What year did they stop using drum brakes?
There is no single year when drum brakes stopped being used. The shift happened gradually over decades, with front drums fading away first and rear drums lingering on budget models longer. By the 2000s and 2010s, four-wheel discs became the norm on most new passenger cars, though drum brakes still appear in some markets and on certain vehicles.
Timeline of the transition
Below is a rough timeline showing how drum brakes faded from use on passenger cars, highlighting when front versus rear drums disappeared from common configurations and noting regional differences.
- 1950s–1960s: Front drum brakes began to be supplanted by disc brakes on most cars’ front axles; rear drums remained standard on many models.
- 1970s–1980s: Front discs became the norm for new cars; some models added rear discs, while others retained rear drums to save costs and maintain a convenient parking brake.
- 1990s: Rear disc brakes grew more common; drum brakes were phased out on the rear axle of many mainstream models, though several low-cost variants still used rear drums.
- 2000s–2010s: Drums were largely relegated to the parking brake role on the rear axle; four-wheel discs became standard on many segments, with some trucks and SUVs continuing to use rear drums on certain packages.
- 2020s–present: Four-wheel disc brakes dominate new passenger cars in most markets; rear drums survive mainly on budget trims or in commercial/industrial applications, with regional variations.
While the industry did not declare a single end date for drum brakes, the broad trend is clear: drum brakes faded from front axles first, then from rear axles on the majority of new cars, by the early 2010s in many regions.
Current status by region and vehicle type
Drum brakes are now uncommon on modern passenger cars, but they persist in specific contexts due to cost, maintenance, or design considerations. The following highlights where drums still appear today.
- Budget subcompact and some entry-level models in price-sensitive markets may still use rear drum brakes.
- Commercial and light trucks frequently employ drum brakes for durability and ease of service.
- In specialty applications (such as certain off-road vehicles or classic-car restorations), drums may be chosen for authenticity or simplicity.
In general, drum brakes are now rare on new mainstream passenger cars, with discs on most or all wheels being the standard configuration in 2024–2025 across major markets.
What this means for drivers and buyers
For everyday drivers, the move to four-wheel discs generally means stronger, more consistent braking performance and easier maintenance, especially in demanding or hot conditions. If you’re shopping for a used car, it’s worth checking whether the rear brakes are discs or drums, as this can affect maintenance costs and the effectiveness of the parking brake.
Summary
Drum brakes didn’t stop overnight; they faded from front axles first and then from the rear as technology and manufacturing costs evolved. By the 2010s, most new passenger cars worldwide featured discs on both wheels or at least on the front with discs at the rear, leaving rear drums largely confined to budget trims, certain commercial vehicles, or specific markets. Today, drums are rare in new passenger cars but still appear where cost and practicality favor them.
