2012 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 44 brake complaints for the 2012 Toyota RAV4, 17% of that year's 260 total complaints, tied to 13 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries at a median 28,000 miles. A 2014 recall (14V054000) addresses a brake actuator software issue in the Skid Control ECU.
- Brakes complaints
- 44
- 17% of 260
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 28,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly surges or accelerates when the driver taps the brake pedal at low speed, often while parking, leading to curb or object strikes.
- Brake pedal feels soft, sinks toward the floor, or fails to slow the vehicle despite firm pressure, sometimes resulting in a collision.
- Brake actuator circuit malfunctions, disabling cruise control, ABS, and anti-skid systems together, with brakes locking up unexpectedly on slick roads.
- Intermittent brake pedal depression that owners describe as the pedal acting on its own, occurring at varying speeds.
- New-vehicle clicking noise from the brakes traced to pad and shim wear, prompting dealer replacement of brake pads and shim kits.
When 2012 Toyota RAV4 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 1, 2012, latest May 14, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Toyota RAV4
- NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Brakes complaints by RAV4 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?
- NHTSA lists 44 brake-related complaints for the 2012 RAV4, which is 17% of the 260 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
- Yes. Recall 14V054000, reported in February 2014, covers a brake actuator issue in the Skid Control electronic control system; Toyota's remedy is a software update.
- At what mileage do 2012 RAV4 brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 RAV4 is 28,000 miles.
- Have 2012 RAV4 brake issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints includes 13 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.