2020 Toyota Rav4 Brakes Problems
7 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (7)
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.
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.
Squealing noise when stopping or braking under 3 mph.
My vehicle sometimes accelerate while breaking. Mostly while slowly coming to a stop.
A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU
WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. IF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME GOES TO EXIT AND SLOWS DOWN. MY CAR BRAKES EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT EXITING. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY TWO SEMIS ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE ALSO ALMOST BEEN HIT BY A COUPLE OF CARS AS MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY BRAKED ON REGULAR ROADS WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME PULLED INTO A RIGHT HAND TURN LANE AND SLOWED DOWN NEXT TO ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES 3-4 TIMES AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO PARKED VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE CRASH A WITNESS SAID THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE DAUGHTER ALSO HEARD A NOISE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE DID CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CRASH OCCURRED FEB 3, 2020. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1300. *DT*JB *BF*JB