69 of the
443 complaints about the 2018 Toyota RAV4 are about the
other systems — 16% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
5,625 miles.
The hands free feature over the cars microphone/stereo is unusable; leaving vehicle owners frustrated, and more likely to operate cellphones outside of standard hands free practices. I have been on numerous phone calls where people have told me that they were unable to hardly hear a thing I was saying. To remedy this problem I have 1. Tried speaking up (even yelling) 2. Turning off HVAC systems 3. Positioning my body closer to the microphone 4. Bringing the car to a slow or stop to reduce road noise. 5. Calling myself to see if I can hear myself. 6. Talked with someone who owns the same car (year/model/spec/trim) and they were hardly audible as they called me over their hands free system.
NHTSA complaint #11749459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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?
NHTSA complaint #11726041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baytown, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had just gotten off my vehicle, we were at a shopping center specifically Marshall’s, the employee announced a blue Toyota, I went outside and my car was in flames, the Fire Department said it was an electrical fire. I had never received a letter of a recall let alone Toyota calling me to tell my car was defective. Not only until after my vehicle was damaged I received a call from them which made it suspicious.
NHTSA complaint #11695777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boring, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid in June 2018. The automatic liftgate has been a consistent issue with this vehicle since January 2024. It either fails to close completely or takes an unusually long time to shut. I followed the official Toyota dealership videos and performed the recommended recalibration steps, but the problem remains unresolved. This is not just a matter of convenience. It presents a safety concern, particularly when loading items at night. Living in the Pacific Northwest, where it gets dark around 5 p.m., makes this even more concerning. I’m aware there is existing litigation related to this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11691142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On September 3, 2025, I was driving down the I-10 in Biloxi, MS, at 6:45 a.m. It was around 75-80 degrees and the sun was just barely coming up. All of the sudden the glass in my sunroof completely shattered. There were no cars around me and it was an open portion of the road, so no rocks were flung up by nearby vehicles. Luckily, my kids were not with me, because a majority of the glass ended up in my backseat, ranging from huge chunks of about 3-4 inches in diameter to smaller shards being everywhere. I cut myself several times while trying to clean it up, so I can only imagine what it could have done to my kids! Luckily, I was able to keep my cool and not swerve off the road, as it was quite startling.
NHTSA complaint #11686505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The tailgate does not lift all the way. The hinges are intact. I believe its a pistón or sensor problem.
NHTSA complaint #11684195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall (Manufacturer Recall # 23TB13; NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in this case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
NHTSA complaint #11663001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olympia, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall was for the battery size. This issues has been repaired by the Toyota Dealership 6969 Tyee Dr. SW Tumwater, Wa 98512 360 539-4000. Customer# [XXX] and invoice # [XXX]. I do not understand why I am getting notified of this recall from 2023 stating it has not been taken care of as of this date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11661930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall (Manufacturer Recall # 23TB13; NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall has not caused a safety issue in my case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle for over a year (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
NHTSA complaint #11661595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall (NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in my case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle for the last for the past year (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
NHTSA complaint #11660137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall (Manufacturer Recall # 23TB13; NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in this case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
NHTSA complaint #11658626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The recall on my vehicle has been delayed for almost 2 years. What’s the hold up on getting the remedy available for your customers?!
NHTSA complaint #11648024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dartmouth, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The battery recall for my 2018 RAV4 remains unresolved. What is your agency doing to remedy this situation.
NHTSA complaint #11646430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received a safety recall from Toyota in January 2025. I called my Toyota dealership and they told me there was currently no remedy for the recall. I checked [XXX] and it confirmed that there has been a known recall since November 2023 on their 12 V battery and battery tray that could cause a fire. This hazard from the battery could not only affect myself, but others on the road if there were to be an accident. I am not impressed with the lack of remedy for a recall that has been known from Toyota since November 2023. My car has not yet been inspected, because there is nothing for them to address even if they do find a problem. There has not yet been a fire, but I am afraid to drive my vehicle that I paid off earlier this year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Valley, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission range sensor switch and rear ccs axle
NHTSA complaint #11643687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
battery has slipped around in the carrier. I have to check periodically to make sure it can't tip over and I readjust the tie down. I shouldn't have to do this if the dealer would install the fix.
NHTSA complaint #11634559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Creek, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received the recall notice a long time ago (DEC 2023?) I contacted Toyota 07/08/24 and they advised that a remedy was still being sought with a solution mid 2024? We are now in October and I have been told my battery should be replaced before it doesn't start. How long can they work on a solution? It seems the Toyotas affected will be retired before they do anything. Please address this concern for Toyota owners.
NHTSA complaint #11617456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There has not been a remedy for this recall for almost a year now. We were notified of the recall in Nov23'. Toyota said they'd have a remedy by mid 2024. It's now Sept2024 with no remedy in sight. It's not fair to the paying customers that we're just driving around vehicles that have the potential to actually explode. When discussing with my local Toyota dealership (in their defense, this was around Feb24' ), they said they'd be charging me for the pre-remedy inspection despite Consumer Advisory 21TG01.
NHTSA complaint #11615539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Back rear window on truck door just shattered. Was sitting outside and just popped and shattered.
NHTSA complaint #11612463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Toyota issued a recall in November of 2023, claiming there would be a rememdy in December, but I have had no more communication and the dealers still can't offer a fix. It is May 2024 and I feel uncomfortable driving me car
NHTSA complaint #11590764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venice, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Had issue with intermittant engine light and all warning lights going on with certain maneuvers. When lights on, car would turn off, while driving, if washers turned on. Dealer replaced alternator and thermostat, supposedly fixing, however, 3 days later same problem recurred and car turned off while traveling 70+ mph on major highway. Luckily, despite harrowing "near death" experience, we were able to maneuver off the road to await a tow.
NHTSA complaint #11580297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 RAV4 caught fire and completely burned in a matter of minutes. I was sitting in traffic that had stalled because of road construction when I first smelled something hot. No dashboard lights or gauges indicated any issues. Then I saw smoke coming from underneath the hood. I immediately pulled the car over to the shoulder and got out to look under the hood. Flames already visible and fire too hot to raise hood. Vehicle was completely engulfed in minutes. Vehicle had 65000 miles and regularly serviced at a certified Toyota dealership. Original factory batteries still on vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11555798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverbank, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door lock actuator had to be replaced. $500
NHTSA complaint #11549437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lisle, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
roof leaks,elecktrical connections problems
NHTSA complaint #11543860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Falls Church, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown I didn’t have any accidents
NHTSA complaint #11543597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Liberty Twp, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The torque converter on my 2018 Toyota Rav4 failed and needed to be replaced according to the Toyota dealership. As an experienced driver, I became aware that something was not right with the drivetrain which prompted a service appointment at my local dealership. The problem was detected early and the torque converter was replaced by the dealer at a cost to me of $3,300. If I had not noticed this problem early, it could have resulted in a complete loss of power to the drivetrain even while driving. In addition, although my vehicle is a 2018 model, Toyota acknowledged and addressed this same problem with 2013-2015 models and offered enhanced warranty protection to cover the cost of repairs as documented by Toyota's Warranty Policy Bulletin, No. POL17-06. I contacted Toyota customer service to alert them to this issue but was told there had not been any incidents reported for model years outside of 2013-2015. My concern and the reason for my writing is that Toyota's torque converter problems might exist beyond the 2013-2015 model years.
NHTSA complaint #11539620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millen, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear lift gate on my 2018 RAV4 failed. The lifts went out of alignment and pulled the tailgate out of alignment to the point where it's pulling the hinges off the car and will not close. This is a safety issue because I have to drive with the hatch open. There is nothing I could have done to prevent it, or cause it.
NHTSA complaint #11532833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaysville, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The backup camera stopped working when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The screen used to work but now goes black. The screen work fine for everything else. The display works perfect until the xar is put in reverse, then the display goes black.
NHTSA complaint #11532414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesEast Orange, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected from the vents. The contact pulled over and the vehicle caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployments. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Dennis, MAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Police Report - 23-146OF
NHTSA complaint #11511970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.