2013 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 73 13 fire 1 injury

“The contact's husband owns a  2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the husband was driving at approximately 35 MPH, smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact's husband managed to pull into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle where it was noticed that the battery compartment caught on fire. The contact's husband managed to extinguish the fire by hand. The contact's husband had sustained slight burns however, no medical attention was sought. No police report was filed. The vehicle was left at a Home Depot parking lot which was the initial destination. The local dealer was con…”
NHTSA complaint #11626625, 2024 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Car started cutting on and off then battery caught fire while driving. The battery is still in the vehicle. Car was inspected by Victory Toyota of Brook Park. There were no warning lamps or messages before the incident occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11647656, 2025 · fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav 4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned on there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery located in the engine compartment had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the contact. A fire report was not fi…”
NHTSA complaint #11625345, 2024 · fire

Unknown Or Other 40 1 crash 10 fire 1 injury 1 death

“DEAR SIRS, I DON'T HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE, WE HERE ON THE ISLAND OF CURACAO HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MANY VEHICLES WHICH ARE CHINESE AND THEIR VIN NO, ARE ALSO CLONED, I BELIEVE THIS IS A WORLD PROBLEM, AND ALSO US MANUFACTURERS HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WORLD PROBLEM, AND THEY CAN ALSO HELP TO EXPOSE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE POSTED MANY ON BLOGS, WHICH HAS TO DO WITH THE CLONING OF CARS. THERE WAS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH SOME ONE BOUGHT A VEHICLE AT THE TOYOTA DEALER A RAV4 2013 AND WE CAME TO FIND OUT THAT IT IS A 2010 MEXICAN CLONE CAR. AND I HAVE REPORTED THESE ALSO TO OTHER AGENCIES IN US…”
NHTSA complaint #10592365, 2014 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“My battery was not secure and caused a fire under hood”
NHTSA complaint #11554855, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving the car, it stalled on the expressway and then started to smoke and seconds later started on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11564455, 2023 · fire

Engine 29 1 crash 9 fire

“I had a 2013 Rav4, while i was driving the car the car started a fire under the hood and burn completely up. Im trying to file a complaint or talk to someone discussing this matter. Toyota says I need to file a bad faith complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #11592405, 2024 · fire

“Pulled into driveway, turned off car. Entered house within a couple of minutes front end of car burst into flames. Fire Dept. was called to put out fire. Car was towed to Newburgh NY for insurance adjustor inspection. I was on my way to store and stopped at in-laws. Had I not made this stop, I would have been on thruway. If car had been a few feet closer to garage, it would have set the garage, with car inside, on fire, and house. Car in garage could have exploded (gas tank). The recall was received days prior to incident, and indicated remedy would be ready in June 2024. Police and Fire…”
NHTSA complaint #11562628, 2023 · fire

“I was driving back home with my kids on 12/31/22 as usual, car suddenly turned off. The engine then caught fire within 2 min of turning off, the whole car was on fire within 8 min.”
NHTSA complaint #11499684, 2022 · fire

Power Train 29 1 crash 1 injury

“THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES SUDDEN ACCELERATION. IT OCCURRED TWICE, ONCE WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND AGAIN WHEN YOU GET SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE CAR WAS AT A STANDSTILL BOTH TIMES. THE FIRST TIME WAS APRIL 2017. I WAS DRIVING ALONG A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET AT 20 MPH. WHEN I STOPPED AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, IT SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I APPLIED THE BRAKES; THE CAR STARTED SPINNING AROUND. I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE CAR STOPPED. THE SECOND EVENT OCCURRED ON JANUARY 4, 2018. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE; I STOPPED SO I COULD RENTER THE SPACE. WHEN I…”
NHTSA complaint #11062483, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The vehicle shudders significantly when accelerating/cruising between 35-45 mph. The shudder started slight and did not pose an issue for a while, but now its significant enough that is causes erratic steering. The vehicle waved back and forth from the vibration yesterday and went across the median line into oncoming traffic. I was able to regain control and accelerated through past 45 mph when the vibration receded. After calling Toyota I learned that Toyota knew about this issue and the a faulty torque converter was to blame. There was no recall or notification just (as the dealer expla…”
NHTSA complaint #11638027, 2025

“My 2013 RAV4 has been experiencing shuddering and vibrations at low speeds. Turns out it is the torque converter which Toyota was aware some 2013-2014 RAV4 have the problem. But instead of doing a recall they did a customer support program recall which they were able to put an expiration on the recall. Now my car needs the torque converter replaced Toyota will not honor the recall because it is expired 3 years ago. After seeing numerous complaints about the torque converter Toyota should reconsider doing a full recall on this safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11586317, 2024

Structure 28 1 crash 2 fire

“I turned the key and started the RAV4 parked in my driveway. It immediately made unusual noices (gurgling, spitting, etc.). Within a minute, there was a loud "BOOM" under the hood and fire began coming out from underneath the car. I got out of the car and got a safe distance from it. My neighbors came running over as they heard subsequent explosions and saw black smoke billowing from my direction. Within a matter of a few minutes, the entire car was engulfed in flames. The fire department came and extinguished it. There is nothing left! BTW, I am 91 years old. This could have had a ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11462559, 2022 · fire

“THE ENGINE STARTED ON FIRE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. THE RAV4 LIMITED WAS TOTALED. IT WAS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND HAD 17,500 MILES ON IT. THE CAR WAS SERVICED REGULARLY BY TOYOTA. THE LAST SERVICE WAS ABOUT 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. TOYOTA HAS NOT HONORED THEIR 3YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE CAR. TOYOTA HAS NOT OFFERED A REPLACEMENT CAR, RENTAL OR ANYTHING. EVERY TIME WE CALL OUR TOYOTA CASE MANAGER OR LEGAL DEPARTMENT MANAGERS, WE HAVE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE AND THEY NEVER RETURN OUR CALLS.”
NHTSA complaint #10860544, 2016 · fire

“THE THROTTLE STUCK ON THE CAR. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND IT WENT OVER A 10 FOOT FALL AND CRASHED TO THE GROUND. IT WAS A VERY SCARY RIDE. I TRIED EVERY WAY TO STOP THE CAR BUT COULD NOT . I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME OF THE UNINTENDED EVENT. I AM STILL VERY SORE THREE WEEKS LATER AND HAVE SOME SPINAL SPRAIN AND WRIST SPRAIN, CERVICAL SPRAIN AND BOTH KNEES BRUISED BOTH KNEES. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER FOR REPAIRS AFTER I CONSULTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY....UPDATED 06-16-15 *BF *TR UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10701827, 2015 · crash

Service Brakes 23 6 crash 1 injury

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 36 AND BEFORE THE RED LIGHT I LEFT MY RIGHT LEG FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET READY TO STOP BY THE RED LIGHT . AT THAT MOMENT THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND TO MY LEG PRESSING AND THE TOTAL BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT RESPOND HAVING CARS STOPPED INFRONT OF ME BY THE RED LIGHT I HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A BIG TREE. THE DAMAGE REACHED ALMOST TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT HOOD; HOWEVER, NO ANY AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED OR ACTIVATED DUE TO THE CRASH AND I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL BY THE AMBULANCE A…”
NHTSA complaint #10672339, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION WITH THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). CAR FAILS TO BRAKE PROPERLY AND SLIDES WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED THE BRAKE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP, SLID INTO THE BACK OF AN 18-WHEELER.”
NHTSA complaint #10872683, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLES HAD MINOR DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10861879, 2016 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 17 4 crash

“THE THROTTLE STUCK ON THE CAR. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND IT WENT OVER A 10 FOOT FALL AND CRASHED TO THE GROUND. IT WAS A VERY SCARY RIDE. I TRIED EVERY WAY TO STOP THE CAR BUT COULD NOT . I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME OF THE UNINTENDED EVENT. I AM STILL VERY SORE THREE WEEKS LATER AND HAVE SOME SPINAL SPRAIN AND WRIST SPRAIN, CERVICAL SPRAIN AND BOTH KNEES BRUISED BOTH KNEES. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER FOR REPAIRS AFTER I CONSULTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY....UPDATED 06-16-15 *BF *TR UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10701827, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT REMAINED STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED INCREASED AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10693644, 2014 · crash

“I WAS PREPARING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO AN EXIT DRIVEWAY. ABOUT 12 FEET DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME WAS A CEMENT BRICK WALL PARALLELING THE DRIVEWAY. AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR ROCKETED INTO THE CEMENT BRICK WALL. FORTUNATELY,, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND I WAS NOT INJURED BADLY NOR WAS ANYONE ELSE. $ 13,000 TO FIX MY CAR AND I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL HAPPEN TOME AGAIN. I WILL BE LIKE DRIVING A TIME BOMB. I PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR TO TOYOTA AND HAVE THEM CHECK MY SYSTEMS AND CERTIFY, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN IN TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10622640, 2014 · crash

Air Bags 13 11 crash 11 injury

“THE TOYOTA WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH NORTH BOUND AND A MERCEDES MADE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF THE TOYOTA. THE TOYOTA T-BONE THE MERCEDES AT 35 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS ON THE TOYOTA DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN THE TOYOTA SUFFERED SEVERAL INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, HANDS, LEG AND FEET AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE TOYOTA WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10565936, 2013 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a second vehicle that had abruptly stopped. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe front-end damage but the air bags did not deploy. The contact indicated that the front driver's side door had to be removed in order to be removed from the vehicle. The contact sustained multiple cervical fractures, a fractured sternum, and injuries to the rib and chest areas. An occupant of the second vehicle also sustained a minor undisclosed injury. The v…”
NHTSA complaint #11634828, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On Jan 3, 2022 while my daughter and granddaughter were using my 2013 Rav4, traffic was stopped on Rt 11, and they stopped and the car behind them stopped. But the drunk driver in a Dodge pickup did not stop, pushing the car behind my car into on coming traffic and then slamming into the back of my Rav4, pushing it into the bumper of a dump truck. The pickup truck stopped in the back seat of the Rav4. The Rav4 stopped when it hit the bumper, just short of going through the windshield. It is unknown how fast the drunk driver was traveling, but my Rav4 was totaled. However, no airbags deployed.…”
NHTSA complaint #11447896, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Equipment 13

“IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE NAVIGATION SCREEN FROM THE NORMAL DRIVING POSITION IN THE SUNLIGHT DUE TO GLARE. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR AN EXTENDED TIME. THIS IS UNSAFE AND COULD CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SERVICE CLAIMS THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10628315, 2014

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, UNDER ANY CONDITION, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE NAVIGATION SCREEN, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOK, RATHER THAN GLANCE, AT THE SCREEN TO DETERMINE DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS, ROAD HAZARDS, WARNINGS, ETC. THE GLARE IS ALMOST BLINDING AT TIMES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10559490, 2014

“THERE IS HUGE SUN REFLECTION ON NAVIGATION SYSTEM & YOU HAVE VERY POOR VISION ON NAVIGATION. TIME TO TIME YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR HEAD POSITION TO FIND RIGHT ANGLE TO READ NAVIGATION DISPLAY. THIS WILL DANGER THE LIFE OF DRIVER TREMENDOUSLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10560639, 2013

Steering 11

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently stiffened while driving straight and while making left and right turns. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as needing a steering column assembly and dealer was not assisting with diagnos…”
NHTSA complaint #11520049, 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering column without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that the steering gear and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11438047, 2021

“STRUTS ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR, ALSO HEAT SHIELD GROMMETS ARE LOOSE AND PRODUCES A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. ALL THE NOISES ARE NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. TORQUE CONVERTER AND 6 SOLENOIDS HAD TO BE REPLACED”
NHTSA complaint #11406800, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“In at least 5 or more instances the vehicle has had unintended acceleration and thrust the car forward while I was braking and trying to come to a stop. Once it happened at a 4-way intersection and propelled my car into the middle of the intersection and I had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with another car. I , or the other driver, could have been killed. In all cases the braking failed to stop the car and in fact sped it up even though the brakes were applied.”
NHTSA complaint #11582671, 2024

“The Fuel Pump entire system failed. I have a receipt of $731.50 to have it fixed. I was stranded coming off Belt Parkway in New York City, I feared for my car as the cars came flying off of the exit ramp. The Toyota Company has sent recalls on most of their Fuel Pumps except my 2013 Toyota Rav4. All of my alerts went on immediately but then the car just stopped and I managed to coast to the off the ramp. There were no warnings but when I looked up Toyota Recalls the main problem is their Fuel Pump Injectors in most of their cars and I had no knowledge of this.”
NHTSA complaint #11427495, 2021

“DRIVING MY 2013 TOYOTA RAV4EV WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT SHIFT BACK TO DRIVE AND LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH. LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. THERE WAS A MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY OF "CHECK EV SYSTEM. HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY"”
NHTSA complaint #11361268, 2020

Visibility 7

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard an exploding sound and became aware that the sunroof had exploded. The contact stated that the shattered glass fell onto the shade cover that was closed during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the sunroof was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11695897, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHADE PREVENTED SHATTERED GLASS FROM ENTERING THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SLOANE TOYOTA OF MALVERN LOCATED AT 593 LANCASTER AVE., MALVERN, PA 19355, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11340854, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARIETTA TOYOTA (750 COBB PKWY S, MARIETTA, GA 30060), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11058117, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 6

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the front driver’s side windshield wiper was not functioning properly when activated. The front driver’s side windshield wiper would get stuck in the upright position. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11435867, 2021

“STRUTS ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR, ALSO HEAT SHIELD GROMMETS ARE LOOSE AND PRODUCES A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. ALL THE NOISES ARE NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. TORQUE CONVERTER AND 6 SOLENOIDS HAD TO BE REPLACED”
NHTSA complaint #11406800, 2020

“MY FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE GLASS SINCE THERE WAS NO IMPACT. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS COVERED WITH ICE AND THE DEFOGGER WAS WORKING TO MELT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AS IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11208207, 2019

Exterior Lighting 5

“The other night driving home i notice that my headlights gotten dimmed. I turned on my fog lights so that i could see the road. after turning on my fog lights i had limited vision on the road. I feel that it's a safety concern that needs to be address so that i won't get into an accident. How should i proceed with the issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11734167, 2026

“THE NAVIGATION SCREEN IS TOTALLY UNUSABLE IN DAYLIGHT. SCREEN IS FLAT AND EXPOSED TO SUN. DRIVER HAS TO LEAN OVER AND HOLD RIGHT HAND OVER THE SCREEN TO GET ANY VISIBILITY AT ALL. EVEN THEN YOU CAN BARELY SEE IT, NOT TO MENTION THE DANGER OF LEANING OVER, USING THE RIGHT HAND TO SCREEN, AND STARING AT THE SCREEN RATHER THAN THE ROAD. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE DESIGN. TOYOTA WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. $1500 MISTAKE FOR ANYONE WHO PURCHASED THIS ADD-ON. YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY RELY ON THE VOICE FOR NAVIGATION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10630837, 2014

“THE INSTRUMENTS (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGE) OF THE CAR DO NOT LIGHT UP IF THE HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING UNDER UNDERPASSES OR IN THE SHADOW OF TREES, ETC., SINCE ONE UNEXPECTEDLY CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR TACHOMETER UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10558027, 2013

Seat Belts 4 2 crash 2 injury

“MY SEAT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK IN A CRASH BUT THE PASSENGER WORKED”
NHTSA complaint #11197115, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 36 AND BEFORE THE RED LIGHT I LEFT MY RIGHT LEG FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET READY TO STOP BY THE RED LIGHT . AT THAT MOMENT THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND TO MY LEG PRESSING AND THE TOTAL BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT RESPOND HAVING CARS STOPPED INFRONT OF ME BY THE RED LIGHT I HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A BIG TREE. THE DAMAGE REACHED ALMOST TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT HOOD; HOWEVER, NO ANY AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED OR ACTIVATED DUE TO THE CRASH AND I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL BY THE AMBULANCE A…”
NHTSA complaint #10672339, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE MECHANISM AND PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11281411, 2019

Tires 4

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4 equipped with four Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX; Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: A32YHOOB0224. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the passenger’s side front tire exploded. The hub cap detached and flew off the rim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called AAA and was informed that the tires were not properly installed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the tire was replaced. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware that the dr…”
NHTSA complaint #11605790, 2024

“On June 17 the tread separated on a tire that was purchased on 4/2/21. I was driving on the interstate at 65 mph with the tire separated.”
NHTSA complaint #11433739, 2021

“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY @70MPH. TIRE LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. LESS THAN 2 MINUTES LATER, DRIVER-SIDE REAR TIRE FAILED. SLIGHTLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND SWERVED FROM THE FAST LANE TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OFF OF HIGHWAY. WE COULD SMELL SMOKE AND UPON GETTING OUT OF THE CAR SAW THAT THE TIRE WALL HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE RIM AND OBSERVED TIRE RIM MARKS IN ASPHALT. WE FOUND A NEARBY TIRE STORE AND HAD THE TIRE REPLACED WITH A NEW DIFFERENT NAME OF TIRE. TIRES WERE PURCHASED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS PRIOR. TIRE: COOPER HERCULES TERRA TRAC CROSS-V”
NHTSA complaint #11398217, 2021

Wheels 4

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4 equipped with four Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX; Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: A32YHOOB0224. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the passenger’s side front tire exploded. The hub cap detached and flew off the rim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called AAA and was informed that the tires were not properly installed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the tire was replaced. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware that the dr…”
NHTSA complaint #11605790, 2024

“PRESSURE SENSORS MAL FUNCTIONING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE DAMAGED WHEN TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ASKING DIAGNOSTIC FEES AND REPAIR CHARGES. THIS WAS AN ON GOING PROBLEM IN THIS CAR”
NHTSA complaint #11119805, 2018

“I WAS PUTTTING AIR IN A FLAT TIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE TIRE COLLASPED. I LOOKED AT THE TIRE ( BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T 687 235/55R18 DOT # EL7CCFH5012) AND SAW A 12 INCH RIP IN THE SIDEWALL. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED A FENDER BRACKET TO BREAK AND CRACKED MY FRONT BUMPER. I SENT IT BACK TO MFGR. AND THEY SAID THE TIRE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE AND DENIED REQUEST FOR COMPENSSATION FOR MY DAMAGES AND TIRE REPLACEMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #10780065, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 1 crash

“POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION WITH THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). CAR FAILS TO BRAKE PROPERLY AND SLIDES WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED THE BRAKE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP, SLID INTO THE BACK OF AN 18-WHEELER.”
NHTSA complaint #10872683, 2016 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO SUDDENLY GIVE OFF A "JERKING" SOUND. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE TEND TO JIGGLE OR SHAKE THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAS BECOME FRIGHTENING, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS EVENT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, LOCAL ROAD, CITY STREETS, IN FACT, ANYWHERE. IT JUST HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. IT IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN, HENCE I AM VERY CONCERNED NOW. THE LATEST OCCURRENCE WAS SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2018. BEFORE THAT, IT WAS INFREQUENT, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL OVER THE YEARS, BUT NOW…”
NHTSA complaint #11101297, 2018

“CAR STARTED ACTIN G UP ON MAY 4TH. DIDN'T WANT START RIGHT AWAY IT STATED AFTER 4 5 TIRES AFTER 3 DAYS OF THAT I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL DEALER THEY TOLD ME BATTERY WAS LOW AND THEY CHARGED IT. I BROUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IT HAS ONLY 14 MILE AND I BROUGHT IN MARCH 31 2014. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN YESTERDAY ( 05/18/2014). *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10592352, 2014

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKS DID NOT WORK AT ANYTIME. IF THE VEHICLE WERE LOCKED MANUALLY, IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10899640, 2016

“THE CENTER CONSOLE TOP ARM RESTING PAD BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER DOES NOT LOCKED IN POSITION SO IT MOVES BACK AND FORTH DEPENDING ON HOW YOU ARE LEANING ON IT, IF YOU HAVE YOUR ARM ON IT AND YOU MOVE YOUR BODY IT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH YOUR ARM ON THE CONSOLE PAD, IF THE TOP PAD MOVES BACK IT WILL MAKE YOU GO RIGHT INTO THE DITCH OR IF IT MOVES FORWARD YOU GO LEFT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10572602, 2014

“THE CENTER CONSOLE SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. WHILE DRIVING, IF YOU HAVE YOUR ARM ON IT, IT WILL SLIDE. THE LOCKING MECHANISM DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10543923, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“I PURCHASED THE 2013 RAV4 IN APRIL, 2013. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, I BEGAN TO SMELL AN ODOR COMING FROM THE AC WHEN I START THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE BOX THAT HOLDS THE AC CONDENSATION IS TOO SMALL DUE TO MANUFACTURING CHANGES. ON MY SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THIS COMPLAINT, THEY SPRAYED AC FRESHENER IN THE PART UNDERNEATH THE CAR. THIS HELPED WITH THE ODOR BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY. I AM CONCERNED THAT WHAT I AM BREATHING IS MOLD AND THAT THIS WILL ONLY GET WORSE AS LONG AS I KEEP THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS COULD HARM MY HEALTH OVER TIME. THE DEALERSHIP REP STATED THAT THIS I…”
NHTSA complaint #10554928, 2013

“I HAVE BROUGHT MY 2013 RAV 4 BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS A DAMP AND MUSTY SMELL COMING THRU THE AIR VENTS. TOYOTA HAS REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND SPRAYED SOME AIR FRESHENER BUT THE SMELL IS STILL THERE. THE SERVICE REP HAD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE IS A DRAIN AND THIS DRAIN ALLOWS WATER TO BUILD UP AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSES THE ODOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10548655, 2013

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2

“I PURCHASED THE 2013 RAV4 LIMITED WITH NAVIGATION AND A BLIND SPOT MONITOR, HOWEVER I DO NOT BELIEVE THE MONITOR WORKS CORRECTLY, IT DOES NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING (ANOTHER VEHICLE) IS APPROACHING UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS AT THE SIDE DOOR OF MY VEHICLE, WAY TOO LATE TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT TO YOUR CHANGING LANES. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO MY TOYOTA DEALERS TWO TIMES, ON THE FIRST VISIT THE CAR WAS IN FOR A 6 MONTH CHECK UP AND I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT AT THE TIME, BUT NOTHING SHOWS ON MY VISIT THAT IT WAS CHECKED SO I ASSUMED THAT IT WAS CORRECTED. AFTER THAT VISIT I REALIZED THAT THE B…”
NHTSA complaint #10587567, 2014

“THE NAVIGATION SCREEN IS TOTALLY UNUSEABLE IN DAYLIGHT. SCREEN IS FLAT AND EXPOSED TO SUN. DRIVER HAS TO LEAN WAY OVER AND HOLD RIGHT HAND OVER THE SCREEN TO GET ANY VISIBILITY AT ALL. EVEN THEN IT'S TOO DIFFICULT TO SEE, NOT TO MENTION THE DANGER OF LEANING OVER, USING THE RIGHT HAND TO SCREEN, AND STARING AT THE SCREEN RATHER THAN THE ROAD. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE DESIGN. TOYOTA WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. $1500 MISTAKE FOR ANYONE WHO PURCHASED THIS ADD-ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10628313, 2013

Suspension 2

“STRUTS ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR, ALSO HEAT SHIELD GROMMETS ARE LOOSE AND PRODUCES A BANGING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. ALL THE NOISES ARE NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. TORQUE CONVERTER AND 6 SOLENOIDS HAD TO BE REPLACED”
NHTSA complaint #11406800, 2020

“WHEN VIEWING MY 2013 RAV4 FROM THE REAR, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR SEEMS TILTED TO THE LEFT, IN OTHER WORDS THE RAV4 SITS HIGHER ON THE RIGHT SIDE THAN THE LEFT. I MEASURED FROM THE TOP OF EACH WHEEL WELL TO THE GROUND AND FOUNDS AN ALMOST 1" DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEFT ON BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE RAV4. THE MEASUREMENT WAS REPEATED ON 3 DIFFERENT LEVEL SURFACES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. THE RAV4 WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY AGREED. THEY WROTE ON THE SERVICE INVOICE THAT THIS CONDITION IS "AS DESIGNED AT THIS TIME. ALSO COMPARED TO OTHER LIKE VEHICLES AND FOUND SA…”
NHTSA complaint #10553827, 2013

Back Over Prevention 1

“MY brakes failed me and then bumped the car in front of me the warning system didn't alert me about hitting the car in front of me. and now that person is sueing me for alot of money. now the date is approximate day the dealerhip told me the brakes were fine how is that when they didn't stop the car and keep me from hitting the car in front of me they needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11632330, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“MY brakes failed me and then bumped the car in front of me the warning system didn't alert me about hitting the car in front of me. and now that person is sueing me for alot of money. now the date is approximate day the dealerhip told me the brakes were fine how is that when they didn't stop the car and keep me from hitting the car in front of me they needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11632330, 2024

Fuel System 1

“UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WAS PULLING INTO PARK AT WORK WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE (FORTUNATELY) AND THE RAV4 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10546071, 2013

Lane Departure 1

“MY brakes failed me and then bumped the car in front of me the warning system didn't alert me about hitting the car in front of me. and now that person is sueing me for alot of money. now the date is approximate day the dealerhip told me the brakes were fine how is that when they didn't stop the car and keep me from hitting the car in front of me they needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11632330, 2024

Seats 1 1 crash

“I GOT MY NEW TOYOTA RAV4 2013 EARLY IN 2013. ON THE SECOND DAY I OWNED IT I NOTICED THAT THE THREE TALL AND BROAD REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS OBSCURED AT LEAST ONE-THIRD OF MY VIEW OUT THE REAR WINDOW. I TOOK THEM OUT AND HAVE KEPT THEM OUT SO I CAN HAVE CLEAR VISION TO THE REAR. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT THE TALL AND BROAD HEAD REST ON THE PASSENGER SEAT ALSO OBSCURED MY VIEW OUT TO THE RIGHT. I SIDE-SWIPED ANOTHER CAR EARLY IN AUGUST, AFTERWARD TELLING THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER THAT I DID NOT SEE THE CAR AT ALL, HAD NO IDEA OF WHERE IT HAD COME FROM. IT WASN'T UNTIL SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THAT I R…”
NHTSA complaint #10644261, 2013 · crash