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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
14 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,682 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2016 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Jan 302018

RAV4

  • 42,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. While driving 45 mph, the brake pedal was applied, but the brakes failed to respond without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into an embankment. The front driver, front passenger, and front side air bags deployed. The passenger seat was not occupied. The contact sustained a sprained right ankle, which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 1802082867. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

- Jacksonville, AL, USA

problem #20

Oct 182017

RAV4

  • 26,000 miles
Passenger front wheel sensor harness was damaged by rodent. Vehicle has 26K miles and Toyota refused to repair the break, and would only replace the entire harness at a cost not covered of $6300. The material change of these parts attract rats. This damaged cause ABS, lane departure, blind spot monitoring and cruise control systems to fail. The vehicle was parked in my driveway and I live in a gate community. I called the Toyota customer line and was given the same explanation of the lack of warranty coverage. Case #1710230814

- Marana, AZ, USA

problem #19

Sep 012017

RAV4

  • 13,200 miles
I bought the car about a year and half back from Toyota deaer in rockville, md. When I applied brake to slow down and stop the car at the highway intersections, it accelerated uncontrollably. This happened three times on three different occasions. I have reported the brake system failure and sudden acceleration events to Toyota company in Texas. The assigned case manager, carey carter in Toyota company furnished the case # 1708302943 on September 1, 2017. Corey's contact telephone # : 1-800-333-4331, option 3, extension 73834. The car is now parked in my garage, and I dare not drive it, as it is very unsafe. I request that NHTSA initiate promptly investigation of possible defects in the design and /or manufacture of the Toyota Rav4 cars to avert jeopardy to traffic safety. Also, I request NHTSA 's advice to resolve my case favorably.

- Derwood, MD, USA

problem #18

Jul 302017

RAV4

  • 7,000 miles

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

This is a follow up to report 10995701. After Toyota refused to do any repairs to the car, I replaced the master cylinder myself. I took the master cylinder apart and found an unusual machining pattern within the master cylinder that could potentially affect the seals. There are three "gouge" patterns machined 120 degrees apart extending about 1" down. These patterns slightly intrude into the groove for the seal and may effect the sealing integrity.

- Eastlake, OH, USA

problem #17

Jun 262017

RAV4

  • 19,000 miles
When approaching a stop sign in a routinely driven residential neighborhood at low speed with the car in drive gear and clear weather, sometimes the brake pedal slips part way or all the way to the floor allowing the car to roll into the intersection before stopping. The pedal has slipped repeatedly within 2 hours when driving in urban, rush hour, stop and go traffic. It has also slipped to the floor at 70 mph on an interstate highway when the vehicle was decelerating on a dry surface. Pumping the brake pedal a few times engages the brakes. I have taken the car to the dealer to correct the issue 4 times and to another dealer 1 time for a 2nd opinion with the same result on each visit, 'could not duplicate.' The 4th repair visit invoice shows 'loses vacuum when brakes continuously applied at idle.' On the 5th visit I asked for the vacuum to be restored to proper function. They said there was no vacuum leak or record of a code that would indicate loss of vacuum, and they could not duplicate. I cannot duplicate it either or predict when the pedal will slip. It happens sporadically. As suggested by a service advisor, I called the Toyota 800 number. I spoke with a representative on 12-15-16. I told her my experience with the brake issue and my requests for repair with unsatisfactory results. She said she would call the dealership and get back to me. On 12-16-16, she reported the dealer said they could not duplicate, so nothing could be done. She asked me what I wanted. I replied that I wanted the brakes to work properly. Safety is at risk for me and passengers at any speed. At highway speeds, it is extremely dangerous.

- Stephenville, TX, USA

problem #16

Jun 162017

RAV4

  • 2,478 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. While driving 10 mph, the brakes failed to work and the vehicle automatically stopped without warning. The vehicle was slowly driven to the contact's residence. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (West herr Toyota of williamsville located at 8129 main St, williamsville, NY 14221; (716) 803-8010), but the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-331-4331 and was informed that nothing could be done. Case number: 1706191051 was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,478.

- Clarence Center, NY, USA

problem #15

Aug 222016

RAV4

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy when applied. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (autonation Toyota las vegas 6300 w sahara ave, las vegas, nv 89146 (702) 605-5801) where it was diagnosed that the brake pads and discs may need to be replaced, but they were unsure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #14

May 282017

RAV4

  • 6,500 miles
2016 Toyota Rav4 with 6500 miles. In the last 5 weeks, there have been 3 instances where the brake pedal pressed and nothing happened. The pedal pushed all the way to the floor with zero resistance and the car did not slow. Luckily, releasing the pedal and pressing it again slowed the car. The car is at Toyota motorcars of cleveland, where they have inspected it and say nothing is wrong and that the car is safe. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard.

- Eastlake, OH, USA

problem #13

Nov 012016

RAV4

  • 5 miles
The idle speed in the Rav4 4 is set too high causing the car to move forward when stopped with full pressure applied to the brakes. Toyota refused to reduce the idle speed and states that this normal operation. I believe they have set the idle high so the car will pass emission standards and as a result now has this defect where the car moves forward with full brake applied due to the high idle speed. This may bay be an emissions problem but it most certainly is a safety issue

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #12

Apr 032017

RAV4

  • 48,000 miles
14 month old Rav4 xle driving down the interstate and applied the brakes for slow traffic, the ABS / traction control warning lights came on. I am over the 36,000 mile warranty as my work entails driving. The local dealer quoted me $2800 for repairs, he checked with the Toyota mfg. Rep to see if possibly the ABS actuator is covered under the powertrain portion (60000 miles) of Toyota's warranty. Toyota dealer stated no warranty coverage due to mileage. Located numerous complaints and recall for "certain model year" 2016 Toyota Rav4 recall - #16V198000 recall for service brakes, hydraulic : antilock. It appears they are aware of a problem with the 2016 model but will only a few of the ones sold.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #11

Feb 262017

RAV4

  • 4,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. While driving any speed at night, the headlights did not provide adequate lighting. The contact also stated that the headlight beams focused approximately 20 feet above the ground, which made it difficult to see the road. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the bulbs needed to be changed. The contact purchased the after market bulbs, but they performed worse than the original bulbs. The failure recurred and the dealer stated that nothing else could be done. Additionally, while driving at a low speed only, a grinding noise was heard when the brake pedal was applied. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

- Bryan, TX, USA

problem #10

Jan 012016

RAV4

  • 9,000 miles
I have been three times at lipton Toyota of oakland park, fort lauderdale regarding a noise in my breaks, specially when I hit the breaks. They state they don't hear anything but it is cleary heard when I hit the breaks. I believe they don't want to repair nor do anything regarding my situation. It is not safe to drive the car, specially I am a realtor and I am always driving.

- North Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #9

Nov 232016

RAV4

  • miles
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the brake pedal was slow to engage and released without warning. As a result, the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal each time the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than once. The dealer test drove the vehicle and was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V198000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #8

Jan 192017

RAV4

  • 3,550 miles
I bought this car brand new. After 1 month I started noticing a grinding sound when I would apply my brakes, only if I was driving slowly. 2 months later I started hearing a grinding noise as if metal was grinding on metal and this would happen intermittently regardless of how fast I was driving and occasionally I would hear it when I was completely stopped as well. I went to the dealership and they told me the rotors had developed "hot spots" and that this was likely caused by slamming on the brakes or cruising while my foot was on the brakes. I had a 2009 Nissan cube for 7 years and drove the same way and never once had a problem with my brakes in that time period or even had to service/replace them. Even if this issue is caused by the way I am driving, my car is not even 3 months old and rotors should not be wearing down that quickly. Thankfully no safety issues occurred as a result of this but I imagine if something like this is not addressed it can certainly affect brake function which would result in an accident.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #7

Nov 282016

RAV4

  • miles
I drove this car for 12500 miles only and I had squeaking noise from breaks I went to Toyota dealership they fixed it and no charge for it. So break has a problem but they did not admit it. The mechanic said if is not manufacture defect no need to resurface and replace the break. It causes the surface to be thin and either I have to replace it or will sonn be bad again.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #6

Sep 102016

RAV4

  • 6,281 miles
While entering a parking space in a normal and frequent manner on the side of a walmart store the vehicle failed to respond to the brake pedal when applied. The vehicle kept moving and proceeded over the sidewalk and into the fenced area around the garden dept. Brakes were applied several times. No other vehicles involved and no other persons involved except driver (myself), husband and son.

- Sevierville, TN, USA

problem #5

Aug 302016

RAV4

  • 600 miles
Na

- Murphy, NC, USA

problem #4

Jul 152016

RAV4

  • 49 miles
While driving this vehicle at any speed, whether it is warmed up or right after starting to drive there is an intermittent brake failure. The brake petal will go all the way to the floor with no slowing or stopping of the vehicle. This happens in routine traffic and also with a sudden stop.

- Valrico, FL, USA

problem #3

Jun 202016

RAV4

  • 760 miles
While stopped at a red light the vehicle jumped forward and struck the vehicle in front of me. I never took my foot off the brake.

- Leominster, MA, USA

problem #2

Mar 162016

RAV4

  • 5,100 miles
I have had this car since January 2016. Recently, I heard a noise as I apply a brake. I went to the dealer to examine the issue. However, I was told the brakes are doing fine. But the noise has become even louder. I asked one of my friends who bought the same car as mine, a couple month before me. He told me he is experiencing the same problem with his car too. Also, he had also encountered with an empty brake fluid tanker after he saw a brake malfunction signal on his dashboard. Following, my friend and I started to shop around other friends who have the same car with model year 2014-2016. Five out of the seven drivers we questioned had told us that they had already replaced their brakes at least once before they even drive their cars[Toyota Rav4 2014-2015] for a year/<10,000. I think consumers need to be aware of these situations before deciding to buy these products especially as brakes need to meet the highest safety standards.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

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