2018 Toyota RAV4

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/29/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, Summary Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. Safety Risk The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Manufacturer Recall Number23TB13 NHTSA Recall Number23V734 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available It has been more than a year since recall. Toyota Dealerships said no remede avaialble.

• 12/29/2022· STEERING

  Power steering failed in April 2022, fixed by dealer in May 2022. Failed again in December 2022. Electric power steering system was replaced, contacting dealer today to have system checked. Very dangerous when steering goes out. It’s like manual steering from the old days.

• 12/27/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the battery had died. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the 12-volt battery. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

• 12/27/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 not yet available. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and while attempting to leave, the vehicle had no electrical power. The contact took the battery to be tested and the battery tested to be in proper working order. The battery was replaced in the vehicle and the contact became aware that the wires were damaged. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact stated that the wires should be replaced after seeing sparks coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/27/2017· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  I WAS DRIVING IN A FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH. IT WAS A STOP AND GO PACE BECAUSE THERE WERE AROUND 5 CARS BEFORE ME AND WAS TRAVELING APPROX 3 MPH. I BEGAN TO PROCEED BUT THIS TIME AS I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME I TURNED MY WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS 3 DAYS OLD.

• 12/24/2021· TIRES

  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 often.

• 12/24/2021· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  While driving I have noticed that the car slow down the speed near other cars, I understand that is the accident prevention feature, but when I was stopped at red light, I press the accelerator lightly, the car sped off, I have my daughter in the car and she told me Why are you accelerating mom? I told her I wasn't, my foot was off the accelerator and the car still speeding off. I pressed the breaks and it slow down. I do not feel safe with this car, but I have to use it, as I still have to finish paying it. My battery was replaced today, I had to pay for it, 3 years and gone! They told me it is because I do not drive much daily. My front tires are on yellow tread, not sure how driving 4-8 miles per day can cause all of this damage. I am so tired of car companies sell crappie cars. I had a Subaru before that almost burned (head gasket), of course, when I was finishing paying that happened. By the way I see by the time I finish paying Toyota, many things will need to be replaced, if I do not get into an accident because of weirdness of the car slowing down or speeding. For sure my next car won't be Toyota for safety reasons!

• 12/23/2022· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash

  During a turn... The steering locked up and a julting from all wheel drive system. No warning, slammed into road railing.

• 12/23/2021· AIR BAGS

  Car moved onto gravel shoulder and side curtain airbags deployed. Was no accident or damage done to car, was also driving under 5 mph.

• 12/19/2023· AIR BAGSCrash

  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.

• 12/19/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I WAS ALONE AROUND 630PM DRIVING STRAIGHT EAST ON I10 TWIN SPANS IN THE LEFT LANE GOING 70ISH MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. OVERHEAD I COULD HEAR A LITTLE WHISTLING AND RATTLING COMING FROM THE SUNROOF SHADE THAT WAS CLOSED. I QUICKLY GOT INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO REVIEW THE VEHICLE. THEY CLAIM A ROCK HIT THE GLASS, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME TO THROW UP A ROCK. IT WAS NOT RAINING. IT WAS SLIGHTLY WINDY. THIS OCCURRED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019.

• 12/18/2020· LANE DEPARTURE

  THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING BUZZER'S WARNING CANNOT BE HEARD ON THE ROAD WITH THE RADIO ON LOW VOLUME OR WITH A RADIO OFF BUT DRIVING ABOVE 75MPH DUE TO THE ROAD NOISE. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS RESULTED IN COMMENTS THAT THE BUZZER WORKS AS DESIGNED. CALLS TO TOYOTA'S "BRAND ENGAGEMENT ADVOCATE" RESULTED IN ADVICE TO GO TO A DEALER. THEY HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO INSTRUCT THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE BUZZER. I UNDERSTAND THAT LDW IS MANDATORY FOR 5 STARS SAFETY RATING, BUT I CANNOT FIND THE SPECIFICATION FOR THIS SAFETY FEATURE.

• 12/13/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH & NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND.THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT CLAIMS A ROCK CAUSED THE ISSUE AND WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR.

• 12/13/2017· POWER TRAIN

  FROM A DEAD STOP WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SPEED UP IT ACTS LIKE ITS IN 6TH GEAR. TO GAIN CONTROL I NEED TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR & THEN IT SPEEDS UP ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS HAPPEN AT 12 TIMES. SEE MY COMMENT BELOW THAT I SENT TO TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE. I HAVE WANT I CONSIDER A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2018 RAV4 ([XXX]). UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SPEEDUP IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN 6TH GEAR TO GET IT GOING I HAVE PUT THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AN THEN IT SOMETIME SHOOTS AHEAD ALMOST HITTING A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. RECENTLY IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A ROW TWICE I GOT IT TO RECOVER BUT THE THIRD TIME I NEEDED TO PULL OF THE HIGHWAY & RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPEN AT LEAST 10 TIMES. PHILLIPS TOYOTA SERVICE SAID IT IS A FLY BY WIRE PROBLEM (COMPUTER CONTROLLED). MY FIRST VISIT PHILLIPS DID NOT EVEN WRITE A SERVICE REQUEST ON THE SECOND VISIT THEY DID, BUT ON 12/04/2017 THEY DID NOT AGAIN. THIS GOING TO CAUSE EITHER A REAR END OR FRONT ACCIDENT. WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN LITIGATION USUALLY FOLLOWS. LETS GET THIS FIXED. PHILLIP TOYOTA SAID OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME CONCERN. 12/04/201 [XXX] CC: CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY NATIONAL SAFETY CONSUL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 12/12/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/12/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  IN THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS SINCE PURCHASE JANUARY 16TH, 2018, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL HAS LOST TRACK OF AN SUV IN FRONT OF ME AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. DRIVER HAD TO INTERVENE. FIRST INSTANCE WAS A BROWN PONTIAC AZTEC IN CLEAR WEATHER DAYTIME. SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS A BLUE CHEVY ENCORE IN CLEAR WEATHER DAYTIME. THIRD OCCURRENCE WAS A BLACK ESCALADE IN CLEAR WEATHER AT NIGHT. VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 70-80 MPH WITH THE CLOSEST DISTANCE SETTING.

• 12/11/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/07/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  UNKNOWN since insurance or fire department does not want to investigate. However car randomly caught on fire when driving. Could be due to a new battery installed a week prior. Driver and daughter claim as well an electrical issue with AC turning on by itself the morning of car fire which it has never done before. Driver suspects faulty battery since a new battery installed by dealer a week prior and the year before and it is not the first case late model RAV4s are caught on fire due to battery issues.

• 12/06/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/06/2021· ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering and electrical power twice. The contact continued to drive and as she drove over a speed bump, the vehicle stalled and lost electrical power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact quickly exited the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The Chevrolet dealer who sold the vehicle to the contact was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

• 12/06/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THIS IS AN UPDATE TO COMPLAINT # 11279255 FILED ON 11/10/2019. CAR STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING WITH "CHARGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" APPEARING ON THE DASH NEXT TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IN CONSHOHOCKEN PA, THEY KEPT THE CAR ASKED QUESTIONS AND FINALLY FOUND A FAULTY VALVE IN THE GAS LINE THAT WAS FLOODING THE VAPOR CANISTER WITH GAS. TOYOTA STEPPED UP AND ALONG WITH THE PERSISTENCE OF THIS DEALERSHIP IN DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS RESOLVED. THIS ISSUE WAS A THREAT TO LIFE AS IF IT HAD HAPPENED 10 MINUTES LATER WHEN THE CAR WAS ON AN INTERSTATE, SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED.

• 12/04/2021· STEERING,SUSPENSION

  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 replacement when the car has been driven 23,062 miles; I replaced it but the steering was still incorrect. I called TOYOTA (800) 331-4331 a case #210730001337 was opened. I was told to buy 3 new tires to correct the problem, I did it, yet the problem continues. I expected the dealer to do a wheel alignment after replacing the tires yet they lie about and they wanted me to drive away, I refused to do it and called TOYOTA and offered to pay for it and finally they agreed on doing it free and they found out that the rear alignment was off. Poor craftsmanship of the rear suspension parts for sure. That weird noise on the rear continues, the steering pulls right and left which increases risk of losing control and eventual crash and injury. I do trust the NHTSA to make things right do not be like BOEING and the FAA.

• 12/04/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I HAVE AN AUTO SHIFT OFF FOR HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, I TURN MY HIGH BEAMS ON AND THEY DON'T WORK, AND WHEN I PULL THE SWITCH BACK LIKE I AM TRYING TO FLASH MY HIGH BEAMS AT SOMEONE THEY WORK BUT WHEN I TURN THEM ON TO KEEP THEM ON THEY DO NOT WORK AND MY AUTO HIGH BEAM LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON EITHER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 12/02/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AT NIGHT ON A WET ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A FOUR LANE ROAD WITH TWO LANES IN EACH DIRECTION. SPEED WAS AROUND 45MPH. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING WORKS ABOVE APPROXIMATELY 32MPH. THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE WHITE SHOULDER LINE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE OR THE DOTTED WHITE LINE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE LANE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAD HAPPENED TO ME. THE OTHER TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO.

• 11/29/2025· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  While picking up my son from school, my 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid suddenly experienced a complete steering failure. The steering wheel locked without warning and became impossible to move, making the vehicle inoperable and creating an immediate safety hazard. My son and I were stranded for over 7 hours in a public area. AAA was dispatched twice, but they were unable to resolve the issue. The vehicle ultimately had to be towed to a Toyota dealership. Toyota dealership diagnosed the car with a failed steering lock ECU, a critical safety component that should not malfunction under normal conditions. I was quoted over 2,000 for the repair. This issue aligns with multiple known recalls and technical service bulletins related to steering and electronic control failures in RAV4 Hybrid models, suggesting a potential manufacturer defect. This sudden steering failure placed me and my child at significant risk. There were no warning lights, no prior steering issues, and no indicators of malfunction before the event occurred. I am submitting this report because a steering lock ECU failure can lead to sudden loss of steering control, which poses a serious danger to vehicle occupants and others on the road.

• 11/29/2018· TIRES

  THE TOYOTA RAV4 WAS HEADING EAST ON I-10 FREEWAY NEAR SKY HARBOR AIRPORT ARIZONA. A SUDDEN POP SOUND WITH STEERING PROBLEM FOLLOWED... LUCKILY IT WAS 11PM (11/27/2018) AND NO CARS AROUND, AND ABLE TO QUICKLY AND SAFELY DRIVING THE RAV4 TO THE SHOULDER OF FREEWAY. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (PRE-PAID PROGRAM) DISPATCHED A TECHNICIAN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE WITH SPARE TIRE.

• 11/27/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON A SMALL INCLINE WHILE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE. I HIT THE POWER BUTTON (WHILE THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED) WITHOUT PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK. WITH THE VEHICLE STILL IN DRIVE, AND NOT PROPERLY TURNED OFF, WHEN I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS SIX FEET. LATER THAT DAY I TRIED TO RECREATE THE SAME SCENARIO AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. IF YOU PRESS THE POWER BUTTON TO TURN OFF YOUR VEHICLE WHILE IT IS STILL IN DRIVE AND YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, THE CAR WILL ACT AS THOUGH IT IS IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL DOWNHILL. I HAVE NOT TRIED WITH THE CAR FACING DOWNHILL/ROLLING FORWARDS.

• 11/27/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT OR AFTER DUSK, THE HEADLAMPS PROVIDED INSUFFICIENT ILLUMINATION TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS DIM WHEN APPROACHING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UEBELHOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 788 W 12TH AVE, JASPER, IN 47546, (812) 482-2222) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS INTENDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ILLUMINATION WAS INADEQUATE IN RURAL AREAS, BUT WAS NOT AFFECTED IN AN URBAN SETTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200.

• 11/25/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/24/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I was driving and heard a loud noise like ice cracking from the roof. The shade covering the moonroof started to vibrate. When I was able to safely pull over, I saw that the moonroof glass had exploded. There was no object that struck the car, but the glass was completely shattered. Pieces of glass flew off the roof before I was able to pull over, putting other drivers at risk. If the shade had not been closed, pieces of glass would have fallen on me. In doing research, it looks like this has happened to many other Rav4 owners. The vehicle passed its state inspection in June and had an oil change at an auto repair shop less than a month ago, and no warnings were given. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms, and I had not tried to operate the moonroof while driving--the glass just exploded.

• 11/24/2019· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WHEN I'M DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT STALLED OR DOWNSHIFTED AND THE DISPLAY GETS DARK BUT CAR IS STILL 'ON', HOWEVER, IT WILL NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THE STEERING SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED TOO. UNFORTUNATELY, IT ONLY RESOLVED BY TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, CAUSING TRAFFIC TO STOP OR SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ME 3X THE PAST 2 WEEKS.

• 11/18/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  My 2018 RAV4 caught fire and completely burned in a matter of minutes. I was sitting in traffic that had stalled because of road construction when I first smelled something hot. No dashboard lights or gauges indicated any issues. Then I saw smoke coming from underneath the hood. I immediately pulled the car over to the shoulder and got out to look under the hood. Flames already visible and fire too hot to raise hood. Vehicle was completely engulfed in minutes. Vehicle had 65000 miles and regularly serviced at a certified Toyota dealership. Original factory batteries still on vehicle.

• 11/18/2021· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that upon exiting a parking lot, with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact was forced to engage the parking brake to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle was stopped, the contact was able to resume normal driving. After the initial failure, the contact experienced the failure on two separate occasions. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle remained in possession of the dealer. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

• 11/17/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  One day, after the car was sitting in my garage for a week, I drove it and found that the driver side rear wheel stopped turning. I noticed grease on the inside wall of the rim of this wheel. The rim of the other wheels are clean. I tried a few more times wiggling it back and forth and the wheel was still stuck. Two days later a tow truck driver came and he tried a few more times and was able to get the wheel freed. But then when driving it, there is noise from the wheel.

• 11/16/2021· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  This is the second time it has happened, the car completely shut off and nothing worked. The first time does happen our battery was two years old and we were told to change it. After changing the battery the car worked. Six months later the car completely shut off while driving. AAA came and said it was not an issue with the battery but rather the wiring. He played around with the wiring in the car somehow turned on. This is very dangerous because it happened on the freeway. There are some fault with the wiring on this model.

• 11/15/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jump-start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the battery was not holding a full charge and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 25,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/15/2023· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  1. It is not clear what component or system failed. While driving at around 70 mph, after 2-3 hours of driving, there is an audible "clunk" sound from below the car. Typically this is followed by a shuddering of the engine/transmission/power train. The car momentarily looses acceleration/speed. There are typically one or two "clunks" alternating with one to four "shudders." There is no action when depressing the accellerator. At this point I typically pull over to a rest stop or side of the highway to let the vehicle rest, and then re-start the vehicle, which causes the issue to not re-occur when the vehicle is driven again. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. My safety and others' safety was put at risk by the vehicle not being able to accelerate when the accelerator is depressed. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Toyota dealers, including Watertown Toyota, Wellesley Toyota, and Wesboro Toyota (all in MA). The dealers all say they cannot duplicate the issue during test-driving an so they therefore cannot fix the issue. 4. No other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms appear prior to the failure. The most recent date this incident occurred was November 12, 2023. However this issue has been occurring a few times a year since approximately 35,000 miles. At approximately 55,000 miles I tried to get Wellesley Toyota to address the issue prior to the powertrain coming out of warranty at 60,000 miles. I reported this issue to Toyota recalls on Monday November 13, 2023. Toyota's case number for this issue is 231113002026.

• 11/13/2025· POWER TRAIN

  XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX 11/13/2025 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 South Western Avenue Torrance, CA 90501 Subject: Complaint Regarding Torque Converter Shudder – 2018 Toyota RAV4 AWD To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my 2018 Toyota RAV4 AWD, specifically a torque converter shudder that has been documented by Toyota technicians. The vehicle exhibits pronounced shuddering between 25–50 mph under light throttle, consistent with the torque converter failures previously acknowledged by Toyota in earlier RAV4 models (2013–2015). Toyota has extended warranty coverage for torque converter replacement in those earlier models, yet my 2018 RAV4—despite showing identical symptoms—has been excluded. The dealership has quoted me 9,000 for a full transmission replacement, even though the issue is well-documented and appears to be systemic across multiple model years. This situation raises serious concerns: - Toyota is aware of the defect but has limited coverage to select VIN ranges. - The cost of repair is excessive and disproportionate to the defect. - Consumers are left without recourse despite clear precedent for warranty extension. I respectfully request: 1. That NHTSA investigate whether the torque converter shudder in 2016–2018 RAV4 models constitutes a broader safety defect. 2. That Toyota extend its warranty program to include affected 2018 RAV4 vehicles. 3. That Toyota provide reimbursement or coverage for necessary repairs to restore safe vehicle operation. I am prepared to provide service records, dealership documentation, and correspondence confirming Toyota’s acknowledgment of the defect. Please advise on next steps and ensure this issue receives the attention it deserve INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/13/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon attempting to slow the vehicle, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the front of the vehicle, and the brake pedal required an excessive amount of force to slow the vehicle. The contact also stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. She was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be jumpstarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the braking system but did not provide a diagnosis in regards to the vehicle's loss of power. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

• 11/12/2019· POWER TRAIN

  THE VEHICLE JERKS AND MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN THE EV MODE TURNS ON MOMENTARILY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN GOING DOWN HILL AND PRESSING ACCELERATOR AFTER RELEASED FOR A FEW MINUTES. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN BUT WHEN IT DOES, FEELS LIKE THE REAR TIRE HAS BUSTED AND THE CAR IS BEING FORCED TO MOVE. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW AND I HAVE REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA BUT THE DEALER CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 8 TIMES SO FAR SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2018.

• 11/10/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while changing the oil, he became aware that the battery was covered in corrosion and there was acid leaking from the battery tray. The vehicle was not diagnosed, but the contact was advised that the tray needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but refused to replace the battery. The failure mileage was approximately 66,327.

• 11/10/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SHUTTERED THEN STOPPED WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHARGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED. I COASTED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. RESTARTED CAR TO GET HOME AND THIS SAME THING HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES UNTIL I GOT HOME AND PARKED IT. WE RAN THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES. SINCE IT IS SUNDAY AFTERNOON WILL HAVE TO CALL TOYOTA ON MONDAY. AFTER READING ONLINE ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES...I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. IT SEEMS TOYOTA HAS NO FIX OR HAS ACKNOWLEDGED IT AS A PROBLEM.

• 11/10/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  ON 8/28/18 MY RAV4 SUNROOF EXPLODED ON HWY. 51 IN A 45MPH ZONE JUST NORTH OF MINOCQUA, WI, ABOUT 15 MI FROM MY HOME. I DO NOT HAVE A CELL PHONE SO DROVE HOME AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED TOYOTA RHINELANDER, WI 2018. AFTER EXPLAINING THE SITUATION AND. ASKING WHAT MY NEXT STEP SHOULD BE, I WAS TOLD TO CALL MY INSURANCE REP..AS THEY DID NOT COVER GLASS BREAKAGE. AFTER I GOT THE SUNROOF REPAIRED, I WROTE A LETTER TO TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS AND TOYOTA RHINELANDER DATED 9/16/18 OUTLINING MY CONCERNS. MY REQUESTS WERE TWO-FOLD: 1) THAT THEY NEED ONLY TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY MINIMAL REPAIR COSTS: ABOUT $350, AND 2) THAT SOMEONE TELL ME HOW, BY WHOM, AND TO WHAT AGENCY THIS INCIDENT WOULD BE REPORTED. MY LETTERS WENT UNANSWERED. I CONTACTED RHINELANDER ON OCT. 25, 2018 AND WAS ADVISED TO CALL A HOT LINE NUMBER. I DID SO IMMEDIATELY AND WAS PROMISED A CALL THE NEXT DAY. I DID NOT RECEIVE A CALL BACK; A WEEK LATER I CALLED AGAIN AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER. THE END RESULT WAS A DENIAL OF MY REQUEST. AGAIN, THE REASON GIVEN WAS THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSESS THE SITUATION BECAUSE II DID NOT BRING HE CAR INTO TOYOTA FOR AN INSPECTION AFTER THE EXPLOSION (AND, NOBODY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO DO THIS). I UNDERSTAND THE PERSON I TALKED WITH IS NO LONGER WITH THE COMPANY. THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR HERE IS SAFETY. HAD THE DOOR TO THE SUNROOF BEEN OPEN , I COULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH GLASS, SERIOUSLY INJURED OR INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION. THE DEAFENING NOISE ALONE WAS ENOUGH TO POSSIBLY CAUSE A SERIOUS MISHAP.THERE ARE MANY WEBSITES, INCLUDING CONSUMER REPORTS, THAT REPORT THESE EXPLOSIONS, YET I WAS TOLD BY RHINELANDER THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF AN EXPLOSION, AND A STONE PROBABLY CAUSED THE INCIDENT. I WILL BE HAPPY TO FURNISH A COPY OF MY LETTERS AND NOTES OR ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

• 11/08/2024· POWER TRAIN

  The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound underneath the floorboard. The contact pulled over and it was difficult shifting to park(P). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not functioning normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had taken the vehicle to the same mechanic prior to the failure for two other transmission failures. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within 18 months. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

• 11/07/2024· ENGINE

  Crankshaft Sprocket prematurely breaks the guide for timing chain and engine issues. Results in a harsh start starting around 60k miles

• 11/06/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  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 TRUCK DRIVER STARTED VEHICLE TO GO IN REVERSE A FEW FEET FOR POSITIONING. WITH ENGINE RUNNING, VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND GAS PEDAL PRESSED GENTLY. VEHICLE WENT IN REVERSE (< 2MPH) AS IT SHOULD. FOOT APPLIED TO BRAKE AND VEHICLE PUT IN PARK IN ONE MOTION. VEHICLE IN PARK AND FOOT ON BRAKE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP AGAIN. KEY WAS TURN OFF. VEHICLE TOWED.

• 11/05/2024· STRUCTURE

  The paint on my entire vehicle is peeling and flaking off. Every panel has a paint issue. I have had my toyota dealership check several times over the last 2 years to see if my vin is on the ZKG program approved and it keeps coming back no. My vehicle paint is peeling more and more. I would like this to be addressed and looked into please.

• 11/02/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  Vehicle check engine light comes on, followed within 20 minutes by emergency alerts stating that multiple systems are failing or unavailable. It then says to get to a safe place within .3 miles. The car shuts itself down after .3 and is bricked until it is towed to a mechanic.this has happened 6 times this year.

• 11/02/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  Approximately mid May 2023, 5:15 PM +/_, while stopped at a red light while leaving the work parking structure, the engine revved up and wanted to move forward. Forcing the driver to apply heavy pressure on the brakes to avoid being forced into the intersection. An opening presented itself, the brakes were released and the car entered the intersection. Once moving forward the "unintended acceleration" stopped and the car performed as normal.There were no check engine, need service lights or indicators on the dash. With none of the above present we didn't expect a dealership to take our word of the incident. Then, on Oct 19th, app 5:30 PM the unintended acceleration happened again. While in town driving and stopped at a red light the engine revved up and the unintended acceleration was trying to force the car forward. Excessive pressure was needed on the brakes to hold the car in place and the transmission was put into park. Once in park the revving stopped. With a foot on the brake the car was put into drive and it performed normally. The driver was upset with a high level of anxiety of not knowing if or when it could happen again. The potential of hitting a pedestrian, another vehicle or being T-boned was very high in both incidents. An appointment was made at the dealership t next day and couldn't get it in until 10-31-23, 7:20 PM. Before taking it to the dealership we tried to replicate the unintended acceleration. After 8 miles and 30 minutes we were not successful. The dealership could not reproduce the event but acknowledged with documentation that this is a known problem. I am in possession of a Toyota Dealer UA Process Flow chart specific to these events. After the dealer went into the vehicle history they are saying there is nothing wrong with the car and the cause is driver error. The dealer can not give me a specific date of the event they claim was driver error. We have driven the car for almost 4 years, majority driven by one person with no incident.

• 10/29/2019· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FLOORMAT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRIME TOYOTA BOSTON (617-469-1000, LOCATED AT 1605 VFW PARKWAY, WEST ROXBURY, MA 02132) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A WATER HOSE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOCKED. THE FAILURE CAUSED WATER FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER TO DRAIN ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CARPET WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CARPET ISSUE AND STATED THAT IT WAS THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. THE CARPET WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,220.