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7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
14,650 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2012 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #6

May 242013

RAV4 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unintended Acceleration constantly occurs - on a regular basis, almost weekly. This has been happening since I purchased the car in Nov, 2012. As my foot (the ball of my foot) presses against the brake pedal, I seem to be pressing on the top of the Gas pedal right next to it.

This seems like a blatant design issue, I've never had this happen with my GM cars, and I discussed it with the Toyota service manager. He insisted that they are NOT allowed to modify the pedals or their clearance. I asked if they can provide a brake pad so I could add some clearance between the pedals, and he said no.

At this point I am used to this happening, but needless to say it's pretty scary. I just complained (finally) to Toyota Corporate. At this point I want to make sure its documented, so that when I have the inevitable accident, I will be ready to pursue legal action.

Update from Apr 6, 2015: Unintended acceleration constantly occurs - on a regular and frequent basis, almost weekly. This has been happening since I purchased the car in Nov, 2012. As my foot (the ball of my foot) presses against the brake pedal, I start pressing on the top of the gas pedal right next to it. This seems like a blatant design issue, I've never has this happen in any of my previous GM cars, and I discussed it with the Toyota Service manager. He insisted that they (the dealer service) are NOT allowed to modify the pedals - or their clearance. I asked if they could provide a brake pad so i could add some clearance between the pedals, and he said they do not have any. At this point I am used to this happening, but needless to say it's pretty scary. I have finally escalated this by calling Toyota corporate. At this point I want to make sure that there is a documented case, so that when the inevitable accident occurs, I will be ready to pursue legal action.

- Joseph S., Selden, NY, US

problem #5

Feb 072015

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,800 miles

I purchased a 2012 Toyota RAV4 on 12 January, 2013 and have been generally pleased with it until recently. Yesterday, for the second time, the vehicle surged forward about two feet as I was applying the brake coming to a stop while pulling into my garage. The first time this happened was about three weeks ago when I was coming to a stop in a parking space at Burger King. On that occasion, I thought that I may have touched the accelerator petal or caused the surge in some other way. I realize after the incident yesterday that this was not some operator error, but a malfunction of the vehicle.

I have now done some research regarding the issue and have discovered that there are others with the same vehicle who have experienced the same problem. After reflecting on the latest incident, I know full well that my foot was on the brake petal when the vehicle surged forward in my garage. As I applied the brake, the engine raced and the vehicle surged forward about two feet coming to a stop inches from the stoop of my back door. My wife, who was in the passenger seat, was so shaken that now she is reluctant to even ride in the vehicle. Luckily, I had stopped far enough back in the garage that the vehicle did not impact the house.

- Frank H., Lawrence, KS, US

problem #4

Jul 072012

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I would press on the brake to slow or stop and the stupid thing would jump forward, as if I had stepped on the gas! Near rear endings until I learned to start slowing down way farther back than other cars I've owned or driven. This is my most hated car I've own- that's saying a lot, since it's the only brand new one I've ever had.

- abby, Coeur D Alene, ID, US

problem #3

Jan 282014

RAV4 Limited V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car surges when coming to stop, brakes are terrible sometimes I'm afraid it's not going to stop. Also the car was only a year old and rust had to be cleaned off the brakes. that's ridiculous. I've never had that problem with an American car. Sorry but the Rav 4 is not a safe car & makes us very nervous.

- gatto292, North Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #2

Jun 222013

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,800 miles

Brake problem definitely annoying as well as scary. Have taken to dealer who after running various tests found no problems. It has happened most recently in last few months three times.

- sanchae, Stateline, NV, US

problem #1

Jun 012012

RAV4 Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

Purchased 4/29/12 in June the car started to surge forward while driving and while stopped at light. Thankful there wasn't a car in front of me. Took it Toyota Walnut Creek, CA tech drove the car said he didn't notice anything wrong.

- Kay B., Pleasnt Hill, CA, US

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