YearToAvoid

2021 Toyota RAV4 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 21 brake complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, 5% of its 386 total complaints for the year. These reports include 7 crashes and 3 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 15,900 miles, but no related recall exists.

Brakes complaints
21
5% of 386
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
15,900 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report complete brake failure where the pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle does not slow down, sometimes resulting in a collision.
  • Some describe the brakes failing to stop the vehicle at intersections, causing rear-end crashes despite normal pedal pressure.
  • A pattern of sudden, unexpected brake lock-up is reported, described as severe locking without warning.
  • Drivers report reduced deceleration mid-stop, where the car keeps rolling faster than expected even with steady pedal pressure.
  • Some owners report a case where cruise control would not disengage and the brakes would not respond, forcing the driver to shut off the ignition.
  • A grinding noise from the front wheels paired with a brake warning light and lane-trace assist activation is also reported.

When 2021 Toyota RAV4 brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 10, 2021, latest Jan 15, 2026.

2021 Toyota RAV4 brakes complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2021Jan 2022Dec 2022Jun 2023Mar 2024Nov 2025
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Jan 2026; peak Mar 2022 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by RAV4 model year

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

  1. 201039 (10%)
  2. 201154 (19%)
  3. 201244 (17%)
  4. 201325 (10%)
  5. 201418 (9%)
  6. 201533 (11%)
  7. 201647 (20%)
  8. 201739 (13%)
  9. 201831 (9%)
  10. 201938 (4%)
  11. 202020 (3%)
  12. 202121 (5%)
  13. 20228 (6%)
  14. 202317 (11%)
  15. 202416 (9%)
  16. 20257 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 21 brake complaints for the 2021 RAV4, which is 5% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2021 Toyota RAV4 brakes?
No. NHTSA shows no related recalls for the brake complaints filed on the 2021 RAV4.
How serious are the reported brake problems?
Owners' brake complaints are linked to 7 crashes and 3 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 15,900 miles.
At what mileage do RAV4 brake problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for 2021 RAV4 brake complaints is 15,900 miles.
Do 2021 RAV4 brake complaints involve total failure or just noise?
Sample complaints describe both serious failures, such as the pedal going to the floor or sudden lock-up, and less severe issues like unusual noises during braking.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.