2011 TOYOTA RAV 4

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    unintended acceleration

    46 unsafe

    46
    incidents
    Typical range: 10,500–55,500 mi

    Median 36,000 mi, based on 94 reports (7% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY INCREASED SPEED ON ITS OWN, I APPLIED BRAKES, THE BRAKING DID NOT SLOW THE CAR, THE CAR CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED, I THEN SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE NOISE ROARED LOUDLY, AND I PRESSED THE BRAKE…"~700 mi, complaint #890465
    • "I LEASE A 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 AND MY CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY INTO ANOTHER CAR. I WAS INCHING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT VERY SLOWLY IN REVERSE, WHEN I NOTICED A MAN TO MY RIGHT, TWO SPOTS AWAY FROM ME, PULLING OUT HEAD FIRST. I DEPRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL IN OR…"~13,100 mi, complaint #1029852
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FA…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1039339
    • "CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FOOT SECURELY ON THE BRAKE. SPEED UNDER 5 MPH. NO FLOOR MATS OR INTERFERENCE WITH THE THROTTLE OF ANY KIND."~51,000 mi, complaint #1273045
    • "WHEN BACKING UP,MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE MAN BEHIND HIS VEHICLE TO BE THROWN AND ALMOST RAN HIM OVER. HE WAS TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND LICENSE SUSPENDED.THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STOPPED M…"~123,000 mi, complaint #1474774
  2. #2

    other

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe, 15 annoyance

    24
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY RECENTLY PURCHASED RAV4 [REDACTED ADDRESS] AND MY PASSENGER DOOR MIRROR CAUGHT THE EDGE OF MY GARAGE AND SHATTERED. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN DRIVE. I WAS NOT TOLD BY THE SALESMAN, THE MANUAL ALSO DOES NOT STATE IT. THE REPLACEME…"~565 mi, complaint #892611
    • "NHTSA RECALL: 15V-577 OVER A YEAR AND NO FIX? HOW HARD CAN THIS BE?"~25,000 mi, complaint #1321135
    • "DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WON'T STAY UP WHICH CAUSES A VISIBILITY ISSUE. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE CAMRY S BUT NOT ON THE RAV4 AND SAME PART. I SAW ANOTHER PERSON REPORTED SAME ISSUE. THE DEALER IS QUOTING $170 PLUS TO FIX. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS VISOR FOR A YEAR…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1532747
    • "SUN VISOR ON LEFT DRIVER SIDE NOW DROOPS AFTER ONLY OWNING VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS. NOTICED TOYOTA WARRANTY EXTENSIONS FOR TOYOTA CAMRYS BUT NOT TOYOTA RAV4S. THE PARTS ARE NOT DIFFERENT AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA."~100,000 mi, complaint #1389097
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 146,000. It was later discovered, upon ch…"~190,000 mi, complaint #2178122
  3. #3

    brake hydraulics

    20 unsafe

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 22,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HAVING JUST DESCENDED A HILL, I TRIED TO BRAKE WHILE APPROACHING A SHARP CURVE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING, THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AND THE ENGINE WAS REVVING. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AS I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE EN…"~940 mi, complaint #856081
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO STOP, AT A STOP SIGN AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP I HAD TO APPLY MY EMERGENCY BRAKES OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILL BECAUSE THERE WAS CARS COMING FROM MY LEFT AND FROM MY RIGHT. IT WAS LIKE A T AVENUE. *TR"~15,270 mi, complaint #960308
    • "I WAS DRIVING TO CHURCH IN MARYLAND. FROM NEWARK DELAWARE--I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR--I CAME TO A STOP SIGN ON A SMALL HILL INTERSECTING WITH ELKTON ROAD, MD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR WAS STILL TRYING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD--THERE WAS A…"~22,968 mi, complaint #1165752
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (BERLIN CITY TOYOTA OF PORTLAND, [REDAC…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1408137
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Pr…"~143,000 mi, complaint #1912539
  4. #4

    airbag system

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 72,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WOULD LIKE TO NOTIFY THE INCIDENT, ON JULY 11TH 2012 I WAS DRIVING ON I-[REDACTED ADDRESS] AT 65 MPH SPEED, THE RAVA 4 VEHICLE SIDE AIR BAG (DRIVER SIDE) COMPARTMENT OPENED BUT AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYED, IT'S LOOK LIKE A MANUFACTURER ASSEMBLY ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE…"~6,645 mi, complaint #932229
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A DEER CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE HOOD WAS DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DE…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1276272
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER WAS CRASHED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, ELBOW, NEC…"~19,000 mi, complaint #985425
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED. THE VEHICL…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1525658
    • "AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON ENTIRE OWNERSHIP ALONG WITH SEATBELT LIGHT FLASHING FOR PASSENGER SEATBELT. WHETHER BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. OR EVEN WHEN NOBODY IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. CONSTANT ISSUE WHETHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION, AND ON HIGHWAYS/CITY STREETS."~180,000 mi, complaint #1659961
  5. #5

    steering electric assist

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE, VIBRATE AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A STEERING ANGLE SENSOR MALFUNCTION AND THE STEERING AN…"~1,039 mi, complaint #838268
    • "TODAY WHEN I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN PARKING LOT, I REALIZED THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT AND RIGHT. IT WAS REALLY DIFFICULT OR REQUIRED A LOT OF FORCE TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL WHILE PARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN STATIONARY OR MOVIN…"~47,050 mi, complaint #1398816
    • "THERE IS A DASH BOARD ALARM INDICATING LOST OF POWER STEERING. JUST RECENTLY HAPPENED TODAY AT 4PM. 5/27/18. I READ ARTICLES ONLINE ABOUT RECALLS ON LOST POWER STEERING ON CERTAIN TOYOTA MODEL, WHY THIS CAR HAS NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CA…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1471410
  6. #6

    wiper and washer

    4 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ALL WINDOWS BESIDES THE WINDSHIELD HAVE WATER SPOT BUILDUP. WE HAD THEM PROFESSIONALLY REMOVED IN JUNE OF 2014. 5 YEARS LATER THE SPOTS ARE BUILDING UP AGAIN. THAT WOULD BE AT 36,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 90,000 MILES."~36,000 mi, complaint #1595385
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV- 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT M…"~38,900 mi, complaint #1030821
    • "TOYOTA ISSUED SAFETY RECALL F1S ON SEP 17, 2015 STATING THAT FAILING TO FIX IT "MAY AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASE RISK OF CRASH" TEN MONTHS LATER THE TOYOTA WEB SITE STILL DISPLAYS "REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE". ANY ATTEMPTS TO GET FEEDBACK ON WHEN A SOLUTIO…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1300309
    • "I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (INTERIM NOTICE) FROM TOYOTA ON 4/20/2016 REGARDING WIPER MOTOR LINK CORROSION ON MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4, NHTSA RECALL 15V-577.IN THE INTERIM NOTICE IT STATES THAT AN INTERIM REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE. I CALLED TWO (2…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1277167
  7. #7

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. AT LEAST ONE QUART OF OIL NEEDS BE ADDED EVERY 600 MILES. PROBLEM STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. OIL SLUDGE BUILT UP IN A VALVE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY."~80,000 mi, complaint #1445767
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE SPARK PLUGS TO BURN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA CARLSBAD (6020 AVENIDA ENCINAS, CARLSBAD, CA 92011) WH…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1536047
  8. #8

    throttle and pedal

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN A GARAGE, HE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL…"~500 mi, complaint #905210
    • "I HAVE A SERIOUS CONCERN OVER THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL WIDTH ON MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV. MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY DRESS SHOES AND RECREATION BOOTS ARE GETTING CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I SWIVEL FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIO…"~2,000 mi, complaint #921980
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TURNING THE IGNITION ON AFTER RUNNING AT NORMAL RPMS FOR ABOUT 1-1/1/2. THE ENGINE RPMS SUDDENLY BEGAN TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT LOOKED DOWN AT T…"~3,200 mi, complaint #859750
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, HIS FOOT MADE CONTACT WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE DESI…"~3,500 mi, complaint #843922
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV VERY HIGH AND THE RPM'S INCREASED. THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. T…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1178851
  9. #9

    differential

    5 unsafe, 1 broken

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "MY RAV4 HAS 66,000 MILES. I NOTICED AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. MY LOCAL DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR A PINION BEARING INSIDE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BUT AFTER ONLY LISTENING FOR NOISE OF A FAULTY BEARING TH…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1412723
    • "AT APPROXIMATELY 67,000 MILES (OR LIKELY MUCH SOONER), THIS 4WD VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LEAKING SEAL IN THE LEFT REAR DIFFERENTIAL/AXLE. THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED BY THE DEALER DURING A RECENT VISIT TO HANDLE SEVERAL OUTSTANDING RECALL ISSUES. FROM DOING EXTENSIV…"~67,139 mi, complaint #1354684
    • "LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL ON DRIVER SIDE. ONLY 70000 MILES"~70,000 mi, complaint #1452038
    • "REAR AXLE SEALS FAILED DUE TO CLOGGED DIFFERENTIAL VENT. CAR HAS 93K MILES ON IT. THE VENT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH AND CAN'T BE CLEANED EASILY. ALSO IT COSTS $1300 TO FIX IT."~93,000 mi, complaint #1629600
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and the rear differential fluid w…"~111,000 mi, complaint #1951440
  10. #10

    evap system

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 119,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LATE MODEL TOYOTA RAV4'S FROM MY RESEARCH SEEM TO HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE EVAP CHARCOAL CANISTER REQUIRING REPLACEMENT (SEE NHTSB 10033407). MY CAR (ALTHOUGH NOT A 2009) HAS THE SAME EXACT OBD DIAGNOSTIC CODES LISTED IN THE BULLETIN ABOVE YET 2011 RA…"~45,936 mi, complaint #952382
    • "I RECENTLY HAD THE CHARCOAL CANISTER THAT FILTERS GAS FUELS FAIL. THIS CAUSED TEH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IN ADDITION THOUGH, THIS FAULT TOOK OUT 2 SAFETY SYSTEMS DUE TO THIS CODE. AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON MY BRAKE ANTI SKID SYSTEM AND CRUISE CONTROL WER…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1285627
    • "BODY: DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FAILURE TO REMAIN UPRIGHT, IMPEDING VISION. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE VAPOR CANISTER RELEASING CHARCOAL PELLETS THAT PLUG THE VENT VALVE. DISABLES VEHICLE ANTI-SKID TRACTION AND 4X4. CAR IS UN…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1573091
    • "WHILE DRIVING 55-[REDACTED ADDRESS], MY ANTI-SKID WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE 4WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT A HALF HOUR LATER, FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE LIGHT APRX 1 HR LATER. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT ON ME, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY SLOWE…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1263464
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while stopped at a red light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and rolled forward. The contact quickly put the vehicle in park and was able to pull over down the road. The contact st…"~193,751 mi, complaint #1960765
  11. #11

    paint and clearcoat

    5 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE WASHING WITH A MICROFIBER CLOTH AND GARDEN HOSE WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AND ONLY 4 YEARS OLD BLIZZARD PEARL PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LARGE CHUNKS. 1.5 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY. TOYOTA WILL NOT MAKE THIS RIGHT. I REALIZE SAFETY MAY NOT BE EMINENT BUT I…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1242514
    • "SINCE 2015 THE PAINT STARTED PEELING, MY RAV4 HAS BLIZZARD PEARL WHITE COLOR, EVERYTHING THATS METAL HAS BEEN PEELING AND LIFTING. THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS SPREAD ALL OVER THE VEHICLES, EX…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1614887
    • "PAINT, IN A 18 INCH LONG / 5 INCH WIDE PATCH, HAS LOST IT'S CLEAR COAT. EXPENSIVE DETAILING WAS ABLE TO POLISH THE SPOT BUT THE DULLNESS RETURNED WITHIN ONE MONTH."~75,000 mi, complaint #1595384
  12. #12

    suspension arms and bushings

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE TURNING RIGHT TO GO DOWN THE NEXT AISLE IN A PARKING LOT MY PASSENGER REAR TIE ROD AKA CONTROL ARM BROKE AT THE FACTORY WELD! I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS MECHANICS THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IT'S A DEFEC…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1509357
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if the rear suspension had failed. The vehi…"~195,000 mi, complaint #2193412
  13. #13

    transmission automatic

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "AT 34,000 MILES I BROUGHT MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 IN FOR SERVICE AT VICTORY TOYOTA OF CANTON, MI 48188 FOR A REGULAR SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER THE TWO YEAR WARRANT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AUTO TRANSMISSION SIDE COVER WAS LEAKING VERY BADLY AND EVERY…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1114413
    • "AT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A "TRANSAXLE LEAK" THAT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE LEAK IN THE DRIVEWAY, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER WARNING. SO WHEN THIS DEVELOPED IS UNKNOWN. TOLD NOT SAFE TO DR…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1382643
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED EXCESSIVELY.…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1428672
  14. #14

    wheel or rim

    3 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1309453
    • "THE 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 WAS IN A TOYOTA REPAIR SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WE REQUESTED A LOOK AT BRAKES BECAUSE OF THE REAR END NOISE AND VIBRATION ON BRAKING. THE SHOP CALL TO SAY OUR TIRES HAD WORN ON THE INNER EDGE TO SUCH A DANGEROUS DEGREE THAT THEY WOULD NOT…"~74,500 mi, complaint #1207399
    • "HAVE HAD TWO (2) OCCURRENCES OF LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO RUST PERFORATION OF THE WHEELS. THERE IS A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL THAT RETAINS WATER, RESULTING IN RUST PERFORATION. REPLACEMENT OF TWO WHEELS HAS BEEN REQUIRED. WHEELS ARE THE ORIGINAL…"~303,000 mi, complaint #1443565
  15. #15

    engine stall or no start

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN SUBURBAN ROAD AT APPROX 20-25 MPH BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. THE BRAKES LOST POWER AND ENGINE QUICKLY REDLINED TO 6000 RPM. IT WAS ONLY BY IMMEDIATELY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THAT I AVOIDED RUNNING A REDLIGHT…"~38,620 mi, complaint #1155154
    • "AFTER DRIVING MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO TURN LEFT. I TURNED LEFT AND ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 15 MPH. I THEN NOTICED PEDESTRIANS ENTERING A CROSSWALK SO I HIT THE BRAKES A BIT…"~48,300 mi, complaint #1140934
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL WAS VERY DIRTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS N…"~68,489 mi, complaint #1236782
  16. #16

    exhaust system

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WE GET AN OVERPOWERING SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. *KB"~2,200 mi, complaint #874450
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF SULFUR EXHAUST FUMES EMITTING INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEAL…"~5,200 mi, complaint #853684
    • "VEHICLE HAS EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN WHEN BEING DRIVEN. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPLAINT WAS DISMISSED. TECHNICIANS SAY THEY TEST DROVE AND DIDN'T SMELL ANYTHING. THE SMELL PERSISTS. *TT"~7,500 mi, complaint #882768
    • "TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMTED V6, THE CAR SHOWED THREE WARNING LIGHTS: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT, AND THE VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) LIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. AFTER RUNNING A CHECK ENGINE LIGH…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1526776
  17. #17

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE REAR SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1325390
    • "The contact's sister owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the dealer performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V096000(Seat Belts); however, after the recall repair, the seat b…"~120,000 mi, complaint #2115282
  18. #18

    stability and traction control

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY, ANTILOCK BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTIONS STOP FUNCTIONING AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR ALL TURN ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY. I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE…"~25,900 mi, complaint #1056257
    • "I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION EVENT ON APRIL 6TH. I FOLLOWED TOYOTA'S INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AND EVEN MET WITH A TECHNICAL EXPERT AND WE AGREE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS: THE EVENT WOULD HAVE SHOWN UP AS TWO SEPARATE EVENTS IN THE ABS HISTORY Q…"~32,212 mi, complaint #919853
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE [REDACTED ADDRESS] WARNING LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARY FORCE HONDA ([REDAC…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1682540
  19. #19

    suspension struts shocks

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE DRIVING NORTH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY I WAS ACCELERATING FROM ABOUT 20 MPH TO ABOUT 35 MPH, WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE VERY BAD, AS IF ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD HIT THE RUMBLE STRIP ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR HAS BEEN RIDING A…"~14,800 mi, complaint #972598
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEAL…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1317323
  20. #20

    engine internal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "VVTI GEAR..WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED THE ENGINE MAKES A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AS IF THERE IS NO OIL GETTING TO THE PISTONS"~70,000 mi, complaint #1493232
    • "JUST PURCHASED 2011 RAV4 WITH 104K MILES AND SOON FOUND OUT IT HAS A BAD CAM GEAR! APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR THIS YEAR! OF COURSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS MILEAGE! SHOCKED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE TO FIND OUT THIS WASN'T RECALLED BY TOYOTA. THEY N…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1643004
    • "I HAVE A DEFECTIVE VVT-I GEAR ON MY 2011 RAV4. UPON RESEARCHING THE DIAGNOSIS FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER (DAVID MAUS TOYOTA), I DISCOVERED THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ENGINEERING FLAW SINCE 2010 AND HAD PUT OUT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0146-10…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1290009
  21. #21

    fuel tank and lines

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD INTENDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. I THEN HEARD A BANG AND A POP SOUND. I COULD SMELL GASOLINE. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I COULD SMELL GASOLINE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE I COULD SEE THE GASOLINE DRIPPING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE V…"~15,000 mi, complaint #957815
    • "DRIVING HOME FROM WORK . HIT SOME TYPE OF DEBRIS IN ROAD HEARD A LOUD NOISE IMMEDIATELY SMELLED GASOLINE GAS TANK HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. CONCERNED THAT THERE IS NO PROTECTION WHATEVER FOR GAS TANK .IT IS JUST THERE UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT . SEEMS LIKE THERE…"~41,572 mi, complaint #1049679
  22. #22

    power windows and locks

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY TOYOTA RAV 4 IN 2011, BRAND NEW, MY HUSBAND STATED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE AND LOCK WHEN HE LOCKED THE CAR. HE SAID IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE CAR WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. HE KEPT STATIN…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1490535
    • "ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I PACKED MY CAR TO GO ON VACATION. I PUT THE DOG IN THE CAR AND RETURNED TO MY HOUSE TO GET SOMETHING. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR, IT WAS LOCKED. I ASSUMED I HAD INADVERTENTLY PUSHED THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE SO IGNORED IT. OVER THE LAST…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1199160
  23. #23

    tire failure

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR TIRE LINE SIZE: 225/65/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A PUNCTURE. THE CONTACT REPLA…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1026156
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA TIRES, SIZE P225/65/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT SA…"~19,985 mi, complaint #944562
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4 equipped with Kelly Tires (Brand Unknown), Tire Size: 225/65/R17 DOT NUMBER: (Unknown). The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, her tire pressure warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1766104
  24. #24

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN HAVING TO BRAKE SUDDENLY DRIVING ON A STREET IN THE RAIN. TRAFFIC WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND I HAD ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT TO BRAKE. THE ABS SYSTEM DID NOT WORK AND BRAKING HAD ZERO AFFECT ON SLOWING DOWN…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1524582
    • "WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEED UNDER 20 MPH IN SNOW THERE IS NO BRAKING ACTION AND THE CAR ROLLS TO A STOP. THE BRAKES ACT AS IF THEY ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH MULTIPLE DRIVING SCHOOLS. EVEN WHEN YOU LET OFF THE BRAKES A…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1264840
  25. #25

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I BROUGHT MY CAR IN A FOR FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT BECUASE I REPLACED FOUR TIRES. THE REAR TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED BECAUSE THE THE NUTS FOR ADJUSTING THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WERE FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO BE ALIGNED, THE REAR TI…"complaint #1289642
    • "I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT A BIT "LOOSE" AT ANY RATE OF SPEED. I ALSO OBSERVED THAT MY R BACK SEAT SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED(50 MPH +). MY VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 66K MILES ON IT. I MAINTAIN IT ACCORDING TO THE USER MANUAL. I BRO…"complaint #1407245
  26. #26

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2013. SINCE THEN, I HAVE REPLACED 3 BATTERIES AS THE SHOP'S ADVICE THAT MY INTERMITTENT NO-START MUST BE CAUSED BY THE BATTERY. IT HAS BEEN TO TWO DELAERSHIPS AS WELL AS A PRIVATE SHOP. NO ONE CAN DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR WILL BE OPERA…"~75,600 mi, complaint #1659402
    • "MY BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD 3 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2014. THE DEALER PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AT THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR. IN EACH CASE, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THE BATTERY "FAILED THE LOAD TEST". EACH TIME TH…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1569450
  27. #27

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "PROBLEM 1 - I HAVE BRAKE NOISE AND BRAKE DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY. SPOKE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEN CREATED A CASE NUMBER WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. TOYOTA VERIFIED AND THEY SAY NO PROBLEM IN BRAKE. WHAT TOYOTA SAYS AFTER INSPECTION - *INSPECT BRAKE…"~23,253 mi, complaint #931894
    • "2011 TOYOTA RAV4 BRAKES HAVE NOT MUCH STOPPING POWER. BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED VERY HARD. AT LOW SPEED AROUND 5-10 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES MAKE GRINDING NOISE. CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES, MECHANIC TEST DROVE CAR, HEARD THE NOISE AND SAID COULD N…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1134465
  28. #28

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, CHECK ENGINE, OIL LIGHT, AND OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SLOANE TOYOTA OF PHILADELPHIA, [RED…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1407792
    • "THE VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH THE O2 SENSOR WHICH WILL PROMPT A ENGINE LIGHT. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF THE 4WD AND STABILITY CONTROL AND WILL HAPPEN AT ANY TRIGGERING OF THE ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS CONCERNING ESPEC…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1551843
  29. #29

    infotainment head unit

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE ELECTRONICS. THE RADIO WILL COME ON BY ITSELF OR EVEN TURN OFF WHILE TURNING STATION OR EVEN EJECT MY CD, WITHOUT ME DOING IT. THIS HAS BEING KINDA CREEP. IT BEEN GOING ON ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW. NORMALLY IN WINTER MONTHS, I SPOKE WITH CO WORKER SHE HAD SAME PR…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1465973
    • "RADIO DISPLAY BECOMES UNREADABLE AND RADIO TURNS OFF IF I TRY TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL."~80,000 mi, complaint #1521353
  30. #30

    sunroof

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT RETRACT UP FULLY, BUT HANGS AT EYE LEVEL, IMPEDING VISIBILITY AND CAUSING DISTRACTION. DEALERSHIP ADMITTED RECEIVING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS, BUT SAID MY CAR IS NOT UNDER RECALL."~60,000 mi, complaint #1317663
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLA…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1564421
  31. #31

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AT 63 MPH MY CAR STARTED SHAKING TO THE POINT IT CAUSED ME TO BECOME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS. MY MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIE ROD'S ETC. THE TIRES WERE ROUNDED AND EVENLY WORN. WE ROTATED THE TIRES AND CAR STILL SHOOK LIKE…"~38,300 mi, complaint #1055398
    • "SUSPENSION: WHILE DRIVING IN THE INTERSTATE, I HEARD A "POP" AND THE SOUND OF SOMETHING SLIDING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TOO THE BACK DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I THEN FELT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE "WOBBLING" AND I HEARD A "CLUCKING AND RUBBING" SOUND.…"~96,700 mi, complaint #1376708
  32. #32

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THERE IS A HESITATION AT LOW SPEEDS, CAUSING ENGINE TO INTERMITTENTLY LOOSE POWER FOR 1.5-2.5 SECONDS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WHERE CARS GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION ARE ALREADY TRAVELING 70-75 M.P.H. AND WHER…"~5,000 mi, complaint #928647
  33. #33

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON 1) WHEN DRIVING AND BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PUSHED DOWN, AND 2) WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY, AS WHEN IT IS PARKED AND NOBODY IS INSIDE THE CAR."~97,035 mi, complaint #1547490
  34. #34

    corrosion and rust

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I have replaced the front suspension and the back suspension. I have replaced the driveshaft and the muffler and tail pipes. Now they say the entire undercarriage and the brake lines are all rusting out. This car is 2011 and has just 34,607 miles on it and…"complaint #1878152
  35. #35

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE 5TH (BACK OF VEHICLE) DOOR LATCH COMPLETELY FAILED AND WOULD NOT HOLD DOOR CLOSED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO THE DOOR. THE LATCH INSIDE SIMPLY FAILED. I HAD TO TIE THE DOOR CLOSED TO GET IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. *TR"~71,300 mi, complaint #1120005
  36. #36

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AT 79,000 MILES BOTH REAR OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS WENT OUT DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. AN AIR REGULATOR ON THE TOP OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT CASE CAN GET CLOGGED EASILY AND IF NOT CAUGHT IN TIME CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO NOT ONLY THE SEALS BUT THE TRANSMISSION CASE. ALSO, AT…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1589781
  37. #37

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "RAV4 -CEL, 4WD, TRAC OFF ALL THREE LIGHTS CAME ON. I HAD THEM READ 4 TIMES BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD REAR OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED TWICE IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO CONFIRM IT WASN'T A FAULTY SENSOR. THE…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1442487
  38. #38

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN DRIVING AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 32 DEGREES (FREEZING) THE HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK AND THE WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS FOG COMPLETELY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS CREATES AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VISIBILITY ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN I…"~35,950 mi, complaint #1140182
  39. #39

    lighting exterior

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT STOP ILLUMINATING AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,…"~4,000 mi, complaint #868139
  40. #40

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "LOUD BANG WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A HAMMER HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED AROUND 1000 MILES AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. IT HAPPENS TYPICALLY WHEN PASSENGERS ARE IN THE MIDDLE AND OR 3RD ROW SEATS AT SPEEDS USUALLY ABOVE 25 MILES PER HOUR. TH…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1058873
  41. #41

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, IT ROLLED DOWN HILL INTO THE BACK YARD, THROUGH LAWN FURNITURE, AND STOPPED IN THE WOODS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE M…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1388635
  42. #42

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. IN A…"complaint #1162297
  43. #43

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE PURCHASED THIS USED CAR IN THE FALL OF 2014. THANKS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 49 CFR PART 571 [DOCKET NO. NHTSA-2004-19807] RIN 2127-AH09, HEAD RESTRAINTS, FINAL RULE, THE HEADRESTS ON THIS VEHI…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1167734
  44. #44

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN EVER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND A CLUNK CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE LOOKED ON LINE AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA RAV 4, ON 6 OR 4 CYL…"~61,077 mi, complaint #892255
  45. #45

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SEVERAL CARS HAVE HAD A CAMSHAFT TIMING GEAR ASSEMBLY PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. SO MANY PEOPLE BACK 10 YEARS AGO HAD THE PROBLEM AND STORIES OF ENGINEERS BEING CALLED IN TO DIAGNOSE IT FILL THE NET. HOW DO WE NOW 11 YEARS IN KNOW THAT WHILE THE CAMSHAFT GEAR WAS IN…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1595576
  46. #46

    torque converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEISER TOYOTA (11301 W METRO AUTO MALL, MILWAUKEE, WI 53224, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE THE CONTACT…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1566812
  47. #47

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE TIRE PRESS MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS ) HAS FAILED DUE TO EXHAUSTED BATTERY LIFE IN THE TIRE SENSORS.. THE PRESSURE FAILURE LIGHT COMES ON BUT ALL 5 TIRES HAVE THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE. THE FAILURE LIGHT NOW CAN'T BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT SPENDING $900 + FOR…"~49,895 mi, complaint #1486392
  48. #48

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FOR ASSISTANCE WITH DRIVING THROUGH A SNOWSTORM. UPON ACTIVATING THE SYSTEM, THE LIGHTS FLICKERE…"~30,000 mi, complaint #960552
  49. #49

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "CPCS:TOYOTA RAV4 WITH WIRING THAT HAS SOY COATED INSULATION.THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS "RODENT" DAMAGE. WE CONTACTED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, ETC., BUT NO ONE WANTS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *BD UPDATED 06/28/2017*JS"complaint #1388097

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA RAV 4 directly.