Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased my RAV4 new in 2008. Over the years occasionally when braking the vehicle would not slow down like it should and a realized that my foot was depressing both the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time. I didn't like it very much that this could occur but never did anything about it. Recently when braking at a 4-way stop sign it happened again but this time it caught me off-guard and I nearly broadsided a vehicle that had just pulled out from the other direction. Fortunately I realized what had happened and was able to move my foot from the accelerator in time to stop. This time it scared me since I was so close to hitting the other vehicle. This time I went to my dealership and told them about the issue but was told I had to contact Toyota about the issue. I did this and was told to have the vehicles computer updated to correct the problem. …
On October 5 and 6, 2015 my 2008 Toyota RAV4 was in for service at piercey Toyota in milpitas to replace all four tires, front/back brakes and front shock absorbers, a total of $2,000. On October 8, 2015, while I was driving my car back from stanford lucile packard over dumbarton bridge, I have noticed that my brakes would not engage and I could not slow down my car. Just before this event, the ABS, vsc, and slip warning lights all came on. The brake pedal felt very stiff and I was not able to do any repetitive pumping of the brake. I called 911 and requested assistance. When the front traffic came to a hold I had to use my emergency brake and my entire car slipped to the left. We almost got hit by the bus behind us. Some good samaritans saw what happened and helped me to get my car off the road. That day, my 9 yrs. Old son and I could have been killed. …
On Friday, January 29th, 2010, my wife was driving our 2008 Toyota rav 4 when the brakes were ineffective at slowing the vehicle as she approached a stop light. Although she stood on the brakes she left no skid marks before stopping in the intersection as she collided with a vehicle who had the right of way. The car had slowed sufficiently that there was no release of the air bags. She has operated a car for 40 years with out a moving violation, the weather was bright and sunny and the roads were clear and dry. It was a familiar intersection and she had stopped at the light one block away. Earlier in the day she had practiced putting the car in neutral, but it was not sufficient to help her in this situation.
Pulled into parking space at work doing about 5-10 MPH. Slowed to turn into space, giving car just enough gas , when car launched forward hitting a chain link fence. I did not have any brakes, so I tried pumping brakes before impact . Brake pedal was completely to the floor, so I used emergency brake to stop car before it caused further damage to car and fence. I did not report incident, but took car to lacey collision, and they estimated damage at $1500. This is not the first time this has happened, I have reported this to two different Toyota dealerships..nothing was ever done. They only admitted that yes, my brakes were a bit 'soft'. But car was not on their recall list.
ABS light, vsc light, brake light and traction control light illuminated causing all systems to be inoperative. After taking car to local dealer problem was found to be bad left wheel speed sensor, harness for sensor and wheel hub that had corrosion on it possibly from living in an area that deices roads with salt. In my research it has been brought to my attention through several Toyota blogs this is a recurring problem around the country. Several people have had the same complaint and the associated cost to fix this problem is expensive. If an owner fails to fix the problem the outcome could become catastrophic in inclimate weather.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that when trying to stop at a stop sign, the brake pedal would not move down as he tried to depress it and he could not steer the vehicle. He continued moving forward until the vehicle collided with a guardrail. The contact was slightly injured and a police report was taken. He contacted the dealership and was told that no one could inspect the vehicle until it was repaired at the body shop. The vehicle was at the body shop at the time of the complaint. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer to-date. The current and failure mileages were 18,561.
Driving my 2008 Toyota rav 4 limited, 6 cyl., purchased new, no prior issues, approximately 28,400 miles, when traffic began stopping for a red light. I applied brakes without response. Pressed all the way down, standing on the brakes, ABS, without any response and colliding into the rear of the vehicle in front of me. I was transported to er. Occupants of other vehicle suffered no injuries. VIN number beginning with "j". Collision shop reports unable to reproduce failure.
Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while the driver drove at 5mph and attempted to park the brake failed to engage caused the driver lose control and crashed into a tree and the vehicle rolled over onto the roof. The driver body suffered bruises. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle towed to a towyard. The failure and current mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available. Li
Driving 2008 Toyota RAV4 (19K mi) in rain on ny state hwy at 30 MPH. Driver in front slowed. Applied brakes which softened then went to floor. Pumping did not return pressure. Hand brake slowed vehicle to below 15 MPH. Crashed into other vehicle at @ 12 MPH. Car burst into flames beneath and consumed vehicle within 12-14 minutes;
Rear brakes have been checked and are fine but there is a grinding and scraping from back end of car. I keep up with brake maintenance. It happens when slowing or stopping on all roads,when its warmed up or not.
Brake complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 6% of the model year's 575 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota RAV4 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Toyota RAV4, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota RAV4 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.