Is It Normal for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 to Shake When Braking in D Gear?
2 Answers
D gear braking causing body shake is a normal phenomenon. When in D gear, the vehicle is in a power-connected state, with engine power transmitted to the transmission, which then sends it to the wheels via the driveshaft. At this point, the vehicle should be moving forward, but pressing the brake means the transmission is constantly under tension, resulting in body shake. Vehicles with better noise control and vibration isolation may still experience shake, but it is mitigated before reaching the cabin. Additional relevant information is as follows: Note 1: However, if the shaking is abnormal, it could be caused by damaged engine mounts. The engine mounts, usually made of rubber, connect the engine to the frame and help absorb some of the engine's vibrations. Without these mounts, the engine's vibrations would directly transfer to the body, significantly affecting ride comfort. Over time, rubber components can harden due to aging, causing the engine's vibrations to be directly transmitted to the body. Note 2: It is recommended that drivers avoid holding the brake in D gear for extended periods, as this can damage the transmission. When waiting at a red light, besides avoiding prolonged D gear braking, do not shift into P gear either, as a rear-end collision could also severely damage the transmission.
Having driven the RAV4 for a while, I think mild shaking when braking in D gear is quite normal, especially for models like the 2020 version where the engine is idling. My RAV4 does the same because the transmission is still transferring power, and the brakes hold the car in place, naturally causing some vibration. If the shaking isn’t obvious or frequent, there’s no need to worry. However, if the shaking is severe or accompanied by unusual noises, it might be due to worn engine mounts or faulty spark plugs causing unstable idling. The RAV4 is designed for smoothness, and a standard idle speed fluctuation around 700 rpm is acceptable. I recommend monitoring daily driving: normal vibrations shouldn’t affect braking, but if they worsen consistently, it’s best to have it checked at a dealership to avoid damaging drivetrain components. Regular maintenance, such as oil and mount replacements, can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
