Toyota RAV4 brake failure 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 5, 2026 · Brakes · SC

The brakes have been overly sensitive... but then, without warning, braking power is completely lost. This has happened on 2 separate occasions... the pedal goes all the way to the floor and provides ZERO braking power. We can no longer trust this car on the road. Toyota sent someone to inspect the vehicle and they claim that they have found no problems or issues and that they have not been able to reproduce the problem. There were no warning lamps or message; there were no prior symptoms, other than the brakes were overly sensitive. These symptoms occurred immediately after purchasing the car. Toyota refuses to purchased the car back from us, and now we are stuck with a very dangerous vehicle. Interestingly, I have found others talking about EXACTLY the same symptoms on other Toyota Rav4 vehicles.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Brakes · MD

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.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · TX

At the car wash while slowly pulling (1mph) into a parking space to vacuum the vehicle the car unexpectedly accelerated. The brakes failed and the car continued to accelerate until forced into park and turning off the vehicle. During the acceleration there was a grinding noise. This acceleration caused the car to hit the front curb and cement pilings with poles supporting the roof and vacuum. There were no warnings or lights being presented. If not for the curb and being off the road anyone in the car would at the very least been injured and possibly hitting another auto. The dealer is claiming no none issues as described. The auto was towed to the body shop to inspect and repair. We were told by the body repair shop the front suspension failed. The auto was great prior to this incident. Afraid to drive for fear of a repeat especially due to others on the internet claiming the same issue has happened and often continued to have a repeat acceleration incident. No one has found resolution from Toyota. Approximately $7,000.00 worth of damage and our insurance has now gone up.

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 Oct 1, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · 45,500 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to maneuver the steering wheel. A yellow light was illuminated, followed by a red light. The message "Power Steering Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering unit sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact retrieved DTCs: C05D604 (Electronic Power Steering (EPS) System Internal Failure); C151287 (Malfunction in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Torque Sensor); and C15D11C (Electric Parking Brake Failure). The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V373000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,500.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Brakes, Seat belts · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Brakes failed to respond wheels locked and steering shut down

Filed Jul 6, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Brakes · NY

Hi, Im reporting a serious safety issue with my 2017 Toyota rav4 The emergencybrake failed to engage, which caused the car to roll down the hill , I took the car to Toyota dealership while it was under the warranty and back down they told me it was nothing wrong with it. It just needed to be adjusted but it never worked the way it should have I do have a family and friends. They do have the same car and all have Same issues with E brake not not engaging l like this to be documented,