Brakes
Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.
What Owners Say
"there was a recall to repair the ABS system. I didn't personally have any problem"
Anonymous, NB (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Recall"
Anonymous, KS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Have been to the dealer twice for service and to get a brake recall taken care of but they have only excuses. They continue to send recall notices but when I try to make appointment they put appointments so far into the future they are ridiculous and"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Many warning lights came on in July 2020. I phoned the local dealer--they said I could drive it in to be tested. Wheel speed sensor harnesses were worn, and needed replacing. This affected the cruise control (I had none), and would mean I had no ABS or AEB brakes in the winter, but my brakes were fine in the summer. After waiting a month for parts, this was repaired for $800. Cruise control is working again, and there are no warning lights now."
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Ice stopping time is incredibly long. I stillhave to pump the pedal despite the claim of being "anti-lock""
Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Caliper was not catching and had to be replaced."
William M., MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"One if the front calipers froze up (couldn't slide to center itself on the disk). I disassembled it to find it was never greased at the factory. I cleaned and greased it before reassembly."
Ralph M., WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Rear Calipers stick when vehicle is cold and backing up"
Jeffrey S., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"scraping noise when brakes were applied"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Calipers were not squeezing appropriately, had to have them oiled"
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"i was towing much more than the vehicle could handle (loaded hay wagon), traveling over hilly terrain and requiring a good deal of braking. the brakes overheated badly. this was in no fault a problem with vehicle quality. this definitely falls to operator error. i cooked the transmission fluid as well. after repair, the vehicle has continued to be perfect."
Anonymous, VT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"One of the rear calipers became frozen and our mechanic had to free it up. If he had not been able to do so, it would have required replacement. He was able to free it and re-lube, etc. We live in northeast OH, where the winters are tough on such things."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"One caliper was seizing so this wore the brakes unevenly"
Anonymous, MN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"seized rear calipers- retracted and pad replaced"
A O., ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Caliper stuck wearing prematurely brake pads and rotors"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Excessive pad wear caused by frozen caliper slide. When I disassembled it, I found it had never been greased at the factory. I was able to refurbish it myself when I replaced the pads and turned the rotors"
Ralph M., WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"lots of pressure on peddle to stop"
Stephen B., AB (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced pads, then caliper started leaking. Replaced calipers then vibrations started. Then had to replace master cylinder. All we're done at an experienced repair shop."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"pedal fades and moves down at stop. Dealer says it's behavior is consistent with design"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Needed to be replaced. Brakes were going to floor intermittently when stopped or idled"
Anonymous, HI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brake pedals goes to the floor"
Joe S., VA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Only the front brakes and it was normal wear on the pads, but expensive to repair"
Julie E., MN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had to have the front brakes and rotors replaced."
Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced front rotors and pads at 30k miles. Replaced front and rear rotors and pads at 58k miles."
Paul M., NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced worn disc pads"
A A., IA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Front brakes only replaced"
Donald D., PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"As far as I remember, the pads and other wear parts had to be replaced."
Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"There wasn't any warning squeak. The mechanic four the wear."
Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"Grinding sound when put on brakes... when had checked needed new rotors and brake pads."
Lou R., MO (2012 Toyota RAV4)"Pads worn down - calipers needed adjustments"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"I thought the front brakes should have lasted longer than 24,000 miles"
John B., CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"spongy brake response. replaced pads and rotars"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"At about 50000 miles, I had to replace the front brakes and pads"
Pat R., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"1st 30,000 miles new brakes, 2nd set lasted only 15,000 miles--no explanation from car dealer!"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I've had to replace the brake pads Twice in 97000 miles."
Anonymous, MO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 3.5-L V6)"Didn't feel it was stopping quickly enough. Noticed it about 3 months before I it repaired."
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Expensive to replace"
Anonymous, NL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Needed new brakes"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The brakes were done for the second time. App 75000km each time. A wear item to be expected. Struts went in April. Terrible roads are hard on suspension."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Discovered during routine maintenance"
Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes were soft & my husband felt unsafe driving the car."
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Needed new brakes and overhaul..probably would have been cheaper to repair if I didn't bring it into the Toyota dealer for repair"
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Just normal brake pad replacement after a long time of driving."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Pads wear out. Rotors must be replaced because they are too thin to start with."
Anonymous, ME (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"All Brakes replaced after I put 65,000 miles on with no brake problems"
Anonymous, NH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Pads needed to be replaced."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"wheel bearing had to be replaced"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"lots of noise with braking"
Anonymous, KS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base Unsure)"Brake inspection. Brakes were updated 1 week later"
Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes getting low on routine oil change."
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"This car is used usually for city driving only and with two drivers ( my wife and myself) the breaks seemed to be soft . so I had the dealer check them . The front brakes were replaced and the rear brakes had some problem with rust requiring some correction only."
Ed V., ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"My brakes were noticed when I had my last MVI. I had them replaced for safety reasons. The mechanic said that it was just normal brake wearing from the vehicles age and the amount of driving during my every day travels."
Anonymous, NS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brakes are not very good in the RAV 4. Even when brakes were new wasn't safe to stop suddenly...I always kept a good following distance knowing the brakes were slow to engage"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Replaced discs and rotors at approx 80,000 kms"
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Deliver pointed out that they needed changing during routine maintenance"
Larris S., GA (2012 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"rubbing sound. was told needed new brake pads"
Anonymous, CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes worn and needed replacement on all four wheels"
John S., WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The brakes were pulsing and squeaking. The technicians noticed that the pads were worn out and replaced them.The rotors were not replaced."
Anonymous, MT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes seem to wear out in 30000 miles."
Anonymous, VT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Parking brake no longer holds the car. It has been serviced several times, but they cannot fix it. They want to replace the entire mechanism, but the price they have quoted is outrageous, and feels like they are trying to take advantage of our situation. We have elected to just live with it not working."
David G., OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The parking brake no longer holds the car. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times for adjustment, and they have checked the rear adjustment, as well as removing the center console to check the front adjuster. They still cannot get the parking brake to grab, and now they are saying that the cable is too stretched out for the adjusters to take up the slack, and they want to replace the cable. I'm willing to make this repair, but the price they've quoted is unreasonable, and way out of line. I feel very strongly that they are trying to take advantage of us, and we have elected to forego the repair, and just place the transmission in Park when we leave the car."
David G., OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Never used but had to replace due to "lack of use" and rust?"
Anonymous, VT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base)"I had about 1,100 of break work done at my 30,000 mile check up. Other vehicles I have driven over 100,000 miles and never had a problem. I am not a happy camper."
A A., ME (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Corrosion to metal parts cause sticking and led to replacement of rear brake pads and calipers"
Anonymous, MN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Front brake pads wore unevenly due to the caliper being frozen into place, due to lack of grease."
Ralph M., WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Last car service dealer said rear brake pads were 2/3 of life used and needs replacement soon. My Mazda has 26000 miles and not even half of the pads are used yet"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brakes would intermittently sound like they were grinding when coming to a stop. Had brakes checked at dealer plus a national chain and both said nothing wrong with brakes and pads were good. After reading some blogs, found out other Rav4 owners were"
Luis C., TX (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Had to replace original brakes at 31500 miles Estimate"
Anonymous, AZ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The discs on the front of the car wore very quickly - were replaced under warranty"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Premature brake wear occurred because of sticky calipers. Rust on the rotor and brake linings caused inefficient braking"
Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"front brakes were squeekig, had a gravely crunching sound and were just last week replaced and resurfaced"
Raymond L., CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"speaks for itself"
Keith S., MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Had to replace rotors, callipers, pads"
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"we changed the brakes at least twice at the dealer and last visit it needed rotor resurfacing"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"This was the second RAV-4 that needed brake repair in less than 25000 miles"
Anonymous, NH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"at 48,000 km service - 80% break wear front"
Anonymous, NS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brakes had to be redone at 30,000 miles I drive carefully and live on the flat"
Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I had to replace the brakes twice since 2012"
Jean L., QC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Within 30000 miles of purchasing I needed all new rotors and pads"
Antonio I., NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Front brake rotors as well as pads had to be replaced at 53K miles even though brakes were serviced and pads replaced at ~30K."
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"brakes seem to wear out quickly. aftermarket brake pads squeak, only Toyota parts work well"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Rear brakes (everything) had to be replaced at 79000 km. Very premature."
Drew D., ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"brakes wear out quickly, expensive to replace"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"original brakes did not last long. changed at 54398 miles. calipers don't slide well on pins, even when cleaned and lubed."
James O., NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brakes seem to be too small for the vehicle therefore wear much more quickly than expected"
Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"At 40000 miles, the break pads had to be replaced"
Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced brake pads in less than a year and under 12,000 miles"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Rear brake pads wore very quickly from one service to the next. I always downshift the automatic when coming to stop to slow down pad wear. Rotors had to be cleaned and resurfaced. Frustrating"
Anonymous, MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"had to replace the rear brakes at around 30,000 miles"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"(Premature wear caused by frozen caliper,discussed in previous comment.)"
Ralph M., WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Dealer sold it me with bad brakes - another mechanic mention it had 35-40% left when inspected 1 week after purchase"
Anonymous, GA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"It started about a year ago and is especially bad if I am braking frequently, as in city driving. The brakes have been checked a couple of times and found to be fine, but the noise and feel of the brakes can be annoying."
Anonymous, MT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Rotors warp easily after warming up on highway"
Anonymous, GA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I am still experiencing the pulsation. It may be a bearing problem. The front brakes were replaced last year and the pulsation had actually started before then. I was told that the brakes had to seat and then the pulsation would stop. It has not and I am hoping to see a technician this week."
Anonymous, MT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes worn down by so many miles"
Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport)"not sure if this was brake failure or electronic communication failure. Car accelerated when brake was applied"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Because the car had not been driven much over the course of the past 2 months, the rotors rusted from the inside and had to be replaced."
William M., MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Dealer would not turn rotors, said they do not turn rotors anymore"
Donald D., PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"We live on a dirt / gravel road and the rotors after having been turned a while ago (possibly 2 years or somewhat less than that had become grooved,and were worn to the point of having to be replaced."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"I believe the rotors were replaced when I took the vehicle in to address the grinding/pulsing issue"
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"As I sad it needed resurfacing"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"rotors warped"
Antonio I., NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Front brakes were squealing. Mechanic replaced rotors. Fixed problem."
Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"All part of problem with voters"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"They squeek in the morning when you first start out. Dealer says it is a known shortcoming and recommends replacing all the rotors, rather than 'turning' them."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"dealer always replaces rotors when replacing brake pads"
Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"At 95000 miles the brakes on our started making noise when you pressed the pedal. My wife took it to Raben Tire and said pads and rotors were worn beyond tolerances. $525.00 later an,d brakes like new or better1 This is normal wear for an SUV."
Forrest S., IL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Worn out on back - replaced"
A O., ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The brake rotors on this car seemingly get rusty overnight. This is an ongoing problem with this car. The rotors are almost always making a rough grinding sound because of rust"
Anonymous, NH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Again, while I was in for a new battery, I was informed that one rear rotor and one front rotor needed to be replaced. And you never just replace just one...so all had to be replaced. If I remember correctly, my mileage was near 35, 000 miles. Again, way to soon to need replacement"
Julia D., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Rotors rusted out and had to be replaced. This happens about every three years"
Anonymous, MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Front brake pads were worn close to the metal back plate, but not through the pad. Correction was to turn front rotors, then replace pads with new OEM pads. Rear pads were not worn much (10/32"). No action taken on rear brakes. Had brake fluid flushes as a preventive maintenance"
Leroy B., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes were squeaking when applied even though there was a good deal of wear left on the brake pads. I removed the brakes and applied grease to the caliper pins and to the backs of each of the pads and it helped a lot."
Anonymous, UT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Back breaks have an annoying squeak as you drive. I put new pads on but maybe the rotors need to be replaced."
Richard K., PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Front brakes were extremely noisy at low speed braking. Had to have brake pads replaced prematurely."
J R., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Brakes were making noises & emergency brake didn't hold-Car would lurch after setting the brake if I was on an incline. The maint. person said the brakes needed to be cleaned. We live on a dirt rd. this never happened to our other cars"
Anonymous, VT (2012 Toyota RAV4 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Ther is a constant 'dragging' sound in the rear brakes which the dealer blames on moisture in the air where we live. (???)"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"At about 60000 miles brakes suddenly began squealing and grinding when used. Is not constant, but most of the time below 30-40 mph speeds. Have not yet had time to take it in for inspection. Has not seemed to affect performance so far"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brake dust from brake wear.Need to hose out calipers once a week to make noise go away. Rav4 needs a bigger or better brake"
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"when i start out in am tey make noise when going and stopping"
Robert R., MI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes make noise when wet in car wash or after rain"
Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"When my car was a little over a year old, I began experiencing a really odd noise/response under certain braking circumstances which I cannot specifically define. I believe it was mostly a slow but hard braking situation. It felt like the car may n"
Anonymous, CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Brakes grind for about a half an hour when first driven. Also I was not able to drive my car for several months in 2014 and as a result the brakes had to be cleaned and rust removed before vehicle was safe to drive"
Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Breaks squeak when stopping. Had them checked twice by dealer and pads replaced by independent garage. Breaks still squeak when stopping. Not dangerous but certainly annoying"
Shawn C., RI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"had problem with new brake installation with two different mechanics till third one fixed problem"
Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"pad and rotors turned, squeaking since. probably should have replaced rotors"
Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"The brakes exhibit a grinding noise almost constantly"
Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Loud grinding noise from brakes only at low speeds. Very annoying. New brakes and rotors fixed problem even though orginal brakes were not worn out"
Kurt C., NM (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)
"It was recalled for brake problem. The brakes often didn't engage properly"
Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited)