2015 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 84 2 crash 26 fire 1 injury

“The recall for my RAV4 was for the battery, and it may cause a fire. The safety of my family members and other families was affected by this fire. We are all displaced. My mom parked our car under our apartment, and 15 minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The battery was replaced in 2019, and the rep told us of farmers that they can't confirm that the recall may be the root of the fire. I was told by the farmers rep that a certain battery is responsible for the fire. The car was parked and no lights were on.”
NHTSA complaint #11561074, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.”
NHTSA complaint #11721498, 2026 · fire

“After a battery recall was performed on the vehicle at the dealership, a serious safety issue occurred. A short circuit in the battery cable caused a fire in the engine compartment. Fortunately, I was able to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher before it spread, but it happened very close to the gas line and posed a severe danger. We believe the fire may be related to the recall service. The fire caused visible damage to the battery area, and we have documented it with photos and video. We are very concerned about the safety of this vehicle and potential negligence in the recall repair.…”
NHTSA complaint #11675487, 2025 · fire

Unknown Or Other 60 6 crash 11 fire 3 injury

“MYSELF, MY DAUGHTER AND MY DAUGHTER'S FATHER WERE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE 89 TOWARDS BURLINGTON, VT. WE HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD BANG. IT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OR A GUN SHOT. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED, NOT FROM ANY DEBRIS OR ROCK'JUST EXPLODED. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. LUCKILY WE ONLY GOT MINOR CUTS FROM THE GLASS. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY I MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE CAR DESPITE THE EXPLOSION AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE IN ANOTHER CAR. NOW I AM FINDING OUT HOW OFTEN THIS TYPE OF THING HA…”
NHTSA complaint #11166239, 2019 · 2 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. I WOULD LIKE MORE INVESTIGATION REGARDING WHEN A CAR IS REPAIR PER SPECIFICATION AND STATE LAW. HOW IS THAT A COMPANY TAKE CONTROL OF THE VALUE AND HISTORY OF THE CAR. BUT IS NOT REPORTED THE CORRECT WAY WHEN THE REPAIR IS DONE. AFFECTING THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10919727, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Front collision in 55 miles per hour freeway after slamming on the brakes and hitting car in front with minimum damage to them, RAV4 started immediately to smell like something but burning and black smoke started on front left, after few moments car was on flames. The car burnt in it's totality.”
NHTSA complaint #11550998, 2023 · crash · fire

Steering 45 5 crash 1 fire 6 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20…”
NHTSA complaint #10883451, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING (POSSIBLE STALLING, LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE), RESULTING IN A SEVERE CRASH INVOLVING TWO PARKED CARS AND PROPERTY, INJURY TO DRIVER, AND TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED GOING DOWN HILL DUE TO HAVING NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP, THE VEHICLE RAN TWO STOP SIGNS. THE CRASH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO TWO PARKED CARS, "JUMPING" THOSE VEHICLES AND RUNNING INTO A HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TWICE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY FOR STALLING. OCCASION 1 (14K MILES): VEHICLE STALLED AT STOPLI…”
NHTSA complaint #10928436, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE FACE AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10852963, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 37 1 crash 18 fire

“On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.”
NHTSA complaint #11721498, 2026 · fire

“When I try to start up my car after a full month of parking as usual I knew already it has a dead battery so I jump started then once it started I heard a very small explosion with smoke coming from underneath the glove compartment then I found a very small fire started from the same place so I left the car and I called 911 who came and extinguished the fire after the entire car was already engulfed and exploded in fire. The car closed the other two cars on both sides to melt partially as well. The picture attached has the incident number.”
NHTSA complaint #11569829, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was inoperable and all the warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel was seized and the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the street. The contact's daughter noticed the vehicle was smoking from under the hood. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire or police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The insurance company declared th…”
NHTSA complaint #11554307, 2023 · fire

Service Brakes 31 12 crash 2 fire 9 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20…”
NHTSA complaint #10883451, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHILE DRIVING AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED.”
NHTSA complaint #10785270, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING (POSSIBLE STALLING, LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE), RESULTING IN A SEVERE CRASH INVOLVING TWO PARKED CARS AND PROPERTY, INJURY TO DRIVER, AND TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED GOING DOWN HILL DUE TO HAVING NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP, THE VEHICLE RAN TWO STOP SIGNS. THE CRASH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO TWO PARKED CARS, "JUMPING" THOSE VEHICLES AND RUNNING INTO A HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TWICE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY FOR STALLING. OCCASION 1 (14K MILES): VEHICLE STALLED AT STOPLI…”
NHTSA complaint #10928436, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 30 6 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A 'RED' LIGHT AND HIT IT ON THE RIGHT FENDER. FENDER CAME OFF. OTHER VEHICLE HAD FRONT SMASHED IN AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE TOYOTA. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEATBELT, BUT LACK OF AIRBAG CAUSED DRIVERS ARM AND CHEST TO HIT STEERING WHEEL AND LEGS TO HIT OTHER COMPONENTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11053796, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. I WOULD LIKE MORE INVESTIGATION REGARDING WHEN A CAR IS REPAIR PER SPECIFICATION AND STATE LAW. HOW IS THAT A COMPANY TAKE CONTROL OF THE VALUE AND HISTORY OF THE CAR. BUT IS NOT REPORTED THE CORRECT WAY WHEN THE REPAIR IS DONE. AFFECTING THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10919727, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR STALLED SO I PULLED OVER. THERE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN MINUTES IT TURNED INTO A BIG FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED.”
NHTSA complaint #11138884, 2018 · fire

Power Train 25 3 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON; AND APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE; HOWEVER, SHE FORGOT TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO THE PARK POSITION. UPON THE CONTACT'S WIFE EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT RAN OVER HER AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85.”
NHTSA complaint #10761620, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV. PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR WAS PUT IN HISH SPEED REVERSE CAUSING CAR TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11353140, 2020 · crash

“THE POWER STICK SHIFT MOVES TO EASILY OUT OF GEAR. IT REQUIRES ONLY A LIGHT DEPRESSING OF THE BREAK TO DISENGAGE IT. ON MAY 17 2019, I HAD BEEN PARKED WITH THE CAR ON. I HAD DROPPED SOMETHING ON THE FLOOR AND WENT TO PICK IT UP. MY FOOT WAS LIGHTLY TOUCHING THE BREAK AS I BENT DOWN. THE BREAK WAS DEPRESSED JUST ENOUGH TO ALLOW MY SHOULDER OR BACK TO HIT THE STICK SHIFT AND PUSH IT INTO REVERSE. UNBENOUNCED TO ME, AS I WAS STILL BENDING OVER TO PICK SOMETHING UP, THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO REVERSE AND MOVED BACKWARDS INTO TWO CARS BEHIND ME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A REALLY TRAGIC SITUATION HAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11217264, 2019 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 21 11 crash 7 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EXPRESS TOWING'S FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11061200, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20…”
NHTSA complaint #10883451, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the mother was driving at a slow rate of speed while in a parking lot and when the brake pedal was pressed the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a tree. During the incident, the driver sustained a right leg and right arm injury and was transported to the hospital and treated for multiple fractures. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of th…”
NHTSA complaint #11586365, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 15 13 crash 1 fire 13 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EXPRESS TOWING'S FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11061200, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20…”
NHTSA complaint #10883451, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“On November 4 2022 I was involved in a car accident The opposing driver hit me nearly head on but to the right on the drivers side. Crushed the left front tire and axle The car is totaled My air bags did not go off. Front side or otherwise. My life was put in serious danger, I am lucky to be alive; suffering chest back and knee pains due to the strong impact. I had the officer note and hospital note that the car bags did not go off. The opposing insurance made note of the air bags not going off. Unknown if there were warning lights. I am the only driver of that car and original own…”
NHTSA complaint #11497103, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 12

“My friend was leaving church and cranked my vehicle engine. My friend proceeded to exit the church parking lot onto a main road. Prior to exiting the parking lot, she heard the engine "rev", where my vehicle began moving forward without her control. She was consistently pressing the brake pedal; to no avail. where my vehicle was only stopped by careening into a nearby yard. She could hear my vehicle's engine continue rev until she turned it off.”
NHTSA complaint #11566083, 2024

“My vehicle has a problem with torque converter shudder that has gotten worse over time. At first it was shuddering and now vehicle bulks and momentarily slows down at the speed of 20mph thus creating an unsafe situation. Toyota has a Torque Converter Shudder Warranty Enhancement Program (ZH1) for vehicles of my age and mileage, but my specific VIN number does not fall under this warranty enhancement. I spoke to Toyota Brand Engagement Center senior adviser Drew and explained to him that it is a safety issue due to my vehicle unexpectedly slowing down in traffic. But he refused to do anything t…”
NHTSA complaint #11466414, 2022

“A. Mileage indicator: Full thank gives any where from 325-365 miles. But indicator goes down precipitously. If it indicates 20 miles, it will go down to 0 or 8 miles after only a 5 miles drive. B: The only safety I feel is put at risk is where it can leave me when my anticipated mileage suddenly goes below what was indicated. C: Have reported to dealer a couple of times but always informed nothing defective could be detected D: Never received any warning signals. Just happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11421998, 2021

Exterior Lighting 6

“Headlight bulbs burn out within a few months of replacement. This past year 2022, they have been replaced four times. It's never the same headlight, both are faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #11491921, 2022

“Water is collecting in the outside taillights (attached to the body, not the rear hatch) on both sides. There are no visible leaks in the seals or holes in the lenses. In the attached photos, finger is pointing to water level on both lenses.”
NHTSA complaint #11488167, 2022

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the illumination from the headlights was poor due to scratches inside the headlight housings. The contact stated that the illumination made nighttime driving difficult. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11481002, 2021

Seat Belts 6 1 crash 5 injury 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING HEAD ON TOWARDS HIM. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A CRASH AND MOVED OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY; HOWEVER, THE OTHER VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING. THE OTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AMBULANCE WAS CALLED AND FOUR OUT OF THE FIVE OCCUPANTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A TEN YEAR OLD OCCUPANT WAS AIR LIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND LATER DIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11074492, 2018 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TAKATA RECALL - THE 3 SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK DO NOT LOCK WHILE IN MOTION. MY 6YR. SON IS CONSTANTLY SLIDING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY, TURNING, APPLYING THE BRAKES, ABRUPTLY SWAYING TO RIGHT OR LEFT TO AVOID COLLISION, ETC.”
NHTSA complaint #11046994, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while using the rear seat belts, the occupant was unable to adjust the straps, and while moving in the seats, the seat belt straps erroneously became tighter. The contact stated that the failure was present with the rear driver's side seat belt and rear passenger’s side seat belt. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer had not yet been contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11657468, 2025

Suspension 5

“WHILE IN MOTION THE SUSPENSION MAKES LOTS OF NOISE, IT ALSO FEELS VERY FIRM AND YOU CAN FEEL THE BUMPS ON THE ROAD. IT ALSO MAKES CREECKING SOUNDS ON UNEVEN ROADS. AND WHILE DRIVING IT MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSTABLE WHEN ON ROUGH ROADS BY LOSING SOME CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11292509, 2019

“WHILE ON HIGHWAY OR CITY STREET AT TIMES THE RADIO AND PANEL LIGHTS FLICKER AND THE SOUND SYSTEM GOES OFF AND WILL NOT RETURN TILL I STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF THEN ONCE I START THE ENGINE THE SOUND SYSTEM WILL COME ON ONCE AGAIN. ALSO AT TIMES THE HIGH BEAMS WILL TAKE A WHILE TO COME ON. THE REAR DIIR WILL NOT OPEN IN AUTOMATIC MUST BE HAND FORCED. THE REAR SUSPENSION IS AS IT DOES NOT EXIST”
NHTSA complaint #11407137, 2018

“THE CAR SLIDE TO THE RIGHT. EVEN AFTER ALIGHTMENT, IT CANNOT KEEP ALIGNMENT. THE CAR WAS ALIGNMENT MANY TIMES, BUT IT JUST KEEP NORMAL OPERATION ABOUT 3-4 DAY. THEN IT PULLING TO RIGHT SIDE AGAINTHE CAR ALSO MAKE LOUDSY NOISE WHEN MARKING LETF, RIGHT TURN, INCREASING OR DECREASING SPEED AND. THE CAR PULLING MAKE IT IS HARD TO DRIVE AND STAY NORMALLY IN THE LANE ESPECIALLY ON FREEWAY. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER, AND AFTER DO THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME, THE LOW ARM CONTROL HAS PROBLEM, IT MAKE CAR CANNOT KEEP ALIGNMENT, AND SUGGEST ME TO REPLACE BOTH LOW ARM CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #11190637, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 5

“When it rains, water leaks in the interior of the car where the windshield meets the roof of the car. It leaks at the both visor attachments, the light in the middle, and along the sides of where the windshield is attached. I understand there is a recall for older RAV4's for a similar issue. I think the same thing is happening here. It's is causing visibility issues when it is raining and distracts the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11655813, 2025

“While driving on highway 394 in Minneapolis on August 19, 2023, my sunroof exploded. It was approximately 4:55 p.m., and I was driving between 60 and 70 miles per hour. It was around 90 degrees outside at the time. The highway was busy. As I was driving in the far left lane with my nearly 3 year old daughter in the backseat, I was startled by a loud bang like a gunshot or an explosion right above my head. I had no idea what had happened because the shade for my sunroof was closed. As I merged over to the nearest exit, I saw people looking at my car, including looking up toward my roof. After e…”
NHTSA complaint #11539703, 2023

“WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL POSTED SPEED THE SUNROOF IN OUR 2015 EXPLODED FOR REASONS UNKNOWN CAUSING A HUGE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF AND THE REST OF THE SUNROOF GLASS TO CRACK AS WELL. NOTHING APPEARED TO HIT THE SUNROOF AND THERE WAS VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE GLASS SEEMED TO EXPLODE OUTWARDS AS IF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR SOME TYPE OF PRESSURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11169919, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor. The contact stated that he had to top off the brake fluid constantly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V198000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11434578, 2021

“NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS MY CARS EPS LIGHT WILL COME ON AFTER PUTTING MY CAR INTO REVERSE THE CAR DOES NOT CONNECT AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL INSTEAD CAUSING THE CAR TO ROLL FORWARD CREATING HAZARDS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS ON HILLS AND FLAT AREAS. I THEN HAVE TO PUT MY CAR INTO PARK, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART THE CAR TO GET THE CAR TO GO INTO THE CORRECT GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TOYOTA BUT THEY WON?T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT UNDER RECALL. STARTING IN 2019 I STARTED NOTICING FLAKES OF PAINT IN CRACKS OF DOORWAYS AND CREASES OF THE CAR. LAST MONTH A BIG PIECE OF PAINT…”
NHTSA complaint #11323615, 2020

“RECALL ON POWER STEARING UNIT EPS ECU BEEN IN SHOP TWO WEEK AND STILL NOT FIX”
NHTSA complaint #10723152, 2015

Visibility 3

“TAKATA RECALL THE SUNROOF ON MY TOYOTA RAV 4 EXPLODED. IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK(REDLANDS) ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I PULLED THE SHADE TO FIND MY SUNROOF HAD A HUGE HOLE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. NO GLASS CAME DOWN BUT IT LOOK LIKE IT EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE. TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER THE DAMAGES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT WILL COST ME $1000. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10948037, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE PRIOR TO THE SHATTERING OF THE SUN ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10885827, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10794360, 2015

Back Over Prevention 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an undisclosed fuse was replaced. The mechanic made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or r…”
NHTSA complaint #11746428, 2026

“Radio and Navigation system is not working. Dealership stated this is a factory problem that is very costly to repair. A lot of Toyota vehicles are having the same problem. It is a safety issue because driver can't use the hands free option or navigation system. So using the phone while driving is really not safe!”
NHTSA complaint #11508519, 2023

Wheels 2

“FOUR INCIDENTS OF DAMAGE TO WIRING BY RODENTS. MECHANIC BELIEVES THE RODENT TO BE A RAT. ONE RAT HAS BEEN CAUGHT IN A LIVE TRAP. YET TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF EATEN WIRING.THE RAT EATS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING AND BITES THROUGH THE WIRING. THE RAT DRAGS TISSUES INTO THE H/A VENTS. EVEN TRIED TO EAT A PACKAGE OF FOIL WRAPPED HAND WIPES. THE RAT HAS LEFT SCAT UNDER THE SEATS. THE RAT WAS OBSERVED PLAYING UNDER MY CAR WHILE PARKED DOWNTOWN. HE MANAGED TO GET BACK IN THE CAR AND RODE 'HOME.'”
NHTSA complaint #11130483, 2018

“I PURCHASE THE RAV4 IN OCTOBER 2015, AND THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM MY BRAKES AND A FLUCTUATION ISSUE WHERE THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS CATCH CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER AND TOYOTA ARE REFUSING ON TWO OCCASIONS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AGAIN ON 7/28/2015 IN HOPES THAT THEY WILL FINALLY FIX THE ISSUE. THE DEALER WILL NOT DOCUMENT THE ISSUE!”
NHTSA complaint #10744552, 2015

Equipment 1

“When my phone is connected to Bluetooth for hands free talking, the person I’m talking to says that they can’t hear me clearly, so much background noise. After looking this up I see several hundred people saying the same thing. It’s now a law that you can’t be talking on your cell phone to your ear, wouldn’t this be considered a safety issue? Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11457484, 2022

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“I WAS TRYING TO CLOSE THE HATCH WHICH IS TOO HARD TO PULL DOWN FOR A NORMAL PERSON AND I GOT IT ABOUT A FOOT TO BE ABLE TO CLOSE IT AND MY HAND SLIPPED OFF THE GATE AND THE GATE FLEW BACK UP AND KNOCKED MY LEFT EAR, HEAD AND GLASSES SO HARD IT CUT MY EAR AND HEAD AND MY EAR WAS SWOLLEN AND BRUISED IN WHICH THE EAR IS STILL BRUISED AND I HAVE A SCAR WHERE THE CUT IS ON MY EAR. I WAS UNABLE TO SLEEP OR PUT ANY PRESSURE AT ALL ON THAT SIDE OF MY HEAD”
NHTSA complaint #10730748, 2015

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Rav-4. The contact received notification of Customer Service Campaign: 21TG01 (12-Volt Battery Size and Installation Inspection). The contact stated that she inspected the battery and confirmed that it was the correct battery size prior to the failure. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, she drove to her friend's residence at an undisclosed speed when the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist and the air conditioner and radio inadvertently turned off. The contact arrived at her friend's residence and parked the vehicle for approxim…”
NHTSA complaint #11480949, 2022 · fire

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. While opening the fuel cap, fuel was flowing out of the filler neck. The contact detected fuel leaking on the driveway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11519862, 2021