Here's the deal. I have an '03 Sport Edition. 31,000 miles. Will have had it for 3 years next month.
So far, I've had to replace the front pads at 17,000 miles, again at 24,000 miles, and now, for the third time, at 31,000 miles.
Dealer says there's absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle.
Since the last brake install, the brakes squeel all the time. Many times, even without my foot on the pedal. If I tap the brakes, they'll stop for about 3 seconds, then start again.
I even noticed that first thing in the morning, drive a mile down the road and back, wash the car, and steam just POURS out of the front wheels. Seems to me that maybe the calipers are sticking?
Dealer says everything is in working order, and they're just baffled (but of course, want another $200 to put on new pads).
My last 4Runner ('99 SR5 Highlander) had 60,000 miles on it with original brakes all around, when I traded it in. Vehicle before that was an Explorer, 65,000 miles before brake replacement.
I also have an '00 New Beetle that I just now put replacement pads on after 51,000 miles.
I do NO towing.
I told the dealership to just put it back together and I'll take it somewhere where, hopefully, they can actually tell me what's wrong. This dealership tells me to expect to be back in 7,000 miles from now for a new set.
They did say that if a different place finds the problem, to please let them know so they can inform other customers in the future.