1997 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“It was raining, not heavy, though. I was going about 65 MPH on a major highway and tried to brake because the traffic in front of me was slowing down. The car started losing control and I couldn't brake and stop the car at all. Then the car started moving towards the left quickly and spinned for about 2 or 3 times. The rear end on the right side finally hit the middle barrier on the highway and the car turned out to be facing the incoming traffic. No airbags deployed. I wasn't hurt too badly because I didn't hit any other cars (luckily) and it was the rear end that got hit. …”
NHTSA complaint #746108, filed 2001-05“While driving and approaching a steep hill at 35 MPH, and upon going down a hill, vehicle fish tailed out of control. Hitting a median strip. Consumer had to swerve right, and went into a tail spin out of control. The seat belt either released or broke. The roof caved in. All the windows broke. Consumer was injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10111434, filed 2005-02“Front brakes malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance, and the brakes went to metal to metal. Cause unknown. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #849111, filed 1999-09Related 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 1997 Toyota RAV4
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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