1996 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 23%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Toyota RAV4, 23% of the 47 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed a grinding noise toward the front of the car. A short time later an additional sound of something rolling around freely in the front driver side wheel was heard. I suspected brake trouble and took the car to sears automotive where the front brakes were worked on 1 month prior. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanics noticed the problem to be the front axle snapping at the wheel. The sound was the broken off piece and nut rolling around. The broken axle caused damage to the front brake pad and caliper and front-end alignment. …”
NHTSA complaint #720388, filed 2000-03“5/7/96-front wheels cleaned of brake dust; 3/5/97-mileage-14118: front brake job done(brakes grinding); 9/13/97 brakes squeaking-rear brakes cleaned and adjusted.; 12/1/97-front brakes worn out-replaced; 12/98-front brakes grinding-pads replaced again; 10/16/99-front brakes replaced again. I requested assistance from Toyota and met with the customer svc manager, karen sears several times and prior to the repair in dec. 98 I did contact Toyota again and was told there was nothing else they could do and I would need to request arbitration. …”
NHTSA complaint #713419, filed 1999-10“I continue to have squeaking noises coming from the front wheels/brakes. These noises occur at all speeds whether brakes are applied or not. Despite numerous sets of replacement brakes, the squeaking persists. When brakes are applied, grinding noises are audible, especially as the car nears a stop. These complaints persist regardless of the age of the brakes and no mechanic has offered a satisfactory explanation.”
NHTSA complaint #710111, filed 1999-08“The ABS brakes malfunctioned, causing the brake pads to burn and resulting in a fire on the brakes. Brakes locked up unexpectly even when not pressing the brakes. Dealer replaced calipers/ pads/ master cylinder. However, master cylinder problem is still occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #822446, filed 1998-04“Continuous problems with front brakes squeaking/grinding, due to faulty calipers pressing down too hard on pads causing premature wear, pads replaced twice.”
NHTSA complaint #544976, filed 1999-04Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 | 16 | 9% |
| 2023 | 18 | 11% |
| 2022 | 8 | 5% |
| 2021 | 21 | 5% |
| 2020 | 20 | 3% |
| 2019 | 36 | 4% |
| 2018 | 30 | 9% |
| 2017 | 38 | 12% |
| 2016 | 46 | 19% |
| 2015 | 31 | 10% |
| 2014 | 16 | 8% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 39 | 15% |
| 2011 | 48 | 17% |
| 2010 | 34 | 9% |
| 2009 | 31 | 9% |
| 2008 | 34 | 6% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 32 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 8% |
| 2004 | 8 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
| 1998 | 16 | 21% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1996 | 11 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota RAV4
9 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology