Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with NHTSA between 2019 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
76% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
847.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
423.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2019peak 5Mar 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20200398,214 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine, the engine block may be porous. As a result, the engine block could crack and cause internal or external coolant leaks. This could cause engine overheating or internal engine damage and result in an engine failure. For non-hybrid vehicles, this could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This problem may lead to engine noise, smoke, cause warning lights to turn on and/or cause an audible chime to sound before an engine failure. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, an engine failure could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the engine block casting serial number. If the serial number is within the identified range, the dealer will replace the engine with a new one.
Recall 20193823,896 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the connector for the audio display unit may have been damaged during assembly. This could cause the backup camera system to not activate when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when in reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera that does not turn on could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail including instructions on how to inspect for the issue. Owners who are uncomfortable inspecting for themselves can take their vehicle to a dealer to have the backup camera system inspected. The audio display unit will be replaced with a new one if necessary.
Recall 2019360274 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, a defect could cause the brake booster pump to fail. This could result in a loss of braking assist. If the failure occurs, the driver will be provided with both visual and audible warnings. It would also cause the Vehicle Stability Control system to turn off. Safety Risk: A loss of braking assist could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. A loss of Vehicle Stability Control would cause the vehicle to not meet the requirements of Canadian regulations, and could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect, and if necessary, replace the brake booster pump.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 22,868 milesNEW Orleans, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS STOPPED, A GMC YUKON CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LAKESIDE TOYOTA 3701 N CAUSEWAY BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70002(504) 833-3311 BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,868. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT *DT
NHTSA complaint #11403849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 350 milesLAS Cruces, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20- 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A DODGE VAN. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VESCOVO TOYOTA OF LAS CRUCES (780 S VALLEY DR, LAS CRUCES, NM 88005, (575) 523-5566) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INSPECTOR CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190824088. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTO BRAKE FEATURE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350.
NHTSA complaint #11258524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesFT. Lauderdale, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I PULLED IN TO PARKING SPOT CAR ACCELERATES HIT WALL AND SWERVES AND HITS SPARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11234732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 115,000 milesLyndonville, VT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the message "Hybrid System Malfunction" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and contacted the dealer, and was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive corrosion to the high voltage wiring harness between the high voltage traction motor and the high voltage battery. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could lead to a vehicle occupant being electrocuted. The dealer determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure of the Toyota Campaign Number: 22TE09. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered because the mileage had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesSun City West, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact discovered that an unknown fluid was leaking behind the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that brake fluid was leaking and that the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesPortland, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact heard a water-slashing sound inside the vehicle. The contact performed an inspection and noticed that the driver's side rear door panel was filled with water. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11626610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesLyndhurst, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the contact became aware of an abnormal resistance on the brake pedal, which required excessive force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The VSC Off warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, who was also unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11555224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the pump handle would click off inadvertently, preventing the refueling the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
NHTSA complaint #11520465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport Beach, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, there was fuel leaking onto the floor under the fuel filler neck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank and fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Toyota Chula Vista (650 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 91911), South Coast Toyota (1966 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) and Culver City Toyota (9077 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232), where the mechanics diagnosed and determined that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact sought legal advice. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11513091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,868 milesNEW Orleans, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS STOPPED, A GMC YUKON CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LAKESIDE TOYOTA 3701 N CAUSEWAY BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70002(504) 833-3311 BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,868. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT *DT
NHTSA complaint #11403849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4 milesPlainfield, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID WILL ONLY ACCEPT 9-10 GALLONS OF GAS WHEN FILLING FROM EMPTY. THE TANK IS SUPPOSED TO HOLD 14.5 GALLONS. I FIRST BROUGHT THE ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2019 AND THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE ISSUE BEFORE. I BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION AGAIN ON MY LAST VISIT IN JUNE 2020 KNOWING THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AT THIS TIME- A GAS TANK MALFORMATION. I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE A FIX IN AUGUST 2020. THERE IS STILL NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT CAUSES ME TO FILL UP WAY TOO FREQUENTLY CONSIDERING I PURCHASE A HYBRID TO GET BETTER MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11375813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,400 milesSchaumburg, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK IS LISTED BY TOYOTA COMPANY AS 14.5 GALLON CAPACITY AND, IN REALITY, THIS TANK'S SHAPE ONLY ALLOWS IT TO FILL TO APPROXIMATELY 9 GALLONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE FUEL GAUGES "MILES TO EMPTY" DOES NOT APPEAR TO READ THE AMOUNT CORRECTLY. I HAVE ALMOST RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE HIGHWAY AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE'S IMPROPER READING. THE ACTUAL GAS IN THE TANK WAS MUCH LOWER THAN THE VEHICLE ITSELF TOLD ME. THE RANGE IS ADVERTISED BY THE MANUFACTURER AT APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES WHEN IN REALITY IT APPEARS TO BE UNDER 300 MILES DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS HAS PLACED ME AND MY FAMILY IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WE CANNOT ACCURATELY ESTIMATE HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT IS COMPLETELY EMPTY. I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY WIDESPREAD AND OTHER OWNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE ALSO DEALING WITH THE ISSUE. TOYOTA IS ALSO STILL SELLING THE VEHICLE'S 2020 MODEL WHICH APPARENTLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, AND IS NOT WARNING POTENTIAL BUYERS OF THE DANGEROUS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11321108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Versailles, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I'VE ONLY FILLED THE TANK 4 TIMES SO FAR BUT I CAN NEVER GET IT FULL. THE MOST IT WILL TAKE IS ABOUT 10 GALLONS AND THAT IS ONLY IF I STAND THERE AND FORCE FEED IT MORE GAS VERY SLOWLY WHILE PULLING THE NOZZLE OUT A LITTLE AT A TIME. I HAVE TO FILL IT WAY TOO FREQUENTLY, AND IN THE WINTER IT IS ESPECIALLY INCONVENIENT.
NHTSA complaint #11301909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY TANK WON'T FILL BEYOND 9-10 GALLONS - EVEN WHEN IT SAYS EMPTY - THOUGH THE FUEL TANK SIZE SHOULD BE 14.5. HOWEVER, THE TANK WAS AT MAX CAPACITY WHEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11290880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 350 milesLAS Cruces, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20- 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A DODGE VAN. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VESCOVO TOYOTA OF LAS CRUCES (780 S VALLEY DR, LAS CRUCES, NM 88005, (575) 523-5566) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INSPECTOR CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190824088. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTO BRAKE FEATURE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350.
NHTSA complaint #11258524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesFT. Lauderdale, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I PULLED IN TO PARKING SPOT CAR ACCELERATES HIT WALL AND SWERVES AND HITS SPARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11234732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesSanta Barbara, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 14.5 GALLONS CAN ONLY BE FILLED TO 9.5 GALLONS WITHOUT AGGRESSIVE "TOPPING OFF". IN ORDER TO AVOID POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL HARM AND VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL DAMAGE, TOPPING OFF NOT USED. HOWEVER, THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE 5 GALLONS SHORT OF A FULL TANK (ABOUT 200 MILE RANGE LOSS)
NHTSA complaint #11233443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesMount Horeb, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS AN INABILITY TO COMPLETELY FILL UP THE GAS TANK. EVEN WHEN REACHING THE EMPTY READING ON THE GAS GAUGE, THE CAR ONLY SEEMS TO FILL 9.5-10 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE ARE IS ADVERTISED AS A 14.5-GALLON TANK, BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THAT MUCH FUEL INTO THE TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11230375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Park, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL SAYS EMPTY BUT ONLY TAKES 9 GALLONS ON A 14 GALLON TANK. THE DEALER SAID THAT WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES THIS IS HAPPENING TO AND TOYOTA IS WORKING ON IT. MY SISTER-IN-LAW BOUGHT ONE A WEEK BEFORE US AND SHE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11229761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,809 milesSacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 14 GALLON CAPACITY FUEL TANK WILL NOT ACCEPT MORE THAN 9.9 GALLONS. EVEN WHEN I'VE RUN IT TO LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHTS, NEVER DOUBLE DIGIT FILLS. I'VE USED AT LEAST A DOZEN DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND SUPPLIERS INCLUDING ONE IN OREGON AND ALWAYS THE SAME LIMITATION. OWNERS MANUAL CAUTIONS AGAINST CONTINUING TO FILL AFTER AUTO SHUT OFF. WE HAVE TRIED FAST FILLS, SLOW FILLS, MANUALLY HOLDING THE NOZZLE AND HOLDING THE TRIGGER, MANY ANGLES ARE FAILING TO GET OVER 9.9! ROTTEN TO GET FAR LESS MILEAGE PER TANK THAN TOYOTA COMMERCIALS SHOW. I AM TEMPTED TO TRY FILLING AFTER THE CLICK OFF. WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE? IS THIS DANGEROUS SYMPTOM OR MANUFACTURING ERROR? CURRENT MILEAGE IS 2504 AND PROBLEM PERSISTS SINCE FORST BOUGHT NEW THROUGH THIS DATE. THANKS!
NHTSA complaint #11229116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burr Ridge, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK DOES NOT FILL UP TO FULL. RANGE ADVERTISED AS WELL OVER 500 MILES BUT USUAL RANGE AFTER FILL UP IN 400S.
NHTSA complaint #11222043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 400 milesTurner, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK THE SAME WAY ALL CARS ARE FILLED, THE FUEL PUMP HANDLE/NOZZLE CLICKS OFF LONG BEFORE THE TANK SHOWS AS FULL. THE TANK IS NOT GETTING FILLED COMPLETELY, AS I CAN [VIOLATE OREGON STATE LAW] AND CONTINUE FILLING IT ABOUT 1.5 MORE GALLONS. 1ST ATTEMPT AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY DISMISSED THE CONCERN. 2ND ATTEMPT WAS AFTER I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA AND THE DEALER CALLED ME BACK IN AND WITNESSED THE "UNFULL" TANK UPON FILLING IT USING THEIR IN-HOUSE STATION. I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 27, 2019 BUT I'M READING ONLINE THAT EVERYONE IS GETTING THE RUN AROUND AND WE NEED GOVERNMENT HELP TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #11221951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300 milesLivermore, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FILLING UP, THE GAS CUTS OFF VERY EARLY; THE GAS GAUGE WILL ONLY READ 3/4 TO 7/8 FULL. THIS LEADS TO "TOPPING OFF" WHICH IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11221991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesMarshalltown, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL AND THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILSON TOYOTA OF AMES (LOCATED AT 2212 S DUFF AVE, AMES, IA 50010, (888) 485-5650), BUT NO MECHANICAL FAILURE WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
NHTSA complaint #11221485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesCarmel, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I AM CONCERNED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE 'SMART KEY' SYSTEM IS SUCH THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AFTER PARKING THE CAR IN A HOME GARAGE, THEREBY ALLOWING DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE TO ACCUMULATE IN THE HOME. THIS MIGHT HAPPEN BECAUSE OF TWO DESIGN FEATURES OF THE CAR: 1) THE SMART KEY SYSTEM ALLOWS THE CAR ENGINE TO RUN, WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE CAR. WITH TRADITIONAL KEYS, REMOVING THE KEY TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. WITH A 'SMART KEY,' REMOVING THE KEY DOES NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE/HYBRID SYSTEM. THE OWNER MUST REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. USUALLY, OF COURSE, THE OWNER WILL REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE CAR, BUT IT WOULD BE ALL TOO EASY TO FORGET. 2) DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM, THE HYBRID MOTOR SYSTEM CAN BE TURNED ON, AND NOT MAKE ANY SOUND AT ALL. HOWEVER, AFTER SOME MINUTES, WHEN THE OWNER HAS WALKED AWAY FROM THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL TURN ON, TO RECHARGE THE HYBRID BATTERY. THIS WILL PRODUCE CARBON MONOXIDE. IT WOULD BE EASY TO DESIGN THE SYSTEM SO IT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN OFF THE HYBRID SYSTEM IF THE CAR WERE LEFT IDLING, OR WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN PARK, FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, PERHAPS AN HOUR. I BELIEVE THIS WOULD CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT COULD PROBABLY BE IMPLEMENTED AT LITTLE COST WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE READ THAT SOME CAR MANUFACTURERS HAVE DONE THIS, BUT TOYOTA HAS NOT. THUS, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH WOULD BE EASY TO CORRECT. I BELIEVE A FIX SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR NEW CARS, AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A REQUIRED SOFTWARE UPDATE AVAILABLE FOR EXISTING CARS.
NHTSA complaint #11204777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.