2018 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 129 5 crash 22 fire 3 injury

“I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and they only asked for registration and vehicle ownership which I hadn't presented but since a tow truck was on its way already they really had no reason to be there other than to make sure I was okay I…”
NHTSA complaint #11643058, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“MY RAV4 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE PARKED ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 12+ HOURS. AFTER BURNING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, IT EXPLODED WITH A FORCE SO GREAT THAT IT LIFTED THE CAR ONTO THE CURB, KNOCKED OVER A FIREFIGHTER, AND DAMAGED OUR BOAT PARKED 10 FEET ACROSS THE STREET. THE INSPECTOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE INITIAL FIRE WAS FROM FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING BUT SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN A CAR EXPLODE IN HIS 25 YEARS ON THE FORCE. TOYOTA CONDUCTED THEIR OWN INVESTIGATION AND AGREED IT WAS ELECTRICAL BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE FAULT DUE TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11121578, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon entering her carport in an attempt to park(P), the vehicle surged forward without warning. The vehicle blew through the carport's back wall and crashed into her neighbor's fence before coming to an independent stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but did sustain soreness in her neck, shoulders, and back. The carport's back wall, a bicycle, the neighbor's fence, and the hammock were all destroyed as a result of the accident. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of…”
NHTSA complaint #11685349, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 69 3 crash 8 fire 3 injury

“HAZARDS OF THE PUSHBUTTON START: THE ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF WHILE CAR IS STILL IN GEAR.....MINE WAS IN REVERSE, (I THOUGHT IT WAS IN P AS THERE IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT (R IS UP & TO THE RIGHT).....FIRST DAY I DROVE IT, JUMPED OUT, WAS KNOCKED DOWN, FRONT L TIRE ROLLED OVER MY LEG....NO WARNING, NO SAFEGUARD AGAINST THIS.......”
NHTSA complaint #11123536, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHILE IN REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE (STOPPED) THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. WHILE FOOT STILL ON BRAKE THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED FORWARD ACCELERATION (ENGINE REVVED UP LIKE FOOT FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL). VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD ~25 FT AND HIT THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL ENTIRE TIME). UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION IN REVERSE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL STILL). WAS ABLE TO TURN OF IGNITION AND PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER MOVING ~25FT IN REVERSE. AT FINAL STOP, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. NOTE: TOW TR…”
NHTSA complaint #11373424, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I had just gotten off my vehicle, we were at a shopping center specifically Marshall’s, the employee announced a blue Toyota, I went outside and my car was in flames, the Fire Department said it was an electrical fire. I had never received a letter of a recall let alone Toyota calling me to tell my car was defective. Not only until after my vehicle was damaged I received a call from them which made it suspicious.”
NHTSA complaint #11695777, 2025 · fire

Engine 32 3 crash 10 fire 1 injury

“I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and they only asked for registration and vehicle ownership which I hadn't presented but since a tow truck was on its way already they really had no reason to be there other than to make sure I was okay I…”
NHTSA complaint #11643058, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“My car caught on fire due to the battery shifting in February. I have all documentation of the process it took for Toyota to ever reach out just to tell me there was nothing they could do. I had to file a claim through insurance and pay some out of pocket for a fix. All for them to still have no remedy almost a year later. I can’t trade it in or else I’ll be under and have nearly 4-5k in negative equity since the car is now worth nothing due to the safety recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11615112, 2024 · fire

“The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected from the vents. The contact pulled over and the vehicle caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployments. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not contacte…”
NHTSA complaint #11530077, 2023 · fire

Service Brakes 30 10 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“The Toyota RAV4 2018 car acceleration went out of control and crashed into a retaining wall. The airbags exploded and the steering wheel airbag burst. The car was totaled and is with State Farm. I was blessed to still be alive the car speed out of control on its own. I tried to push on the brakes but the car kept going. The accident could have been worse. No one else was injured only another car was hit. I did reach out to Toyota and they said it could take 4-6 weeks for someone to look at the car. I reach out to the dealer and waiting to hear back from the dealer. The police departme…”
NHTSA complaint #11424863, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE IN REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE (STOPPED) THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. WHILE FOOT STILL ON BRAKE THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED FORWARD ACCELERATION (ENGINE REVVED UP LIKE FOOT FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL). VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD ~25 FT AND HIT THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL ENTIRE TIME). UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION IN REVERSE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL STILL). WAS ABLE TO TURN OF IGNITION AND PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER MOVING ~25FT IN REVERSE. AT FINAL STOP, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. NOTE: TOW TR…”
NHTSA complaint #11373424, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“We were driving when I made a right turn and suddenly the steering wheel locked on me and at the same time various warning lights lit up on my dashboard. The car slowed and I was able to regain control of the steering wheel to pull over. After driving a few miles further we once again came to a right turn and everything happened as before except with greater intensity. We tried to straighten the steering wheel for control and were able to pull over into an empty parking lot. By the time we came to a stop, which took all of just one or two minutes, smoke was coming out from under our hood.…”
NHTSA complaint #11417783, 2021 · fire

Power Train 26 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon entering her carport in an attempt to park(P), the vehicle surged forward without warning. The vehicle blew through the carport's back wall and crashed into her neighbor's fence before coming to an independent stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but did sustain soreness in her neck, shoulders, and back. The carport's back wall, a bicycle, the neighbor's fence, and the hammock were all destroyed as a result of the accident. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of…”
NHTSA complaint #11685349, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The Toyota RAV4 2018 car acceleration went out of control and crashed into a retaining wall. The airbags exploded and the steering wheel airbag burst. The car was totaled and is with State Farm. I was blessed to still be alive the car speed out of control on its own. I tried to push on the brakes but the car kept going. The accident could have been worse. No one else was injured only another car was hit. I did reach out to Toyota and they said it could take 4-6 weeks for someone to look at the car. I reach out to the dealer and waiting to hear back from the dealer. The police departme…”
NHTSA complaint #11424863, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Malfunction: Mechanical failure of the Torque Converter Clutch. The vehicle exhibits a persistent transmission shudder during acceleration between 25–50 mph. Warning Signs: None. There were no dashboard warning lights or error messages prior to or during the failure. The only indicator was the physical shuddering of the vehicle. Safety Risk: The malfunction causes unpredictable hesitation when merging or changing lanes, creating a dangerous speed differential and risk of rear-end collision. Documentation: Comprehensive maintenance records are available to prove the vehicle was serviced accordi…”
NHTSA complaint #11732003, 2026

Exterior Lighting 23 1 crash 1 fire

“We bought our Rav4 fresh of the lot in 2018, since then e we have replaced the headlight bulbs 43 times. Now our fog lights and license plate light are out. This time the bulb (installed by a professional) melting the actual socket and we have to built the entire thing out and replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11519723, 2019 · fire

“The headlights on my Rav4 are dangerous. When driving at night there is a dark line with no visibility. There is no reaction time if objects are in the roadway. I live in a rural area, on my way to work there was a pine tree that fell across the road way,I crashed straight into it. I did not even see it until I hit it.”
NHTSA complaint #11425889, 2020 · crash

“While I am driving my Toyota RAV4, the car will suddenly shut off and I can restart it and keep driving as the month is going on. The incidents are happening more often and now the dashboard is going black. I’ve had a couple of warning signs on the dashboard. I brought the car to Toyota and Pep Boys. Both of them checked the electrical systems and everything looks good according to their testing.”
NHTSA complaint #11748370, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 20 8 crash 4 injury

“I was turning into a parking spot at my doctor's office when my car engine revved up and sped through the doctor's office nearly hitting my doctor and another patient. My airbags did not deploy. I had my foot on the brake but it did not stop the car. The automatic emergency braking system and forward collision warning did not work. My car had to be towed and is now waiting to see if it can be fixed but with the safety features that I paid extra for, I'm not sure that I would even buy a new one of this particular model. I came very close to killing my doctor and that patient!”
NHTSA complaint #11430371, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The Toyota RAV4 2018 car acceleration went out of control and crashed into a retaining wall. The airbags exploded and the steering wheel airbag burst. The car was totaled and is with State Farm. I was blessed to still be alive the car speed out of control on its own. I tried to push on the brakes but the car kept going. The accident could have been worse. No one else was injured only another car was hit. I did reach out to Toyota and they said it could take 4-6 weeks for someone to look at the car. I reach out to the dealer and waiting to hear back from the dealer. The police departme…”
NHTSA complaint #11424863, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE IN REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE (STOPPED) THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. WHILE FOOT STILL ON BRAKE THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED FORWARD ACCELERATION (ENGINE REVVED UP LIKE FOOT FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL). VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD ~25 FT AND HIT THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL ENTIRE TIME). UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE HAD UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION IN REVERSE (FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL STILL). WAS ABLE TO TURN OF IGNITION AND PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER MOVING ~25FT IN REVERSE. AT FINAL STOP, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. NOTE: TOW TR…”
NHTSA complaint #11373424, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 17 2 crash

“The passenger side mirror and the collum that holds the windshield on the right side makes a complete blind spot that you can't see anything on that area. If you are turning you can't see even a whole car. The left side mirror and collum that holds the windshield is ok, but not the right one. I got into an accident with the fire hydrant at a parking lot in town because I could not see it. I was turning right into the street and hit the fire hydrant.”
NHTSA complaint #11684154, 2025 · crash

“The headlights on my Rav4 are dangerous. When driving at night there is a dark line with no visibility. There is no reaction time if objects are in the roadway. I live in a rural area, on my way to work there was a pine tree that fell across the road way,I crashed straight into it. I did not even see it until I hit it.”
NHTSA complaint #11425889, 2020 · crash

“Was driving down the highway at 70 MPH and moon roof glass exploded out of nowhere. There were no warning signs and nothing struck the vehicle before the glass shattered.”
NHTSA complaint #11434711, 2021

Air Bags 16 12 crash 11 injury

“3/4/2026 5:10 pm Vehicle (2018 RAV4) was sitting in backed up traffic waiting to exist highway and was hit from behind by a sedan travelling at 65+ mph, pushed into a pickup truck in front, then deflected left into a guardrail. SO, three separate impacts with extensive damage to the entire rear of the car, the front end, and right front quarter. Two occupants in the car, driver and front passenger, no airbags deployed. Driver's head contacted the steerring wheel (back eye, cut lip, swelling on forehead and around eye, headache), and legs and arms of driver and passenger contacted other portion…”
NHTSA complaint #11722494, 2026 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Airbags malfunctioned "SRS Airbag System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" error message after head on collision. No warning lights before crash. Car is transferred ownership to progressive.”
NHTSA complaint #11561017, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Had an accident and the air bags did not deploy on April 08, 2022. Me and my son got injured. The impact was strong, and my vehicle was dragged about 300' feet on the street and the other vehicles air bags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11460591, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Structure 14 2 crash 1 fire

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 740AM ON 287 SOUTH JUST PAST RT 24. DASHBOARD HAS "4WD" WARNING AND SMOKE COMING OUT FROM HOOD. I QUICKLY MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND FIRE BROKE OUT BEFORE CAR CAME TO FULL STOP, ALL WITHIN ONE MINUTE. I BARELY ESCAPE THE CAR AND CALLED POLICE AND FIRE DEPT. THEY CAME AND PUT OFF THE FIRE. THERE ARE TWO EXPLOSIONS BEFORE THE FIRE WAS PUT OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11183106, 2019 · fire

“ON 7/3/20 AT ABOUT 3 PM EDT I WAS PREPARING TO TURN LEFT AND EXIT MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I WAS STOPPED. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED STRAIGHT AHEAD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I TRAVELLED ABOUT 100 TO 150 FEET, CLIMBED AN ENBANKMENT AND LANDED IN A SMALL WOODED RAVINE. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT MY NEIGHBORHOOD ONTO A PAVED ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11338142, 2020 · crash

“THE VEHICLE BREAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET BACK FROM STOPPED VEHICLE SITTING AT REDLIGHT, THIS COMPLETELY RESULTED IN COLLISION ON AUGUST 26, 2018. THERE WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED ON AUGUST 18, 2018”
NHTSA complaint #11123950, 2018 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 fire

“AFTER PURCHASING OUR BRAND-NEW 2018 RAV4 FROM AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER, WE WERE HEADING BACK HOME. ON OUR WAY, WE NOTICED BURNING SMELL FOLLOWED BY BLACK SMOKE FILLED FRONT SIDE OF THE CABIN. I QUICKLY MOVED MY CAR TO THE RIGHT SIDE PARKING LOT. WHILE CHANGING THE LANE I COULD NOT EVEN SEE THE RIGHT MIRROR BECAUSE OF THE BLACK SMOKE IN THE CABIN. AS SOON AS I PARKED THE CAR AND WE GOT OFF THE CAR, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS FLAMES FROM THE HOODS WERE NOTICED I CALLED EMERGENCY SERVICE (911) AND TO OUR DISBELIEF TO WATCH OUR NEW CAR BURNING IN FRONT OF US. IT WAS ONLY 15 MINS DRIVE FROM DEALER WHEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11164698, 2018 · fire

“-Fuel leaks have been occurring since we purchased the car in April 2022. The previous owners never parked on an incline, so they never experienced the issue. -Fuel leaks when the car is parked on an incline when tank is between half full and full. -Leaks occur more often based on (1) the more full the tank is (we never top it off after the pump stops at gas station) and (2) when parked in direct sunlight. -In the photo and video from 12/15/23, it was a cool day (57 degrees), but the warmth from the sun, after previously being cloudy, caused expansion and the leak occurred with a half tank. -L…”
NHTSA complaint #11589418, 2023

“Since I bought the car in 2018, the car has stalled two times while I am driving on the road. That was very dangerous because other drivers almost hit me from behind. The first time I had the problem, the Toyota dealer told me that it was likely caused by bad gas. It happened again this time today. I am bringing it to the dealer again, but likely not able to get a solution. At the same time, I am scared of driving it, yet I need to drive it for work and other necessities. Happened at 32k in August 2020, and 55k in January 9, 2022.”
NHTSA complaint #11500948, 2023

Steering 11 1 crash 1 fire

“We were driving when I made a right turn and suddenly the steering wheel locked on me and at the same time various warning lights lit up on my dashboard. The car slowed and I was able to regain control of the steering wheel to pull over. After driving a few miles further we once again came to a right turn and everything happened as before except with greater intensity. We tried to straighten the steering wheel for control and were able to pull over into an empty parking lot. By the time we came to a stop, which took all of just one or two minutes, smoke was coming out from under our hood.…”
NHTSA complaint #11417783, 2021 · fire

“During a turn... The steering locked up and a julting from all wheel drive system. No warning, slammed into road railing.”
NHTSA complaint #11498691, 2022 · crash

“Before o had taken my RAV4 into Toyota for the recall a AAA tech. had replaced the battery after jump starting it. There was nothing wrong with the sensors or anything else but after the battery was replaced all the electric sensors that are for lane change warnings and cruise control etc. stopped working. I took vehicle into Toyota of Santa Maria and was told that I needed to pay for the sensors that had failed. They told me that I was responsible and I do not believe I am when AAA had just replaced my battery and only after that did the sensors have an issue. I do not feel safe driving my ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11754574, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 6 2 crash 2 injury

“I was turning into a parking spot at my doctor's office when my car engine revved up and sped through the doctor's office nearly hitting my doctor and another patient. My airbags did not deploy. I had my foot on the brake but it did not stop the car. The automatic emergency braking system and forward collision warning did not work. My car had to be towed and is now waiting to see if it can be fixed but with the safety features that I paid extra for, I'm not sure that I would even buy a new one of this particular model. I came very close to killing my doctor and that patient!”
NHTSA complaint #11430371, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TRAFFIC STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR DIDN'T. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM STARTED BUT IT DIDN'T STOP. ALMOST EVERY AIRBAG DEPLOYED EXCEPT THE PASSENGER, IT WAS OFF. MY DASH READ THAT ABS FAILED CONTACT DEALER.”
NHTSA complaint #11390787, 2021 · crash

“Before o had taken my RAV4 into Toyota for the recall a AAA tech. had replaced the battery after jump starting it. There was nothing wrong with the sensors or anything else but after the battery was replaced all the electric sensors that are for lane change warnings and cruise control etc. stopped working. I took vehicle into Toyota of Santa Maria and was told that I needed to pay for the sensors that had failed. They told me that I was responsible and I do not believe I am when AAA had just replaced my battery and only after that did the sensors have an issue. I do not feel safe driving my ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11754574, 2026

Lane Departure 4 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and they only asked for registration and vehicle ownership which I hadn't presented but since a tow truck was on its way already they really had no reason to be there other than to make sure I was okay I…”
NHTSA complaint #11643058, 2024 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When driving the Rav4 the dashboard started to alert that different systems where failing. For example, it was flashing Blind Spot Failure, Land Departure Failure, Front Collision Failure. It the warnings where non-stop while driving the car flashing through the different messages. Yes the car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? With all the systems altering failure the car no longer became safe to drive and had the potential to st…”
NHTSA complaint #11536123, 2023

“CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL, DUE TO A CAR IN FRONT, IT WAS DRIVING 10 MILE BELOW THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED. A NEW CAR CAME IN BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE PREVIOUS CAR IN FRONT, MY CAR STARTED SPEEDING UP SUDDENLY. I HIT THE BREAK AND CANCELED CRUISE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT CRASH. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES DO FAR. ONLY SEEM TO HAPPEN RARELY WHEN SOME NEW OBJECT COMES IN BETWEEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11415226, 2021

Tires 4

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clicking and humming sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The sound also occurred while starting the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start without a jumpstart. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The air bag war…”
NHTSA complaint #11653441, 2023

“I bought this car in 2018, I drive 4 miles per day more or less , I have only 25,486 miles and today during a regular inspection I found that my tires tread are on yellow 6/32", just the front (where I have Front Wheel Drive). Not sure how driving only in town can quickly wear a tire, by the time I pay off this car I will be with an expensive bill for change the tires. I had an used Subaru for 5 years and I never had to change the tires during 5 years, and I drove way more than Toyota, had 89,000 when the gaskets blew off. Not sure why car/tires companies make crap products to make us pay ofte…”
NHTSA complaint #11444919, 2021

“Michelin latitude tour HP i-225/65r17 I am writing to you in order to let you know that I bought this used Toyota Rav4 2018 with 28,000 miles. I was told that the tires were new. One of the tires was not new and had already been fixed before, certainly not in a safe way. I just want you to know and report it to Toyota, I would have appreciated them if they had told me the truth since in that car I ride my daughters. Happy afternoon.”
NHTSA complaint #11430736, 2021

Visibility 4

“2018 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH EXTERIOR DUAL IMAGE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED RAIN OR FOG CAN CAUSE THE MIRROR TO APPEAR TO HAVE DOUBLE VISION.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11254919, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE MOON ROOF. SUDDENLY, THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS FELL ONTO THE DRIVER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS CAUTIOUSLY DRIVEN TO PRECISION TOYOTA OF TUCSON (700 W WETMORE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85705, (520) 795-5565) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOON ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE OPTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11171821, 2019

“DRIVING MY 2018 TOYOTA RAV4 ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME AND NO ROCK OR OTHER OBJECT WAS INVOLVED IN CAUSING THE EXPLOSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11164997, 2019

Seat Belts 3

“SEATBELT N THE BACK FOR CHILD DON'T CHIME WHEN KIDS ARE OUT OF SEAT AS MANUFACTURERS MADE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11325919, 2019

“PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DON'T CHIME WHEN UNLATCHED LIGHT ISN'T DISPLAYED”
NHTSA complaint #11309370, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO REMAIN LATCHED. ALSO, ON OCCASION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPEN AND RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LARRY H. MILLER TOYOTA PEORIA (8633 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382, (480) 865-3990) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11221036, 2018

Suspension 3 1 crash

“ON 7/3/20 AT ABOUT 3 PM EDT I WAS PREPARING TO TURN LEFT AND EXIT MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I WAS STOPPED. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED STRAIGHT AHEAD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I TRAVELLED ABOUT 100 TO 150 FEET, CLIMBED AN ENBANKMENT AND LANDED IN A SMALL WOODED RAVINE. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT MY NEIGHBORHOOD ONTO A PAVED ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11338142, 2020 · crash

“I had been noticing since November 2020 a strange noise from the rear on the driver side anytime I parked the car, as it goes over a step about 2 inches in height when entering it. I took it to the dealer an explained them that it wasn't just the noise but that I could move with my hands the rear tire on the driver side back and forth. They told me NO PROBLEM FOUND. Also, that day I did have a wheel alignment done just in case. But I returned days later as it was not balance, the steering felt incorrect pulling right and left. And they tell me that the right front lower control arm needs rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11442693, 2021

“NOTICED A CHANGE IN THE SUSPENSION OF MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE SUN TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE BALANCING, AND ALSO A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE RIGHT TIRE CAMBER AND CASTER OUT OF SPECIFICATION. THEY ADJUSTED RIGHT FRONT CAMBER FROM -.9 TO .-3 ATTEMPT TO SHIFT RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM, NO CHANGE FOR CASTER. I WAS TOLD THAT I WILL NOT NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE AND THAT WAS THE BEST ADJUSTMENT THEY CAN DO. I CALLED THE TOYOTA CORPORATE NUMBER BECAUSE I FELT THAT THIS IS A DEFECT FROM TOYOTA AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED.”
NHTSA complaint #11210453, 2019

Back Over Prevention 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera was black and failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the camera was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11753295, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated when shifting gears to reverse, the back over prevention camera failed to function as designed. The contact stated he shifted the gear to park and back to reverse and the camera operated as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11425473, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“IF YOU DRIFT AWAY FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBSTACLE (PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, ETC) THAT IS ALSO DRIFTING INTO YOUR LANE, THE LDA SYSTEM (LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST, WHICH IS TOUTED AS A SAFETY FEATURE) WILL PULL YOU BACK TOWARDS THE OBSTACLE YOU ARE TRYING TO AVOID. CLEARLY THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE REMOVED AS A "FEATURE" FROM THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA SHOULD ALSO STOP CALLING THIS A SAFETY FEATURE. SECONDLY, THE RADAR ASSISTED CRUISE CONTROL WILL START BRAKING IF IT SEES THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IS SLOWING DOWN. HOWEVER, IF THE SYSTEM THEN THINKS AN ACCIDENT IS IMMINENT, THE CRASH WARNING SHOWS UP…”
NHTSA complaint #11181533, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN SNOW AND ICY CONDITIONS, THE WARNING MESSAGES SUDDENLY DISPLAYED INDICATING THAT THE BRAKES AND SAFETY FEATURES WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND INSTRUCTED THE DRIVER NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. LOVE TOYOTA (215 E. FAIRMOUNT AVE, LAKEWOOD, NY) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. *BF CONSUMER LET THE CAR SIT FOR 15", CL…”
NHTSA complaint #11181327, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS RUNNING OUT QUICKLY IN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE EMISSION (ECO) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27617) AND LEITH TOYOTA (8005 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616), BUT THEY FAILED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11171814, 2018

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the truck, she became aware that the trunk had failed to close properly, after which the contact was unable to open the trunk. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the trunk hinges. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11583691, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon pressing the liftgate emergency release button, the liftgate opened half-way. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate had failed to latch or to lock securely while closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the liftgate needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11661256, 2023

Seats 2

“OUR CAR IS BRAND NEW. HOWEVER WE EXPERIENCED THAT BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE TERRIBLE BACK SUPPORT. MY WIFE AND I BOTH SUFFER BACK PAINS AFTER SEATING FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES IN THE FRONT SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #11183332, 2019

“THERE IS SOMETHING LOOSE IN THE DRIVERS SEAT THAT IS MOVING AROUND AND HITTING THE DRIVERS BACK. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND HAPPENS ALL THE TIME DURING DRIVING TAKING THE DRIVERS ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE AND THE DATE IS JUST A ROUGH ESTIMATE OF WHEN IT STARTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11110195, 2018

Chest Clip 1

“The hip strap is fraying like several others have stated unclaimed. The clip that goes into the crotch buckle has plastic that pokes out a bit, and it’s not smooth where the hip tether passes through which which I believe is the cause for the fraying on the belt.”
NHTSA complaint #11585327, 2024

Equipment 1 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4 equipped with an aftermarket Pacific Restyling heated seat kit, part #SH-R-05 which was installed on both the front driver and passenger seats by the dealer upon purchasing the vehicle as new. The contact indicated while operating the vehicle with the driver side seat heater turned on the driver noticed the seat became extremely hot to the touch and turned the heater off. Moments later an electrical burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered the aftermarket part had malfunctioned and ove…”
NHTSA complaint #11446629, 2021 · fire

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact's mother owned a 2018 Toyota RAV-4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and noticed that there was smoke coming from the driver's side of the hood. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely before it caught fire. No medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact r…”
NHTSA complaint #11464407, 2022 · fire

Wheels 1

“TAMARA RECALL. VEHICLE CONSTANTLY DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT SIDE. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF FIXING THE ISSUE HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP AND VEHICLE STILL CONTINUES TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE. NO INJURIES HAVE BEEN SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11122326, 2018