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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,563 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.

2008 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #14

Nov 012017

RAV4

  • 140,000 miles

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

Rear brakes have been checked and are fine but there is a grinding and scraping from back end of car. I keep up with brake maintenance. It happens when slowing or stopping on all roads, when its warmed up or not.

- West Chester, PA, USA

problem #13

Nov 262016

RAV4

  • 71,504 miles
Dealer is replacing braes 04465-42180 with 04465-AZ021-tm is not supported with Rav4 with 3rd row seats.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #12

Dec 062016

RAV4

  • 72,379 miles
Too car to dealer they said brae booster, master cylinder, sid control need to be replace my car only has 72379miles

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #11

Oct 082015

RAV4

  • 124,019 miles

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

On October 5 and 6, 2015 my 2008 Toyota Rav4 was in for service at piercey Toyota in milpitas to replace all four tires, front/back brakes and front shock absorbers, a total of $2,000. On October 8, 2015, while I was driving my car back from stanford lucile packard over dumbarton bridge, I have noticed that my brakes would not engage and I could not slow down my car. Just before this event, the ABS, vsc, and slip warning lights all came on. The brake pedal felt very stiff and I was not able to do any repetitive pumping of the brake. I called 911 and requested assistance. When the front traffic came to a hold I had to use my emergency brake and my entire car slipped to the left. We almost got hit by the bus behind us. Some good samaritans saw what happened and helped me to get my car off the road. That day, my 9 yrs. Old son and I could have been killed. I request that Toyota investigates/recalls the brake light switch circuit that has malfunctioned. Piercey Toyota in milpitas investigated the incident on 10/09/15. They found C1249 open stop light switch circuit, C1223 ABS system malfunction, my vehicle had intermittent brake light switch circuit malfunction. Piercey Toyota replaced brake light switch assembly.

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #10

Oct 082015

RAV4

  • 124,019 miles
On October 5 and 6, 2015 my 2008 Toyota Rav4 was in for service at piercey Toyota in milpitas to replace all four tires, front/back brakes and front shock absorbers, a total of $2,000. On October 8, 2015, while I was driving my car back from stanford lucile packard over dumbarton bridge, I have noticed that my brakes would not engage and I could not slow down my car. Just before this event, the ABS, vsc, and slip warning lights all came on. The brake pedal felt very stiff and I was not able to do any repetitive pumping of the brake. I called 911 and requested assistance. When the front traffic came to a hold I had to use my emergency brake and my entire car slipped to the left. We almost got hit by the bus behind us. Some good samaritans saw what happened and helped me to get my car off the road. That day, my 9 yrs. Old son and I could have been killed. I request that Toyota investigates/recalls the brake actuator assemblies for Toyota Rav4 2008. In the subject vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. Within the actuator is an electrical terminal that connects the brake actuator motor and the circuit board of the skid control electronic control unit (ECU). Due to manufacturing variation, there could be a reduction in contact force between the two components of the terminal, causing oxide film to increase resistance. A larger than normal increase in resistance can cause the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the skid control (vehicle stability control or vsc) system, antilock brake system (ABS), and traction control system. Lfthis occurs, these systems could become inoperative, which could increase the risk of a crash.

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #9

Mar 212015

RAV4 6-cyl

  • 99,500 miles
I purchased my Rav4 new in 2008. Over the years occasionally when braking the vehicle would not slow down like it should and a realized that my foot was depressing both the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time. I didn't like it very much that this could occur but never did anything about it. Recently when braking at a 4-way stop sign it happened again but this time it caught me off-guard and I nearly broadsided a vehicle that had just pulled out from the other direction. Fortunately I realized what had happened and was able to move my foot from the accelerator in time to stop. This time it scared me since I was so close to hitting the other vehicle. This time I went to my dealership and told them about the issue but was told I had to contact Toyota about the issue. I did this and was told to have the vehicles computer updated to correct the problem. I had this done but it does not correct the issue. The dealership informed me that the update is designed to not allow the engine to overpower the brakes but it will still allow the engine to put power to the wheels when braking. I contacted Toyota about this issue again but wasn't given any satisfaction as to how this issue could be corrected. I spoke with my brother who has a 2009 Rav4 and says he has the same problem with his vehicle. This is a safety issue and if there are 2 people in our family with this issue, I'm sure there are a lot more people out there who also experience the problem. Isn't there something that can be done about this problem??

- Seymour, WI, USA

problem #8

Mar 012015

RAV4

  • 94,000 miles

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

ABS light, vsc light, brake light and traction control light illuminated causing all systems to be inoperative. After taking car to local dealer problem was found to be bad left wheel speed sensor, harness for sensor and wheel hub that had corrosion on it possibly from living in an area that deices roads with salt. In my research it has been brought to my attention through several Toyota blogs this is a recurring problem around the country. Several people have had the same complaint and the associated cost to fix this problem is expensive. If an owner fails to fix the problem the outcome could become catastrophic in inclimate weather.

- Burlington, KY, USA

problem #7

Mar 102014

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
We have had more than one instance when our 2008 Toyota Rav4 has failed to maintain stabilization when having to decrease speed in emergency circumstances. (usually at higher speeds than 45 mpg) our vehicle's rear suspension makes the drive feel unsafe under these circumstances. Atlanta Toyota has been notified of these instances yet no solution has been offered as of today.

- Duluth , GA, USA

problem #6

Feb 082014

RAV4

  • 40,000 miles
TL-the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the driver drove at 5mph and attempted to park the brake failed to engage caused the driver lose control and crashed into a tree and the vehicle rolled over onto the roof. The driver body suffered bruises. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle towed to a towyard. The failure and current mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.

- Alexandria , VA, USA

problem #5

Dec 302013

RAV4

  • 56,000 miles
I do own a Toyota Rav4 2008, it does have a whining noise which comes in to play from 20-30 miles an hr. I have brought it to Toyota many times for check up and they cant find the issue they are insisting it is the brakes, I did replace the brakes but the noise is still there. Is there any resolution on this I am afraid of this noise. I want to know if Toyota will have a recall on this noise. If I press the acceleration pedal the noise starts at 20 miles per hr and it stops after 30 miles per hr but if I let go of the acceleration the noise will stop even at 20-30 miles per hr. I wonder what it could be" will this noise cause any accident while driving" please help on a response on this issue, thanks

- West Roxbury, MA, USA

problem #4

Oct 222013

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 66,465 miles

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

I had just arrived to work was in the employee park lot getting ready to pull into a parking space when the car accelerated on it's own. I stepped on the brakes to stop the car but it will not. I pulled emergency brake right before I hit the wall at the parking garage when the car finally stopped. I contacted Toyota and had the car towed for inspection. Went to Toyota and wrote a statement on 10/23/13 at 0900, they called again to ask what had happened. They then called again at 418pm and left message that car was ready for pick up. Went there today and I asked what was wrong with the car and they told me to call corporate to tell me. I called corporate as told and they referred me back to the dealer as they did the diagnostic test. They stated manager is on vacation until Monday. I called corporate again and they told me to speak to the service manager. I called him at 352pm and he asked me what happened and I explained myself again. I asked what tests were run on the car and what they found. He then told me that the technician who tested the car is not available and therefore he cannot give any information. I then called corporate again to get answers and was told someone will be in touch with me in 1 business day. My fear is what if this happens again as they are not telling me anything. I have a 5 month old baby and I don't know where to get answers to ensure this car is safe to drive. Please can somebody help me get answers from Toyota in regards to the tests they did on the car.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #3

Nov 172012

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 35,000 miles
Brake releases on its own. We were at the stop light, brake paddle floored as if it was loosing pressure. Immediately re applied the brake and it happened again. Subsequently it started happening same, and it now happens most of the time, we nearly avoided collision with the front vehicle. If break is held for more than 10-15 seconds, the vehicle brake system is unable to hold brake paddle in its position and starts flooring (hill is more problematic). In past, we talked to the dealer during oil change visits, they found nothing wrong with brake system. Talked to dealer today again they said it would cost $109 for diagnosis, agreed and informed about other people having same problem and gave copy of similar events from this site database. They came back and said Toyota knows about it and they are working on the fix, vehicle may need reprogramming, they do not know the fix yet. They will send paperwork for the recall. Dealer was nice enough to forgo the diagnostic charge. Hope Toyota comes out with the fix soon enough...

- Westbrook, CT, USA

problem #2

Jan 302013

RAV4

  • 220,000 miles
While slowing down for a stoplight, I pulled into the open left hand lane so as not to be behind a tanker truck, and with my foot on the brakes tried to stop the car at the light, when suddenly the engine revved as if the car was in neutral and rather than coming to a full stop at the light, I slid through a busy intersection. Had I not been in a lane without traffic and had there not been oncoming traffic, I would have caused a serious accident. Once through the intersection I pulled off the road and came to a full stop. Then I drove to a nearby gas station and drove around their parking lot to test the brakes and they seemed fine. I also checked to see if the gas pedal was free from the carpet and it was.

- Eastsound, WA, USA

problem #1

Dec 072009

RAV4

  • 17,000 miles
Slipping brakes, requiring frequent checkups and replacement popping noise in the steering wheel ( which after two years of complaining, I was informed is a defective steering shaft ) sudden acceleration increasing noise from under the vehicle jumping when the vehicle is place in reverse.

- Roosevelt , NY, USA

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