2021 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 5%of 389 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,474miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 389 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,474 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Just bought this vehicle on january and with just over 4k miles this warning came up.. Parking brake malfunction.. Turned off then on the car and same warning...called the dealer for inspection asap..”
NHTSA complaint #11415942, filed 2021-05, 4,364 miles“I have had several intermittent occasions over the past 3-4 years where the brakes do not stop the vehicle when depressed. I can feel something through the brakes pedal, but cannot explain what it is. So far, I have been able to avoid any accidents, but the infrequency makes it impossible to determine if it is going to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11772954, filed 2026-10“Brakes lights comes on while driving n the two wheel front makes a grinding sound while still driving… a friend of mine had the same problem took her rav4 2021 to windward toyota Kaneohe hawaii several times n finally on the 5th service was told that it’s her secondary brake system and in my Toyota the LTA DISPLAY WAS ON MY DASHBOARD DISPLAY”
NHTSA complaint #11699718, filed 2025-11“As I was on my driveway I pressed down on my brakes to stop the car but it didn't stop. I immediately pressed on the brakes all the way down to the floor of the car and the car still didn't stop. The assisted brake system stopped my car as I tapped my garage door with the car's bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #11473846, filed 2022-07“I had 2 sudden acceleration incidents. The first occurred 10/6/21.My car lurched forward & hit a pole. I was with my mom who saw me press the brake, which did not engage. My car has an auto-braking system which did not function as designed. I took it to Toyota.They determined there were no issues w/the vehicle. I insisted there was something wrong & warned this will happen again & could be much worse. I felt defeated but hoped it was an isolated glitch & hoped for the best. …”
NHTSA complaint #11448547, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 11012761Dec 16, 2024Some 2019 – 2025 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking.
- 10252251Feb 15, 2024TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions…
- 10234347Mar 31, 2023TSB: Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Corolla and Corolla Hatchback and 2021 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information…
- 10234300Mar 31, 2023TSB: Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Corolla and Corolla Hatchback and 2021 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information…
- 10230357Dec 4, 2022TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure…
- 10202448Sep 2, 2021TSB: Some 2020 ? 2021 model year Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, and RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID) with…
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 2021 Toyota RAV4
125 complaintsOther or unknown
77 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsEngine
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsSeats
18 complaintsLane departure
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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