Equipment Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

I am writing to report a suspected case of odometer fraud involving a vehicle currently listed for sale at stacey’s auto sales, located at [xxx] . Vehicle details: 2009 Toyota Rav4 sport VIN: [xxx] asking price: $8,995 current listed mileage: 108,540 I obtained an nmvtis vehicle history report which shows this vehicle was listed at a dealer (revolutionary auto) in December 2020 with 150,439 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is currently being sold with only 108,540 miles — a discrepancy of approximately 42,000 miles over five years. The current utah title lists odometer reading as ‘exempt,’ which may have been used to obscure this discrepancy. I am not the buyer or seller of this vehicle. I am a private citizen who identified this discrepancy while researching the vehicle prior to a potential purchase. I am submitting this report in the interest of protecting other consumers. I have the nmvtis report available as supporting documentation upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Upon taking my 2021 Rav4 hybrid in for the rear traction motor cable corrosion recall (25td01) on 5/7/2026, I was told there are no parts, no estimated arrival time, and therefore not even a rough estimate for a timeframe of repair. I was told that no one would inspect or evaluate the part in question to indicate if the car was safe to drive. I expressed my extreme concern given the recall includes risk of power failure, even while driving. I received inconsistent, avoidant answers and an absolute denial to remedy the situation in any way. I was told the dealership is "dolan" and not "Toyota". I again expressed my concerns about safety and the dealerships' denial to, at minimum inspect the recalled part and/or housing of the part. Emily, the service manager stated that Toyota does not "allow" loaner vehicles for this particular recall. She could not provide any sources for this information. To summarize; the dealer with not provide an inspection of the recalled part and/or housing, or give an estimated timeline for repair given I am #125 on a waitlist. There is a complete lack of regard for mine or my children's safety as the dealer will not provide any assessment of how bad the damage could be. They suggested that I continue to drive the vehicle, acknowledging all of the safety hazards that could occur. I am terrified of the possibility of having an accident with my kids in the car due to this recalled part failing, not having a vehicle to get to and from work, and the potential additional costs that this unaddressed recall issue could cause. Please advise!.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota’s handling of a known paint defect affecting my 2014 Toyota Rav4 limited in blizzard pearl paint. Over the past several years, the paint on my vehicle has progressively peeled and deteriorated. Approximately 50% of the vehicle’s paint is now damaged. This issue is clearly consistent with Toyota’s known blizzard pearl paint defect program. However, I was never notified by Toyota about this defect program through mail, email, or phone call. In addition, I regularly serviced my vehicle at authorized Toyota dealerships during the years the program was active, yet no dealership or Toyota representative informed me that my vehicle qualified for repair coverage. I only recently learned about the existence of this program after visiting a Toyota dealership regarding another issue. At that time, I was told the program had already expired in April 2024 and that Toyota would no longer provide assistance. I believe this is unfair because: - Toyota acknowledged this as a manufacturing-related defect. - I was never properly notified. - Toyota dealerships had multiple opportunities to inform me during regular service visits. - the defect became progressively worse over time. I am requesting that Toyota reconsider my case and provide goodwill assistance or repair coverage despite the expiration date, due to the lack of notification and the severity of the defect. Toyota brand engagement center still told me the recall expiated.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My car say front camera not working.

See all problems of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My sunroof exploded while driving . Nothing hit my car there was no cars around me.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My wife was driving down the freeway with the panoramic sunroof closed. The sunroof glass without warning made a loud popping noise and there was safety glass all over the interior of the car. She was not operating the sunroof at the time. The fabric sunshade was open at the time. Dealership refuses to cover the damage ~$2200 under warranty.

Safety defect: data communication module (dcm) failure affecting hands-free microphone and safety connect / sos emergency system vehicle: 2019 Toyota Rav4 hybrid le the dcm (which controls both the carplay/bluetooth hands-free microphone and the safety connect sos emergency button) suddenly failed without any warning or accident. Symptoms: - no one can hear me during carplay or bluetooth calls (microphone inoperative). - safety connect / sos light became intermittent or inoperative (directly impacts emergency calling, crash notification, and roadside assistance). This is a known recurring issue documented in Toyota tsbs t-sb-0112-20 and t-sb-0089-21. Toyota of hackensack diagnosed it and quoted $1,300 for dcm replacement/update while charging me $200 for diagnosis. They did not disclose during the multipoint inspection that this is a documented safety-related dcm fault. I performed the manufacturer-recommended 12v battery disconnect reset (standard TSB procedure), which fully restored the microphone and returned the sos light to solid green. However, this is only a temporary fix for a known defect. This failure compromises hands-free calling while driving and the emergency sos system — both critical safety features. I request NHTSA investigation and urge Toyota to issue a recall or service campaign for all affected 2019–2025 Rav4 hybrids.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

While driving, the moonroof on my 2019 Toyota Rav4 xle awd suddenly exploded with a loud bang and the glass blew outward. There was no impact, debris, or external cause. The sound was similar to a gunshot. The remaining glass appeared to be pushed upward/outward, not inward. This created a safety hazard due to potential driver distraction and risk of injury from falling glass. This appears consistent with other reported incidents involving spontaneous sunroof shattering. No warning light. Moonroof was shut. Sunny day about 40 degrees outside. Traveling at 68 mph. Dog in crate in back.

Rust on roof by the windshield.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The sunroof shattered while I was driving. There were no other vehicles around me or on the street. I heard a loud bang and glass rained down on me. The glass is pitched upward like it exploded from the inside. There is no other damage to my car. I had no warning other than the loud bang. When I am not out, my car is in a garage it never sits outside.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

When I put my car on park. The driver side (left door) lock actuator makes a long click noise. Also when I press on unlock it makes that sound as well.

Car is out of alignment resolutions in the rear passenger tire to wear down at an abnormal rate. Had the vehicle inspected by a local mechanic and two different dealerships. All three inspections came back with the same answer. The camber and the toe for the right rear tire can not be set to a center good alignment. Leaving it in the red zone that will result in excessive tire wear, handling and safety problems.

Info center went real dark in bright sun light--March 26 2026.

Yesterday March 25th 2026 I went to work and parked my 2017 Toyota Rav4 and about 30minutes later it was on fire in the parking lot. The fire happened around the battery area.

The infotainment display screen frequently goes black while the audio and navigation continues. It requires repeated forced reboots and glitches between the carplay and Toyota ui screen.

Sat in driver seat, closed driver seat door, and the rear window shattered. There was no impact or other incident to the glass.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I totaled my car into a fence.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Engine maintenance light came on. Many others are reporting the same problem. Coolant bypass hose or valve.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The sunroof shattered without any thing hitting the glass.

There is a stress fracture to the windshield starting at the bottom of the glass where it attaches to the body of the car, below the wipers. It’s not a chip nor was it caused by an object. It’s a semi circle crack. Two employees at the dealer glass department concurred that it’s not damage from a foreign object hitting and that it’s a stress crack. Yet dealer refuses to cover hands warranty. Car has less than 12,000 when this cracked.

The driver side door lock actuator makes a long click noise. Also when I unlock my car it makes the same sound.

On 2/24/2026, while driving down I-5 freeway, the panoramic sun roof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a gunshot. Nobody was injured. There was no accident. I pulled off the freeway and the wasdot incident response truck pulled off with me to inspect. He taped the shattered and cracking glass until I could get to safelite in federal way and get a crash wrap so glass didn't continue to fly off while I was driving. I contacted my glass repair team and he reported to me that this has happened with thousands of my Toyota cars. I will be calling the dealership today.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a structural failure of the rear liftgate hinges on my 2020 Toyota Rav4 xle. The liftgate began opening and closing crooked, and I noticed the door was no longer aligned evenly. After inspection by Toyota dealership, I was informed that the metal hinges attached to the liftgate and body are cracked and must be replaced. This failure is not the result of an accident, misuse, or impact. I have never been in a collision involving the rear of the vehicle. I was told this damage is considered “wear and tear,” so my insurance company declined coverage. The Toyota dealership also declined to cover the repair, stating it is not covered under warranty so I will have to pay out of pocket. However, after researching this issue, I found that many other Toyota Rav4 owners have reported the same hinge cracking and liftgate misalignment problem. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear. This is a serious safety concern. If the hinges continue to crack, the liftgate could fail completely and fall, potentially causing injury. The misalignment also prevents the liftgate from opening and closing properly, which affects vehicle safety and usability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider whether a safety recall or technical service bulletin is necessary to protect drivers and passengers. Thank you for your time and consideration.

2014 Toyota Rav4 awd xle purchased June 2025. Multiple pre-existing safety defects confirmed by dealership personnel were never disclosed at time of sale. Power train: torque converter failure — vibration documented at pre-sale inspection, never disclosed or diagnosed. Axle bracket corroded so severely it was fused to axle and required cutting off — confirmed by service advisor on recorded call. Brakes: aftermarket brake parts installed pre-sale without disclosure. Brake system rated red by dealership within 9,734 miles of purchase. Severe brake pedal pulsation confirmed on multiple invoices. Ody/structure: severe underbody and structural corrosion — subframe, crossmembers, fuel tank surfaces — never disclosed. Swollen lug nuts documented. Prior welded exhaust repair undisclosed. Exhaust flange separation and catalytic converter failure — repair quote $4,745. Seat belt: rock found lodged in seat belt buckle — safety restraint failure — not noted on pre-sale inspection. Recall 23v734000 / 23ta13: aftermarket battery used as recall remedy — oem replacement required — non-compliant — fire risk not disclosed at sale. All defects confirmed by dealership invoices, mpi video, and recorded calls. Vehicle out of service since February 2026. Complete documentation available.

When I put the vehicle in reverse the backup camera is displaying a black screen. I looked up recalls and see there is a recall on Rav4’s for this very issue, but my VIN shows no recalls. I called service at hubler Toyota in greenwood in and they confirmed my VIN is not included in the recall. I want to know why it is not included. I am taking it to hubler tomorrow for diagnostic and repair. I called Toyota manufacturing to report the incident and was advised to contact NHTSA.

Driving up a slope of about 20-30 degrees gradient of a straight lane going into a private parking lot. Braked and decided to make a 3-point turn to get back out. There was no traffic in the lane. Put gear on reverse while on the slope with the vehicle pointing in the up direction of the slope. Vehicle suddenly surge backwards, accelerating. Vehicle sped down the slope and crossed a street. Could not stop. Vehicle was stopped only after placing gear into park from reverse, and after jumping curb across the street. Fortunately, there were no cross traffic in either direction on the street, otherwise vehicle could have been t-boned. Tire wall on the rear passenger side busted. Aaa was called to replace tire with spare. There were no warnings on the dashboard or any symptoms anywhere else, although the vehicle had all the safety features. . The next morning, vehicle was taken to Toyota of carlsbad. Left there for diagnosis and tires change. Vehicle is left with Toyota of carlsbad until this issue is answered/solved. Told by service manager of Toyota of carlsbad to call Toyota USA at [xxx] to report incident by customer, and request Toyota USA to send expert from Toyota to diagnose issue. Called the [xxx] , and given a report ref #xxx for further action. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving the speed limit (75) when I heard an explosion. I immediately pulled over to see if I had a flat tire or if someone had shot my car. I could see no damage and nothing was showing up on my dashboard so I continued to drive but heard a whistling sound. I checked all my windows and then my sunroof. Somehow the sunroof had exploded. There were no cars close to me and no overpasses or trees in the vicinity. I have had the car for almost 3 months and have never opened the sunroof.

Iam having transmission issues. I have been to 3 different mechanic shops, 2 being transmission specialist. Going to a Toyota dealership on 3/26/26 to confirm. Was told I need a whole new transmission, my Rav4 is a 2018 with only 115k for miles no engine light on or have any codes. I have spent a bit of money trying to address this issue. And was told that this particular year has a lot of transmission issues and have over 100 on back order. Why is this not a recall?.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Rear hatch were repaired new actuators but still malfunctioning now hinges are defective dealer won't honor extended warranty suggest take to body shop have defective hinges replaced at my cost.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

On [xxx], at approximately [xxx], in greenwich CT, while I was very slowly driving into a parking space, the engine suddenly and unexpectedly surged,. The vehicle overcame the brakes and raced forward and collided with a stone wall, about 3 ft away. This was a new (since may 2025) vehicle with only approx 3,500 miles on it. I had not had any previous problems with it and there were no warning lights on the instrument panel. At the time, I was proceeding at a very low rate of speed, 1 - 3 mph. I drive only with my right foot which was on the brake, not on the gas. The vehicle accelerated with no action on my part and collided with a stone wall approx 3 ft away and bounced back several feet. Fortunately I was close to the wall so the vehicle did not have a long distance to accelerate and I was wearing my seat belt which probably protected me from injury. No other vehicle was involved. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. I was wearing my seat-belt, the oem rubber mats were securely in place. The airbags did not deploy and I was not injured. I had the car towed to the Toyota dealership by aaa because I was afraid it might accelerate into traffic at a red light or stop sign if I drove it before the problem was repaired. I have reported this incident to Toyota motor corporation USA, through their brand engagement center (as instructed by the dealership) and they are sending out an engineer to the dealership to inspect the vehicle. I do not know which part malfunctioned or failed. The vehicle is at a Toyota dealership and presumably could be inspected (unless they replace some parts). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear hatch fails repeatedly to open. It locks up. It failed to shut too and damaged a rear taillight, forcing me to bring it to Toyota. I had Toyota dealer look at it twice now. From Jan up to Mar of this year. They had my car 2 weeks. Even after replacing hatch struts and hinges,it still happens. It has to be an electrical, mechanical, or computer issue causing it. New vehicle, now under 20k mi. The hatch is widespread in Rav4 models and I've found soo many reports online of same problem. This needs to be investigated more and fixed and recalled.

Jerks during acceleration. Lurching sensation when acceleration from a stop or after slowing down for a turn. The engine control module (ecm) not communicating effectively with the transmission, leading to searching for gears, rough shifting and low speed hesitation.

Why a brand new 2025 Toyota Rav4 ev only 6 months old needed a brand new battery? car on the highway could only reach speed of 40 mph. I did not receive any recall on my new Rav4 ev took it to the Toyota dealer in wausau WI they said they had no clue what the issue was and put in a brand new battery. Said it was under warranty but could not tell me what tge issue was?I need to know why I never got a answer or a recall notification from Toyota? on a brand new SUV.

My 2019 Toyota 8 speed transmission jerking in stop and go traffic.