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 2019 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, depressing on the brake pedal but the vehicle began to accelerate independently causing the vehicle to crash into a tree trunk. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated she had chest and neck pains due to hitting the steering wheel and did go to urgent care but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The following information refers to recall notice 19V544000 "SERVICE BRAKES" and "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL" (recall number same for both notices) by Toyota for the 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid: "In 2019, Toyota issued a recall for certain 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles due to a faulty brake assist system, specifically related to a potential issue with the brake booster pump which could lead to brake failure; the 2019 Toyota Prius was also included in this recall." The recall covered the manufacturing period 4/26/2019 - 6/3/2019 and a recall notice was issued on 7/24/2019 for the affected vehicles and owners were notified on 9/20/2019. We purchased our vehicle on 9/21/2019 with manufacture date August 2019 and on 12/19/2024 we suffered a brake failure causing damage to the vehicle and our garage. …
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to maneuver the steering wheel. A yellow light was illuminated, followed by a red light. The message "Power Steering Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering unit sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact retrieved DTCs: C05D604 (Electronic Power Steering (EPS) System Internal Failure); C151287 (Malfunction in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Torque Sensor); and C15D11C (Electric Parking Brake Failure). The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V373000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. …
Braking while pulling into a parking space. Instead of slowing down the car accelerated and went over the curb. Maintained pressure on the break but it did not slow the car. Instead the car kept accelerating down an embankment, across an empty street and towards a telephone pole. Turning the steering wheel to the left to avoid the telephone pole the car further descended into a ditch. The car had to be towed and is now deemed to be totaled. The brake- pads had been inspected during a routine maintenance check the day before this accident occurred and they were good. No other vehicle was involved. My personal injury was an abrasion and bruise where my seat belt did it's job. My muscles are sore. The side airbags did deploy after the car stopped. The floor mats were locked in place.
Brake System A malfunction in the Brake System has been detected. Continuing to drive may be dangerous. Stop in a safe location and contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Pre-Collision System A malfunction in the Pre-Collision System has been detected. Do not rely on this system. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Electronically Controlled Brake System A malfunction in the Electric Control Braking System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Anti-Lock Brake System A malfunction in the Anti-Lock Brake System or brake assist system has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Drive-Start Control System A malfunction in the Drive Start Control System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. …
Engine: I got the 100k engine maintenance done. I replace my coolant and got an oil change. The engine maintenance required warning is still on my dashboard and will not go away because the diagnostic reader states I need a new coolant bypass valve. This is not apart of the factory maintenance, alot on rav4 owners are dealing with this, and it is very pricey. I think it is best for this type of situation to be recalled. Brakes: I got my front brakes replaced and I had issues with my front calipers. My mechanic said both calipers had holes in them and caused my brake fluid to leak which has affected my braking alot. It takes a long time to brake and I've experienced this even after I've paid alot of money to get my driver said caliper replaced, still need to get my passenger side replaced. …
Unknown component or system While driving on the Interstate during rush hour, traveling 60 miles an hour, another vehicle along side us entered our lane and we had to avoid a collision by aggressive braking and steering. Following this maneuver, our vehicle immediately shut down. An 18 wheel barely missed crashing into our rear. It took us approximately 1 minute to realize we needed to put the car in park, step on the brake, and push the ignition button to restart the vehicle.
Well, making my research it shows that the RAV4 2020 will have a recall with the brake booster that my car the 2019 is having the same issues and it's a very expensive fix. My car only has 40,000 miles is still brand new and I don't understand why am I having this issues with the brake booster RAV4 2020 has a recall for that same part so I would like them to honor the 2019 brake booster and fix it as well
Noticed air in the brake piston boot upon brake inspection. This is a safety risk for our drivers when commuting on their travels as they transport medical patient to and from the facilities. No warning lights on the dash, initial cause of inspection was due to screeching and popping noise from the brakes.
I bought this car last year on October 4th from carmax (mileage was 62k at the time of purchase). I started to have problems the next month on November 6th with the brakes which was rusted and had to replace the pads. That was very dangerous and could have hurt myself driving around the heavy rain at the time. I was scared for my safety and others wellbeing so I took the car to the dealership. Their mechanic checked the car and told me that this wasn't fixed or checked since April 2023 before I bought the car in october 2023. I had problems with the infotainment system. the map navigation for my android and iPhone doesnt work anymore. the mechanic at the dealership fixed the rear break pads and discs but couldnt fix the infotainment system even after updating the system. He issued me a 250 dollar refund and was charged 680 dollars for the rest of the job. …
Brake complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 2019 Toyota RAV4, 4% of the model year's 882 complaints. The component named most often is electrical (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Toyota RAV4 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, though it has 7 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 2019 Toyota RAV4 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 89% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.