Service Brakes Related Problems of the 2003 Toyota RAV4

Table 1 shows three common service brakes related problems of the 2003 Toyota RAV4.

Table 1. Service Brakes related problems of Toyota RAV4

Problem Category Number of Problems
Service Brakes problems
1
Brake Disc Rotor problems
1
Brake Electric Antilock problems
1

Service Brakes problem #1

I bought a used 2003 Toyota Rav4 in 2006. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle I noticed it did not stop very easily when I was driving on even mildly slipper roads. It also makes a horrific chattering noise when I depress the brakes (only with slippery conditions). I contacted the Toyota dealership back in 2006 or 2007 where I purchased the vehicle and was told this was normal and that was how the brakes were designed. This braking issue has continued. I have even checked in to buying new tires (last fall and again this winter) and the mechanic said my tires were fine. I have sort of learned to live with this braking issue by making sure whenever there is even a small amount of snow that I slow down by downshifting to 2nd or 1st rather than using the brakes.

Brake Disc Rotor problem #2

The contact 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an excessive amount of rust and cracks on the rotors of the front left and right brakes. A local mechanic replaced the left and right front rotors. The contact confirmed the failure with an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 01/12/10 the front rotors had separated at the hubs. Updated 01/15/10.

Brake Electric Antilock problem #3

While coasting down a hill driver began to depress the brakes and there was no brake pressure. Also, driver had difficulty with the vehicle down shifting at anytime.


Service Brakes related problems in other Toyota RAV4 model year vehicles:



Safety Ratings of RAV4 Cars
Fuel Economy of RAV4 Vehicles
RAV4 Service Bulletins
RAV4 Safety Recalls
RAV4 Defect Investigations