Toyota RAV4 Complaints (2023)

149 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#11748789July 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Back up camera stopped working screen is black when put into reverse. Approximately 2 weeks after camera stopped working warnings appeared on dash headlight system malfunction pre collision system malfunction rear cross traffic alert malfunction blind spot monitor malfunction LTA malfunction. There is no current recalls on this particular car but others of same make and model have recalls with same issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748756July 7, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at 46 MPH in heavy rain, a warning message indicating that the pre-collision sensor was blocked and needed to be cleared, was displayed temporarily, and the contact continued driving. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly lost motive power shortly after, and the message "Steering power is low; please contact dealer" was displayed. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart.The following day, the contact's husband successfully restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle immediately stalled again, displaying a "Pre-collision malfunction; please call dealer" message. A local dealer was contacted, and the contact spoke with a receptionist regarding the battery, but the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,829.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748368July 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer shows incorrect speed than actual.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748288July 4, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle was traveling straight approximately 70–80 mph in very light drizzle. No warning lights or messages before the event. Vehicle suddenly entered an uncontrolled spin multiple times. During the spin, I heard a grinding noise. After stopping, brake/parking brake system warnings appeared on the dash, video after the event recorded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11747538June 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The front camera is known to overheat in weather that exceeds 70°F. Which disables the AEB, Cruise Control, Lane Keep, Automatic Headlights, and Automatic Wipers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744003June 14, 2026
TIRES
I have owned this vehicle close to three years and these were the all season tires that came with the car.I live in New England where I run snow tires on the car from October to April every year that I have owned the car. The car has 30K miles on it ,but the tires that came with the car only have about 10K or 7/8 tire tread left. The tires have become very noisy and are starting to cup. I did take the car to the dealer and had the front end checked out and nothing is worn or out of alignment. Tires were rotated at 5K intervals .I contacted Dunlop and was told there was not much they would do since the tires were made when Dunlop was owned by Goodyear. Dunlop is now owned by Falken. I was offers 30% off a new set of tires (Dunlop) as a good will gesture. A new set of tires will run about 1K with tax and mounting/balance. I should have to spend that kind of money on tires that are not worn, just poorly made. Falken admitted that they have a lot of complaints about this tire. Tire size is 225/60R18/ 2023 Toyota RAV4 XSE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742484June 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving across a mountain pass in Washington State at an elevation of approximately 4,000 ft. With no warning I hear a very loud noise, sounding like a gunshot. I was in pretty heavy traffic and pulled over as soon as it was safe. A walk around the car revealed no problems, but looking at the top of the car showed that the glass over the sunroof had imploded. I'm not a fan of sunroofs and I may have never opened it. My favorite AI search engine Gemini had plenty of information. I experienced what is known as a spontaneous sunroof implosion/explosion. Fortunately, neither my passengers nor I was injured. Toyota is not accepting responsibility for these incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742009June 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The display goes black and then will restart. It foes this over and over. The navigation and other features can’t be used and it will not stay on long enough to try and update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741686June 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has shut off for a second time without warning. This time was in a busy chic [XXX] drive through line in [XXX] . The car read “low power steering” and the battery and engine light came on. These have both been checked before in addition to the alternator and they cannot find an issue. I am having it taken back to the dealership tomorrow for further investigation. Given I purchased this vehicle with a little over 19k miles and the car now only has 22k miles on it. It should not have any significant issues such as cutting off while driving on the interstate or while sitting in a busy drive through lane waiting for food. Now I am wondering if the previous owner traded it in for this issue. I will say, both incidences it has been raining and the first time I could have been hit by oncoming traffic due to low visibility and I am wondering if heavy rain has something to do with this. The car has not been through any significant puddles or left out in the rain. It sits in the garage when not in use and has only been used as a work commute vehicle. Something is wrong. They need a recall! 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
#11741275June 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The video display screen shuts off while driving. You end of trying to get it going again while driving and getting distracted. Ongoing issue over a dozen times in last 2 years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739118May 20, 2026
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the hatch door glass independently fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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