1998 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 21%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Toyota RAV4, 21% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The brakes failed to work twice and the vehicle lurched forward instead into drive. This was at low speed when attempting to come to a complete stop at a red light. When the first braking attempt failed, the brake was pumped a second time and it failed to stop and accelerated instead. Firm pressure was applied to the brake pedal a third time and this did prompt the vehicle to stop but it was close to rear-ending another car already stopped at the light.”
NHTSA complaint #10395749, filed 2011-04, 120,000 miles“Engine light came 0n. Consumer applied brakes, and vehicle went forward and jumped curb. Consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle, and light went off. Next day, dealer checked system's computer and a sensor kicked up the idler. Sensor will have to be replaced. Consumer was unaware of the cause, and if it was an intermittent problem.”
NHTSA complaint #897021, filed 2001-09“Intermittently the braking system malfunctioned, causing the brake pedal to be hard and extended stopping distance. The vehicle slid, almost resulting in an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem. Toyota decided to take vehicle back and give consumer a new one.”
NHTSA complaint #827718, filed 1998-09“The contact owns a 1998 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brakes were applied and there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle was difficult to come to a stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side rotor was replaced. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The mileage was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10618588, filed 2014-08“When applying brakes pedal goes to floor ,causing extended stopping distance. Also, vehicle continues to accelerate after brakes are applied. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #880767, filed 2001-02Related recalls
- 00V212000Aug 9, 2000Vehicle description: sport utility electric vehicles. The front disc brake rotor, when equipped with steel wheels, can develop stress fractures if the lug…Covers: Toyota RAV4 1998–2000
Related 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 1998 Toyota RAV4
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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