Toyota RAV4 Complaints

921 consumer complaints on file.

#11760067August 27, 2026
STEERING
I own a 2024 Toyota RAV4. At approximately 38,300 miles, an authorized Toyota dealership diagnosed a failed rack-and-pinion/steering rack assembly that required replacement. Before the repair, I began noticing a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel. The noise became progressively louder over time. The symptoms continued to worsen until the vehicle was inspected by the Toyota dealership. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, and there was no collision or other known event that would explain this failure. The steering rack required replacement only about 2,200 miles beyond Toyota’s 36,000-mile basic warranty. Because the rack-and-pinion assembly is a critical steering component, I am concerned that this may represent a premature failure and potentially a safety issue if similar failures are occurring in other 2024 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. I am submitting this complaint so the issue is documented and can be compared with reports from other owners. I have dealership repair documentation confirming the diagnosis and replacement of the steering rack assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759163August 24, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased my vehicle new from the dealership in 2025. After driving the vehicle for several months I noticed the back seat floors were filling with road dirt and debris. I also noticed water was getting into the doors frames. This will certainly cause rust to the doors early on. I made an appointment with the dealership to investigate the problem, and looked forward to them resolving the issues. The dealership had the regional tech person (FTS) come out to look into the matter. I was told there was nothing they could do it was part of the car design. I expressed it was a design flaw that needs to be addressed. I have reached out to Toyota Brand Engagement Center (7/29/26), and received no follow-up to date. I would to request an investigation into these issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758696August 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The internal GPS compass is faulty, causing turn-by-turn instructions to be confusing, constantly changing, and suggesting illegal turns. These problems are constant, which makes driving dangerous unless GPS is not used. Evidence: [XXX] [XXX] Toyota acknowledges the problem, but will not fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758310August 20, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the "Low Steering" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated, the vehicle shuddered, and then stalled as the contact pulled into a parking lot. The failure had occurred on several different occasions. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an inoperable port fuel injector. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and was diagnosed with inoperable port fuel injectors. The contact was informed that the port fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758203August 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2–4 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle drove onto a sidewalk curb and crashed into a concrete post before coming to a stop. There was no damage to the concrete post. The contact stated that the front camera and traction malfunction error messages were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was driving in a parking lot and attempting to park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local collision shop. No Police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the upper chest from the impact and the seat belt. The contact had an upcoming appointment with the primary care physician. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 51,020.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11757808August 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the freeway and the moonroof exploded for no reason, sending glass shards on the passenger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757462August 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
2021 Toyota RAV4 (gas model) has experienced a sudden, unexpected engine stall/shutdown on a public road. The incident occurred while shifting into Drive after backing up in reverse. The engine immediately died without any prior dashboard warning lights or mechanical symptoms. The information screen displayed a message stating "Put Car in Park" or "Shift into Park." The vehicle safely restarted immediately after shifting back into Park and pressing the ignition button. This intermittent stall has happened three times under the exact same directional shifting conditions over the last 1.5 years, creating a high-risk scenario for a rear-end collision in active traffic. After previous incident (one year ago) when the engine stopped when shifting from reverse to drive, I took it to Toyota service. Dealership diagnostics could not previously replicate the issue due to its intermittent nature and the absence of a permanent check engine code. checked battery and performed health check.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757071August 14, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
Description of the Defect:I am reporting a premature and dangerous failure of the electronic door lock actuators on my 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE. The issue began with the driver’s door lock intermittently failing to respond to the key fob and the internal master switch. Shortly after, the rear passenger door developed the exact same failure. Both doors can now only be operated strictly by manual intervention. The vehicle currently has over 36,000 miles, meaning this safety-critical component failed immediately after the expiration of the manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty.Safety Risk:This component defect poses a severe safety hazard. In the event of a severe crash, electrical failure, or fire, passengers (especially children or occupants in the rear seats) face a high risk of entrapment, as the doors cannot be unlocked electronically for a quick evacuation. Furthermore, because the doors fail to lock automatically while driving, the occupants are left vulnerable to carjacking or external intrusion at intersections, and the doors could potentially be forced open by a child pulling the lever while the vehicle is in motion. This is a well-documented systemic issue across Toyota's 5th generation RAV4 platform, and a safety recall is urgently needed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756950August 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on a 4 lane highway heading north bound in the right hand lane with my sister in the passenger seat both wearing seat belts traveling at approximately 55-60 miles per hour. Traffic was light. At the time of the incident other cars were at least 1/2 mile in front of me with no car close behind me and no one passing me. There were also no overpasses at the time of the incident. I heard what sounded as a large and loud explosion. The car continued to drive just fine but within minutes I realized the panoramic sunroof roof exploded. My exit was approximately 1 mile from the incident and I live 1/2 mile from that exit so I continued driving to my driveway. I continued hearing what sounded like ice cubes cracking after being placed in a warm liquid. The window was completely shattered and all the frame was out of the window laying on the top of my car. I made calls to my insurance, Toyota corporate in [XXX], my specific car dealer where I purchased and service my vehicle and XXX. The incident happened on Wednesday XXX at 1:15pm. Photos were sent to Toyota corporate. The car was towed that day to my dealer and was inspected Thursday XXX by my insurance adjuster. It is currently being inspected by my Toyota dealer. I’m currently waiting for a call from my car dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756791August 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car is Rav4 2022 fuel: gas. Dashboard showing Headlight System malfunction, Pre-Collision System malfunction and RSA System Malfunction. The alarm beep and sign of malfunction keep popping up on dashboard. I took it to Toyota dealership to be inspected and they notified me that "The Front Recognition camera Watchdog/Safety MCU Failure." This front camera is connecting to headlight system, Pre-Collision system and RSA system that causing them to be malfunction while I am driving. With all those system malfunction in the car, I am driving with a huge risk. I am certain that not only I have those problems but some owner of RAV4 2022 or perhaps other year that has the same microcomputer for Front Recognition camera for Safety have the same failure that would trickle down to safety of others on the road. The car is only 4 years old. The Microcomputer in the front camera should have been functioning with no problem, unless the factory didn't calibrate well or install malfunction microcomputer for the car. The dealership estimated the price to change the microcomputer $ 2000 and labor $ 400 something. Toyota should have recall and reimburse this service to customers since these problems are factory problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756736August 13, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This is not about my car. It is about other cars. I have seen multiple SUVs traveling on the highway with their front lights on, but no rear lights. This happened the other day when it was dark and with heavy rain. This is a safety issue. A Gemini AI search says this is a problem with many new cars. It is a switch setting error. You need to correct this situation before someone gets rear ended. There should be no switch setting that allows driving with front but no back lights, or at least there should be a warning light on the dash board.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756676August 13, 2026
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal bang coming from the vehicle, and the rear glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the damage was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 57,079.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756623August 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On August 6 2026, my RAV4 just cut off at the traffic light. The car was completely dead. I was unable to unlock the trunk but the doors did open. The vehicle was towed to the local dealership. The tow truck man hooked up his portable car charger and the car started. On August 8, 2026 the car cut off after parking in a parking space and would not start so I had to get a jump off. After driving for approximately 50 miles to home, I got a low voltage warning and a statement the battery is charging. The local Toyota dealership did a diagnostic test on August 11, 2026 and stated the battery, starter, and alternator were okay. The same thing happened again on August 12, 2026. The car just cut off after stopping in the parking lot. After getting a jump off, I received a message that the battery is charging. Also, the car shifts speed while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756571August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor outside the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that there was smoke coming from the battery, and there was battery fluid leaking from the battery. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that in May 2026, the vehicle was serviced for electrical issues with the Start/Stop feature, parking brake error message, and the AC display unit was replaced. The contact stated that other electrical issues occurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756414August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the Headlight System Malfunction, Pre-collision System Malfunction, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the remedy for Special Service Campaign: 26TC03, which addressed an incorrect MAF Sensor reading failure, had been performed two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was informed of the issues. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756167August 11, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEATS, SEAT BELTS
Airbags, seats, and headrest all failed. State Farm insurance currently has the vehicle. I do not know if the people has been inspected by anybody. The vehicle had no warning lamps message or other symptoms of problems or failure before the collision. I was traveling in the far left lane when traffic came to abrupt stop and I was able to stop 10 to 15 ft from the vehicle in front of me. Two vehicles in my line behind me swerved out of the way. Then a semi truck with a trailer rear-ended me. The front end of the semi truck struck the rear end of my vehicle getting lodged inside my vehicle. My car was then pushed into the car in front of me and dragged 100 to 200 yards down The highway by the semi. The seat belts did not lock. The airbags did not deploy. Both front seat frames were bent and ripped apart. The rear seat that's became detached. The headrest for the front seats flew off. All four seats were occupied by adult males all weighing around 190 pounds or above. All four occupants were wearing seat belts. I the driver was knocked unconscious and received a concussion plus facial damage/injuries. Rear passenger side occupant received a broken jaw and a skull fracture. The other two passengers were also injured. All four passengers of the vehicle were transport to emergency room via ambulance.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
4
Deaths:
0
#11756026August 10, 2026
SEATS
The driver’s seat adjustment mechanism failed and the seat became stuck, unable to move forward or backward. We initially went to a Toyota dealership and told them we believed the issue was a broken gear in the seat rail assembly. The dealership stated they needed to complete their own diagnostic assessment before proceeding, which would cost approximately $275 and add delay, despite already being told the likely cause. We instead took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the cause was a broken gear/synchronizing mechanism in the seat rail assembly. The mechanic confirmed that Toyota is the only source for this replacement part — it is not available from third-party or aftermarket suppliers — and has ordered the part directly from Toyota, at a cost of approximately $1,500, to install himself. This creates a safety risk because the driver is unable to adjust the seat position to reach the pedals and steering wheel properly, and cannot reposition the seat in the event of an emergency requiring rapid exit from the vehicle. Seating position also affects airbag deployment safety, since proper occupant positioning relative to the airbag is a factor in crash protection. There were no dashboard warning lights or error messages prior to the failure. The seat simply stopped moving on one side during normal, everyday adjustment. This appears to be a widespread and recurring issue rather than an isolated incident. Numerous other owners of 2019–2024 Toyota RAV4 vehicles have reported the identical failure — a broken gear in the seat rail mechanism — on Toyota owner forums and online community discussions, many describing the same high repair cost tied to the fact that only Toyota sells the necessary part. The vehicle is a 2021 Toyota RAV4 with approximately 56,000 miles at the time of failure. The component is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755990August 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving with apple carplay and maps displayed for directions, Toyota's Experience Drive Connect screen appears on display. The only way to get back to navigation is to pull over shut the car off, or reboot the display by holding the volume button in. It's a safety issue— a driver distraction The owner is held captive with the advertising until they buy a subscription, over and over again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755630August 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving South on [XXX] and almost to [XXX] about 60 MPH. The rubber roof drip moldings released and starting flying against my car very hard, this was beyond scary. I had to pull over and try to tuck them in, they are so worn and keep scratching my car from hitting it and could possibly break window or fly off damaging another vehicle. These rubber moldings have flown all over the place ever since I got vehicle in 2023, I have continually tried to glue them in they won't stay. There is one on each side and their both loose, I keep pushing back in but won't stay. They have scratched my paint and trim so badly. I called and reported to Toyota they didn't care. They told me you shouldn't run vehicle through car wash, that was a very dumb response, everyone uses car washes. I don't have time to hand wash my vehicle weekly, this should be made to go through a car wash. This is my company vehicle and its the most dangerous vehicle I've ever driven, I'm working in it all day long. I would never buy this vehicle because of this issue, I don't feel safe. Everyone at my company that has this vehicle has the same problem. We purchase all our fleet cars from Toyota and are a huge company Nationwide, Old Dominion Freight Line. This is a major hazard and I'm asking you publish a recall immediately, Toyota needs to fix this dangerous issue and should not sell a vehicle like this. Please I'm asking for your help, thanks so much. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755543August 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Within the 1st year I purchased it new, I would get a warning that the RSA is malfunctioning. It seems to happen when I park in the sun and the windshield is very hot. The warning in my dash prevents me from seeing my other readings; mph, fuel, and I can't use my other safety features; LDA, PCS or cruise control. I've taken it in but then it does a reset and the technicians say there's nothing wrong. The warnings happen every month, weekly. I just got tired of taking it in to hear they don't see anything wrong!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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