2023 Toyota RAV4: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Brakes · PA

Vehicle produces a plastic-sounding grinding noise from the brake area whenever the vehicle rolls over a rough or uneven road surface while braking. This has occurred since purchase of the vehicle and continues to occur as of current mileage (approximately 45,000 miles). The noise is distinct from normal brake pad wear squeal -- it sounds like a hard plastic component grinding or rattling, correlated specifically with braking over bumps/uneven pavement rather than constant or speed-dependent. The dealer has not yet inspected this specific complaint. Other owners of the same model year have filed similar the federal safety agency complaints describing brake grinding/squealing noise beginning well under 10,000 miles, with one referencing a technical service bulletin for brake noise on 2019-2023 model year vehicles of this make/model, suggesting this may be a widespread condition rather than an isolated defect.

Filed Jul 4, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL · 1 injury

Vehicle was traveling straight approximately 70–80 mph in very light drizzle. No warning lights or messages before the event. Vehicle suddenly entered an uncontrolled spin multiple times. During the spin, I heard a grinding noise. After stopping, brake/parking brake system warnings appeared on the dash, video after the event recorded.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

Vehicle: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Issue: Persistent brake noise, safety hazard, manufacturer negligence I leased a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid from Clermont Toyota (Florida). Well before reaching 5,000 miles, the brakes began squealing and grinding, posing a potential safety hazard. Multiple service visits failed to correct the issue. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and its distributor, Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC, have long been aware of this defect, as documented in Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0001-22 and numerous the federal safety agency consumer reports describing similar brake failures and noises in 2019–2023 RAV4 models. Despite repeated notice, Toyota refused to repair or replace the defective vehicle and denied my Lemon Law claim through an arbitration panel connected to manufacturer counsel. This unresolved brake defect creates danger to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Toyota’s continued sale and lease of vehicles with known braking issues constitute a serious public safety concern. I request that the federal safety agency investigate Toyota’s knowledge of these defects, evaluate the adequacy of its response, and consider a recall to protect consumers nationwide. Contact: [XXX] – [XXX] – [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2024 · Brakes · NJ

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.

Filed Jan 21, 2024 · Driver assistance, Suspension · TX

Car loses traction over minor imperfections in the road. When braking and dropping speeds to 20-30 MPH, car will lose traction over imperfection in the road, causing the ABS to engage. The car shutters and grinds/vibrates until traction is regained. With an AWD system, a minor 6-inch drop in the road due to a pot hole or dip should not cause traction to be lost. The car consistently loses traction when braking and 1 tire runs over imperfection in the road (pot hole, dip, uneven pavement, etc.). If car drives over speed bump (which keeps tires aligned), car does not lose traction. Issue is only present if 1 tire different than the other 3 which shows instability of the vehicle. Issue has been verified by manufacturer and has shown up in the car log. Dealer said that the car recorded a loss of traction 4 times in the last month. Issue has been escalated to Toyota corporate and they do not see the sensitivity of the traction control as an issue. Issue has been persistent since the purchase of the car in early 2023. All components on the car are OEM and have only been looked at by Toyota dealers. Multiple online forums have shown that other owners face the same issues. Video proof of the issue can be provided.