Are there brake problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

Yes. NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2021 RAV4 Prime, which is 16% of all complaints filed for that model year, including 7 crashes and 3 injuries.

Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?

Yes. Recall 22V239000, reported April 13, 2022, covers a Skid Control ECU software update affecting the braking system. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall, and Toyota mailed owner notification letters on May 27, 2022.

At what mileage do RAV4 Prime brake problems usually occur?

The median mileage at failure recorded by NHTSA for this brake complaint group is 9,300 miles.

How does the 2021 RAV4 Prime compare to other years for brake complaints?

The 2021 model has the highest share, at 16% of complaints, compared to 14% for 2022, 6% for 2023, and 14% for 2024.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, 16% of its 99 total complaints, with 7 crashes and 3 injuries reported. A related recall (22V239000) covers Skid Control ECU software affecting the braking system.

Brakes complaints: 16; 16% of 99
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 9,300 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners describe brief loss of braking or a delayed transition from regenerative to friction braking, especially when going over bumps or potholes.
Several report the car surging or continuing to move forward instead of slowing when brakes are applied on rough, wet, or slick pavement.
Some describe stopping distances feeling longer than expected, with inconsistent brake feel after ABS activation.
One owner reported pitted, scored brake rotors at 21,600 miles that increased braking distance.
One report described rear brakes locking up when driving over small bumps while slowing down.
Multiple owners linked the pattern to the regenerative and antilock brake systems working together improperly.

When 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 9, 2021, latest Dec 4, 2025.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Dec 2025; peak Jan 2022 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

NHTSA 22V239000Apr 13, 2022Brakes458,110 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module:software
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

Brakes complaints by RAV4 Prime model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

202116 (16%)
20223 (14%)
20234 (6%)
20244 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there brake problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?: Yes. NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2021 RAV4 Prime, which is 16% of all complaints filed for that model year, including 7 crashes and 3 injuries.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?: Yes. Recall 22V239000, reported April 13, 2022, covers a Skid Control ECU software update affecting the braking system. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall, and Toyota mailed owner notification letters on May 27, 2022.
At what mileage do RAV4 Prime brake problems usually occur?: The median mileage at failure recorded by NHTSA for this brake complaint group is 9,300 miles.
How does the 2021 RAV4 Prime compare to other years for brake complaints?: The 2021 model has the highest share, at 16% of complaints, compared to 14% for 2022, 6% for 2023, and 14% for 2024.