2017 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 106 4 crash 15 fire 3 injury 1 death

“This vehicle was involved in a T-Bone crash, where the battery came out and the vehicle caught fire. The driver of this vehicle died at the scene. This involves NHTSA recall number 23V734 & Manufacturer Recall number 23TB13.”
NHTSA complaint #11567168, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“2017 RAV 4 STRUCK A CONCRETE LIGHT POST IN PARKING LOT. CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, IMPACTED DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND FENDER. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO COLLISION ALARM SOUNDED. ENTIRE FRONT PANEL DESTROYED, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SENSOR DAMAGE, DRIVER'S DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN. HOOD DAMAGED. SUSPENSION BENT. DRIVER SUFFERED MAJOR BRUISING AND CHEST PAIN. BOTH ELBOWS IMPACTED SOMETHING IN COLLISION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11321413, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, a collision occurred ahead of her, and she was unable to avoid colliding with the rear end of another passenger vehicle. As a result, the engine compartment burst into flames, engulfing the entire vehicle within minutes. The contact was unsure if local fire emergency services were able to extinguish the flames or if the fire had exhausted itself. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was not filed. A police report was filed, with no injuries r…”
NHTSA complaint #11575579, 2024 · crash · fire

Unknown Or Other 61 8 crash 6 fire 7 injury 1 death

“This vehicle was involved in a T-Bone crash, where the battery came out and the vehicle caught fire. The driver of this vehicle died at the scene. This involves NHTSA recall number 23V734 & Manufacturer Recall number 23TB13.”
NHTSA complaint #11567168, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“I would like to report my safety concerns from the crash accident. Feb.14 Wednesday I drove my wife’s car 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE. On intersection l stop completely on red stop lights.l was first, had no car up front of me.Than from behind other car Ford Focus fit me with a full speed 45. I was only in the car. On the hit my seat slid forward causing my knees to hit the dashboard. Then the seat flattened causing me to fall backward.Also the cover of moonroof got opened. While lying back on flat seat l saw sky.I was able to self extricate.l was in shock from what just happened.3 hours after the ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11573287, 2024 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN A LEFT HAND TURN LANE. A VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ACCIDENTALLY DROVE HEAD FIRST INTO MY CAR. MY PASSENGER AND I HAD SEAT BELTS ON. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WAS GREATER THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE CONSIDERABLE FRONT END DAMAGE. A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAYS "SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. VISIT YOUR DEALER". I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. I HAVE READ THAT IF A VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND THE SEAT BELTS ARE ON IT MAY NOT ACTIVATE. THAT IS OK - JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11309946, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 36 7 crash 3 injury

“Related to a car accident when getting hit in the front my air bags didn’t deploy . Only the driver side was hit pretty bad . Another car accident related to a tree branch no air bag deploy . I was told that you have to be hit in a certain way to deploy the air bags . Hearing that makes me switch from a Toyota to a Kia . I have my toddler .”
NHTSA complaint #11553312, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, HE HAD REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH ALL SEASON TIRES. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A RAINY DAY, A TRUCK BEGAN TO MERGE INTO HIS LANE. AS THE CONTACT BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHICH CAUSED HIS VEHICLE TO VEER INTO THE LEFT LANE AND HIT THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NEITHER HIMSELF OR THE OTHER DRIVER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY STARTED TO EXPERIENCE…”
NHTSA complaint #11374530, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“BREAKS FAILED WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND FAILED IMMEDIATELY AGAIN WHEN TRYING TO PULL BACK INTO PARKING SPACE AFTER CAR HIT A CAR AND THEN HIT A CART CORRAL PUSHING THAT INTO ANOTHER CAR. AS A RESULT 3 CARS INCLUDING OURS WERE DAMAGED.”
NHTSA complaint #11014830, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 31 1 crash 13 fire 1 injury

“The driver owned a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact called on behalf of her son who was driving approximately 35 MPH when he lost control of the steering due to the functionality of the steering wheel and accidentally crashed into a pole. There were no warning lights. The 2 front and 1 side air bag deployed. The police and fire and ambulance arrived on the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital where he received a CT scan for his injury. There was a police report. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11465436, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Yesterday March 25th 2026 I went to work and parked my 2017 Toyota RAV4 and about 30minutes later it was on fire in the parking lot. The fire happened around the battery area”
NHTSA complaint #11727377, 2026 · fire

“As the driver was making a right hand turn, the dash lights came on and the vehicle lost power. The driver was able to get the vehicle to roll to a stop in the middle of the road after making the turn. As the driver exited the vehicle to check the engine, the passenger stated smoke could be smelled coming into the cabin. Before the hood could be disengaged, flames engulfed the engine compartment and began raising above the hood of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle activated 911 and emergency personnel extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the engine compartment. The ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11605730, 2024 · fire

Exterior Lighting 31 1 fire

“I bought my Rav4 in September of 2017 brand new and within 6 months I had a dead battery needing replacement so I replaced it via AAA. Since then, I have had the battery replaced an additional 3 times! I always serviced my car at the dealer and took very good care of it. Then after 50k miles, I started having odd lighting issues…both headlight bulbs had to be replaced within 3 weeks of each other and one high beam bulb, and then my tail lights went out! Then I would occasionally have trouble starting the car and with a natural gas smell, rotten eggs. Which could be a catalytic converter or fue…”
NHTSA complaint #11420682, 2021 · fire

“While we were driving in the mountains, the wiring harness shorted and fried all 4 of our front bulbs, causing us to have no visibility while driving on unlit back roads in Colorado. Toyota has a known TSB for this issue but claims it's not a safety issue, and has a kit to repair the issue, charging us $500 to install the kit. When asking about this 2 different employees explained it was a design issue with the car. Why is this not a recall? How is frying all my headlights not a safety issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11572548, 2024

“Even when properly aimed, with new headlight bulbs, visibility is poor at night. I recently had an incident while driving in town at less than 25 miles hour where I almost hit a deer that I could see on the side of the street, and this is actually not the first of many such incidents. I feel unsafe driving the vehicle at night due to the poor amount of light put out by the headlights. Toyota should offer to retrofit these with LEDS for people with issues. It's downrigtht scary, especially on poor lit streets or driving on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11527506, 2023

Air Bags 19 13 crash 12 injury

“While traveling around 40 mph on a roadway another vehicle ran a stop sign approximately 2 feet in front of my vehicle. This vehicle came onto the roadway from a side road at a sustained speed with no braking. I swerved to avoid impact and went over an embankment. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to the front and underneath. It is a total loss. The airbags did not deploy during the accident. There were also serious injuries to the driver and passenger. The driver sustained a broken neck in 4 places. The passenger sustained massive hematomas, a fractured arm, and 7 fractured ribs…”
NHTSA complaint #11480603, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 50 MPH CRASH ON THE FREEWAY WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR SPUN AND THE FRONT END WAS HIT AGAIN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
NHTSA complaint #11094062, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“When the passenger front airbag deployed in an accident, a coil about 3 inches long and an inch wide was ejected from the airbag compartment and info the face of the occupant. Minor injuries sustained but was near the eye. The coil became embedded in the skin and the coil had to be removed.”
NHTSA complaint #11560489, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 18 5 crash 3 fire 4 injury

“I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE that I bought brand New. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the Northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The Mechanic said Even though…”
NHTSA complaint #11559969, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2017 RAV 4 STRUCK A CONCRETE LIGHT POST IN PARKING LOT. CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, IMPACTED DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND FENDER. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO COLLISION ALARM SOUNDED. ENTIRE FRONT PANEL DESTROYED, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SENSOR DAMAGE, DRIVER'S DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN. HOOD DAMAGED. SUSPENSION BENT. DRIVER SUFFERED MAJOR BRUISING AND CHEST PAIN. BOTH ELBOWS IMPACTED SOMETHING IN COLLISION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11321413, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN A LEFT HAND TURN LANE. A VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ACCIDENTALLY DROVE HEAD FIRST INTO MY CAR. MY PASSENGER AND I HAD SEAT BELTS ON. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WAS GREATER THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE CONSIDERABLE FRONT END DAMAGE. A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAYS "SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. VISIT YOUR DEALER". I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. I HAVE READ THAT IF A VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND THE SEAT BELTS ARE ON IT MAY NOT ACTIVATE. THAT IS OK - JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11309946, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 16

“While driving on or around 6/5/25, an active recall on my vehicle caused damage to my battery connections causing my vehicle to completely shut off while driving on an highway exit ramp. I almost lost complete control of the vehicle. Thankfully, the vehicle turned back on and I was able to get the vehicle to safety. I had to get the car towed and repaired. The repair was directly related to the damage from an active recall issue being open without remedy for over 3 years on my vehicle. When I asked Toyota for reimbursement of under $200 they refused. This is a safety issue beyond the recall an…”
NHTSA complaint #11681378, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 20-25 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while the transmission was shifting into the next gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with an OBD II code reader, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a starter failure. However, upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to Toyota Warranty Bulletin Number: POL17-06. The contact stated that a preventative service was previously performed on the vehicle, however, the failure occurr…”
NHTSA complaint #11654479, 2025

“All wheel drive disengages while driving. It has disengaged several times while driving up a steep hill in the rain resulting in loss of control of vehicle. First time car skidded into a ditch. Warning on dash said return vehicle to dealer. Vehicle has been returned 3 times. They blame the problem on a defect in the emission control system which turns off the AWD system when a leak in the vapor control system is detected. Dealer first replaced the fuel filler cap. That worked for a couple of weeks, then something under the hood which worked a few days. Now the car is scheduled for a gasket on…”
NHTSA complaint #11642427, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 crash 2 fire 2 injury 1 death

“This vehicle was involved in a T-Bone crash, where the battery came out and the vehicle caught fire. The driver of this vehicle died at the scene. This involves NHTSA recall number 23V734 & Manufacturer Recall number 23TB13.”
NHTSA complaint #11567168, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“--Battery terminal/wiring for negative terminal came into contact with the metal hold down clamp --Caused a two alarm structure fire and loss of two vehicles --Current recall in place but remedy of situation not available until 2024 --Current recall in place --Maintenance required light appeared and owner took vehicle in for service two weeks prior to the incident”
NHTSA complaint #11563588, 2023 · fire

“All wheel drive disengages while driving. It has disengaged several times while driving up a steep hill in the rain resulting in loss of control of vehicle. First time car skidded into a ditch. Warning on dash said return vehicle to dealer. Vehicle has been returned 3 times. They blame the problem on a defect in the emission control system which turns off the AWD system when a leak in the vapor control system is detected. Dealer first replaced the fuel filler cap. That worked for a couple of weeks, then something under the hood which worked a few days. Now the car is scheduled for a gasket on…”
NHTSA complaint #11642427, 2025

Steering 12 2 crash 1 injury

“The driver owned a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact called on behalf of her son who was driving approximately 35 MPH when he lost control of the steering due to the functionality of the steering wheel and accidentally crashed into a pole. There were no warning lights. The 2 front and 1 side air bag deployed. The police and fire and ambulance arrived on the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital where he received a CT scan for his injury. There was a police report. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11465436, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AS I WAS APPROACHING THE MAIL BOX AREA IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO TURN INTO THE PARKING AREA IN FRONT OF THE FOUR METAL MAILBOXES AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN "PARK" WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND JUMPED THE SIX-INCH, BRICK-PAVER CURB. I CRASHED INTO THE MAILBOX STRUCTURE, COMPLETELY UPLIFTING THE BASE THAT WAS BOLTED INTO THE CONCRETE AND HIT A WOOD TRASH CONTAINER HOLDER. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER BUT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP AND I ALSO COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. I CONTINUED UP A HILL (AT 45-50 MPH) C…”
NHTSA complaint #11013006, 2017 · crash

“While driving on or around 6/5/25, an active recall on my vehicle caused damage to my battery connections causing my vehicle to completely shut off while driving on an highway exit ramp. I almost lost complete control of the vehicle. Thankfully, the vehicle turned back on and I was able to get the vehicle to safety. I had to get the car towed and repaired. The repair was directly related to the damage from an active recall issue being open without remedy for over 3 years on my vehicle. When I asked Toyota for reimbursement of under $200 they refused. This is a safety issue beyond the recall an…”
NHTSA complaint #11681378, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 12 5 crash 4 injury

“I WAS BACKING MY CAR UP TO UNLOAD A SHELF AT WORK. I WAS BACKING A SHORT DISTANCE( 15 FT) ON A FLAT SURFACE.THE TAILGATE OF THE CAR WAS UP. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT TO BACK IT TOWARDS A HANDICAP RAMP. MY CAR WAS ROLLING SO I WAS USING THE BRAKE AND MOVING SLOWLY WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. I WAS PRESSING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, ALMOST STANDING ON IT , AND MY CAR ACCELERATED THROUGH THE RAILING ONTO THE RAMP WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS RAILING WAS ABOUT 35 FT LONG AND HAD 7 POST THAT WERE CEMENTED INTO THE RAMP. THE WHOLE RAILING WAS KNOCKED DOWN. TWO OF MY CO…”
NHTSA complaint #11128346, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I am the driver's husband and the driver was the only one in the car. I assist her to file this report The accident happened around 6 pm on 12.28.2025 My wife was involved in a single car accident in a parking lot. She made a left turn at the intersection of 192nd ave and 3rd st, and then entered into the parking lot from the north entrance. The car hit the curb as she entered the parking lot. Then the car (RAV4) started accelerating by itself, and was out of control. She cannot stop the car. To avoid going straight and hit the shops at the other end of the parking lot, she turned the w…”
NHTSA complaint #11710173, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was slowing at a stop sign and the car suddenly accelerated. My foot was not on the gas pedal but it continued to accelerate causing and accident at an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #11531426, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 10 1 crash

“I HAD TO VISIT TOYOTA BECAUSE MY RADIO WILL TURN ON BY ITSELF, WHEN I PARK. EVEN AFTER VISITING TOYOTA FOR AN UPDATE, MY RADIO WILL CHANGE ON ITS OWN, NOT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL) BUT ON ITS OWN.SO IT IS NOT FIXED. WIPERS WILL TURN ON THEN STOP. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEVICE BEHIND THE DASH THAT I CAN HEAR CLICKING ON AND OFF WELL AFTER THE IGNITION IS OFF OR WHILE THE CAR IS IDLE FOR A BIT. MY CLIMATE CONTROL CHANGES ON ITS ON EVEN THOUGH IT WORKS FINE MOST OF THE TIME. IT IS AS IF MY CAR IS RECEIVING ADDITIONAL COMMANDS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. LAST WEEK, AT NIGHT, I WITNESSED TWO MEN STANDING IN T…”
NHTSA complaint #11192165, 2019 · crash

“on a nice clear spring day in california, driving on the 101 freeway my 2017 toyota rav4 xle sun roof just Exploded..no trucks around me...and no overpasses...it just exploded outwards i belive....no warning .....could have very easily cause a serrious accident/injury...some glass dropped on driver/passanger...dome rolloed off top of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11457210, 2022

“WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ALL FRONT HEADLAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY LEAVING ME IN THE DARK. DEALER NEXT DAY FOUND BOTH FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS HAD BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM FILAMENTS BURNED OUT! THIS MAY HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT BUT FOR MY FOG LIGHTS. HOW CAN ANYONE FEEL SAFE IN A VEHICLE IN WHICH ALL LIGHTS MIGHT FAIL WHILE DRIVING UNLIT CURVY ROADWAYS?”
NHTSA complaint #11432373, 2021

Wheels 8 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON I 10 SOUTHBOUND WITH MY TWO DISABLED CHILDREN. MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL IN 1-2 INCH CHUNKS. IT SOUNDED LIKE MACHINE GUN FIRE. I HAD TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SHOULDER HOLDING MY STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY AND PUTTING MY CAR IN NEUTRAL. I HAD AIR CHECKS AND BALANCING REGULARLY. I KEEP MY CAR IN A GARAGE WITH LOW MILEAGE. DISCOUNT TIRES CHECKED MY TIRES ON THREE OCCASSIONS AND TOLD ME TO GO TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR HELP. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS RUDE AND DISMISSED MY CONCERNS COMPLETELY MAKING IT SOUND LIKE MY TIRES WERE WEARING AT A NORMAL RATE, WHICH IS NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11290446, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF AND I CANT TURN IT ON, EVERY WEEK TURN IT ON THE LIGTH FLAT TIRE AND THE TIRE ARE GOOD INCLUIDING EXTRA TIRE, AND MY BRAKES ARE DOING A EXTRANGE NOISE I CHECKED THE BRAKES AND ARE GOOD.”
NHTSA complaint #11290777, 2019

“ON RAINY DAYS, WHEN I AM STANDING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND STARTING TO GET OUT OF THE GREEN LIGHT, MY CAR BECOMES UNSTABLE, AS IF IT WERE GOING TO SKID. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER THE STREET IS WET. REPORT THIS PROBLEM FROM THE FIRST INSPECTION OF THE CAR. AT THAT TIME THEY CHANGED AN AXIS, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS”
NHTSA complaint #11416062, 2018

Forward Collision Avoidance 7 2 crash 2 injury

“PCS brake has enormously engaged twice. 1. small branch fell off tree on a dirt road. brakes engaged and should not have and almost caused vehicle to slide off a 1000 foot cliff. 2. auto braked with my dog was in car and broke dogs' leg and cost a 2,000 dollar vet bill. brakes where not needed i could have easily just did a slight steering adjustment to avoid collusion. the braking prevented that and almost was also almost rearended overall, the autobrake can be disabled with a lot of work on various menus. but comes on when the car is restarted. I do this every time i restart the…”
NHTSA complaint #11717895, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE that I bought brand New. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the Northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The Mechanic said Even though…”
NHTSA complaint #11559969, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving the vehicle on an uphill stretch of highway with cruise control set at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly slowed down without warning. A distinct clunk was heard at the same moment. The cruise control system attempted to restore speed, and the engine became noticeably louder, but the vehicle struggled to return to the set speed. The driver tapped the brake to disengage cruise control and manually pressed the accelerator to resume normal speed. The trip was completed without additional events. After parking, the check engine light illuminated and the cruise control system…”
NHTSA complaint #11702258, 2025

Suspension 6 1 crash 1 injury

“I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE that I bought brand New. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the Northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The Mechanic said Even though…”
NHTSA complaint #11559969, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN JULY OF 2023. THERE HAD BEEN A PERSISTANT CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR WHEN THE ROAD IS BUMPY ALONG WITH SOME STABILTY OR SWAYING FEELING. I HAD IT INSPECTED BY INDEPENDANT MECHANICAL SHOPS. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE SHOCK ABSORBERS AND THE STABILIZER LINKS WHICH I DID. THE RT REAR SHOCK ABOSBORBER WAS BAD. MARCH OF 2024 I TOOK A ROAD TRIP TO FLORIDA. FIRST LONG TRIP SINCE REPLACING THE PARTS. ON THE DRIVE DOWN I WAS BY MYSELF AND FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH A LOT WORSE THAN BEFORE CHANGING THE PARTS LISTED ABOVE. I THOUGH…”
NHTSA complaint #11582995, 2024

“THERE'S A RECALL ON MY 2017 TOYOTA RAV4 AND THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO MENTION IT. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN JULY 2017. THE RECALL WAS MADE JUNE 15 2017. RECALL ID#265486. RECALL IS 17R2 FOR TIRES. SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT HERE AS I HAVE KIDS IN THE CAR SOMETIMES. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. THE ALSO HAS THE FOLLOWING NOTICEABLY PROBLEM WHEN IN MOTION OR DRIVING MODE: SUSPENSION ISSUES: STRUTS,SPINDLE, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS, STABILIZERS, AND RELATED COMPONENTS MAY PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS VERY SCARY TO HEAR THAT TRUTLE GRINDING N…”
NHTSA complaint #11118902, 2018

Seat Belts 4 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND HIS FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S ARMS AND RIBS WERE BRUISED AND HIS NECK SNAPPED BACK AND WAS SWOLLEN. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED; HOWEVER, X-RAYS WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DOCTOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.…”
NHTSA complaint #11193611, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Seat belt lap buckle won't lock into the housing unit. Obviously a safety issue. Toyota told me I'm responsible to pay for the repairs . I believe Toyota has a potential recall issues here. How many people have to die before anything is done. 2017 Rav 4. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11666396, 2025

“THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHES IN THE CABIN , BUT IT IS QUIET,AND I CAN NOT HEAR IT. THE DEALER SAID 2 TIMES THAT IT CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED , CASE CLOSED.. I CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXP.CENTER , CASE # [XXX] AND [XXX] AND TALKED TO [XXX] . THE CASE MANAGER 1-800-331-4331 AND HE SAID THE DEALERS SERVICE TECH.IS RIGHT CASE IS CLOSED.I BELIEVE A SAFETY ISSUE EXISTS HERE... I HAVE ELECTRIC SEATS AND THE SEAT BELT RECEIVER IS LOW IN THE CREVICE IN THE CORNER MAKING TIME TO BUCKLE UP VERY ,VERY HARD IN THE WINTER.AGAIN TOYOTA CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED,CASE CLOSED.MY WEIGHT IS 158 LBS. THANK YOU, [XXX…”
NHTSA complaint #11075808, 2018

Seats 3 1 crash 4 injury

“I would like to report my safety concerns from the crash accident. Feb.14 Wednesday I drove my wife’s car 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE. On intersection l stop completely on red stop lights.l was first, had no car up front of me.Than from behind other car Ford Focus fit me with a full speed 45. I was only in the car. On the hit my seat slid forward causing my knees to hit the dashboard. Then the seat flattened causing me to fall backward.Also the cover of moonroof got opened. While lying back on flat seat l saw sky.I was able to self extricate.l was in shock from what just happened.3 hours after the ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11573287, 2024 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING ON A TRIP USING DRIVERS HEATED SEAT. IT GOT TOO HOT. I TURNED IT OFF. GOT TO HOTEL, CHECKED IN SETTLED IN FOR NIGHT. WOKE UP TO 3 BURNS ON UPPER BACK LOWER BACK AND UPPER LEG. 3AM BLISTERS POPPED WITH EXCRUCIATING PAIN. WENT TO DOCTOR, SHE STATED 1-BURN 2-3RD DEGREE, 1 BURN 2ND DEGREE, 1 BURN 1ST DEGREE.”
NHTSA complaint #11207907, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST RISES APPROX. 2-1/2 TO 3 INCHES FROM LOWEST POSITION DURING THE NORMAL COURSE OF DRIVING. I DO NOT ADJUST THE HEIGHT OF THE HEADREST, EVER, OTHER THAN TO CORRECT THIS UNUSUAL PHENOMENON. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY AND REPEATEDLY IN AS LITTLE AS 10-15 MILES DRIVING OVER PAVED, SMOOTH ROADS WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS RANGING FROM 45-75MPH. HAS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, BUT HAPPENS REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY NOW. INTERESTINGLY, THIS SAME PHENOMENON HAS OCCURRED WITH OTHER TOYOTAS I PURCHASED NEW, NAMELY MY 2006 COROLLA AND 2008 COROLLA LE. NEVER THOUG…”
NHTSA complaint #11318706, 2020

Tires 3 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON I 10 SOUTHBOUND WITH MY TWO DISABLED CHILDREN. MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL IN 1-2 INCH CHUNKS. IT SOUNDED LIKE MACHINE GUN FIRE. I HAD TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SHOULDER HOLDING MY STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY AND PUTTING MY CAR IN NEUTRAL. I HAD AIR CHECKS AND BALANCING REGULARLY. I KEEP MY CAR IN A GARAGE WITH LOW MILEAGE. DISCOUNT TIRES CHECKED MY TIRES ON THREE OCCASSIONS AND TOLD ME TO GO TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR HELP. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS RUDE AND DISMISSED MY CONCERNS COMPLETELY MAKING IT SOUND LIKE MY TIRES WERE WEARING AT A NORMAL RATE, WHICH IS NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11290446, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“225/65R17. I purchased 4 new tires on 02/24/23. On 6/27/23, I found my driver's rear tire was completely flat. I had the 'donut' put on and took to the dealers. There was a 'bubble' around the rim and the tire was replaced. The dealer explained it was likely due to hitting a curb or pothole which I took exception to as I had done neither. On 7/31/23, my passenger-side rear tire was almost flat and there was again a bubble near the rim. As well the front passenger tire looked mis-shapen. This time, I called a tow truck. The dealer refused to acknowledged that was a manufacturing issue…”
NHTSA complaint #11539820, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light would activate even though the air pressure in the tires were normal. The contact indicated that the failure also occurred immediately after refueling. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11464561, 2021

Engine And Engine Cooling 2 1 fire 1 death

“ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2017, MY 88-YEAR-OLD FATHER, DIED OF ACCIDENTAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. HIS DEATH RESULTED FROM HIS NEW TOYOTA RAV4 KEYLESS CAR NOT TURNING OFF, ULTIMATELY FLOODING HIS APARTMENT WITH THE DEADLY GAS. HE WAS FOUND IN HIS BED, DEAD, ON SEPTEMBER 7TH, AROUND 10:25 A.M. HIS TWO CATS HAD ALSO EXPIRED. THE TOYOTA RAV4 WAS STILL RUNNING ' 14 HOURS FOLLOWING HIS RETURN HOME FROM A FAMILY DINNER. THE CARBON MONOXIDE READING INSIDE HIS CAR WAS 330. THE RESIDENCE REGISTERED AT 53. MORE THAN TWO HOURS AFTER DISCOVERING MY FATHER'S BODY, THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL…”
NHTSA complaint #11113398, 2017 · 1 death(s)

“The contact owned a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the odor of smoke was present inside the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, smoke and flames were seen coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11495352, 2022 · fire

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The liftgate on my 2017 Toyota RAV4 has been having issues for a couple of months. Makes a horrific noise when opening and closing. On several occasions it won't even open but about 5 inches then stops. The driver's side door won't lock/unlock with the smart key fob. I have to manually lock it and then use the "key" in the fob to unlock it. It is very hard to turn the key and I am always afraid it is going to break off in the lock. I feel this is dangerous for me that the time it takes to do this, something could happen to me. I have checked a couple of places for repair of the lock and it ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11745217, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off and later attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The battery was then recharged. The failure occurred on several occasions before the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. The local mechanic was unable to diagnose a failure or determine a cause for the failure. Additionally, after opening the rear hatch door, the door failed to close and remained open. The contact stated that water and condensation were present inside the rear brake light assembly. The cause of the failure w…”
NHTSA complaint #11588147, 2020

Traction Control System 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHARGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD (6000 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, HOLLYWOOD CA, 323-498-2260) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,220.”
NHTSA complaint #11245340, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (PRIME TOYOTA RT 2, 700 OLD UNION TURNPIKE, LANCASTER, MA 01523), BUT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADAR CR…”
NHTSA complaint #11052764, 2017

Visibility 2

“While driving at about 55mph on an open highway, the moon roof exploded. There was a loud explosion inside the car by my right ear. The noise was deafening and distracting and caused a momentary loss of concentration on driving, a situation that was very dangerous and could have resulted in an accident with serious injury. I immediately pulled over and checked the tires, the body and underneath the vehicle, finding nothing. When I began driving again, I heard a loud wind noise and other strange noises above me. I started to open the cover of the moon roof, but shards of glass fell on me,…”
NHTSA complaint #11491512, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (PRIME TOYOTA RT 2, 700 OLD UNION TURNPIKE, LANCASTER, MA 01523), BUT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADAR CR…”
NHTSA complaint #11052764, 2017

Back Over Prevention 1

“i have a 2017 rav4 with less than 60k miles and the factory back up camera stopped working”
NHTSA complaint #11620746, 2024

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test discovered that the fuel pump had failed to operate as needed. Upon further inspection, the dealer discovered that the plastic canister inside the fuel tank had become hot and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 114,837.”
NHTSA complaint #11567321, 2023

Insert 1

“While my child was sitting in his carseat, the foam head support detached from the plastic casing where it is glued together. This is not the result of any action on our part and the seat has not been in car accident. The glue just gave out.”
NHTSA complaint #11715647, 2026