2011 Toyota Rav4
Common Problems
Ranked from 77 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
11 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Brake pedal to the floor with no stopping power
20complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal requires excessive force to stop the vehicle, and in severe cases, the brakes fail completely.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine RPM surge while braking
9complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine RPMs increase uncontrollably while braking, causing the vehicle to accelerate.
- 3
Sudden vehicle acceleration while braking
9complaintsSafety riskEngineVehicle accelerates uncontrollably while the brakes are applied, posing a risk of collision.
- 4
Engine stalls during braking
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or races uncontrollably during braking, causing extended stopping distance.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Recall for visibility wiper system failure
8complaintsMedium severityOtherWipers fail to operate properly, making it difficult to see in poor weather conditions.
Related recalls: 16V096000, 13V123000
- 6
Brake pedal feels loose or unresponsive
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrake pedal feels loose or unresponsive, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake system failure
6complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail to function properly, increasing the risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine stall at idle due to stop-start system failure
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, especially when the vehicle is stopped and the key is released, due to a malfunction in the stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Recall for air bag system issues
4complaintsHigh severityElectricalAir bag system issues, including warning lights and failure to deploy, pose safety risks.
- 10
Recall for seat belt mechanism kinking and seizing
4complaintsMedium severityOtherKinking and seizing of seat belt mechanism renders it useless, requiring replacement.
Related recalls: 16V096000, 13V123000
- 11
Unintended acceleration while braking
4complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle accelerates uncontrollably when the brakes are applied, posing a significant safety risk.
Related recalls: 16V096000, 13V123000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.