2010 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 400 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 57 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility/wiperSep 18, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V577000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
34 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop light, with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard the vehicle failed to stop as intended. As a result, the contact rear-ended the vehicle ahead. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed and injuries were not reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND APPROACHING AN EXIT RAMP OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT STATED THEY WERE DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A FENCE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AND THE CONTACT SHIFTED TO PARK, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART, AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THEIR RESIDENCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURED REPORTED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AUTOMAX CAR SALES (9541 NW 27TH AVE, MIAMI, FL 33147 PHONE: (305) 835-2222) WHO STATED THEY REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE BRAKES AND CONTROL ARMS ON THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED WITH SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Structure, Service brakes, May 24, 2020, crash
I WAS BACKING UP, TURNING AROUND IN A DRIVEWAY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP, SOMETHING INTERFERED WITH MY ABILITY TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, RESULTING IN A LOW-SPEED (LESS THAN 2 MPH) COLLISION WITH A SHED, MINOR DAMAGE TO THE SHED AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER COVER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE THIRD OR FOURTH TIME I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (ONCE AT HIGH SPEED APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I COULD NOT STOP PRIOR TO THE INTERSECTION EVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE), BUT THE FIRST INVOLVING A COLLISION. I INVESTIGATED THIS (NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE TRIED) AND FOUND A BRACKET WHICH APPEARS TO BE PART OF THE BRAKE PEDAL MOUNTING THAT CONTACTS MY TOES WHEN MY FOOT IS TOWARD THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY HEEL IS GREATER THAN ABOUT 0.5 IN. OFF THE FLOOR (I WEAR A SIZE 12 SHOE). WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM UNABLE TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL.*DT *TR THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY WEST HERR TOYOTA OF ORCHARD PARK (4141 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,482.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT IT KEPT GOING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STOP AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRIAN EASLEY TOYOTA (409 SPARTANBURG HWY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792, (828) 693-7261) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE'S RPMS INCREASED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK FORWARD. THE CONTACT APPLIED MORE BRAKE PRESSURE THAN NORMAL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP AND THE RPMS TO DECREASE. THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT, DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL INJECTORS MAY NEED CLEANING OR REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500.
Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 13, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FRONT TWO TIRES CONTINUED TO SPIN EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ *CN
Service brakes, Jan 27, 2017
AT SOME TIME BETWEEN 2:00 PM AND 2:30 PM ON NOVEMBER 5, 2016 MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING MY 2010 RAV4 SOUTH ON COUNTY ROUTE 561 IN VOORHEES TOWNSHIP, NJ ON THE INSIDE LANE OF THIS 4 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN I LIGHTLY PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW FROM 45 MPH TO THE LOWERED SPEED LIMIT. SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP TIGHT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE ABRUPTLY INTO AND ACROSS TWO LANES OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, HITTING THE CURB SMARTLY, FOLLOWED BY A SIMILAR ACTION BY THE LIGHT TRAILER WE WERE TOWING. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED DURING RUSH HOUR, SERIOUS INJURIES OR FATALITIES MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL REMAINED LOCKED AS THE VEHICLE WAS WINCHED UP ONTO THE BED OF THE FLAT BED TRANSPORT TRUCK. MORE PIECES OF THE BRAKE FELL OUT DURING THIS OPERATION. WHEN AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO UNLOAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP THE LOCKED WHEEL PREVENTED IT FROM ROLLING OFF THE TRUCK, SO AFTER UNHOOKING THE WINCH CABLE, THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER STARTED THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO BACK IT OFF. DURING THIS ATTEMPT MORE PIECES OF THE BRAKE FELL OUT, THERE OCCURRED A LOUD 'BANG,' AND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ASSUMED AN ANGLE THAT WAS NON-PARALLEL WITH THE CAR, INDICATING TO ME THAT THIS LAST ACTION HAD SERIOUSLY DAMAGED THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I REQUESTED OF THE DEALERSHIP THAT A CORPORATE INVESTIGATION OF THIS FAILURE BE MADE. THEY FOUND THE BRAKES TO BE IN WORKING ORDER? NHTSA IS NOT INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATION BEYOND TAKING MY COMPLAINT. OUR TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME THAT HIS FATHER-IN-LAW HAD EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME TYPE OF FAILURE IN HIS 2013 RAV4 BUT DIDN'T REPORT IT TO THE NHTSA, SETTLING INSTEAD FOR A REDUCED PRICE FOR THE REPAIR. NO SUCH OFFER MADE TO ME FROM TOYOTA. CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. CAN'T FIND INDEPENDENT FORENSIC INVESTIGATION TO LOOK AT IT. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR WITHOUT KNOW WHAT CAUSED FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Aug 3, 2016
CAR ACCELERATED AHEAD WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN. THE HARDER I APPLIED THE BRAKES.... THE MORE IT TRIED TO SURGE AHEAD. FINALLY GOT IT STOPPED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY WIFE TODAY. SHE WAS PARKING THE CAR AND WHEN SHE TOUCHED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR SURGED AHEAD ON HER. SHE FINALLY ALSO GOT IT STOPPED BUT IT SCARED HER. WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS REALLY HARD AND THE MOTOR ACCELERATES EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL IS BEING PUSHED AND NOT THE GAS PEDAL. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY ARE GOING TO GET IT IN TOMORROW TO CHECK IT OUT.
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. I WAS GOING 10MPH WHEN THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUSHED THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR WITH BOTH FEET AND STILL NOTHING. I HIT THE BACK OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK JUST MY FRONT END. I GOT OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WAS BRAKING MY ABS LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THAT HAPPENING. BUT WAS I AWARE OF A SERVICE RECALL ON THE SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY. I SAID NO I HAVEN'T. I WAS TOLD THAT THE "RECALL CAME OUT IN 2013" FUNNY BECAUSE MY CAR HAD BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2014. WHY WAS IT NOT TAKEN CARE OF THEN. I HAVE READ THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM AND WHERE TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I AM VERY THANKFUL I WAS ONLY GOING 10 MPH OR IT COULD OF BEEN ALOT WORSE.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2015
I STARTED COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SCRUBBING NOISE THAT THE BRAKES HAD STARTED MAKING ,SO THEY REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ONLY CHARGED FORTY DOLLARS.SO ON JULY OF THE SAME YEAR, THE CAR STARTED MAKING THE SCRUBBING NOISE AGAIN, SO AGAIN THEY REPLACED THEM AGAIN,IT LASTED FOR ABOUT A YEAR, AND THE SCRUBBING NOISE CAME BACK.THE CAR WAS ONCE AGAIN LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A PIECE BY THE BRAKE THAT HAD RUSTED TOGETHER SO FOR THIS CAR TO BE NEW, WHY WERE THERE PARTS RUSTING ,MAYBE IT WAS SITTING IN WATER I ASKED, SO THE GENERAL MANAGER WAS BOUGHT OUT BECAUSE I JUST COULD NOT SEE PAYING WHAT THEY SAID THE COST WAS BUT BEING A WOMAN I THINK THAT THEY PULLED A FAST ONE ON ME AND THE REPAIR WAS SOMETHING LIKE SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS. I THINK THAT LASTED FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS SO WHEN IT CAME BACK I TOOK IT TO GOODYEAR AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE ROTORS WERE DOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I JUST SHELLED OUT TWO-THOUSAND- TWENTY TWO DOLLARS FOR ROTORS AND OTHER REPAIRS THAT THE TOYOTA COMPANY SAID THEY HAD DONE AND DIDN'T DO AT ALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 3, 2015
I WAS ON A TEST DRIVE TO BUY THE VEHICLE.. IT WAS VERY COLD OUT,TEENS, BUT NO ICE ON ROAD. RIDING ALONG 20-25MPH SLOWING DOWN FOR RED LIGHT--APPLIED BREAK -- SEEMED CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING HAD TO STAND ON BREAKS TO STOP A COUPLE OF FEET FROM CAR IN FRONT. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM , THEY LOOKED UP VIN SAID THERE AS NO RECALL. I SAW ON THIS SITE THERE IS A VERY SIMILAR ISSUE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR. SHOULD TOYOTA TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS VEHICLE? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 26, 2015
I HAD BEEN DRIVING APP. 10 MINUTES IN SNOW COVERED ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO EASE INTO A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE WITH STOPPED VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO EXERT HARD FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO FINALLY BRING MY VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS AT LEAST OVER 4000RPMS ON THE TACHOMETER. WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING AGAIN, I EASED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOWLY APPLIED GAS AND EASED OVER IN TO THE RIGHT(CURB) LANE. I STAYED SLOW AT ABOUT 15-20 MPH AND FELT AN ACCELERATION AGAIN, BUT WAS ABLE TO BRAKE SUCCESSFULLY. I THEN TURNED RIGHT INTO THE FIRST AVAILABLE PARKING LOT TO GAIN COMPOSURE BEFORE CONTINUING ON. I CONTINUED HOME AT A SAFE RATE OF SPEED ( UNDER 35MPH). IN THE PAST 2 YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN 3 OTHER OCCURRENCES OF ACCELERATION WHEN BRAKING BUT NEVER TO THIS EXTREME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jun 13, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE BLACK BOX DATA DETECTED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME, SHE AND HER HUSBAND EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE, WITH THE VEHICLE CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT AN UPDATE ON THE BRAKES HAD NOT BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION, TO HAVE SERVICE DONE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 10, 2013
LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AS ISSUE WITH HER TOYOTA 2010 RAV 4 - 4CYL AND FORDHAM TOYOTA SERVICE AND PARTS CENTER; SHE THINKS THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INSPECTED, THE MATTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND PROVIDED AND APPROPRIATE REMEDY. *SMD THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND STATED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT PADS AND RESURFACED THE ROTORS. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, HER HUSBAND THEN TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. AS HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, HE HEARD A CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. HER HUSBAND WAS A ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AND BROUGHT IT TO A STOP. ONCE HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A BRAKE PAD BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PAD HAD CRACKED.
Service brakes, Jan 4, 2013, crash
I WAS DRIVING UP TO TRAFFIC LIGHT TO STOP AND I WENT TO BRAKE AND MY BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED UP! IT FELT LIKE IT GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE, CAUSING ME TO HAVE NO BRAKES AND I HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD NO BRAKES AND I COULD NOT STOP! I HAVE BEEN CITED FOR HITTING SOMEONE FROM BEHIND AND THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO STOP! I BELIEVE MY ABS- ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SOME HOW CAUSED MY BRAKES TO SEIZE UP AND BECOME INOPERABLE. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2012
I HAVE TAKEN MY 1 MONTH CERTIFIED NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE FOR WHAT I DESCRIBE AS BRAKES/SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I HAVE ALREADY STATED THAT I DRIVE WITH MY GRANDKIDS IN THE CAR. THEY SEEM TO IGNORE AND FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THERE IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2012
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE COPY OF LETTER ADDRESSED TO MR JAMES LENTZ, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, REGARDING SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH THE 2010 TOYOTA RAV 4 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THERE WAS SNOW ON THE STREET WITH SLIPPER ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ABS ENGAGED, WHICH MADE THE BRAKES INOPERABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SITUATIONS, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE ABS ENGAGED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND EVENTUALLY LANDED IN THE MIDDLE INTERSECTION OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND TIME, SHE ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE ONLY WAY, SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WAS BY TURNING INTO ANOTHER LANE WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO GO OFF WHICH RENDERED THE BRAKES TO WORK AGAIN. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 28, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 18:30 ON DECEMBER 27, 2011, I EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENT IN MY 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. I WAS STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT ON PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY IN SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA AT THE CORNER OF FIRST STREET WHEN I NOTICED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO APPLY THE BRAKE, AND THE CAR DID NOT APPEAR TO WANT TO STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKE MORE FORCEFULLY AND WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO STOP IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE, HOWEVER THE CAR KEPT LURCHING FORWARD AS IF IT WANTED TO BREAK FREE OF THE BRAKE. HAVING HEARD THE WIDESPREAD PUBLICITY REGARDING THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM IN TOYOTA VEHICLES, AND HAVING PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM ON ONE OCCASION OVER A YEAR EARLIER, I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE THE ISSUE. I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP TO AN ALARMING RATE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION IN PANIC BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT THE TACHOMETER. HOWEVER, JUDGING BY THE SOUND AND LATER EXPERIMENTATION WITH REVVING WHILE PARKED, I BELIEVE THE RPM MUST HAVE BEEN IN THE 4000-5000 RANGE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I WAS PARTICULARLY SHAKEN BY THIS EVENT BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY HAD THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY INTENDED TO ADDRESS THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE. THIS RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED MAY 10, 2011 AT DESERT TOYOTA IN TUCSON, ARIZONA. I HAD EXPERIENCE THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE ONCE BEFORE, BUT IT WAS NOT NEARLY AS DRAMATIC. I DO NOT RECALL THE DETAILS, BUT IT WAS IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA IN EARLY 2011 AND MY MEMORY IS THAT TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS RESTORED THE CAR'S OPERATION TO NORMAL FAIRLY QUICKLY. I WAS LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT IT HAPPENING AGAIN SINCE THE RECALL SERVICE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WOULD DEPRESS INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PEDAL WAS SO LOW THAT HE WAS ABLE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT DESIGNED AND WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2011
AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP FROM 45 MPH, THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE AT THE SAME SPEED. I INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. FINALLY, AFTER ABOUT THREE SECONDS, THE CAR SEEMED TO DOWNSHIFT, AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED. I ENDED UP HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONDITIONS WERE WARM AND DRY, AND THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. THIS IS A STOCK CAR WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. WE HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE FLOOR MATS AS DIRECTED BY TOYOTA IN 2010 AND 2011. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THE LACK OF BRAKING WAS NOT MECHANICAL, BUT ELECTRONIC. IT SEEMED THAT THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED OUT WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED TO DRIVE FORWARD AT THE SAME SPEED. WHEN THE CAR DOWNSHIFTED AND REVVED A LITTLE, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY CAME BACK ONLINE, AND WE CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. WE WILL CONTACT TOYOTA AND SEE WHAT THEY ADVISE. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 10, 2011
2010 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN COMPLAINT OF THE PEDAL LOCATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER WHICH CAUSED HIS FOOT TO BECOME TRAPPED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD BE REDESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR MORE FOOT CLEARANCE AND PROVIDE SOME LIGHTING TO THE FLOOR AREA. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2010, crash
I WAS GOING ABOUT 4 MPH AROUND A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ROARING NOISE AND ACCELERATED. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP ACCEPT FOR A CONCRETE POST IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAD NO CONTROL AND NO BRAKES. THIS INCIDENT HAS LEFT ME WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR USE. THIS IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY DAILY ROUTINE INCLUDING THE CARE OF MY 93 YEAR OLD FATHER WHO HAS DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER NEEDS THAT REQUIRE A VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE CAR PAYMENTS OR PAY $40.00 FOR CAR RENTAL. IT WILL BE OVER 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE DEALERSHIP WILL CHECK ELECTRONIC BOX/THE CAR AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL 3 WEEKS BEFORE I WOULD BE CONTACTED. I WILL NOT BE GIVEN A RENTAL UNTIL PROOF IS DETERMINED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 10, 2010
MY NEW 2010 TOYOTA RAV4 MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE REAR WHEEL WHILE I APPLY BRAKE AFTER A COLD START. THE NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES COUPLE OF TIMES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 7, 2010, crash
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON CITY SIDE STREET, VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED, I ATTEMPTED TO DO THE SAME, BUT UNSUCCESSFULLY. MY VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL AND RENTAL COMPANY REPLACED IT WITH AN IDENTICAL VEHICLE. SUBSEQUENT EXPERIMENTATION WITH SAID REPLACEMENT SHOWED WHAT I BELIEVE IS A WEAKNESS IN THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM. WITH ONE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF BRAKE POWER IS AVAILABLE, WITH A CLOSELY FOLLOWED SECOND APPLICATION, THE PERCENTAGE OF AVAILABLE BRAKING POWER IS INCREASED, AFTER A THIRD, EVEN MORE. THE BRAKING POWER AVAILABLE AFTER THE FIRST APPLICATION IS LOW, EVEN WITH FULL PEDAL APPLICATION. THIS CONSTITUTES A HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A NEED FOR FULL BRAKING POWER. IT IS MOST LIKELY THAT A PERSON ENCOUNTERING A SITUATION AS I FOUND MYSELF IN WOULD DO WHAT I DID, I.E. APPLY MAXIMUM PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY TO FIND THAT BECAUSE OF THE LOW AVAILABLE BRAKING POWER THE VEHICLE, PERSON, OR ANIMAL WOULD NOT ESCAPE DAMAGE OR INJURY.