2021 Toyota RAV4 brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 15, 2026DECrashTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   My wife was pulling her car into a parking area consisting of a few small storefronts. When pulling in, the brakes completely failed as did the forward collision warning system and the automatic emergency braking system. As she continued to press the brake pedal it just went to the floor of the car. The end result was that the car struck one of the storefronts causing damage to the building as well as her car. Fortunately the store was closed at the time and no one was…

   NHTSA complaint #11711075 · source
2. Filed Nov 16, 2025HIBrakes

   Brakes lights comes on while driving n the two wheel front makes a grinding sound while still driving… a friend of mine had the same problem took her rav4 2021 to windward toyota Kaneohe hawaii several times n finally on the 5th service was told that it’s her secondary brake system and in my Toyota the LTA DISPLAY WAS ON MY DASHBOARD DISPLAY

   NHTSA complaint #11699718 · source
3. Filed Apr 16, 2025MABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While turning slowly, right tun, into a parking space, the vehicle lunged forward at a much higher speed than anticipated. The vehicle jumped the sidewalk, went up an embankment, about 20 degrees, and about 25 feet until it stopped on its own. Happened on April 14th, 2025, about 11:30 am. Driver was is good health, no medical conditions. Driver also has a clean driving record, no infarctions. The vehicle jumped a curb 4 inches high, ran over some light brush, but luckily no…

   NHTSA complaint #11655028 · source
4. Filed Jan 5, 2025TXCrashBrakes

   Critical safety concern regarding the braking system in my Toyota Rav4, 2021 which I believe may warrant further investigation for a potential recall as there are none at this time. The issue pertains to the breaking system, which locks up unexpectadly during use, casuing sudden and severe break locking without warning (unable to break). I suspect as many others online who have mentioned this issue on Toyota Forums is that it is the prime breaking software. I have had my…

   NHTSA complaint #11634144 · source
5. Filed Mar 19, 202439,706 miFLBrakes

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy MXV4, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the driver's side and passenger's front tire threads were at 3 on the inside and 4 on the outside. While depressing the brake pedal, an abnormal noise was detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no…

   NHTSA complaint #11578195 · source
6. Filed Nov 29, 2023FLCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   On Nov 05, at approximately 11:10pm, I was driving my RAV4 on Alafaya Trail, Orange County, Orlando. While approaching the traffic signal which had turned red, despite multiple attempts to engage the brakes, the vehicle continued moving, ultimately leading to the collision with the traffic turning left at the signal (coming from her right). The impact of the collision resulted in significant damage to the RAV4, and unfortunately, the airbags did not deploy as they should…

   NHTSA complaint #11557504 · source
7. Filed Sep 4, 2023FLBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I was on highway 41 going around 40mph when my car out of nowhere slammed on the breaks ( the pre collision censor ) I believe is what caused it. About 10 mins prior to the incident when I was backing out of the gas station it braked (abruptly with noise) even though nothing was in the way or approaching my vehicle. I would say that I was stuck in the car for about 5 mins before I could get it to start driving again. The electrical flashed and shut off right when the car…

   NHTSA complaint #11542448 · source
8. Filed Jun 2, 2023CTBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   While traveling on highway with adaptive cruise control engaged and maximum following distance selected, adaptive cruise control applies excessive braking force than necessary when vehicle in front exits highway. Safety concern because following vehicles must abruptly apply brakes. Internet search reveals numerous, similar complaints. We were almost rear-ended on the highway. This feature is great, but needs attention for safety reasons.

   NHTSA complaint #11525040 · source
9. Filed Mar 21, 2023PABrakes

   2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XLE Premium. Purchased new from the dealer. It currently has 75,000 miles (predominantly highway). Condition: The Braking mechanisms behind the firewall intermittently make a noise when the brake pedal is pressed fast (emergency) and/or released. It sounds like a seal barking when the pedal is moving either up or down. These are not your typical noises from a pad or rotor wear. Cause: At approximately 28,000 miles, the seal barking sound was there but…

   NHTSA complaint #11512952 · source
10. Filed Dec 20, 202233,047 miSCCrashBrakes

    The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while approaching a traffic light, she depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle and rear-ended another vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The contact stated a police officer was at the site but no police report was filed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11498272 · source
11. Filed Jul 20, 202215,900 miCABrakes

    The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while his wife was approaching a traffic light and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake was activated to slow and stop the vehicle. The driver was then able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made the dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11474885 · source
12. Filed Jul 14, 2022NYBrakes

    As I was on my driveway I pressed down on my brakes to stop the car but it didn't stop. I immediately pressed on the brakes all the way down to the floor of the car and the car still didn't stop. The assisted brake system stopped my car as I tapped my garage door with the car's bumper.

    NHTSA complaint #11473846 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology