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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,012 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.

2017 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2017 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Oct 132020

RAV4

  • miles

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

Related to a car accident when getting hit in the front my air bags didn-??t deploy. Only the driver side was hit pretty bad. Another car accident related to a tree branch no air bag deploy. I was told that you have to be hit in a certain way to deploy the air bags. Hearing that makes me switch from a Toyota to a Kia. I have my toddler.

- Niles, MI, USA

problem #31

Aug 272023

RAV4

  • miles
Multiple times when coming to a stop the vehicle is stopped and then the brake pedal depresses further on its own while at the same time the engine roars and the vehicle lunges forward about 4 feet. It almost put me in front of oncoming traffic. Also I felt like I had no control over the brakes. It happened 4 times and also did this while I was parallel parking and almost slammed into the parked car ahead of me. It was in the shop last month. The brake calipers were cleaned and the brake lines were bled. This vehicle only has 40000 miles on it. I took it back to Toyota again today to see if they can once again try to figure out what is causing this. When it surges forward it sounds like if your foot was on gas in park, only my foot was on the brake Im afraid to drive it.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #30

May 042023

RAV4

  • miles
As I drive about 70 MPH, the ABS and the brake lights come on and the car is momentarily out of control. As I grabbed the tearing and reduce the speed dramatically, the system correct itself and I am able to continue driving at a very low speed.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #29

Oct 142022

RAV4

  • miles

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

Front brakes needed replacement at 40k miles. 24k miles later, I'm being told they need replacement again. At May 2022 ispection the measurements were 11/32 for all four brakes. Less than 6 months & less than 5k miles later, the right front is at 6/32, left front 9/32, rear are 11/32 & 10/32. I'm being told the right front pads & rotors are bad and the discs(?) are extremely rusty. How does this happen so quickly? Forums I've read say this is an issue with many 2017 RAVS. Apparently, Toyota used low-grade rotors on that model and year. I had complained of a slight grinding noise coming from the front wheels on several occasions only to be told they can't find anything. I've had no safety issues yet but this ongoing problem is unacceptable and may eventually result in a collision.

- Red Hill, PA, USA

problem #28

Feb 012021

RAV4

  • 60,251 miles
Last spring had $700 brake job on my daughters car at Toyota dealer we have delt with for years.I happen to drive it one day and found brakes spongy and went within one inch of floor to stop. Just drove again and same problem !. is this a design problem with master cylinder !

- Pompton Lakes, NJ, USA

problem #27

Dec 142020

RAV4

  • 43,000 miles
I have been complaining to the dealer since buying the vehicle and while under warranty about the brakes. I almost got myself kill on highway I25 because the brakes failed totally having to resort to pulling the emergency brake. I had to wait for the car to slow down to exit the highway. The dealer wants to charge me for the repair when I have been complaining for months. If I die, Toyota will be the responsible party, I left my cart at larry miller Toyota and will acquire a lawyer. I am the widow of a decorated military member. If he was here, none of this would be happening. I live on a fixed income.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #26

Oct 282020

RAV4

  • 67,000 miles

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

The contact owned a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that prior to the accident, he had replaced all four tires with all season tires. He stated that while driving at 35 mph on a rainy day, a truck began to merge into his lane. As the contact began to veer to the right, the anti lock brakes activated independently which caused his vehicle to veer into the left lane and hit the rear of the truck. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact stated that neither himself or the other driver sought medical attention; however, the contact stated that he had recently started to experience pain in his right chest. A police report was filed at the scene. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact believed that the faulty ABS system was the cause of the accident. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

problem #25

Sep 302020

RAV4

  • 30,000 miles
Multiple complaints on NHTSA site (123+) of Rav4 brake problems (early replacement at low mileage and brake failures at various speeds). Toyota has been ignoring the issue. Why have there been no recalls? our brakes are going soft at 30,00 miles (4 years) and the dealer says we need front and back replacements. Other complainers noted the need for frequent and repeated replacements.

- North Andover, MA, USA

problem #24

Feb 082020

RAV4 4-cyl

  • miles
Water pump leak I believe started around 21,000 miles.along with the replacement of front brake pads I complained of right front side of car with squealing noise possible drive belt or dirty rotor. At one point both front rotors slightly warm to touch after 45 min city drive home, another time right rotor hot and left slightly warm. They replaced front brake pads not checking calipers or hose and just put on brake pads and said right tire worn and replaced both and said it will solve the problem. After a few days Toyota rep and told him the said intermittent squealing somewhat grind noise was back. Not taken seriously I reported to corporate and went to another dealer to do diagnostic checking calipers and found nothing. Around 50,000 miles I found powder next to drive belt. They discovered it was a leaking water pump and replaced my pump and drive belt. 41/2 months later the car had same squealing now rubber sound added, steering stiffer and hissing sound came from front of engine at light. Took in and couldn't find anything wrong in entire day 8 hrs. I drove away and by third light squealing for 25 mins and neighbors heard me coming, one couple reported loud at front right tire. I reported that immediately to [xxx] at precision that my car was worse and turning steering wheel right and left is now happening as neighbor reported but no return call. This car sound typically happens at braking at light and hitting gas at light on city streets drive at 40-50 miles per hr.but usually at lights can hear. Called [xxx] after left shop car right and left turns squeak when turning steering wheel only one day did I hear two different sounds whirring noise and hissing sound 3 days apart at light stopped 3 weeks my car, jumped forward at a stop I've had it aligned new tires & still intermittent noise now worse Dec 2019 changed water pump and drive belt /sprayed engine down. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #23

Sep 012019

RAV4

  • miles
The airbags are off and I cant turn it on, every week turn it on the ligth flat tire and the tire are good incluiding extra tire, and my brakes are doing a extrange noise I checked the brakes and are good.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #22

Feb 012018

RAV4 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,500 miles

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

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. While driving various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal traveled all the way to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle did not brake in a timely manner. There were no warning indicators illuminated. While driving 30 or 50 mph, the rpms abruptly increased without warning, which caused the vehicle to jerk and shake uncontrollably. The contact took the vehicle to hudson Toyota (599 NJ-440, jersey city, NJ 07305, 201-713-5508) and paid to have the vehicle diagnosed. The dealer informed him that the front brake pads needed to be replaced and the rear brake pads needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures continued. The contact took the vehicle to route 22 Toyota (109 us-22, hillside, NJ 07205, 973-287-4741) where they did not honor his extended warranty and attempted to charge $250 for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500. Contact stated engine control was replaced and transmission failure was repaired.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #21

Jan 272017

RAV4

  • 6,000 miles
I purchased my 2017 rav 4 in July 2017 with 125 miles. At 6,000 miles my vehicle required new brake pads ( the pads were broken in half). Toyota of North hollywood agreed to replace the pads out of courtesy. They blamed it on the way I drive said total person at fault was me. My vehicle now has 34,000 miles this will be the fifth time my brake pads require changing. This is definitely not my driving. I believe the vehicle has a serious problem with the brake system. My vehicle has not been involved in accident.

- Pacoima, CA, USA

problem #20

Jan 212019

RAV4

  • miles
At just over 15000 miles the front brakes are worn needing replaced. University Toyota in morgantown, wv says that is normal wear.

- Independence, WV, USA

problem #19

Aug 012018

RAV4

  • 9,500 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. While driving 75 mph in inclement weather, the vehicle took a longer time to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to autonation Toyota fort myers (2555 colonial blvd, fort myers, fl 33907, (239) 321-5413) where it was diagnosed that the brake failure was due to wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that they were not able to repair the vehicle under warranty. The failure mileage was 9,500.

- Marco Island, FL, USA

problem #18

Dec 012018

RAV4 6-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. While driving approximately 75 mph behind another vehicle, the contact switched lanes and the forward collision avoidance feature immediately activated. As a result, the brakes engaged and caused the vehicle to stop abruptly. The contact indicated that the detection system activated although the preceding vehicle was more than 150 feet away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 38,000.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #17

Feb 032017

RAV4

  • 1 miles
I have had this car in several times for brake noises and rotated warping. Currently the car has 35, xxx. Every 5-7K the rotars or pads are replaced. There is usually a noise that is associated with this and a duplicate video was found on youtube and turned out to be a master cylinder and was advised that it is not that but I have second thoughts. Brakes are a major part of the vehicle and there have been several times I thought about towing the vehicle to the dealer. But they claim that the noises are normal and are just the pads shifting, I have had my share far of cars and driven many different brands and never had this issue even with my prior Toyota's. second complaint is in regards to my locks. There are times the locks on the vehicle will not lock or constantly makes noise while trying to lock/unlock and the dealer claims they can not reproduce the noise but the second I step in the car it makes the noise.

- Varysburg, NY, USA

problem #16

Oct 202017

RAV4

  • 5,000 miles
I got this car brand new. Within the 17,000 miles I have put on it, it has had to have the same {only one brake) brake replaced three separate times. The other 3 brakes are like new. Also, just last week, on the highway, with the newest brake replacement recently completed, the entire brake system failed to work, and when I depressed the brakes, they did depress, but I could not slow down. This was terrifying, and on the freeway, it could have cost me my life. I have been advised that this is a manufacturing malfunction, and no amount of brake replacement will fix the problem. I have been advised to demand a new vehicle that is safe.

- Morrison, CO, USA

problem #15

Jul 112018

RAV4

  • 31,673 miles
About 1 year after I purchased my car brand new off of the lot I started to notice my brakes starting to rub and squeak. If I was going down hill the front of my car would shake. It was terrifying. I took it to the maita Toyota delarship in sacramento. They told me nothing is wrong my pads are still good. I begged them to fix them they replaced my front rotors and break pads. This dealership also performed a engine cleaning and multiple other things they said my car needed at that time running me 795$ this being on July 11th 2018. Then today Sept 6th 2018. My starter is out my car no longer starts. When you turn the key all of the inside lights come on and all you hear is a clicking sound. Mind you I also had a chip in my windshield when I took my car in for inspection in July and they placed green check mark's on everything including my windshield being free from chips. I now question the integrity of this dealerships service department. Do they truly inspect and do the work on your car? because from where I am seeing this at sitting here with a year old car in my parking lot currently not driveable I begin to wonder if they do. I should not be having these types of problems with a 2017 Toyota car that was purchased brand new.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #14

Jul 112018

RAV4

  • 2,570 miles
Pre collision system does not work per specification or manual. Does not slow vehicle or stop it. If relied on very dangerous. Tested on two vehicles one with under 2000 miles and one with under 3000 miles. Does not meet representations. Factory representative conducting test!

- Kirkland, WA, USA

problem #13

May 162018

RAV4

  • 14,000 miles
Front rotors caused the front end and steering wheel to vibrate terribly when driving the speed limit of 70 mph when you just touch the brake peddle. The rav 4 2017 only has 14,900 miles. I brought rav 4 to dealer for normal 15,000 mile maintenance. I was told the rotor need to be resurfaced... for $180....called it "normal wear and tear" it appears that in Colorado or mountain areas that rotor normally need to be resurfaced. The rava 4 front end shook violently almost lost control of steering the rava 4 at 70 mph. Then dealer said oh that is normal, we have to resurface rotors of rav 4 (2017) in this area all the time. On May 16, 2018 I called 800-331-4331 Toyota us head quarters and spoke to customer service rep. Case # 1805162014 and he said he would call the autonation Toyota service manager on arapahoe in Colorado and get back to me in a few days. Well on May 31, 2018 customer service from Toyota called me after I spoke with on May 30, 2018 to andrea, explaining the situation. The offical response was oh that is just normal wear and tear for rav 4 2017 rotors...it is your cost if a recall is issued on the rotors you will be notified! the rest of the story, I took a trip from denver, co to phoenix, AZ May 3, 2018. I had approx 13,000 on the rav 4., which requires driving down hill from flagstaff, AZ...approx. 120 miles. That mountain driving resulted in the rav 4 braking to cause the severe shake of the steering wheel and almost loosing control of rav 4 at 70 mph. The cruise control slows the car down as you approach other slower vehicles and if you just touch the brake peddle the rav 4 wants to shake the rav 4 apart! you loose total contol of rav 4 if leave foot on brake peddle.. Toyota says that is just normal wear and tear... well at speed limit on inter state..these rotors can cause to high speed accident!!!

- Centennial, CO, USA

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