Toyota RAV4 premature wear problems

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 Feb 9, 2024 · Suspension · NH

6/15/23 @ 18,357 miles the car was given a four wheel alignment at the owners request. Due to loud tire noise and visible cupping on the right rear inside edge, it was clear the car's wheel alignment was wrong. The dealer's before and after alignment is attached. When presented the before and after, I noted RR Camber was.-2.3 vs. a range of -1.8 to -0.3 degrees. The reading was unchanged from initial. They advised me the camber cannot be adjusted and is "fixed" from the Factory. The form also read "One of more value are not within specification. Tire wear, handling and safety problems may result". But they had no remedy. I escalated at Dealer. Dealer opened a ticket with Toyota to look at my car. Of note, my Sister in Law's RAV4car has the same issue. I felt I had made my concerns clear and Toyota Corp would address. 2/1/24 At 30,345 the problem is still unresolved and dealer gave me Toyota Corp number and I opened case 240201000061. 4 calls later I am told to bring my car to dealer 2/20/24. Research shows TSB 0042-14 for earlier RAV4. My safety problem is not new to Toyota, it is just a later model. When I told Toyota Corp their response from 6/15/23 to 2/1/24 is unacceptable, they took no ownership. When I asked if I should drive an unsafe car they said it is my choice. When I advised them of the language from the dealer said the tires were unsafe, they said the Dealer is independent from Toyota. In short, the dealer is "Independent". Toyota has a problem with their design using a static camber strut which causes premature wear which can lead to a blow out as shown by forums. Toyota is only interested in getting the car to 36,000 miles and little focus on safe design. I was surprised not to see this already listed. Perhaps it exists under another year? A company Hard Race has made adjustable rear Toe Arms for the RAV4. The dealer confirmed same.

Filed Mar 21, 2023 · Brakes · PA

2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE Premium. Purchased new from the dealer. It currently has 75,000 miles (predominantly highway). Condition: The Braking mechanisms behind the firewall intermittently make a noise when the brake pedal is pressed fast (emergency) and/or released. It sounds like a seal barking when the pedal is moving either up or down. These are not your typical noises from a pad or rotor wear. Cause: At approximately 28,000 miles, the seal barking sound was there but very faint. As I added miles the sound became more frequent and louder. I did take it to the dealer who was not able to help. Environment: This seal barking sound can happen at any time and any condition, but is almost always going to happen when I want to avoid hitting an object that suddenly appears in my lane of travel and must brake quickly. Research: I’ve researched several Toyota and Lexus owner forums and found that other owners have the same issue. They described the sound as “seal barking” or “farting” (sorry for the wording, but that is what was used in the forums). Other forum members stated that it could possibly be tied to the master cylinder, brake actuator pump or ABS Brake Pump Booster (or all of them). Conclusion: I’m very concerned because this noise happens when brake components are activated and then may lead to failure. Please let me know if you need more information or an audio recording of the condition.

Filed Jul 18, 2019 · Suspension · 186,181 miles · NV

Installed rear lower suspension arms (non-adjustable rear toes) in 2014 per recall campaign #16v596000. Tire vendor said rear alignment was off in 2016 (when replacing new tires) and could not be adjusted or replaced with adjustable toe due to recall sticker. Dealer inspected toes 2016 and said specs are right and tire vendor does not have right specs. Since 2016 I have replaced 4 tires twice within 50,000 miles even though tires have longer 50,000 mile warranties. The tires have lasted less than half of their expected lifetime. In 2019, tire vendor said rear alignment is off again when replacing tires and can't be adjusted due to recall sticker. This suggests that the rear toes inserted in 2014 for safety recall created a new problem - poor alignment which causes premature wearing of tires. I'm requesting permission to replace non-adjustable rear toes with adjustable ones so that I don't have to keep prematurely replacing my tires.

Filed Apr 26, 2017 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · CA

When trying to back up a hill, the transmission pops out of gear and then back into gear. When it pops back into gear the car lunges in an uncontrollable manner. This is very dangerous! I have read that this is cause by premature wear-out of the reverse clutches and the fix is a new $4000 transmission. This is a safety issue that toyota should at least provide an assistance program to repair. The problem is continuous, it was always occur when trying to back up a hill.

Filed Oct 4, 2013 · Tires · 18,000 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with yokohama g91 tires, size 235/65/17(na). The contact noticed that the tire tread was prematurely worn on all four tires and also exhibited several cracks. The four tires were replaced by an independent tire center. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The dot number was unavailable.

Filed Dec 21, 2010 · Steering · 30,000 miles · TX

On my 2006 toyota rav4, I can hear and feel a clunking or popping noise and sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The feel is as if the linkage(s) in the steering wheel have some interference or have become prematurely worn to the point where they are rubbing on each other and produce a popping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The popping noise/sensation occurs every time I turn the car through turns greater than about 45 degrees, left or right. The sensation started about two years ago when the car had about 30,000 miles on it. The car currently has about 67,000 miles on it.

Filed Jun 6, 2007 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · WV

Had 2005 toyota rav 4 front brake rotors displayed straight lines of tiny pits across braking surface , appeared to be casting flaws extended into and below rotor surface. Had problems with tires prematurely wearing on inner sides, scraping noise. *ak asked dealership repair shop about these rotors and was told they see a lot of them like this.

Filed Apr 25, 2002 · Body, Brakes · CA

Premature wearing of brake pads, making vehicle hard to stop. *ak the vehicle makes noise. At first the dealer turned pads, second the dealer installed updated front brake pads, then replaced both rear drums but the problem remains unsolved. While driving with the A/C fan on there was a vibration in dash area. The roof rack screw was loose and fell out. The center seat belt was missing trim piece. The rear door rattles while closing.

Filed Apr 14, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Continuous problems with front brakes squeaking/grinding, due to faulty calipers pressing down too hard on pads causing premature wear, pads replaced twice.