2003 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Toyota RAV4, 1% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,500 miles.
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 bought a used 2003 Toyota RAV4 in 2006. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle I noticed it did not stop very easily when I was driving on even mildly slipper roads. It also makes a horrific chattering noise when I depress the brakes (only with slippery conditions). I contacted the Toyota dealership back in 2006 or 2007 where I purchased the vehicle and was told this was normal and that was how the brakes were designed. This braking issue has continued. I have even checked in to buying new tires (last fall and again this winter) and the mechanic said my tires were fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306542, filed 2010-02, 35,000 miles“The contact 2003 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that there was an excessive amount of rust and cracks on the rotors of the front left and right brakes. A local mechanic replaced the left and right front rotors. The contact confirmed the failure with an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 01/12/10 the front rotors had separated at the hubs. Updated 01/15/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10294353, filed 2009-12, 64,000 miles“While coasting down a hill driver began to depress the brakes and there was no brake pressure. Also, driver had difficulty with the vehicle down shifting at anytime.”
NHTSA complaint #10044772, filed 2003-10Related 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
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 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 2003 Toyota RAV4
209 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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