2004 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,040miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,040 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.
“When I drive my automatic awd 2004 RAV4 (143,000 miles, only owner, maintained well throughout the life of the vehicle) on the freeway around slight curves, the traction control light turns on and beeps loudly. The last time this happened my engine stalled, jerked, and the car automatically swerved me into the next lane, almost causing a horrible accident, I was not applying the brake or turning the wheel. It was like the car had a mind of its own. …”
NHTSA complaint #10482688, filed 2012-10, 143,000 miles“I was driving on a highway, there was a red light and I pressed on the brakes. The car kept going forward, the brakes became resistant to any pressure and the car continued to roll forward. There were no warning lights when the car was started or during the incident. I kept trying to brake the car, but the car kept moving forward and was about to hit the car in front of me. The cars around me started honking, trying to move out of the way; Luckily the light turned red and the car in front of me was able to move out of the way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11622621, filed 2024-10“The TRAC system which brakes the car when it senses the wheel loosing traction hits the breaks on curves, even when turned off. It is random. It is not part of the inspection. When the streets are rain slick it has caused my car to skid out of the lane I was in. It has not been reproduced by anyone as I have not turned the car in to an independent dealer or mechanic. This vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The TRAC light comes on and beeps when the car breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11490185, filed 2022-10“The inspection sticker mechanic inspected the car and found the rear brake hoses rubbing against the sway bar indicating that there should be a clip somewhere to prevent rubbing. See picture attached. See if a possible safety recall can be done on all Toyota RAV4 vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11742160, filed 2026-06“The contact stated a grinding noise was coming from the rear and the dealership determined the caliper remained in a closed position. The pads, rotors, and calipers were replaced. 10,000 miles later, the problem returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership and the pads, rotors and pins were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10168361, filed 2006-09, 35,040 milesRelated 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…
- 10016186May 25, 2005Diagnostics - anti-lock brake system with electronic brake force distribution (ebd). Repair manual correction. 2004 toyota celica - 00400-rm106-6u1. 00400-rm107-7u1…
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 2004 Toyota RAV4
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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