2016 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 56 3 crash 6 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, HE STARTED SMELLING AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR BEFORE FLAMES STARTED COMING UP FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND OUT OF THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE VENTS. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND STARTED POURING WATER FROM A COOLER ONTO THE FIRE TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES HOWEVER, THE FLAMES REIGNITED. ANOTHER MOTORIST PULLED OVER TO ASSIST AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. A BUSINESS OWNER ALSO STOPPED BY, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED HOWEVE…”
NHTSA complaint #11414617, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I had a significant car accident in 2020 and luckily only broke my thumb. I was rear ended. The car I had at the time was a brand new Toyota Rav4, which luckily did have side airbags and they deployed appropriately. However, I have since had the opportunity to drive other vehicles and would like to ensure the safety of myself and others on the road whether the car be foreign or domestic. Please see the following requests: 1. Toyota's electronics freeze intermittently. This is not the first Toyota Rav4 that I have had and it seems to have done this in the majority of them (2/3). This is dang…”
NHTSA complaint #11640194, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While shopping at the grocery store, I experienced an incident upon leaving the parking lot. After reaching my first red light, I noticed smoke rapidly billowing from under the hood of my vehicle. My husband, who was driving behind me, immediately saw the smoke and instructed me to pull over. Once I stopped, he asked me to pop the hood. Upon opening it, he urgently removed his shirt to try and extinguish the fire. The damage was extensive — a hole burned through the hood, significantly compromising the vehicle’s crash safety rating. Additionally, melted plastic covered the battery area, and th…”
NHTSA complaint #11657186, 2025 · fire

Service Brakes 45 14 crash 11 injury

“I was driving on the entrance road to a major highway, and as I approached the curve in the road and pressed on the brakes to decelerate, the vehicle began to shake, and as I pressed the brakes harder to slow down, they did not engage, the front wheels became locked in the position of the curving road at an angle and the vehicle went off road at approx 45mph down an embankment and into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle is totaled and although there were no fatalities minor injuries did occur since the airbags did not keep the passenger nor driver from hitting there head on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11438895, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. IN TURN, THE SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND THE TWO OCCUPANTS IN THE SECOND VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR NECK INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 197537 WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE NOTIFIED. THE FA…”
NHTSA complaint #11254693, 2019 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle in front of the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The Police and ambulance arrived on the scene. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, however, the contact was later informed that a passenger who was riding in the vehicle that was rear-ended later received medical attention. The contact's vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact's vehicle was c…”
NHTSA complaint #11592870, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 33 2 fire

“The car rapidly caught on fire while parked and off. Smoke first appeared from the hood and subsequently flames came out of the hood causing the entire car to catch in fire. There were no warning lights/messages. The car was inspected by our insurance, USAA”
NHTSA complaint #11496910, 2022 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. UNSURE OF THE CAUSE.”
NHTSA complaint #11031632, 2017 · fire

“I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota sending out letters to RAV4 owners reference factory paint peeling. The letter stated, “Customer Support Program Notification Paint Peeling (Vehicles Painted with factory-applied blizzard pearl or super white paint). In this letter it stated that it is a possibility veh’s painted with this paint may experience paint peeling off. In the letter it states that if you are not experiencing this issue, there is nothing you need to do at this time. I did not experience any issues at the time. The letter was sent approximately 6-7 years ago. On May 20th 2026 I…”
NHTSA complaint #11744319, 2026

Exterior Lighting 28

“Headlights and taillights are fogging/hazing up to where they dimmed out the lights when turned on making is somewhat difficult to see or others behind me to see me.”
NHTSA complaint #11648864, 2025

“A fogging/white residue has developed over time on the inside of the tail lights. As this continues to progress it would make the lights much dimmer and harder to see. ( I see several references to the same issue doing an online search for 2016 rav4 taillight fogging)”
NHTSA complaint #11581201, 2024

“All 6 of mine lights (front/fog and inside/outside rear) are collecting haze / contamination on the inside of the lens. Lights are a primary safety/warning device. Anything (like interior fogging) that interferes with this function is a SERIOUS safety defect that the manufacturer should fix under a safety recall. I have already spent money replacing one of the side rear light assemblies, due to these being a safety hazard. I would like to avoid an accident or possible legal tickets.”
NHTSA complaint #11575378, 2023

Engine 24 3 crash 8 fire 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph when they noticed smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that when they attempted to move to the passenger side of the road they realized there was not enough room to do so causing them to roll over several times downhill eventually crashing into two trees. The contact stated that a civilian came and assisted them out of the vehicle once they noticed the crash. The air bags did deploy. The contact received head, neck, rib, sternum, and foot. Medical…”
NHTSA complaint #11424085, 2021 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“While shopping at the grocery store, I experienced an incident upon leaving the parking lot. After reaching my first red light, I noticed smoke rapidly billowing from under the hood of my vehicle. My husband, who was driving behind me, immediately saw the smoke and instructed me to pull over. Once I stopped, he asked me to pop the hood. Upon opening it, he urgently removed his shirt to try and extinguish the fire. The damage was extensive — a hole burned through the hood, significantly compromising the vehicle’s crash safety rating. Additionally, melted plastic covered the battery area, and th…”
NHTSA complaint #11657186, 2025 · fire

“The car rapidly caught on fire while parked and off. Smoke first appeared from the hood and subsequently flames came out of the hood causing the entire car to catch in fire. There were no warning lights/messages. The car was inspected by our insurance, USAA”
NHTSA complaint #11496910, 2022 · fire

Air Bags 18 15 crash 17 injury

“I was driving on the entrance road to a major highway, and as I approached the curve in the road and pressed on the brakes to decelerate, the vehicle began to shake, and as I pressed the brakes harder to slow down, they did not engage, the front wheels became locked in the position of the curving road at an angle and the vehicle went off road at approx 45mph down an embankment and into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle is totaled and although there were no fatalities minor injuries did occur since the airbags did not keep the passenger nor driver from hitting there head on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11438895, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL, I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR ENDED COLLISION ON A HIGHWAY WHILE STOPPED CAUSING MY CAR TO REAREND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SAID MALFUNCTION ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS $19000 IN DAMAGE, I ASKED FOR THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AND FEEL SAFE. THEY WOULD NOT DO IT BECAUSE THEY SAID THE COMPUTER WAS ABLE TO RESET. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED OVER AND OVER AS I COULD NOT FEEL SAFE, NO ONE WOULD LISTEN SO I ENDED UP TRADING THE CAR THAT WAS 7 MONTHS OLD IN AND TAKING A LOSS TO FEEL SAFE. SINCE THE AIRBAG MALFU…”
NHTSA complaint #11113645, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10872409, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Structure 14 2 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO THE CONTACT, WHICH CAUSED INJURY AND DISCOLORATION TO THE CONTACT'S SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. ..UPDATED 03/09/17 *BF CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER INJURY TOYOTA ISSUED A "LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN" TO REMEDY OR REPLACE THE POWER BACK DOOR ECU (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT). UPDATED 7/16/18*JB *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10929666, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“While shopping at the grocery store, I experienced an incident upon leaving the parking lot. After reaching my first red light, I noticed smoke rapidly billowing from under the hood of my vehicle. My husband, who was driving behind me, immediately saw the smoke and instructed me to pull over. Once I stopped, he asked me to pop the hood. Upon opening it, he urgently removed his shirt to try and extinguish the fire. The damage was extensive — a hole burned through the hood, significantly compromising the vehicle’s crash safety rating. Additionally, melted plastic covered the battery area, and th…”
NHTSA complaint #11657186, 2025 · fire

“MY BRAND NEW CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE FRONT WHILE IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A RESTAURANT. I CAME OUTSIDE TO LEAVE AND IT WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM THE FIRE. I SAW THE RAV4 INVESTIGATION IS HAPPENING AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAD MY REPORT INCLUDED. THE FIRE HAPPENED IN THE FRONT LEFT (AS IT WAS STATED IN THE ARTICLE OTHER CARS). I CAN SEND YOU ADDITIONAL DETAILS IF NEEDED BUT EVERYTHING IS MATCHING UP WITH THE OTHER INCIDENTS. IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH IS WHY IT WAS SUCH A STRANGE EVENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11398858, 2018 · fire

Vehicle Speed Control 12 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT'S FATHER WAS GENTLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT'S FATHER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND STRUCK A GATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FATHER HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS DETECTED. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10854436, 2016 · crash

“I was parking the car in a gravel parking lot. When I pressed the brakes and shifted into park it instead accelerated and went over the side of an enbankment. I could not stop it even though my foot was pressing hard on the brake. Luckily there was no other person or property affected by the error and my car did not suffer external damage. It damaged a sensor on the bottom side of the car which had to be replaced. There was no indication of any problems beforehand. My mechanic did an extensive review of the car and could not find anything that would have explained the unintended accelera…”
NHTSA complaint #11538262, 2023

“While changing the lane towards right, suddenly my vehicle over accelerated and was about to crash the vehicle ahead of me and quickly I decided to maneuver towards the right shoulder lane and within few seconds and speedy semi-truck passed from the left and saved our lives of 4 people in the car in the busy highway approaching the O'hare Chicago Airport. Safety: Had I not taken towards right to avoid crash on anther vehicle, the high speed truck from the back would have hit us within a few seconds of my alertness. Yes, during Feb.2019, due to excess acceleration, this car crashed towards thic…”
NHTSA complaint #11498777, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 12 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I had a significant car accident in 2020 and luckily only broke my thumb. I was rear ended. The car I had at the time was a brand new Toyota Rav4, which luckily did have side airbags and they deployed appropriately. However, I have since had the opportunity to drive other vehicles and would like to ensure the safety of myself and others on the road whether the car be foreign or domestic. Please see the following requests: 1. Toyota's electronics freeze intermittently. This is not the first Toyota Rav4 that I have had and it seems to have done this in the majority of them (2/3). This is dang…”
NHTSA complaint #11640194, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY BRAND NEW CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN THE FRONT WHILE IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A RESTAURANT. I CAME OUTSIDE TO LEAVE AND IT WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED FROM THE FIRE. I SAW THE RAV4 INVESTIGATION IS HAPPENING AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAD MY REPORT INCLUDED. THE FIRE HAPPENED IN THE FRONT LEFT (AS IT WAS STATED IN THE ARTICLE OTHER CARS). I CAN SEND YOU ADDITIONAL DETAILS IF NEEDED BUT EVERYTHING IS MATCHING UP WITH THE OTHER INCIDENTS. IT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH IS WHY IT WAS SUCH A STRANGE EVENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11398858, 2018 · fire

“I HAVE HAD AND CONTINUE TO HAVE BATTERY TROUBLE WITH MY TOYOTA RAV4. I FIRST BOUGHT A NEW 2014 AND AT MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS UNCOMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO TRADE IT IN AND GET A NEW 2016. I STILL HAVE THIS ONE, BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAVE BATTERY TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED AT WORK WHEN MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THAT IS WHEN I FOUND MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF CORROSION, AND TO THIS DAY, THE TERMINALS CORRODE OVER EVEN WITH NEW BATTERY. THE PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK WITH THE KEY BUTTON BC OF THIS ISSUE. I WOULD ESTIMATE I'VE REPLACED…”
NHTSA complaint #11399862, 2019

Power Train 11 2 crash

“While exiting slowly from the parking lot, the Toyota started to make a beeping alarm noise, then suddenly lurched forward. Applying the brake had no effect, and the car accelerated across the LRT tracks, climbed onto the passenger platform, and only stopped when it collided with an electrical box there.”
NHTSA complaint #11559394, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER STICK WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY MOVED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.”
NHTSA complaint #10888807, 2016 · crash

“I called for a jumpstart for my truck after it cut off while I was turning onto a parking lot I hit a bump and it just cut off. I had to turn the truck completely off then start it again, after it started I made it completely onto the lot and parked it. When I went to start it again it wouldn’t turn over or startup. I used my State Farm app to request for a jumpstart or possible tow 2/23/25. On 3/9/25 the truck wouldn’t start again and I requested for another jumpstart. The engine light came on shortly thereafter saying that the AWD wasn’t available and that the FWD train was only available. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11708766, 2025

Steering 10 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND SIDESWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WHERE IT WAS AWAITING INSPECTION. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11114964, 2018 · crash

“On July 13th I was driving at a slow speed and I was making a right turn and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in not being able to turn into my lane and so a car coming into my direction, so quickly I had to stop across the opposite lane to let the car go by me, Then I looked at the dashboard it had the steering wheel and brake symbol illuminated, so I tried to restart the motor but it made the clinching noise telling me that still running so I stopped and restarted the motor and the symbols went off and continued driving with caution, made it home safe”
NHTSA complaint #11602027, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel seized, and the information system rebooted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,388.”
NHTSA complaint #11591527, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 2 crash 1 injury

“I had a significant car accident in 2020 and luckily only broke my thumb. I was rear ended. The car I had at the time was a brand new Toyota Rav4, which luckily did have side airbags and they deployed appropriately. However, I have since had the opportunity to drive other vehicles and would like to ensure the safety of myself and others on the road whether the car be foreign or domestic. Please see the following requests: 1. Toyota's electronics freeze intermittently. This is not the first Toyota Rav4 that I have had and it seems to have done this in the majority of them (2/3). This is dang…”
NHTSA complaint #11640194, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL; WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF A DRIVE WAY, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT A BUSH AND A HOUSE. AFTER RECOVERING AND ATTEMPTING AGAIN, THE CAR ACCELERATOR STUCK A SECOND TIME CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT ANOTHER BUSH.”
NHTSA complaint #10954087, 2017 · crash

“When slowing to a stop with foot off gas pedal and on the brake pedal engine suddenly revs to approximately 7K rpms. Mashing brake pedal and turning off engine is only way to control the vehicle. Restarting motor has returned it to normal operation until last occurrence when it took about 5-6 restarts before it returned to normal operation. This has been happening since car was maybe 1 year old. However, it goes for extended periods of 6 months or more without it occurring. It occurs with absolutely no warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11561919, 2023

Visibility 4

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the moon roof was leaking. The failure had gotten progressively worse over time causing damage to the interior of the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11417886, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A ROCK STRUCK THE SUN ROOF, FRACTURED IT, AND CAUSED GLASS TO EXPLODE AND IMPLODE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (FINDLAY TOYOTA FLAGSTAFF, 5030 E MARKETPLACE DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004, (888) 736-7324) WHO AT FIRST INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE REPLACED BY A WARRANTY AND THE END RESULT WAS THAT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT OF THE PART AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11074371, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE SUN ROOF FRACTURED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS STARTED TO FALL INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CLEARWATER TOYOTA (21799 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33765, (800) 667-9051) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,250. *TT *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11062360, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 1 crash

“IT WAS A COLD DAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. I WARMED UP THE CAR IN THE MORNING FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING TO DRIVE TO WORK. I GOT ONTO THE MASSACHUSETTS PIKE AND AFTER A COUPLE EXITS OF CRUISING AT 60 HIT STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AT ONE OF THE ENTRANCES AND WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO A STOP IN THE TRAFFIC MY CAR FLASHED THE BATTERY CRITICAL CHARGING ERROR FOR A SPLIT SECOND BEFORE SAYING EVERYTHING NEEDED TO BE RESTARTED BY PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK. AFTER THAT, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT ON HAZARDS UNTIL ABOUT 15 SECONDS LATER OF TRYING TO GET THE POWER BACK ON DID THE CAR START U…”
NHTSA complaint #11063443, 2018 · crash

“PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL SENSOR HARNESS WAS DAMAGED BY RODENT. VEHICLE HAS 26K MILES AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE BREAK, AND WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE HARNESS AT A COST NOT COVERED OF $6300. THE MATERIAL CHANGE OF THESE PARTS ATTRACT RATS. THIS DAMAGED CAUSE ABS, LANE DEPARTURE, BLIND SPOT MONITORING AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I LIVE IN A GATE COMMUNITY. I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER LINE AND WAS GIVEN THE SAME EXPLANATION OF THE LACK OF WARRANTY COVERAGE. CASE #1710230814”
NHTSA complaint #11035705, 2017

“14 MONTH OLD RAV4 XLE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR SLOW TRAFFIC, THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I AM OVER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY AS MY WORK ENTAILS DRIVING. THE LOCAL DEALER QUOTED ME $2800 FOR REPAIRS, HE CHECKED WITH THE TOYOTA MFG. REP TO SEE IF POSSIBLY THE ABS ACTUATOR IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN PORTION (60000 MILES) OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY. TOYOTA DEALER STATED NO WARRANTY COVERAGE DUE TO MILEAGE. LOCATED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND RECALL FOR "CERTAIN MODEL YEAR" 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 RECALL - #16V198000 RECALL FOR SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC : AN…”
NHTSA complaint #10986033, 2017

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to properly close while pressing the electrical buttons on both the key fob and the two liftgate buttons located inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the liftgate had to be closed manually to securely close the liftgate. The contact stated that after her daughter had loaded groceries inside vehicle, the liftgate failed to latch properly but was closed after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact's daughter was informed that the hinges and liftgate needed to be repl…”
NHTSA complaint #11688133, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while opening the rear door using the key fob, the door did not open as needed; however, the door was unlocked. The contact was able to open the rear door manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the back upper door power unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 109,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11517690, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the tailgate was heard opening. The contact also stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate ajar message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred and that the tailgate failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that lubrication needed to be applied to the tailgate. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persis…”
NHTSA complaint #11522897, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“While changing the lane towards right, suddenly my vehicle over accelerated and was about to crash the vehicle ahead of me and quickly I decided to maneuver towards the right shoulder lane and within few seconds and speedy semi-truck passed from the left and saved our lives of 4 people in the car in the busy highway approaching the O'hare Chicago Airport. Safety: Had I not taken towards right to avoid crash on anther vehicle, the high speed truck from the back would have hit us within a few seconds of my alertness. Yes, during Feb.2019, due to excess acceleration, this car crashed towards thic…”
NHTSA complaint #11498777, 2022

“TOYOTA PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) ON 2016 RAV4. I NEVER GET ANY KIND OF WARNING, EVEN WHEN CARS CUT ME OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I APPROACH A CAR FROM BEHIND AT SPEED (I CANNOT GET TOO RISKY HERE), ETC. OTHER PCS SYSTEMS ON FRIENDS CARS (NON TOYOTA) HAVE SOME WARNINGS, EVEN FALSE ONES A BIT. I ASKED MY DEALER TO CHECK IT WAS WORKING, THEY HAD NO PROCEDURES TO TEST IT OTHER THAN OBDII FOR SENSORS OUT. SEEMS LIKE THE PROMISED AND IIHS TESTS INDICATED THAT THIS PCS SYSTEM WORKED TO STOP THE CAR. ON LINE SEARCHES I CANNOT FIND ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN THEIR SYSTEM WORKING OR ALARMS. THE TOYOTA VIDEO INDIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10902035, 2016

Seat Belts 2

“Rear seat belt passenger side would not unlatch, trapping the passenger. This was and is the only time we have ever used this seat belt.It took two people to help get her thru the upper part of seat belt,had to exit over the top of back seat passenger. This life saving mechanism was and is unsafe and could of caused death if in the event of accident with fire. We have Owned two other Toyota's. Never any other dangerous life threatening events. Our request is the right thing to do. Replace this inoperative major defective part at an authorized Toyota Dealership here in. Dayton Ohio? Do we ne…”
NHTSA complaint #11679788, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the seat belt alert chime would intermittently engage while the seat belt was in use. The seat belt warning light was also illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11459509, 2022

Seats 2

“THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WHEN MOVED BACK, LOCKS IN AND WON'T MOVE FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED AT A CAR WASH WHEN CAR WAS NOT MOVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11289050, 2019

“DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION CLOTH MATERIAL STARTING TO FRAY AND DETERIORATE. FABRIC EVENTUALLY IS GOING TO FRAY AND STUFFING WILL BEGIN TO FALL OUT”
NHTSA complaint #10916406, 2016

Suspension 2

“THE CV JOINS ON BOTH SIDES WORE OFF TO PREMATURE. I HAD TO FIXED IT BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THEY WERE MAKING. IT BEGAN WITH LESS THAN 60K MILES. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. MANY NEW TOYOTAS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSU.”
NHTSA complaint #11241736, 2018

“THIS BRAND NEW 2016 RAVE LIMITED CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHILE MOVING.. HAD 2 ALIGNMENTS DONE, TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AND STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10918416, 2016

Back Over Prevention 1

Fuel System 1

“The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle, the warning message “System Failure” illuminated and the vehicle shuddered, shut off, and lost electrical power. The contact’s daughter shifted into Park. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as a loose vacuum hose and retched fuel system. The dealer secured the vacuum hose; however, the failure reoccurred while she was at a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as a contaminated charcoal canister. The dealer replaced the canister;…”
NHTSA complaint #11447537, 2017

Lane Departure 1

Tires 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE RADIAL TIRES, SIZE: P225/65R/17 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TIRE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE MODEL WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10884576, 2016