms of the number). However, could this be the reason why they need replacing at 10,000 miles? A heavy brake rotor means that it is more tolerant to factors like heat and friction. If I make a very heavy rotor out of durable metal, it is going to last longer than a rotor made of aluminum. Toyota could go the route of making carbon fiber brakes which not only last long but weigh less as well but those are very expensive.
Lamborghinis use carbon fiber brakes, and a set is about $4500-5000. Imagine your Tundra with Lambo brakes. While Toyota should address this problem, make sure you talk to your dealer about this warranty loophole that won’t cover your brake problem. No car, even sports cars’, brakes last shorter than 10,000 miles.
What do you think? Should Toyota issue a recall for the 2022 Toyota Tundra because of a brake issue? Let us know in the comments below.
Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.
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Comments
Maybe your reporter should
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Maybe your reporter should avoid getting their stories (and answers from Facebook) and actually approach Toyota about the problem.
This is definitely a recall
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This is definitely a recall item if it affects safety of vehicle.
Hi Kevin,
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In reply to This is definitely a recall by Kevin Owens (not verified)
Hi Kevin,
Do you think so? I would agree if this problem were to happened to at least 40% of Tundra owners. Toyota is pretty good at catching errors before they leave but because this is a new car in its first year of production, there could be some missed spots. Thanks for the comment.
Yes there is a number of
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Yes there is a number of things I think they should issue a recall on and the brake rotors is definitely one of them we have a 22 tundra we supposed to get tomorrow and I’m scared to drive it because of all the recalls and issues that people have been reporting. To spend $60,000 on a vehicle and have to wait to get it and then have to keep taking it back to the dealership because of warranty issues is really making the tundra look bad. This is my first Toyota I thought I would try one because of all the issues that Chevrolet was having with their’s but it doesn’t look like they are any different.
Hi Micheal,
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In reply to Yes there is a number of by Michael (not verified)
Hi Micheal,
The Tundra has been known as a pretty reliable truck. I think ever since they started to add more tech, the quality diminished. Also, this is the first year of production for this generation. I think probably the 23 or 24 models will start to have a better rap on their reports.
I bought a new Tacoma last
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I bought a new Tacoma last year and it immediately started pulsing. I at first thought it had something to do with the automatic braking system. But no its bad rotors. Within the first year. I don't need excuses. My 2013 Chevy half ton I traded in had 180k miles with original rotors. I didn't drive crazy or pull heavy loads with either truck. I think it pithetic. Yes tell me it for gas mileage. My old Chevy 2wd 5.3 got 20mpg. This Tacoma gets 21. And it hunts for gears as well. FACT I miss my Chevy. This is the first new Toyota I have bought. Toyota you missed your chance to impress me with reliable.
Hi Joe,
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In reply to I bought a new Tacoma last by Joe thomas (not verified)
Hi Joe,
I think that the Tundra reliability issues have really taken us by surprise. I did not expect this many problems to occur within the first year of this generations production. Hopefully they will get better as years progress. A lot of first year cars see mass production issues with simple things like breaks or rotors or even engine problems. The new Tundra seems to be part of that group.
Tacomas and tundras are
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Tacomas and tundras are notorious for warped brake rotors. I replaced my tacomas with slotted race rotors and the shaking went away. I.e., no more warping. It's an easy swap to do yourself. Order them at CarID.com. Take the wheel off. The rotor has some bolts. Undo them. Bang on it with a hammer until the rotor comes off. Reverse process to put new ones on. If you're a pussy, pay someone a couple hundred bucks to do it.
yes there should be a recall.
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yes there should be a recall. If the average rotor last for 70000 mi, it states Toyota took. a short cut at our expense. Correct the problem Toyota
Hi Carolyn,
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In reply to yes there should be a recall. by Carolyn Caroly… (not verified)
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for the comment. I hope Toyota will fix it as well.
So not saying you did BUT if
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So not saying you did BUT if you were hard on the brakes when you were very ow miles it may be the cause.Either way if your below 10k Toyota im sure would remedy them by turning them. Not what you want to here when new but unless totally warped the only real fix apart from replacing rotors altogether
Hi D,
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In reply to So not saying you did BUT if by D (not verified)
Hi D,
Thank you for the comment. If I was to ride on the brakes, then yes it would be a problem. However the driver in this instance stated that he didn't and that he even tow anything or ride the brakes. Do you think a re-surface would do the job?
This reporter sucks…. Did you
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This reporter sucks…. Did you guys even screen the article? Aluminum brake rotors? Did he really say that…
Well if someone posted it on
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Well if someone posted it on Facebook then I think Toyota would have to do a recall...... This is a ridiculous article. Also, not all aftermarket parts are made in China. SMH.
I’ve also experienced squeaky
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I’ve also experienced squeaky brakes on my 2022 Tundra- started at 1600 miles and took in to the dealership only to hear them say they are normal. I’m at 8k miles now and will be having them replaced (most likely on my own dime) at my 10k oil change. Seems like a consistent theme to me.
I had my Tundra brakes
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In reply to I’ve also experienced squeaky by Taylor b (not verified)
I had my Tundra brakes replaced about a month ago, I had 4,000 miles on my truck. They told me the it might only be a temporary fix and that I could have the same issues again. I am at 7,700 miles and my brakes sound rough again!!!
Had my rotors warped at less
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Had my rotors warped at less than 40k. Now at 66k and i can feel the same front end vibrating again. I think it has to do with using the cruise control with brake assist.
I am not sure but i am not sure if the computer applies more pressure but i am all freeway in CA and use this all the time.
I set my cruise and forgot let the trucks computer take over. Love it. However brakes seem to now wear out.
I have a sr5 2022 tundra in
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I have a sr5 2022 tundra in may and my brake already start to making noise in aug at around 3500 miles. Just took my car in for 5k service and toyota dealer said it a known problems with no solution yet.
They absolutely should be
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They absolutely should be recalled. The brakes on my truck started squealing like a stuck pig at 7500 miles. No heavy trailer pulling, no drag racing, just normal everyday driving. The brake pads were replaced and rotors turned at 9200 miles (warranty). At 10000 miles the squealing is back. Toyota has admitted that there is an issue with the brakes on the 2022 Tundra, and they also admit that they do not have a fix for it! I am currently in a lemon law review over this truck. I have purchased 8 Toyota's in the past. I guarantee you that if they do not do right by this truck, it will be the last Toyota I buy, and will get rid of this one as soon as I can.
So, how long do we need to
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So, how long do we need to wait for Toyota to issue a recall for squealing brakes? Now I have 2022 Tundra Limited. Driving through or being stuck in traffic with squealing breaks is embarrassing. What is the verdict? It is not what was promised when I first brought my Tundra.
2022 rotors are warped at 30K
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2022 rotors are warped at 30K. Dealership blamed driving style. When I sold my 2011 Tundra they were the original rotors with 240K. They should ABSOLUTELY issue a recall. It's an issue.
just 21K miles on my 21
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just 21K miles on my 21 Tundra and the brakes are pulsating like crazy and of course Toyota will not warranty the brakes, I am have a big brake kit installed this weekend.
Where did you get your brake
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In reply to just 21K miles on my 21 by DMG (not verified)
Where did you get your brake kit? I keep searching and can’t find parts that fit. Have called a few show as well and no one in my area seems to have the correct rotors for the 2022 tundra.
Les, the guy who posted…
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In reply to Where did you get your brake by Tore (not verified)
Les, the guy who posted about a big brake kit is driving a 2021 Tundra. I’m sure some will be available soon for the 2022+ (if not already). I would just throw some quality cross drilled/slotted rotors on and call it a day.
I just had to replace my
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I just had to replace my brakes at 10k miles... little to soon little ridiculous,
Same thing diler blame me for how I drive. I used to have ford f-150 my first brakes work was 80k
Resurfaced the rotors at 17
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Resurfaced the rotors at 17,000 miles, now at 25,000 truck is at dealer for wheel shaking when stepping on brakes. Rotors needs replaced, truck at the shop.
Yes, I got the brake pulsing…
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Yes, I got the brake pulsing and shaking just prior to 20,000mi, and I'm a highway driver. No towing or heavy loads, and use my lower gears as much as possible when going down hill. Had the rotors resurfaced ($250) at 24,000mi. Made it to 30,000mi, and when braking down hill the pulsing and shaking started again. Toyota says coverage ends after one year. I feel they need to resolve this.