Toyota RAV4 Complaints

921 consumer complaints on file.

#11755323August 6, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving through a trench at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to avoid scraping the bottom of the vehicle however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and failed to stop. Additionally, the steering wheel failed to turn as needed, and the vehicle crashed into a picnic table and ran over the chairs. The vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a rock. The contact stated that the bumper and doors were damaged and had scratches from the crash. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted and performed an investigation and determined that the accelerator pedal was depressed during the crash and the vehicle was driving 25 MPH; however, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755096August 5, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driving at 70mph on the freeway when the rear windshield blew out. Seemingly for no reason. Didn't sound like anything hit the windshield, just the pop of the glass. Seems like a defective windshield.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754306August 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited : issues with vehicle detection but not limited to the Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) . Complaint includes problems with the vehicle's sensors and electronic control units (ECUs), which is leading to difficulties in detecting other vehicles on the road and posses ongoing safety concerns about the reliability of my vehicle's safety features, particularly when driving my car on freeways and surface streets. Sensor Malfunctions: I continue to have malfunctions with the sensors that are supposed to detect nearby vehicles. I have taken my vehicle into Wilsonville Toyota’s Service Center in [XXX] twice, once in XXX and again in XXX after having at least two near collisions due to the fact that my car did not detect an approaching vehicle. On one occasion my friend ([XXX]) was in my car with me when we almost hit another car when changing lanes on the freeway because my car DID NOT DETECT a vehicle in the lane I was attempting to change. I feel unsafe due to the inconsistent performance of my BSM System Malfunction. I have visited my Toyota dealer for diagnostics and potential software updates but have been told repeatedly that if they, Wilsonville Toyota Service Center (WTSS) cannot reproduce the issue then it does NOT exisit. However, after having and picking up my vehicle from the repair shop at WVTS on XXX I spoke with the acting Assistant Service Manager, Kevin, who stated to me me that if it happens again to return and he will go for a test drive with me to see if I could reproduce the situation so that he could see it and make documentation of it so that it will then be “a thing”. Well I did just that on XXX when my husband , [XXX] , and I returned to WVTS and took Kevin for a test drive where Kevin experienced my exact concerns with the BSM’s Malfunction on more than 4 times on our short test drive. Upon our return from the test drive Kevin immediately offered me a free loaner. BSM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754305August 2, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On July 31, 2026, while traveling approximately 55 mph on a Maryland highway, my 2025 Toyota RAV4 unexpectedly lost power and shut off while in motion. There was no check-engine warning before the failure. The vehicle became disabled in a travel lane. Police responded, and the lane had to be closed because the vehicle could not be safely moved. There was no crash, fire, or injury. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota dealership. The dealer documented that it had “shut off mid drive,” reported finding no codes in the engine ECU, and performed service campaign 26TC03 concerning an incorrect mass airflow sensor reading. The dealer replaced a radiator air guide and stated that the vehicle should return for further diagnosis if it stalled again. On August 2, only approximately 36 miles after that service, the vehicle failed to restart at approximately 40,529 miles and required a jump. LTA and pre-collision system malfunction warnings appeared. The pre-collision warning returned while the vehicle was moving, and the Toyota connected app also recorded the malfunction. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealership and is available for inspection. The cause remains unknown. The concern involves an intermittent engine shutdown/no-start condition, a possible 12-volt electrical or charging-system failure, and the loss of forward-collision and lane-assistance functions. The dealer’s prior multipoint inspection marked the battery as acceptable, but no actual CCA battery-test result was documented.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754058July 31, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While making a left turn in my 2026 Toyota RAV4, the vehicle's Automatic Emergency Braking / Pre-Collision System suddenly activated without cause. The system sounded an audible warning beep and forced the vehicle to brake and come to a hard stop mid-turn. There was nothing in front of me that should have triggered the system. This put my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. The forced stop occurred suddenly and unexpectedly while turning, which nearly caused an accident, as vehicles behind me had no warning that I would suddenly brake mid-turn. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the incident — the false activation occurred suddenly with no prior symptoms. I have dashcam footage of the incident attached below.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753992July 31, 2026
SEATS, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s seat became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the front driver’s and passenger sides, causing puddles of water in the front driver’s and passenger’s seats with an abnormal odor. The contact stated that the leak was near the bolts and screws. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the water leak could not be repaired and that the condition was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C system and several other unknown components needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753616July 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Drove home vehicle under 20,000 miles 2025, got to drove way parked and car stalled shaking amd stated steering power low, and shut off. Tried to re start it and did the same thing stalled shook amd shut off with the same warning. No previous issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753378July 28, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
The driver side door actuator will not work, car is only five years old. Door will not unlock from fob, door unlock button or app. Began with a few random instances of not unlocking then turned into never unlocking again. Would have to climb through the passenger side to manually unlock by pushing switch. Got the actuator replaced but now car will not allow opening from inside, have to climb out of passenger door. This is a major safety concern as being unable to open a door in an emergency can be life threatening. The problem was reproduced and repair quoted by dealership. Problem was also reproduced by local mechanic and part replaced by them. Component inspected by manufacturer. The only warning was it sometimes not working, this began a few months back around February 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752696July 24, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Hello Respected Sir/Madam, I am the owner of a 2023 Toyota RAV4. I discovered a visible hairline crack in the windshield that originated from the lower left corner on the passenger side. The crack measured approximately 6 inches when I first noticed it in the morning and grew to approximately 12 inches by the afternoon. The windshield was not impacted by a rock, road debris, or any other object, and the vehicle was not involved in an accident. There were no visible chips or signs of external damage at the point where the crack originated. The crack appeared to develop spontaneously and continued to spread on its own. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned that the windshield may have a manufacturing or installation defect that could affect visibility and vehicle safety. Thank you [XXX] 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
#11752528July 23, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Vehicle trunk fails to respond and doesn’t open. Inside button and trunk button do not work all of the time. Safety issue when having animals crated in back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752373July 23, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle aggressively accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752345July 23, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 began experiencing intermittent shuddering and vibration at low speeds around May 2026. The condition occurred while accelerating from a stop or at slow speeds and became more frequent over time. Because the problem was intermittent, the dealership was initially unable to duplicate it. Independent inspection later found dark transmission fluid containing metal debris, indicating internal transmission failure. I was informed the transmission requires replacement or rebuild. My vehicle has approximately 94,000 miles, which is well below the expected service life of a modern transmission. The symptoms are consistent with numerous reported complaints involving Toyota’s UA80 automatic transmission and torque converter. An unexpected loss of smooth power delivery or hesitation during acceleration creates a potential safety risk, particularly when entering traffic or crossing intersections. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate as this is a very dangerous and concearning issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752158July 22, 2026
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed and activating the A/C, there was hot air coming from the vents. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the A/C condenser was damaged by an object, causing a refrigerant leak. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold with the pre-existing failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 556.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752060July 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving using Apple Carplay with maps loaded, the multimedia screen switches to Toyota's Experience Drive Connect. The only way to get directions back up is to reboot the Multimedia screen by holding down the power switch, which takes a long time while trying to navigate. I called Toyota Connected Services and was informed that they are aware of the problem, but there is nothing they can do unless I pay for services I don't want or need. this has been happening since we purchased the car new 12/31/2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751540July 20, 2026
SEAT BELTS
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving the rear passenger-side seat belt in my 2023 Toyota RAV4. After normal use, a child who had been properly secured in a child booster seat in the rear passenger-side seating position was unable to be released from the seat belt. The vehicle had not been involved in an accident, collision, or any emergency situation. The child had simply been riding in the vehicle under normal driving conditions. When it was time for the child to exit the vehicle, the rear passenger-side seat belt had become tangled and tightened around the child. The seat belt would not unlock or release despite repeated attempts to unbuckle it and allow the belt to retract or loosen. The restraint effectively trapped the child in the booster seat. Because the child could not be freed using the seat belt release mechanism, the only way to remove the child safely was to cut the seat belt. This occurred solely because the seat belt could not be released after ordinary use, not because of a crash or any other unusual event. A seat belt is intended to protect occupants while also allowing them to exit the vehicle safely after normal operation. In this case, the rear passenger-side seat belt failed to function as intended and created a serious safety hazard by trapping a child and requiring the seat belt to be cut in order to free them. I am requesting that this incident be investigated to determine whether the rear passenger-side seat belt or its locking mechanism has a manufacturing defect or design issue that could pose a risk to other occupants, particularly children using booster seats. I am able to provide additional information, photographs, repair records, or any other documentation requested as part of an investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751482July 20, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the economy feature disengaged while driving. While the lane assist was activated, the vehicle drifted over into another lane. The engine was revving and backfired. The vehicle lost motive power while driving at undisclosed speeds. The driver's side windshield had a glaze or wax on the outside. While idling, the vehicle surged forward. The driver hovered a foot over the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, AutoNation Toyota Winter Park Service Center (225 N Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792); Claremont Toyota (601 Auto Center Dr, Claremont, CA 91711); and Miracle Toyota (37048 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751276July 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When using the CarPlay feature I am not able to use the maps. When using the maps the it glitches out and constantly reroutes spastically and feels very unsafe while driving. I looked up if this was a common issue with other 2024 rav4 owners and I learned it is. It was explained as an issue with the antenna not being able to keep up with the location of the phone. This issue has caused me to not be able to use my screen while driving and defeats the whole purpose of having that feature in the car. I tried calling a Toyota dealership to fix the problem but was told I would need to pay 200 dollars just to get the car looked at and being as this is a defect with the vehicle that feels unfair. I appreciate any assistance you can offer to resolve this issue for myself and any others experiencing the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751099July 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof exploded spontaneously while I was driving. It sounded like a gunshot. There were no other vehicles around, so it wasn't caused by a stray rock. It was only 73 degrees, so I don't think it was heat related.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750978July 17, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
Door locks not working front doors had actuators replaced after about a year and a half . They have since went out again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750968July 16, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the premature oxidation developing inside the tail lights on my 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The oxidation is present on both the driver and passenger side tail light assemblies. As the oxidation continues to worsen, it reduces the clarity and effectiveness of the tail lights. This is not only a cosmetic concern but also a potential safety issue. Diminished light output can make it more difficult for other drivers to clearly see my brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals, particularly during nighttime driving or in adverse weather conditions. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions and compromises the safety of both myself and other motorists. I have taken good care of my vehicle, and I do not believe this level of deterioration is reasonable for a 2023 model. Exterior lighting components should remain clear and functional for many years under normal use. The fact that both tail lights are experiencing the same issue suggests this may be a manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that Toyota investigate this matter and inspect my vehicle under the applicable warranty or goodwill policy. If this is a known issue affecting other 2023 RAV4 vehicles, I ask that Toyota consider replacing the affected tail light assemblies at no cost. Vehicle lighting is a critical safety feature, and I believe it is important to address this issue before visibility is further compromised. I have always appreciated Toyota’s reputation for quality, reliability, and commitment to customer safety, and I hope this concern will be resolved promptly. I look forward to your response and a satisfactory resolution. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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