Service Brakes Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

Stopped to allow a car to pass. Once the car passed, there was acceleration of the engine but the car would not move. When the car gear was changed to park and then back to drive, it would not move. In order to get the car out of the traffic lane, the car was placed in neutral but the car brakes were locked. All this time the red 'park' on the dash and the red button on the console kept flashing. We called aaa and they arrived in 40 minutes. The man got in the car and stated they sometimes reset themselves. The car did start and he was able to drive it as the brakes were no longer locked. We took it to Toyota of orange but they were unable to find the cause. They stated that they elevated this incident to a test case. Ta252650358 this car only has 2,689 miles on it !!.

The brake system on my 2017 Toyota Rav4 le has repeatedly failed to provide normal stopping power, even after the replacement of pads and rotors in July 2025. This poses a serious safety hazard and may indicate a defect in the braking system.

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Brakes failed to respond wheels locked and steering shut down.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

1. ) the component/system that failed/malfunctioned is the brakes and/or anti-lock braking system. 2. ) my safety and that of the people in front of the vehicle is placed at risk because the vehicle's braking system fails, allowing the vehicle to surge forward for a split second, temporarily out of control. 3. ) while the problem has occurred many times with various drivers, the Toyota service technician said they were unable to reproduce the issue. However, with the information (date/time) I have provided, they confirmed the computer indicates the abs system was triggered each time. 4. ) the vehicle has been inspected by the Toyota service center representatives. 5. ) there were no warnings, messages or other symptoms prior to the brakes failing. The problem is the braking ability is failing for a split second, when the car hits a bump. The size of the bump can be as small as the crack in the asphalt where two roads meet. The problem occurs when I am driving at slow speeds and riding the brake because I am in a situation like being in slow-moving bumper-to-bumper traffic, approaching an intersection requiring a stop, or coasting down hill. On numerous occasions, the brakes release, allowing the car to surge forward for a split second, before re-engaging. Toyota has told me it is the abs working as intended. To be clear, the braking failure is happening at slow speeds and on dry pavement. This is not how abs normally works. I have driven numerous makes and models of cars for 40 years and I have never experienced this type of situation triggering an abs system. I report this to Toyota each time I bring my car in for regular maintenance. During the last visit, my regular service technician told me that they have now seen at least 5 or 6 other cars doing what I have described above. I don't have a specific date of the incidence because it happens frequently and has done so since I bought the car (10/01/23), so below, I am just listing the last time I reported it to Toyota.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The vehicle was a 2023 Toyota Rav4 hybrid. When the driver attempted to park the vehicle in a parking lot, it suddenly began moving forward without use of the accelerator. The driver applied the brakes but the pedal went to the floor without braking. The vehicle seemed to be moving faster than expected without use of the gas pedal and went through the parking lot. The driver stopped the vehicle by running up over a curb, through a traffic island with soft dirt and mulch and finally crashing into a metal storage unit. Two air bags deployed. Toyota was notified of the crash and a Toyota representative made the 911 call. A new york state trooper and two fire trucks arrived. The vehicle was towed and eventually collected by our insurance company. The tow truck driver said the brake pedal went to the floor when he tried it. The car was declared a total loss. 1. The notable failure was in the braking system. The car also seemed to be traveling faster than it should and didn't slow down. The insurance company has the vehicle now. 2. The safety issue was loss of speed and braking control of the vehicle. Steering was normal. Fortunately the parking lot had few cars or people in it. 3. No investigation of the problem aside from assessment of damage that I know of. 4. Liberty mutual assessed the damage. The NY state trooper made a collision information form and gave us a copy. 5. No warning lights or related symptoms were noted prior to the car traveling on its own. After the crash, a local Toyota dealer called and said that they were notified that the check engine light was on and there was a problem with the hybrid system, along with other warnings.

The battery is off . It does not work. The car does not start. It looks like the battery is not properly installed. I just left my car at the Toyota dealership in June 12 for maintenance services, for brake fluid and flush etc including the replacement of a battery mounting hardware however it does not look right. The car started to go off and today it does not start at all. Please advice sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Well, making my research it shows that the Rav4 2020 will have a recall with the brake booster that my car the 2019 is having the same issues and it’s a very expensive fix. My car only has 40,000 miles is still brand new and I don’t understand why am I having this issues with the brake booster Rav4 2020 has a recall for that same part so I would like them to honor the 2019 brake booster and fix it as well.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

While at the end of a car wash with the car in neutral, the car accelerated by itself. It reached 60 mph for over a half mile, and was unresponsive to steering and brakes. The left front wheel was severely damaged. Fortunately, there were no accidents.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

While turning slowly, right tun, into a parking space, the vehicle lunged forward at a much higher speed than anticipated. The vehicle jumped the sidewalk, went up an embankment, about 20 degrees, and about 25 feet until it stopped on its own. Happened on April 14th, 2025, about 11:30 am. Driver was is good health, no medical conditions. Driver also has a clean driving record, no infarctions. The vehicle jumped a curb 4 inches high, ran over some light brush, but luckily no damage to vehicle. There are train tracks about 15 feet away, which could have been another incident. Driver says when she slowly pulled into the spot, the car lunged forward, with good thrust, and I am a witness to this incident.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Sudden surge and acceleration upon parking. I had brakes depressed pulling into a parking space when the vehicle felt like it jumped and quickly accelerated. It veered left missing the parked van in front of me but crashing into the parked Honda accord two spots over and one in front. It crashed into the back tire and fender area of the passenger side of the Honda pushing it completely out of its spot and sideways. My vehicle kept going even though pushing the brakes to stop. I had to force it into park to stop. The car’s air bags deployed but my Toyota’s airbags nor crash warning system worked.

I was driving over 120 mph and my car slid and hit the front car. My car later caught fire and ruptured shortly after. The fd extinguished it and it was a total loss. I have no clue as to where it was taken after the accident. Sorry :(.

While trying to stop on red light, I noticed break did not have enough strength and it was skidding a for second and break suspended message appeared on dash board. I went to Toyota dealership and they said if they can't replicate the problem, fee of $225 need to be charged. And I need to drive with them and due to time constraint, I had to return. I also mentioned about Toyota's voluntary recall on break which I found on google but as I have not received any notice from them, I am not qualified.

I was pulling into a parking spot and my vehicle suddenly accelerated. I slammed on the brakes and the car did stop, but not before hitting a railing in front of me. There were also trees close to the railing, so the camera should have detected those as a barrier and I believe the veauto-braked, even if I had not hit the brakes. This is a safety concern because the vehicle would have plowed over any person in front of the vehicle.

I have taken vehicle to Toyota service center numerous times and showed them what the vehicle is doing and they are telling me it’s normal. Its not normal when every bump, manhole, railroad tracks you hit in the road with your foot on the brake when your trying to slow down when the abs or traction control is activated and the car skids forward and comes close to causing a crash. When that is activated sounds like a electric grinding noise is activated. I only have videos no pictures.

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The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse, the brake pedal was fully depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed and remained reversing slowly. The contact frantically turned off the vehicle to avoid crashing into the vehicle behind. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

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Unknown.

The following information refers to recall notice 19v544000 "service brakes" and "electronic stability control" (recall number same for both notices) by Toyota for the 2019 rav 4 hybrid: "in 2019, Toyota issued a recall for certain 2019 Toyota Rav4 hybrid vehicles due to a faulty brake assist system, specifically related to a potential issue with the brake booster pump which could lead to brake failure; the 2019 Toyota prius was also included in this recall. " the recall covered the manufacturing period 4/26/2019 - 6/3/2019 and a recall notice was issued on 7/24/2019 for the affected vehicles and owners were notified on 9/20/2019. We purchased our vehicle on 9/21/2019 with manufacture date August 2019 and on 12/19/2024 we suffered a brake failure causing damage to the vehicle and our garage. The rav hybrid limited comes with sensors that will auto brake if it believes the speed/distance is insufficient and the brakes have not been applied. The brakes were self-applied at the time and no sensor action occurred. I believe the above recall should be extended to include August 2019 manufacture and should also include any sensors that involve the braking system and/or stability control system. Currently we are dealing with insurance and Toyota, no appraisal costs as yet.

The braking system malfunctioned during winter and snowy road conditions. Several instances happened during the month of December 2023 and 2024. Latest were December 10 and 13, 2024. The brake pad was soft when depressed that the car accelerated instead of stopping.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Two week old 2024 Rav4 hybrid with less than 300 miles. In my driveway I put car in drive and it suddenly and aggressively accelerated. It would not stop or slow despite my attempts to brake, trying to avoid collision all I could do was steer to avoid impact. Finally grazed a tree trunk, car then rolled onto passenger side and came to rest against the bush by my front door. Spouse and I required extrication by fire dept requiring jaws of life and removing windshield. Unsure of long-term injuries been driving many years and never had an accident with vehicle damage car was totaled.

Two week old 2024 Rav4 hybrid with less than 300 miles. In my driveway I put car in drive and it suddenly and aggressively accelerated. It would not stop or slow despite my attempts to brake, trying to avoid collision all I could do was steer to avoid impact. Finally grazed a tree trunk, car then rolled onto passenger side and came to rest against the bush by my front door. Spouse and I required education by fire dept requiringjaws of life and removing windshield. Unsure of long-term injuries been driving many years and never had an accident with vehicle damage car was totaled.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop light, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard the vehicle failed to stop as intended. As a result, the contact rear-ended the vehicle ahead. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed and injuries were not reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

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I was driving on a highway, there was a red light and I pressed on the brakes. The car kept going forward, the brakes became resistant to any pressure and the car continued to roll forward. There were no warning lights when the car was started or during the incident. I kept trying to brake the car, but the car kept moving forward and was about to hit the car in front of me. The cars around me started honking, trying to move out of the way; luckily the light turned red and the car in front of me was able to move out of the way. I could not press on the gas or the break, I decided to turn the ignition off and the car was able to turn off. I re-started the car and then was able to go again. Had this been on the highway and I was moving at a faster speed, I probably wouldn't be typing this right now and would be in the er with potentially others. This is the second time an issue like this happened. The first time the car was in reverse and it wouldn't brake and I almost slammed into the car behind me. The brakes and gas were not responsive. I took it to a mechanic right away, got new brakes, rotors, engine and transmission was checked. A couple months later this happened again.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

•August 19, 2022: all emergency/error code lights came on the dash while driving on highway. The vehicle was taken to don mcgill Toyota for service. In that time, all error codes came back and went away a few times on their own. Vehicle was taken on 08/20/2022 (please refer to service records) in which it was originally deemed there were no issues with the vehicle. Toyota recommended that if the problem persists, bring the vehicle back in. •August 26, 2022: vehicle emergency lights came back on while driving on the highway again. The vehicle was taken back to don mcgill Toyota for a service emergency. Was told the vehicle needed a sensor replaced. Got the vehicle back on September 15, 2022. •September 6, 2023: vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to don mcgill Toyota. Another part was replaced (please refer to service records) and the vehicle was returned on September 9, 2023. •August 2024: vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to don mcgill Toyota for a break service as well as getting this emergency lights issue resolved. The vehicle was picked up 5 hours later, however upon driving a little in the dealership parking lot, emergency lights came back on. Immediately went back and brought it up to the service advisor, who then took the car back for another 1 hour and deemed the vehicle needed to be “recalibrated”. This recalibration was completed, then left the dealership. •September 3, 2024: vehicle emergency lights come back on. This time the vehicle struggled to brake when the lights came on. The vehicle was taken into don mcgill Toyota for immediate service. Breaks were looked at and recalibration was completed. Vehicle returned on September 6, 2024. •September 14, 2024: vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to don mcgill Toyota for emergency service. Brakes were checked and the vehicle was driven around to bring the lights up. The vehicle was given back on October 1, 2024, after the ser.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

While driving in stop-and-go traffic on a major highway, the auto braking system engaged and the brake would not release. The car came to an abrupt halt and the brake would not release, the gas pedal would not depress. I had to turn the car off, place the car in park and restart the car, the car then continued driving. There was a message on the dash about epb.

On 3 separate occasions, when pulling out into traffic, the car wrongly senses oncoming traffic as being too close and slams on the brakes once you're out in a lane, preventing acceleration and leaving you stuck and at risk of being hit from oncoming traffic.

Under braking conditions and hitting a bump on a paved road, the vehicle will have a 1 to 3 second momentary loss of braking. At the same time, a grinding noise, similar to (if not the same as) the abs system is heard, and the vsc light flashes. The occurrence of this problem is unpredictable, the severity is inconsistent. It happens across various ranges of brake pressure/deceleration rates and speeds. No accident has occurred to date with this vehicle, but we have had close calls. In some cases, our vehicle has inadvertently entered controlled intersections due to loss of braking. Dealer has inspected the problem but has been unable to replicate or resolve to date. Based on internet research, this appears to be a common problem. Very concerned this could occur at the wrong time and lead to an accident, causing injury or death due to behaviors of the vehicle's braking (and loss of) being outside the driver's control.

The brake caliper remain stuck.

My 2023 Toyota Rav4 hybrid has had squeaky brakes for many months (from 4,000 miles onward and consistently continues to be an annoyance, nuisance, and safety hazard while intensifying in frequency), but despite taking the vehicle to the Toyota dealer more than 4 times, they have been unable to repair the issue. At least twice the air bag sensors have come on for the backseat when there was nobody seated in the backseat, distracting me from safely driving. Toyota has done nothing to right the wrong mechanically, refund me for the vehicle (a lease) or offer a replacement. I have a 14 page document filed with the florida attorney general lemon law division thoroughly indicating why these ongoing mechanical failures, safety hazards, nuisances and distractions to me the driver substantially impair the use, value, and safety of the vehicle—fulfilling key criteria under florida statutes §?681. 102 and §?681. 104, which I am happy to provide all consumers and attorneys willing to launch a class action against Toyota. Florida law defines "impairment of value" not by market collapse, but by any reasonable reduction in consumer confidence. Consumer disclosure laws require honesty about defects. Florida statute §?681. 102(15) defines a “nonconformity” as a defect that “substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the motor vehicle. ” my vehicle has been subject to repair more than 4 times for the same defect within 24 months and thus qualifies for relief. The manufacturer’s failure to permanently correct the squeaky brakes—even after attempted repairs—demonstrates a pattern of unresolved nonconformity. The squeaky brake issue is not a cosmetic inconvenience—it affects the vehicle's functionality, resale integrity, and safety assurance. Toyota acknowledges the problem exists (via TSB) but has failed to provide a lasting solution. If unresolved, this defect would materially concern any reasonable consumer and diminish confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and safety.

[xxx] - driving my 2019 Rav4 hybrid se nearing [xxx] [xxx] traveling 25-30mph suddenly felt like car was moving faster, stop sign came up fast, slammed on brakes with 0 effect! yelled [xxx]? as I shot across the highway, down the shoulder, coming to rest against a couple small trees. No air bag deployed, wearing seat belts of course, still bumped head on ceiling causing small laceration, neck trauma, and dr found I had also suffered a vitreous detachment (eye). Did not lose consciousness. Vehicle damage appeared to be front left corner but enough underneath to total vehicle. Very fortunate no other vehicles involved and that debris brought car to a stop instead of a big tree or wall. Two witnesses heard brakes. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine: I got the 100k engine maintenance done. I replace my coolant and got an oil change. The engine maintenance required warning is still on my dashboard and will not go away because the diagnostic reader states I need a new coolant bypass valve. This is not apart of the factory maintenance, alot on Rav4 owners are dealing with this, and it is very pricey. I think it is best for this type of situation to be recalled. Brakes: I got my front brakes replaced and I had issues with my front calipers. My mechanic said both calipers had holes in them and caused my brake fluid to leak which has affected my braking alot. It takes a long time to brake and I’ve experienced this even after I’ve paid alot of money to get my driver said caliper replaced, still need to get my passenger side replaced. My mechanic only uses Toyota brand supplies so I’m not sure why there isn’t any longevity in the quality of supplies. I’ve only had the vehicle for 2 years.

I have put 45,000 miles on the vehicle and have had complete brakes and rotors replaced 3 times. The caliper hangs up every time. As it gets closer to replacement time, I have experienced times when I did not think my car was going to stop. Brakes are spongy and I feel like pushing the pedal down is not enough to stop the car. I have experienced this three times, and thankfully it has stopped in time to avoid collision.

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4 hybrid. The contact stated that while driving into a parking speed at a low rate of speed, the contact pressed the brake pedal to stop but the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. The contacted indicated that the vehicle accelerated forward and crashed into the parked vehicle ahead. During the incident no injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.

My Toyota Rav4 was involved in an accident. My vehicle was rear-ended on [xxx], at the corner of [xxx] and [xxx] in tucson, az. Because it was during rush hour traffic, I moved my vehicle to an adjacent parking lot. It was while I was in this parking lot that I experienced brake failure and I was unable to stop my vehicle. As a result, my car hit a concrete pillar in the parking lot. This automatically stopped my vehicle and resulted in front end damage to my vehicle. 911 was dispatched and a sheriff was called to the accident scene. My car was towed to a tow yard before the Toyota collision center could begin work on estimating the amount of damages to my vehicle for the front-end and rear-end damage. My insurance company totaled my vehicle. I contacted Toyota to notify them of this brake failure. I was notified by a third party to contact you to report this incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On July 13th I was driving at a slow speed and I was making a right turn and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in not being able to turn into my lane and so a car coming into my direction, so quickly I had to stop across the opposite lane to let the car go by me, then I looked at the dashboard it had the steering wheel and brake symbol illuminated, so I tried to restart the motor but it made the clinching noise telling me that still running so I stopped and restarted the motor and the symbols went off and continued driving with caution, made it home safe.

Critical safety concern regarding the braking system in my Toyota Rav4, 2021 which I believe may warrant further investigation for a potential recall as there are none at this time. The issue pertains to the breaking system, which locks up unexpectadly during use, casuing sudden and severe break locking without warning (unable to break). I suspect as many others online who have mentioned this issue on Toyota forums is that it is the prime breaking software. I have had my breaks inspected multiple times as I was in a car accident where the breaks did not work and I rolled into the car in front of me when we were starting to proceed through a green light at 5mph. When pushing on the brakes nothing happened and I rolled into a mother and children. Luckily I did not cause significant damage however I explained to her my breaks would not work. This accident then caused me to be dropped from my insurance (policy termination by geico) since I had switched providers and happened during my 30 day grace period. This malfunction created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road as well as fear that it will happen again and should be investigated as I have have this happen multiple times since the accident. Geico claim number: 8817814110000001.