2023 TOYOTA RAV4

3 recalls, 247 complaints - 48 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Defect Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or di... Read more

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

1,024,407 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner ... Read more

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional let... Read more

591,377 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

TIRES:VALVE

Defect Description

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the inco... Read more

Consequence

A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 2... Read more

195 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

247 total complaints 11 crashes 3 fires 23 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	46
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	35
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	25
POWER TRAIN	17
STEERING	15
SERVICE BRAKES	11
STRUCTURE:BODY	8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6

Incident date: May 20, 2026

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 ... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

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 sudde... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

Odometer shows incorrect speed than actual.

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

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.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

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.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

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.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

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 a... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

I have a shift to park warning that comes up almost every time I park. It usually does not go away until I turn off the car completely then restart it, and I still have to attempt to “park” it.

Incident date: May 26, 2026

The ABS module is not working. Part # 68052421AF is part of a recall # C4B but not for my truck. The VIN states it's been reprogrammed. What can I do?

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine in my 2018 Ford Edge Titanium experienced head gasket failure due to Ford’s known cylinder channel design defect present in 2015–2019 EcoBoost 2.0 engines. Ford scored channels between cylinders in an attempt to improve cooling, which allows coolant to degrade the head g... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

New car, only 800 miles, 12V battery drained and is dead. Needed to be replaced. Internal process draining battery. Multiple similar complaints online

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Catastrophic engine failure the connecting rod went through the block. It is my understanding that Defective Components: Manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshafts can reduce oil film strength, leading to severe wear, metal debris, and catastrophic engine could be the proiblem

Incident date: May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. the driver seat automatically pushed on the rear passenger driver side seat that had a minor occupant in a child seat. The seat was able to move forward with the seat adjustment buttons. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not no... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

The backup camera stopped working. Vehicle taken to Buckeye Nissan in Ohio and rear hatch cover removed and a significant amount of water discovered in the rear hatch exposing the camera to this water has short circuited the camera disabling it. Tech checked the wire leading to the camera and report... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

Driving my 2012 dodge ram 3500, just as I was crossing one of the busiest intersections in my town my truck lost all power and dropped from 35mph to 5 mph. Barley made it acrossed and pulled over. As soon as I pulled over the engine light comes on, checked code, and U010C lost coms with turbo actuat... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The cover of this car seat has only been cared for per the manufacturer instructions, and the warning labels on the sides are peeling, creating a choking hazard. Clek has issued a recall for Liing before for this specific issue, but is saying that my Liing is not included despite being manufactured ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

When decelerating/braking there is a knocking in the rear of the car. It has gotten progressively worse. Had the dealership check it out but found nothing wrong. They didn't drive the car.

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

I have had shifting issues with the transmission since 2 months into having this vehicle I have been reporting it to the dealership who has told me consistently that jerking grinding and loud noises are totally normal then the recall came out for these specific issues in the 2017 Silverados though m... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

Anti-lock brakes do not work and have not worked though there's no recall for my vin, parking assist has not worked, blind spot stopped working also

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

Anti-lock brakes do not work and have not worked though there's no recall for my vin, parking assist has not worked, blind spot stopped working also

Incident date: Jun 20, 2023

Transmission slipping and bangs into and out of gears downshifts without doing anything when transmission services there was lots of metal fragments on the magnet2 no change and after having transmission reprogrammed no change

Incident date: Jun 20, 2023

Unintended acceleration while parking /braking in front of a Verizon store leading to crash into store

Crash

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Hello, so I have had my vehicle in the shop for over 2 weeks due to a failure toner wheel and even though there is a extention recall for my vehicle there not covering it even after telling fca and the dealer about the issues. There saying they won't be able to reimburse me even though I just bought... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

The paint is chipping and cracking and just falling off. It started on the hood now it’s going to around the windows seals and part of the roof.

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Some (2017-2018 MY Ram xxx) vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or chan... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

The steering locked up and was completely unable to turn the wheel. This resulted in an accident that sent the car into a ditch. The safety recall for the steering was fixed and it failed again, in which it cost me 1700 to replace the same part again. It has AGAIN failed!!! This is extremely unsafe ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

The ICCU electrical system failed for the 2 nd time owning the car. Resulting in another 2 month wait to get it repaired. The dealer says they put the same part in, that may fail again.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera system displayed an unavailable error message. In addition, the contact stated that occasionally the rear-view camera displayed an upside-down image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an ind... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while an occupant was seated in the second row passenger seat, the contact accidentally tapped the "ONE-TOUCH" TILT-AND-SLIDE BUTTON. Despite the occupant seated in the second row, the seat continued to fold, nearly crushing the occup... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

A 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T developed an engine misfire, coolant loss, and reduced acceleration shortly after purchase from a dealership on 01/07/2026 (around 156,000 miles / $15,000). On 01/23/2026, during a Honda dealer inspection at about 157,255 miles, the technician noted misfires on startup, foun... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

Transmission randomly stopped driving at highway speeds rpm spiked and no movement was in fast lane at 75 mph. Transmission is toast now in for 4-6 thousand dollars to replace also ford did the recall on the emissions reprogram a few months before this issue then tells me it needs a catalytic conver... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (POWER TRAIN); 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 t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

P1098 code for coolant control valve malfunction causing a radiator leak. Should be covered under warranty, but Wyatt Johnson in Clarksville Tennessee giving me the complete run around trying to get me to pay $3500 for a radiator replacement.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Possible grounding issue. Seat heat inoperative, steering wheel buttons inoperative or incorrect response. Interior lights flickering. Hands free function engaged without prompts.

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

My wife and I were driving on a curvy road after dark and all of a sudden the windshield started fogging up and the blower quit and no warm air was available to clear up the windshield we had to pull off and after a time it started up again . sometimes it seems like it takes forever for the heat to ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

On approximately January 24, 2026 my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD equipped with the 6.6 Duramax Diesel displayed an error code (P20B9). This error code was found to be related to the diesel exhaust fluid system specifically relating to "Reductant Heater A Control Circuit/Open." On January 27, 202... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

The forward trunk also known as the Frunk does not have the legally required interior release. I have children. I train them how to use a trunk emergency release. This car does not have one for the Forward trunk. This is a serious safety hazard.

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

As I was parked for about 10 minutes sitting and not moving, the rear windshield spontaneously imploded.

Showing 50 of 247 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

2023 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.5%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	35.0	30.0	Regular	$2,100
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	34.0	30.0	Regular	$2,100

CO2 Emissions: 296.0 g/mile (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

48 manufacturer communications from 30 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER	12
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION	2
350000 EQUIPMENT	2
280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE	2
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	1

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TT: Engine Oil Leak between the Lower Oil Pan and Crank Case

063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

TT: Engine Oil Leak between the Lower Oil Pan and Crank Case

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

The table describes the phases currently planned for the Second Key Delivery Program and the estimated timing of announcement. This table will be updated during each phase launch and as more details become available.

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

DP: The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and can never be reused. Another feature,

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 ? 2024 Camry, and 2019 ? 2024 RAV4 vehicles with A25A-FKS engines may have a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) upon cold soak start up with engin

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil. ?An ?Oil Pressure Low? warning message

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 23TJ01 Second Key Delivery Program Multiple Models and Model Years

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

RL: The supply of Smart Keys available for Toyota vehicles has been temporarily limited to one (1) on select models since October 2022 due to global semiconductor shortages impacting certain microchips. Affected vehicles have been delivered

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 23TJ01 Second Key Delivery Program Multiple Models and Model Years

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 23TJ01 Second Key Delivery Program Multiple Models and Model Years

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

138500 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REFRIGERANT HOSES AND FITTINGS

TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repair

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TT: A very small percentage of customers experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to assis

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

140000 AIR BAGS

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TT: Some 2021 - 2023 Highlander HV, RAV4 HV and Sienna HV vehicles equipped with Rear Motor Generator, MGR (Q610), may duplicate an abnormal noise (Drone, Growl, Humming, and/or other) from the MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

TT: This issue is currently under investigation. Please create TAS case and attach a store all health check. Please contact TAS for further instructions. If it is a weekend or a holiday, continue with diagnosis and repair. Please save all p

200000 WHEELS

TSB: Some 2023 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles use hub bolts in place of studs/nuts to fasten the wheels to the vehicle. If non-compatible wheels or hub bolts/nuts are installed, there is increased risk that the wheel(s) could come off re

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

TSB: Some 2023 model year GR Corolla, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, and Venza Hybrid vehicles with multimedia version older than 1564 may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Head unit rebooting (does not affect backup camer

350000 EQUIPMENT

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 23TJ01 Second Key Delivery Program

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: Some 2020 ? 2023 model year Highlander Hybrid and 2021 ? 2023 model year RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Sienna Hybrid, and Venza Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

TT: When setting up the Toyota Audio Multimedia (21MM) user profile, if the QR code is not working please use the following recommendations.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TT: Some 2022-2024 MY vehicles equipped with the A25A engine may exhibit a leak from the engine water pump, and/or MIL On condition accompanied by DTC(s): ?P26CA14 Engine Coolant Pump Circuit Short to Ground or Open ?P26CA31 Engine Cool

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

061400 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

TT: Some Model Year 2018-2023 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the following message ?Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer? on the combination meter

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TT: Some 2021 to 2023 MY vehicles equipped Rear Motor Generator, MGR (Q610) may experience an oil leak concern. This issue is currently under investigation

100000 POWER TRAIN

TT: Some 2019- 2023 RAV4 HV vehicles may duplicate an abnormal noise (Growl, Humming and/or other) from the Hybrid T/A and/or MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive conditions

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TOYOTA RAV4

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of ope... ning, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 – MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (NHTSA 23V-734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure

In a letter dated August 1, 2012 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-373) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding possible separation of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 1 Assembly (arm) at the thread... ed portion (shaft and turn buckle) of the component in MY 2006 through MY 2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles built from October 2005 through September 2010 and in MY 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured from July 2009 through August 2010.According to Toyota, if the adjustment nuts for the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened when alignment is performed in service, backlash may develop at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation.The threads may then wear causing the arm to separate, which may result in a loss of vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Toyota, ODI identified 131 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of the subject rear suspension arm (Note:some of the complaints and related service records refer to the arm as a rear tie rod).Six of the complainants allege the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional four complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the arm failed.Recalled vehicles will be inspected for proper torque of the adjustment nuts and replaced as necessary.In addition, Toyota will take several actions to reduce the potential for improper torque in future alignment procedures.This includes:(1) providing proper tightening sequence and torque specification information to two major wheel alignment equipment manufacturers, who would disseminate the information to alignment shops using their equipment; (2) installation of a clip on each arm with an instructional label showing proper tightening sequence and torque specification (the clip must be removed to perform a wheel alignment); (3) installation of additional labels on the front and back vertical surfaces of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 2 assemblies; and (4) providing an instruction booklet to owners to place in the glove box.This investigation is closed.Read more

TOYOTA RAV4 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the TOYOTA RAV4 across all model years (1996, 2025).

149 Total Recalls

12,082 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

1,060 Reported Crashes

359 Reported Fires

11 Reported Deaths

TOYOTA RAV4 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	3	104	View
2024	3	251	View
2023 (current)	3	247
2022	1	209	View
2021	1	506	View
2020	6	795	View
2019	7	1,172	View
2018	3	439	View
2017	3	408	View
2016	3	291	View
2015	4	399	View
2014	4	275	View
2013	2	330	View
2012	5	357	View
2011	11	402	View
2010	14	498	View
2009	15	397	View
2008	14	708	View
2007	14	1,240	View
2006	11	880	View
2005	5	168	View
2004	2	182	View
2003	0	392	View
2002	0	682	View
2001	0	418	View
2000	3	34	View
1999	5	75	View
1998	5	92	View
1997	1	61	View
1996	1	54	View
1995	0	1	View
1994	0	4	View

Other TOYOTA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
TUNDRA	787	9,074	View
HIGHLANDER	677	6,756	View
CROWN	548	141	View
TACOMA	406	10,562	View
VENZA	404	969	View
GRAND HIGHLANDER	388	332	View
PRIUS	365	15,456	View
HIGHLANDER HYBRID	355	1,103	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2023 TOYOTA RAV4

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 TOYOTA RAV4

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TOYOTA RAV4

TOYOTA RAV4 - All Years Overview

TOYOTA RAV4 - Year by Year

Other TOYOTA Models