2020 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Brakes · NJ

On [XXX], my 2020 Toyota RAV4 underwent brake service at an authorized Toyota dealership in New Jersey. The service included replacement of all four brake pads and both front brake rotors. On [XXX], while driving my [XXX] daughter to school, I experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking capability. The driver’s-side rear brake caliper had completely detached from its mounting assembly, rupturing the brake hose and causing a substantial loss of brake fluid. This failure created an immediate and serious safety hazard, as I was unable to brake normally. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a collision, and no injuries occurred. Police responded to the incident, and the vehicle required towing back to the dealership. Following its inspection, the dealership informed me that the caliper mounting bolts had fallen out due to an improperly calibrated torque wrench used during the previous brake service. This explanation was provided verbally, and I have not received written diagnostic findings or independent confirmation of the cause. I specifically requested that the dealership provide a complete report of the damage before performing repairs. Although the service advisor agreed, the dealership completed the repairs without providing the requested report or notifying me beforehand. The vehicle has since been repaired by the same dealership. I do not know whether the failed components or mounting hardware were preserved and remain available for inspection. Given that this critical braking system failure occurred only three days after service, I am reporting the incident for documentation and evaluation of the safety concern. The dealership’s explanation suggests a possible service-related installation failure rather than an established manufacturing defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · 25,000 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a vertical spot and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, the sidewalk, and continued driving down the sidewalk and crashed into a building. The brake pedal was depressed but was stuck. The vehicle failed to turn off, and the parking brake failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The EMS workers were unable to depress the brake pedal. The undercarriage of the dashboard ripped the skin off both shins. The contact was transported to the trauma hospital, where medical attention was provided for four weeks to close the wounds. A skin graft was performed on both legs. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The black box data was retrieved, which showed the acceleration, but no information if the brake pedal was depressed. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Brakes · VA

The front brakes wear out too quickly. In the past 3 years, the front brakes and rotors have had to be replaced 5 times while the rear brakes only once. this is not normal. i have complained to the dealership but they have no answers.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Brakes · 106,000 miles · AZ

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 federal safety agency hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

•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

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · LA

Since I've owned the vehicle it has made loud squeaking, scraping, popping, and clicking noises in the suspension and steering. When I first turn the vehicle on and use the brakes they are very loud as if they are worn. I've had the brakes checked and the dealer said the brakes are fine. When I turn the steering wheel it makes a loud crunching rubbing noise that I can feel in the floor board. My vehicle is less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles. I've never had a vehicle made so many noises and it's terrifying to wonder if something is just going to break off or stop working.

Filed Apr 15, 2024 · Brakes · CO

The ABS and brake booster systems failed, and my traction control was not working as intended. Every light related to the braking system came on all at once and the ability to break became slowed, could not stop if needed to at anything other than a slow decline in speed (wouldn’t be able to go to a full stop without ample planning or control - being cut off, too close to a red light or car needing to turn, or on the highway would’ve ended in an accident). Thankfully was on surface streets both times. Problem was recurrent. Toyota dealership confirmed issue and noted loss of braking power but noted the code was intermittent and failure not definitive, hard to reproduce. Attempted to repair issue, which temporarily worked but re-occurred 1 month later. End result - needed to replace battery, stroke position sensor, brake booster with master cylinder/ABS actuator, which was almost $4,000 in repairs, with no promise it would fix the issue. No warning lamps, signs, or notable symptoms before braking failure. Battery died twice before brakes situation, but attributed to a faulty update system sending data continuously.

Filed Feb 16, 2024 · Brakes · AZ

When driving home two weeks ago, I got a message on my screen saying, "A Brake system malfunction was detected. Carefully find a safe place to park, and call dealer". I took it to an ASE certified mechanic, and he says it's a brake booster going bad. This car is my personal vehicle, and at this date has 33,152 miles on it. The mechanic and I cannot find any recalls for my 2020 Rav4 . The mechanic said it's still drivable, and what I should look for when it goes completely out, however I'm afraid to go far as to not knowing when it will go. This is definitely a safety risk, for myself and others on the road.

Filed Mar 3, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

On several occaisions the vehicle has incorrectly detected an impending collision, disconnected the adaptive speed control and applied the brakes forcefully. On one occasion, it happened while driving in heavy slushy snow. Speed control wouldn't reengage. The dealer suggested cleaning off the Toyota logo in front and that resolved the problem. The other times the problem occured, the vehicle was being drive in late afternoon daylight on I 80. The vehicle was in the left lane, going around a tight (for an Interstate) curve with another vehicle in the right lane and slightly ahead. It apparently thought that the other vehicle was in the same lane. i.e., the vehicle had inadequate knowledge of it's position relative to the roadway. Up to that point, it understood that it was in it's own lane. Each time this occurred, the road was (fortunately) relatively empty so no crash occurred.

Filed Dec 25, 2022 · Brakes · IL

Squealing noise when stopping or braking under 3 mph.