Service Brakes Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable and nearly traveled to the floorboard while attempting to stop the vehicle. A “pull over” warning message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code c1391. The contact was informed that the brake booster and master cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the same diagnosis was confirmed. The contact was again informed that the brake booster and master cylinder had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

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On April 29, 2026 around 10:00 pm, my 2025 Toyota Rav4 experienced sudden brake failure. The pedal became hard and I lost stopping and steering power. At the same time, check engine, battery warning, steering warning, and ‘not ready to drive’ all appeared simultaneously with no prior warning. I brought it to a Toyota dealer the next morning and they found no fault. The vehicle is available for inspection.

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Braking while pulling into a parking space. Instead of slowing down the car accelerated and went over the curb. Maintained pressure on the break but it did not slow the car. Instead the car kept accelerating down an embankment, across an empty street and towards a telephone pole. Turning the steering wheel to the left to avoid the telephone pole the car further descended into a ditch. The car had to be towed and is now deemed to be totaled. The brake- pads had been inspected during a routine maintenance check the day before this accident occurred and they were good. No other vehicle was involved. My personal injury was an abrasion and bruise where my seat belt did it's job. My muscles are sore. The side airbags did deploy after the car stopped. The floor mats were locked in place.

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On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.

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We were on a funeral procession when suddenly the car accelerated at a very high speed and hit the end of guard rail head on. My wife on the passenger side and two people at the back were all taken to the emergency room. I got pinned on the steering column and taken out via the roof. I had severe abrasions on both legs, wife has 3 broken ribs,the 2 passengers suffered whiplash and complains of chest pains. Car was purchased 11/3/2025 and I took it for a recall fix about a month ago at burien Toyota dealership where we bought it. Incident # 2026-55959 seattle police. At present our car insurance is investigating and our claim # is 082 0356939 allstate.

2014 Toyota Rav4 awd xle purchased June 2025. Multiple pre-existing safety defects confirmed by dealership personnel were never disclosed at time of sale. Power train: torque converter failure — vibration documented at pre-sale inspection, never disclosed or diagnosed. Axle bracket corroded so severely it was fused to axle and required cutting off — confirmed by service advisor on recorded call. Brakes: aftermarket brake parts installed pre-sale without disclosure. Brake system rated red by dealership within 9,734 miles of purchase. Severe brake pedal pulsation confirmed on multiple invoices. Ody/structure: severe underbody and structural corrosion — subframe, crossmembers, fuel tank surfaces — never disclosed. Swollen lug nuts documented. Prior welded exhaust repair undisclosed. Exhaust flange separation and catalytic converter failure — repair quote $4,745. Seat belt: rock found lodged in seat belt buckle — safety restraint failure — not noted on pre-sale inspection. Recall 23v734000 / 23ta13: aftermarket battery used as recall remedy — oem replacement required — non-compliant — fire risk not disclosed at sale. All defects confirmed by dealership invoices, mpi video, and recorded calls. Vehicle out of service since February 2026. Complete documentation available.

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On 12/24/25 I was pulling into a parking space, took foot off accelerator to brake and vehicle suddenly accelerated and engine revved. I kept pushing the brake, but the vehicle kept lurching forward and slammed into car parked in front of me before finally stopping. My vehicle was going so hard forward that it pushed the car I hit 2 to 3 feet out of it's parking space and even punctured the radiator. It was not raining, the floor mat was not in the way, I did not have cruise control engaged. On 12/10/25 I took my car to Toyota dealership because I had a slow leak in one tire, which had to be replaced. At that time, the service department also updated parking assist software (could that be the problem?). In answer to above questions: * brakes and accelerator malfunctioned and it is available for inspection upon request. * no one was in the car I hit. I was not injured. * the problem has not been reproduced to my knowledge or confirmed. * the vehicle has been inspected by a third-party that Toyota engaged and also erie insurance. A police report is available. * there was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure on 12/24/25.

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The 2023 Toyota Rav4 8-speed transmission is catastrophically defective and poses an immediate safety hazard. It exhibits severe hesitation, slipping, and lurching when accelerating from a stop or low speed, and when attempting to merge into high-speed traffic (I-15/las vegas), creating a high risk of rear-end collisions. During these events, the rpms spike and fall rapidly but the vehicle fails to accelerate. Furthermore, the vehicle lunges forward while the brakes are applied. The engine actively fights the braking system, requiring extreme physical force to stop the car and prevent front-end collisions. This lunging has repeatedly triggered the pre-collision system, causing the seatbelts to lock and tension against the driver’s body. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits steering resistance and feedback during turns, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The local dealership (autonation Toyota las vegas) inspected the vehicle and claimed these life-threatening behaviors are "normal" for this model.

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My wife was pulling her car into a parking area consisting of a few small storefronts. When pulling in, the brakes completely failed as did the forward collision warning system and the automatic emergency braking system. As she continued to press the brake pedal it just went to the floor of the car. The end result was that the car struck one of the storefronts causing damage to the building as well as her car. Fortunately the store was closed at the time and no one was injured, nor was she. There were not any warning lamps or messages prior to the brakes failing. The brakes worked fine in the approx. 15 minute drive prior to the accident. I realize that drivers sometimes press the accelerator in error instead of the brakes and I can assure you that this was not the case (we wife is not elderly and is a very safe driver). We spoke to the auto body shop who will be repairing the car and they told us that the brakes currently seem to work. A online search revealed that this problem as been reported / discussed by others in the past. We expect to have the car repaired and returned to us in the next week but are very concerned with driving it as another accident could be fatal.

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While entering my garage (video available)the 2023 hybrid rav 4 accelerated on its own when I was braking to put it into reverse to back up to realign to park in my space. I was hitting the brake and the brake lights were on the dashboard while the car keep accelerating hitting the garage wall.

Vehicle rolled backwards in reverse while brake pedal was pressed all the way down. Claim was filed with Toyota. After two months, they have said it is a non-issue.

I rented the Toyota Rav4 from fox rent a car (855 571-8414) at the denver International airport for a trip to boulder, CO. On November 9 evening, I drove to the sugarloaf mountain trail head (gps: 40. 05, -105. 425) for a time-lapse photography. Date/time: 2025-11-09 6:29 pm location description: uneven dirt parking area commonly used by sightseers. Visibility was completely dark at the time of arrival. After arriving at the hilltop, as I parked the vehicle, while applying very light pressure to the accelerator pedal with my right foot, I felt a gradual drop of several inches on the passenger side of the vehicle. Instinctively, I moved my right foot to the brake pedal and applied pressure. However, I immediately sensed that the vehicle was not decelerating; instead, it was accelerating forward. I pressed the brake pedal more firmly, and the vehicle accelerated further until it came to a complete stop after colliding with a rock on the driver's side approximately 15 feet from the point of initial acceleration. Once the situation stabilized, I exited the vehicle and observed a red, non-oily liquid of normal viscosity leaking from underneath the vehicle on the front driver's side, which I later identified as coolant. Upon opening the hood, I confirmed that approximately half of the coolant had been depleted. I googled ai mode: question: for a Toyota Rav4 hev, is it possible for the vehicle to accelerate when the brakes are applied forcefully and abruptly? answer (source): [xxx] potential perceptions and known issues while the car will not accelerate due to the brakes being applied correctly, drivers have occasionally reported sensations that might be might be misinterpreted as acceleration, such as a slight "lurch" when the braking system transitions between regenerative and friction braking, ** especially at very low speeds or over rough surfaces. ** information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Brakes lights comes on while driving n the two wheel front makes a grinding sound while still driving… a friend of mine had the same problem took her Rav4 2021 to windward Toyota kaneohe hawaii several times n finally on the 5th service was told that it’s her secondary brake system and in my Toyota the lta display was on my dashboard display.

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.

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.

Front brake squeal/squaek noise when light or moderate braking. Started around 10000 miles.

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).

Update to prior complaint — filed April 2, 2026. VIN: [xxx] . 2014 Toyota Rav4 awd xle. Team Toyota langhorne, 746 e Lincoln hwy, langhorne PA 19047. Vehicle remains out of service — 53 days as of April 10, 2026. Second replacement vehicle — April 4-5, 2026: dealership presented 2014 Rav4 VIN [xxx] as replacement. Upon visual inspection: valve cover leaking; blue silicone sealant on valve cover applied unevenly indicating prior engine disassembly or concealed active oil leak; catalytic converter flanges rotted top to rear requiring full replacement; oil on bottom of motor. Photographs available. Dealership declined to repair at estimated cost of $2,500 — April 6, 2026. Dealer resolution failed — April 7, 2026: bill sullivan, pre-owned sales director, offered buyback or trade. Both rejected as inadequate. No resolution provided. Two defective replacement vehicles presented — neither acceptable. Cases: [xxx] / [xxx] / [xxx] [xxx] — [xxx] — [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.