1996 Toyota Rav4 Brakes Problems
12 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (12)
You heard a grinding noise from the front of your car, followed by a rolling sound near the driver's side wheel. When inspected, the mechanics found that your front axle had snapped at the wheel, with the broken piece and nut rattling around inside. This broken axle damaged your front brake pads, brake caliper, and front-end alignment, and the mechanics believe the axle had a material or design defect. The repair will involve replacing the broken front axle and inspecting/replacing the damaged brake components and realigning the front end.
Parts you may need:
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Your front brakes have worn out repeatedly since you bought the vehicle in 1996, requiring brake pad replacements multiple times between 1997 and 1999, along with grinding and squeaking noises. Toyota refused to fully address the issue and directed you to arbitration, but wouldn't cover repairs at non-Toyota shops. A mechanic later told you that the rotors and cylinders should have been replaced back in 1997, suggesting the brake system has had an underlying defect from the start. Getting the brakes fully serviced will likely require replacing the brake pads, rotors, and brake cylinders.
Parts you may need:
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Your front brakes are making squeaking noises at all speeds, whether you're braking or not, and you hear grinding sounds when you apply the brakes—especially as you come to a stop. Even after replacing the brake pads multiple times, the noise continues. The problem may require inspection of the brake rotors, calipers, or brake hardware to find the underlying cause.
Parts you may need:
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BRAKES MAKES LOUD GRINDING SOUNDS. *AK
CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BRAKES SQUEAKING/GRINDING, DUE TO FAULTY CALIPERS PRESSING DOWN TOO HARD ON PADS CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR, PADS REPLACED TWICE.
THE ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO BURN AND RESULTING IN A "FIRE" ON THE BRAKES. BRAKES LOCKED UP UNEXPECTLY EVEN WHEN NOT PRESSING THE BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED CALIPERS/ PADS/ MASTER CYLINDER. HOWEVER, MASTER CYLINDER PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
LEFT CYLINDER HEAD FAILED.
BRAKES SQUEAL/EXHIBIT EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.
BRAKES MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES AND JERKING VIBRATIONS.
BRAKES DISC PADS WORN OUT.
BRAKES FAILED.
FAILURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND AND WILL JUMP UP AND DOWN AND GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO MOVE. *AK