2011 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Vehicle Speed Control 69 21 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the car suddenly accelerated with a loud rev and crashed into the wall. The car was going so fast the airbag deployed and thrust me against my seatbelt. Airbag caused fracture of 5th metacarpal in my rig…”
NHTSA complaint #11542024, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. The brake pedal was continuously depressed. The "low tire" message was displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, neck, and chest, and medical attention was provided. There was not a report of any fire, air bag deployment, or police report being filed. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the co…”
NHTSA complaint #11534092, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHEN BACKING UP,MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE MAN BEHIND HIS VEHICLE TO BE THROWN AND ALMOST RAN HIM OVER. HE WAS TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND LICENSE SUSPENDED.THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STOPPED MY VEHICLE. WEBSITES I HAVE LOOKED AT FOR THAT YEAR SEEMS TO CONFIRM BRAKING AND UNINTENDED BRAKE AND ACCELERATION ACCIDENTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11101092, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 48 15 crash 3 injury

“Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the car suddenly accelerated with a loud rev and crashed into the wall. The car was going so fast the airbag deployed and thrust me against my seatbelt. Airbag caused fracture of 5th metacarpal in my rig…”
NHTSA complaint #11542024, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. The brake pedal was continuously depressed. The "low tire" message was displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, neck, and chest, and medical attention was provided. There was not a report of any fire, air bag deployment, or police report being filed. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the co…”
NHTSA complaint #11534092, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHEN BACKING UP,MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE MAN BEHIND HIS VEHICLE TO BE THROWN AND ALMOST RAN HIM OVER. HE WAS TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND LICENSE SUSPENDED.THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STOPPED MY VEHICLE. WEBSITES I HAVE LOOKED AT FOR THAT YEAR SEEMS TO CONFIRM BRAKING AND UNINTENDED BRAKE AND ACCELERATION ACCIDENTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11101092, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 48

“I HAVE FIXED MY REAR SUSPENSION MORE THAN 4X AND IT CONTINUES TO GO BAD, IT WORKS FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BUT STILL NOT RUNNING WELL THEN IT SHOCKS AND GOES BACK TO BOUNCING WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP OR ANYTHING NOT SMOOTH ON THE ROADS. IT HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND YOU FEEL IT A LOT MORE WHEN IT'S RUNNING ON LOCAL ROADS. THE VISIBILITY IS BAD, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 15-20 MINS OR OPEN THE WINDOW. WHEN I PUT MY HANDS ON THE VENT FOR THE DEFOGGER THERE IS NO AIR COMING FROM IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11299767, 2020

“DRIVER VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. THE VISOR WILL FALL DONE "WHILE DRIVING" THE VEHICLE BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW OF THE ROAD CAUSING DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE VEHICLE OPERATION.”
NHTSA complaint #11218401, 2019

“DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WON'T STAY UP WHICH CAUSES A VISIBILITY ISSUE. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE CAMRY S BUT NOT ON THE RAV4 AND SAME PART. I SAW ANOTHER PERSON REPORTED SAME ISSUE. THE DEALER IS QUOTING $170 PLUS TO FIX. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS VISOR FOR A YEAR NOT T EVEN REALIZING IT IS SOMETHING THAT WAS A RECALL FOR ANOTHER MODEL. I FEEL TOYOTAS DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE FIXED OR OFFER A LOWER RATE TO FIX ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11171127, 2018

Engine 33 6 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARY FORCE HONDA (2325 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104) WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TRACTION, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SENSORS. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND FLIPPED OVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11343634, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AT VERY LOW IMPACT. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ON SCENE TO ASSIST AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE HOOD AND THE BATTERY WERE MELTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10525389, 2013 · crash · fire

“I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.”
NHTSA complaint #11615978, 2024 · fire

Seat Belts 30

“Driver's side rear passenger seat belt keeps getting jammed in the intake storage and hard to nearly impossible to engage. Had it fixed a few times but passengers continue to have difficulty pulling the seat belt from its storage position.”
NHTSA complaint #11526709, 2023

“The contact's sister owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the dealer performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V096000(Seat Belts); however, after the recall repair, the seat belts became inoperable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic fee was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11677064, 2018

“AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON ENTIRE OWNERSHIP ALONG WITH SEATBELT LIGHT FLASHING FOR PASSENGER SEATBELT. WHETHER BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. OR EVEN WHEN NOBODY IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. CONSTANT ISSUE WHETHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION, AND ON HIGHWAYS/CITY STREETS.”
NHTSA complaint #11322182, 2018

Power Train 25 4 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“OUR 2011 RAV4 WAS TOTALED IN DECEMBER 2013 WHEN A BMW 5 SERIES CRASHED INTO US WHILE MY WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE IMPACT WAS TO THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT WAS SO SEVERE, THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND ENDED COMPRESSED AGAINST THE PASSENGER DOOR; HOWEVER INCREDIBLY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY SON, WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT WAS UNHARMED, HOWEVER MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK WAS SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT AND FLEW ACROSS THE CAR SMASHING VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR, LOOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. AS SHE WOKE UP SHE VOMITED AND…”
NHTSA complaint #10587904, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE (2100 LEXINGTON RD, NICHOLASVILLE, KY 40356, (859) 887…”
NHTSA complaint #11051045, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, IT ROLLED DOWN HILL INTO THE BACK YARD, THROUGH LAWN FURNITURE, AND STOPPED IN THE WOODS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11002463, 2017 · crash

Air Bags 20 11 crash 1 fire 11 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35+ MILES PER HOUS WHEN I INADVERTENTLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHO HAD SLOWED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 25 MPH OR LESS. BOTH VEHICLES SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGES AS SEEN IN PHOTOS”
NHTSA complaint #11234036, 2019 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG FAILED TO PROTECT HIM WHEN THE IMPACT WAS HARDER THAN NORMAL AND CREATED A SMOKE THAT SMELLED LIKE FIRE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER INTERNAL BRUISING AND A CRACKED RIB. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, WHICH CAUSED BREATHING DIFFICULTIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 18,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10457369, 2012 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“Side curtain airbag failed to deploy in side-impact crash. Passenger suffered significant concussion and broken ribs.”
NHTSA complaint #11552442, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 19 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARY FORCE HONDA (2325 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104) WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TRACTION, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SENSORS. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND FLIPPED OVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11343634, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.”
NHTSA complaint #11615978, 2024 · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 89,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 230,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11730327, 2026

Structure 16 4 crash

“WAITING AT STOP SIGN - CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING, ENGINE REVVING, RACING (AGAIN, WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP). I BRAKED AND VEHICLE TOOK FULL CONTROL SEEMINGLY PULLING SIDEWAYS FIRST AND THEN LURCHING OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY CASING A DEVASTATING CRASH TOTALING MY CAR AND CAUSING THE OTHER PERSON'S VEHICLE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. IT'S THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. 1ST TIME PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE - ACCELERATED LURCHING FORWARD NO MATTER HOW MUCH I BRAKED STRIKING CURB AND POST - STALLED OUT, THANK GOODNESS. A CASE HAS BEEN OPENED WITH TOYOTA BUT I AM TOLD T…”
NHTSA complaint #11180213, 2019 · crash

“TRAVELING 30 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE. CAR'S ENGINE SELF ACCELERATED. PUMPED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. CAR CONTINUED TO SELF-ACCELERATE AND BRAKING WAS INEFFECTUAL AND I RAN INTO BACK OF AN 18 WHEELER FLAT BED TRUCK. *DT”
NHTSA complaint #11164251, 2018 · crash

“PROBLEM 1 - I HAVE BRAKE NOISE AND BRAKE DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY. SPOKE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEN CREATED A CASE NUMBER WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. TOYOTA VERIFIED AND THEY SAY NO PROBLEM IN BRAKE. WHAT TOYOTA SAYS AFTER INSPECTION - *INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND CHECK PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ~|~*INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND CHECK PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ~|~ ~|~COULD NOT VERIFY BRAKE NOISE.FRONT BRAKES HAVE 5 MM REMAINING AND REAR BRAKES STILL HAVE 7 MM.ALL GOOD AND NO TSB PERTAINING PROBLEM 2 - THE VEHICLE HAS A WIND LIKE NOISE WHEN DRIVING THE FREEWAY, WHICH TOYOTA SAYS THEY FIXED…”
NHTSA complaint #10469013, 2012 · crash

Suspension 16

“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if the rear suspension had failed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the rear suspension arms were detaching from the subframe. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in TSB: 0042-14, NHTSA ID Number: 10060729 (Suspension), and was repaired in 2013. The contact was informed that the VIN was not in…”
NHTSA complaint #11729000, 2025

“I have replaced the front suspension and the back suspension. I have replaced the driveshaft and the muffler and tail pipes. Now they say the entire undercarriage and the brake lines are all rusting out. This car is 2011 and has just 34,607 miles on it and has been keep in a garage its entire time. Now it is unsafe to drive. Drive Shaft fell off in December.2022.”
NHTSA complaint #11510495, 2022

“I have discovered that my 2011 rav4 is part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 even thought my vin doesn't list it as being part of the recall. As I recently tried to get a rear wheel alignment done due to misaligned rear tires (bowing out). The 3rd party mechanic stated that doing a rear wheel alignment was impossible due to NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383 repair/fix done by a Toyota dealer where epoxy resin was used to seal the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arm No. 1 (“arm”) for looseness. The only way to complete the alignment safely would be to completely replace the right and left Rear…”
NHTSA complaint #11473424, 2022

Steering 15 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10579598, 2014 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“To begin with, the 2011 Toyota Rav4 in question was a loaner provided to me by Fiore VW AUDI (1000 S. Logan Blvd in Hollidaysburg, PA 16648) at @ 10:45 AM on 9/16/23. My 2018 Toyota Sienna was being serviced at this location on 9/18/23 and they provided me the 2011 Rav4 in the meantime. The brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the sudden acceleration of this 2011 Rav4 occurred later that afternoon @ 4 PM in a Sheetz parking lot at 3261 W. College Ave. State College, PA 16801. As I was turning left into an open parking space at the rear entrance of this Sheetz, I began to turn the…”
NHTSA complaint #11546268, 2023 · crash

“Electric power steering problem, steering wheel is very stiff and wont return to center ,car is very difficult to drive, I have read that nhtsa issued some safety recalls on 2011 toyota rav4 related to this mfg. defect in the circut board -ecu -electronic control unit in the electric power steering , I purchased this used car on 9/17/2025 .I am taking it to Toyota dealer 10/9/2025”
NHTSA complaint #11691140, 2025

Unknown Or Other 14 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“UP UNTIL LAST SUNDAY, MY MOTHER HAD DRIVEN A 2011 RAV 4. ON SUNDAY, AS SHE WAS DRIVING, THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKE, OR BY TRYING TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. SHE WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD, WITH TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. IN ORDER NOT TO INJURE ANYONE ELSE, SHE DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND SUBSEQUENTLY STRUCK A TREE. SHE SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES RY, AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #11104870, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was Driving down the road, and the engine quit. At that time smoke started pouring out of the hood and into the car, through the vents. I pulled over, the power breaks no longer worked but I was able to stop. I got out of the car quickly to avoidmore smoke inhalation. Flames were already starting to come out. Within a few minutes the entire car was engulfed in fire. Possibly the fuel line had a problem. Car was a total loss. Police were present. there were no warning lights or symptoms before hand. It was the best car I ever had and was working perfectly.”
NHTSA complaint #11452183, 2022 · fire

“THE COMPLAINT SPECIFIED DOES NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN FREQUENTLY OR CONSISTENTLY, HAS HAPPENED RANDOMLY 2 TIMES IN A 6 WEEK PERIOD. SPECIFICALLY, CAR WAS ENGAGED IN THE DRIVE GEAR ON AUTO TRANSMISSION AND WAS STOPPED AT THE MOMENT, ONCE AT THE PARKING SPOT AT LOCAL WALMART, BROUGHT TO COMPLETE HALT WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND READY TO SHIFT LEVER TO PARK, BEFORE I COULD DO THAT, BRAKE WENT SOFT AND CAR MOVED/SURGED FORWARD, HITTING THE SAFETY POLE IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE SAFETY POLE SAVED FROM HEAD ON HITTING THE CAR ALREADY PARKED IN THE OPPOSITE PARKING SPOT. THE PICTURE OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #11187171, 2018 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 9

“BODY: DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FAILURE TO REMAIN UPRIGHT, IMPEDING VISION. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE VAPOR CANISTER RELEASING CHARCOAL PELLETS THAT PLUG THE VENT VALVE. DISABLES VEHICLE ANTI-SKID TRACTION AND 4X4. CAR IS UNDER 75K MILES”
NHTSA complaint #11218631, 2019

“THE VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH THE O2 SENSOR WHICH WILL PROMPT A ENGINE LIGHT. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF THE 4WD AND STABILITY CONTROL AND WILL HAPPEN AT ANY TRIGGERING OF THE ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS CONCERNING ESPECIALLY IN WINTER ENVIRONMENTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11191478, 2018

“TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMTED V6, THE CAR SHOWED THREE WARNING LIGHTS: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT, AND THE VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) LIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. AFTER RUNNING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC, THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE O2 SENSOR. MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE SENSOR, AND THE NEXT DAY AFTER DRIVING ROUGHLY 10 MILES ON A RURAL LOCAL ROAD THE SAME LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. THESE WARNING LIGHTS DISABLE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SIMPLY DUE TO AN EXHAUST ISSUE. THIS IS UNNECESSARY AND DANGEROUS FOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11163618, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 9 2 crash

“To begin with, the 2011 Toyota Rav4 in question was a loaner provided to me by Fiore VW AUDI (1000 S. Logan Blvd in Hollidaysburg, PA 16648) at @ 10:45 AM on 9/16/23. My 2018 Toyota Sienna was being serviced at this location on 9/18/23 and they provided me the 2011 Rav4 in the meantime. The brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the sudden acceleration of this 2011 Rav4 occurred later that afternoon @ 4 PM in a Sheetz parking lot at 3261 W. College Ave. State College, PA 16801. As I was turning left into an open parking space at the rear entrance of this Sheetz, I began to turn the…”
NHTSA complaint #11546268, 2023 · crash

“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN A PARKING LOT ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT TO POSITION MY CAR BEHIND A PICK-UP TRUCK (TOWING A TRAILER) WAITING TO TURN RIGHT. MY CAR SHOT AHEAD AND CRASHED INTO THE TRAILER. APPLYING THE BRAKE DID NOTHING. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT SHOT BACKWARDS AT THE SAME HIGH SPEED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE TACH READ--IT WASN'T A PRIORITY AT THE TIME. HAD THE TRUCK AND TRAILER NOT BEEN AHEAD OF ME, I WOULD HAVE SHOT ACROSS A HEAVILY TRAVELED HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LAST MARCH I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED F…”
NHTSA complaint #10478644, 2012 · crash

“After pressing the accelerator pedal, I released the pressure on the pedal because of traffic and the accelerator continued to accelerate. had to hold the brake pedal down and then shifted to Park and shutoff engine. When restarted the car operate normally. This has happened in the past and is very scary and unsafe. My internet research on problem shows that there have been two problems associated with this occurrence. One, accelerator trapped by floor mats and the second was because the accelerator pedal could "stick". The floor mats are secured by manufacture securing systems so it must be…”
NHTSA complaint #11596966, 2024

Tires 5

“235/55R 18 I took my car for a tire rotation at a tire shop. I was told that the right front tire was not good so I asked to be replace with another new tire I had, which was exactly the same Yokohama tire my car had on. When I drove off the shop the tire started making a weird loud noise so I drove back to the shop. They switch the tire to the rear and there I noticed that was a different tire, not the new tire I have provided them. I asked the guys where my tire was and why they had switched it with an old-use worn tire. They denied doing so and refused to give me back my tire. Besides putt…”
NHTSA complaint #11651391, 2025

“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4 equipped with Kelly Tires (Brand Unknown), Tire Size: 225/65/R17 DOT NUMBER: (Unknown). The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, her tire pressure warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact stated that she would frequently add air to her front, driver side tire as the air pressure would frequently run low. The tire had yet to be replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The tire failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11431315, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AT 63 MPH MY CAR STARTED SHAKING TO THE POINT IT CAUSED ME TO BECOME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS. MY MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIE ROD'S ETC. THE TIRES WERE ROUNDED AND EVENLY WORN. WE ROTATED THE TIRES AND CAR STILL SHOOK LIKE CRAZY BUT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN THE BACK. BROUGHT CAR TO TIRE SHOP HAD TIRES BALANCED THEY SAID 2 WHERE WAY OFF. WENT ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN AND AT 65 THE VEHICLE STILL HAD A SHAKE TO IT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10578806, 2014

Wheels 5

“Spare tire rear mount cover. The cover is made out of metal and fabric. After a few years the thread holding the material that holds the cover on deteriorates causing the metal cover to fall off. This happens while driving the car having the paint matched metal disk to fall off while driving leaving a tire sized metal disk bouncing around in traffic endangering other cars and drivers. Thread and zipper need to be made out of a better material or a hard latched metal band could be used to hold it on like many other manufacturers do.”
NHTSA complaint #11482746, 2019

“THE TIRE PRESS MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS ) HAS FAILED DUE TO EXHAUSTED BATTERY LIFE IN THE TIRE SENSORS.. THE PRESSURE FAILURE LIGHT COMES ON BUT ALL 5 TIRES HAVE THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE. THE FAILURE LIGHT NOW CAN'T BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT SPENDING $900 + FOR A SET OF NEW MONITORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE DEALERS COST IS SO PROHIBITIVE THAT THAT THEY WILL NOT BE REPLACED SO WHAT GOOD IS THIS SYSTEM ? I BELIEVE AS THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT THE AUTO MANUFACTURES SHOULD FIX / REPLACE !!”
NHTSA complaint #11114163, 2018

“HAVE HAD TWO (2) OCCURRENCES OF LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO RUST PERFORATION OF THE WHEELS. THERE IS A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL THAT RETAINS WATER, RESULTING IN RUST PERFORATION. REPLACEMENT OF TWO WHEELS HAS BEEN REQUIRED. WHEELS ARE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 17" STEEL WHEELS. AIR LOSS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEING DRIVEN. AIR LOSS WAS NOT CATASTROPHIC, BUT REPLENISHMENT WAS REQUIRED MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11065453, 2017

Fuel System 4

“1. AFTER HAVING DRIVEN MY TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION FOR ABOUT 3 MILES, I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE AT THE MORGANTOWN AIRPORT. I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I WAS ABOUT 25% INTO THE SPACE, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE SPONTANEOUSLY. I INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THIS CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE DECREASE IN THE ENGINE SPEED. MY WIFE WAS WITH ME AND I TOLD HER TO LOOK TO VERIFY THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, NOT THE ACCELERATOR. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. AFTER 3.5 HOURS TOYOTA CONCLUDED…”
NHTSA complaint #10668407, 2014

“DRIVING HOME FROM WORK . HIT SOME TYPE OF DEBRIS IN ROAD HEARD A LOUD NOISE IMMEDIATELY SMELLED GASOLINE GAS TANK HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. CONCERNED THAT THERE IS NO PROTECTION WHATEVER FOR GAS TANK .IT IS JUST THERE UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT . SEEMS LIKE THERE SHOULD BE A SKID PLATE OR SOME SORT OF PROTECTION FROM RUPTURE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10574864, 2014

“WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WE GET AN OVERPOWERING SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10419836, 2011

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“LATE MODEL TOYOTA RAV4'S FROM MY RESEARCH SEEM TO HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE EVAP CHARCOAL CANISTER REQUIRING REPLACEMENT (SEE NHTSB 10033407). MY CAR (ALTHOUGH NOT A 2009) HAS THE SAME EXACT OBD DIAGNOSTIC CODES LISTED IN THE BULLETIN ABOVE YET 2011 RAV4'S HAVEN'T BEEN LISTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA WARRANTS THEM FOR 3 YEARS, 36K MILES BUT MOST SEEM TO FAIL JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY ENDS. MY 2011 RAV4, 4 CYL. WITH 51K MILES EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 19 MONTHS (AND 46K MILES) AFTER MANUFACTURE (9/10) AND TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION IS A $1000+ REPAIR. AL…”
NHTSA complaint #10487392, 2012

“STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD. THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS PUSHING CAR FROM BEHIND. ENGINE REVVED UP AND WE WERE MOVING INTO THE INTERSECTION AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL RED. PUSHED VERY HARD ON BRAKE AND QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. ENGINE REVVED TO ABOUT 6,500 RPM IN NEUTRAL, THEN BACK TO NORMAL.”
NHTSA complaint #10444437, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF SULFUR EXHAUST FUMES EMITTING INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO SMELL THE STRONG ODOR. THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10398169, 2011

Seats 3

“I WAS NOTIFIED IN 2013 OF THREE (3) RECALLS NOTHNG HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "THERE IS NOT SAFETY PROBLEM AND I HAVE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND NORTHING IS WRONG' I FORCED THE ISSUE AND THEY DID AN "INTERIM" FIX. IS NOT THREE YEARS A LONG TIME FOR THEM TO BE GETTING THE PARTS AS THAT IS THE EXCUSE I WAS GIVEN BY THE SERVICE MANAGER.”
NHTSA complaint #10881926, 2016

“WE PURCHASED THIS USED CAR IN THE FALL OF 2014. THANKS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 49 CFR PART 571 [DOCKET NO. NHTSA-2004-19807] RIN 2127-AH09, HEAD RESTRAINTS, FINAL RULE, THE HEADRESTS ON THIS VEHICLE PROTRUDE SO FAR FORWARD THAT THE DRIVER HAS TO BEND HIS HEAD AND NECK FORWARD AS WELL AS PULL THE UPPER BACK FORWARD OFF THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THIS HAS RESULTED IN STRAINING OF THE NECK AND SPINE WHILE DRIVING, LEADING TO NECK INJURY WITH NERVE PAIN IN THE ARMS, NECK AND UPPER BACK AFTER SPENDING TIME DRIVING! THE HEADREST IS ONLY ADJ…”
NHTSA complaint #10700790, 2015

“THE THIRD ROW SEAT HEADRESTS ONLY HAVE TWO POSITIONS.(ALL THE WAY UP OR ALL THE WAY DOWN) NEITHER COVERS THE HEAD OF A CHILD. IN THE DOWN POSITION MY CHILD'S HEAD IS ABOVE THE HEADREST. IN THE UP POSITION, HIS HEAD IS BETWEEN THE TWO METAL BARS. THE THIRD ROW SEATS ARE VERY TIGHT AND CERTAINLY NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD ADULTS COMFORTABLY. HOWEVER THE HEADRESTS ONLY FIT AN ADULT SIZE BODY. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10462264, 2012

Exterior Lighting 2

“TAKATA RECALL: WHY THE LIGHT 4WD , TRAC ON AND CHECK ACTIVATE WENT IS RAINING WENT I MY CAR IS PARK”
NHTSA complaint #10937568, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT STOP ILLUMINATING AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO CANCEL, ONCE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 09/21/11”
NHTSA complaint #10413588, 2011

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11206202, 2017

“SINCE SUMMER OF 2014, AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING MY NEW 2011 RAV4, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAS NOT OPERATED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO DOWN OR UP, OFTEN, IT WILL GET STUCK. THE LIGHT ON THE BUTTON BLINKS AT TIMES, AT TIMES IT DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THE WINDOW MOTOR I AM TOLD HAS SEVERAL FINGERS THAT OPERATES THE WINDOWS AND SEEMS TO WORK WHEN TRIED ON SOME KIND OF MACHINE, HOWEVER, TWO GOOD MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT SHORTS OUT WITH OPERATING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. REPLACING THE WINDOW MOTOR IS APPROXIMATELY $460.00 FOR THE PART ALONE, BUT MECHANICS CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE WINDOW WI…”
NHTSA complaint #10916401, 2014

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“For the past three months, in increasing frequency, whenever parking, firm pressure on brake pedal engages sudden burst of acceleration, with engine loudly revving at 1000 revs or higher (audibly beyond the cabin to passers by on the street), that lurches vehicle forward.Within close spaces of parking garage pillars or walls or while parallel parking this is a hazard and threatens sudden accident of 1 mph or less up to 5-10 mph and a 1-2 yard-long jerking lurch to try to recover from. This occurred, twice this week, and 4 times within past 3 months’ time, to where this is no longer a fluke or…”
NHTSA complaint #11538848, 2023

Traction Control System 1

“WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY, ANTILOCK BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTIONS STOP FUNCTIONING AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR ALL TURN ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY. I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKING APPEAR TO WORK PROPERLY BUT I AM UNABLE TO REENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS IN THE RECALL OF THE 2012 RAV4 BUT THE 2011 IS NOT INCLUDED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10579408, 2013