20 of the 800 complaints about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are about the driver-assist systems — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 4,600 miles.
20
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
i cant use my cruise control its not going straight and everytime im turning i can hear a grinding noise its coming from power steering
NHTSA complaint #11673563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The wiring harness to the lithium battery is corroded, and it is unregulated. My repair shop said the car is unsafe to drive because of the amount of unregulated electricity in the battery. Also, the cruise control doesn't work. My repair shop says this is happening to other vehicles. Parts and labor total almost $7,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Engine maintnance light came on dashboard. Was not aware of this issue until doing research. Parts that needs replace - Cooling Bypass Valve
NHTSA complaint #11643103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was making a turn into a turnaround on the turnpike and ended up sliding into a guardrail. I believe the brake assistance failed because although I slowed down and braked going into the turned, the vehicle felt like it had lost control and continued towards the guardrail rather than into the pathway I was turning into. My safety was at risk from going into the guardrail when my car didn't slow down as much as I would have expected. As of now, a braking problem with 2020 RAV4's has not been confirmed by Toyota but they are set to inspect the facility within the next couple weeks to collect information from the Event Data Recorder. It's currently at a State Farm holding facility. There were no messages or symptoms of this issue prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11620437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I demand that the airbags in my car be fixed immediately. It has been a year since I paid for them and they are still not working. This is a serious safety issue, and I cannot afford to wait any longer.
NHTSA complaint #11608103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On or about 8/21/23, we were driving from Vermont back to our home in New Jersey when the sound system started malfunctioning. First, we lost all sound (safety warnings, as well as radio). The sound returned and then cut out again repeatedly. Then, the speakers emitted loud (full volume) static and popping sounds despite the audio system being "off." At the time, we were driving at approximately 65 mph on a highway with our two young children. The noise was so loud that it was difficult to focus on driving. The static and popping sounds continued until we pulled over and shut the car off. These failures have continued and increased in frequency since that time. Our safety was put at risk in two ways: 1) all of the safety warnings were and are muted and ineffective and 2) a full-volume static/popping sound while driving at highway speeds could have caused an accident. Subsequently, we did the following: -Googled the issue and found a relevant Technical Service Bulletin published by Toyota in September 2020 that applies to our make/model and VIN. It is labeled T-SB-0086-20 and can be found here: [XXX] . This suggests the issue applies to multiple Toyotas. The Bulletin indicates the VIN number where the issued stopped -- suggesting Toyota took steps to fix it. There has been no recall related to this issue and we were never notified of this issue. The issue is apparently related to a defective amplifier. -Brought our vehicle to our local Toyota service center (Paul Miller Toyota of West Caldwell NJ). An employee there was able to reproduce and confirm the issue and recommended replacing the amplifier. -Called Toyota to report the problem and register a complaint given the safety issues, failure to notify us of the problem even though it was known to Toyota, and the cost of repair ($2640). There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure on or about 8/21/23. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11542654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On several occaisions the vehicle has incorrectly detected an impending collision, disconnected the adaptive speed control and applied the brakes forcefully. On one occasion, it happened while driving in heavy slushy snow. Speed control wouldn't reengage. The dealer suggested cleaning off the Toyota logo in front and that resolved the problem. The other times the problem occured, the vehicle was being drive in late afternoon daylight on I 80. The vehicle was in the left lane, going around a tight (for an Interstate) curve with another vehicle in the right lane and slightly ahead. It apparently thought that the other vehicle was in the same lane. i.e., the vehicle had inadequate knowledge of it's position relative to the roadway. Up to that point, it understood that it was in it's own lane. Each time this occurred, the road was (fortunately) relatively empty so no crash occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11510038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Lane Departure System" jerked the vehicle into the left lane; the contact steered the vehicle back into his original lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated or warning chime had sounded. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that he turned off the "Lane Departure System”. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving on an Interstate highway with th speed control on in extremely light traffic and very heavy, slushy snow when the brakes were applied full and the instrument panel flashed red. There were (fortunately) no other vehicles in front or behind me. Since there was no reason for stopping, I stepped on the accelerator and the vehicle operated normally EXCEPT that I was no longer able to use the speed control. Calls to Toyota's 800 number were of no help, but a service advisor at Sunrise Toyota suggested cleaning slush off the Toyota logo on the grill. After cleaning the logo, the car operated normally. Toyota subsequently examined the car at the dealer and determined that it was operating as designed. I BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REDESIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #11467436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
the car simply a LEMON big time was bought on 08/2020 thru the Santa Monica city Toyota Dealers...they are awful too. let my dad, 80, buy all extra insurances when its brand new car and has 3 years bumper to bumper warranty. he and me his daughter that is dedicated driver sometimes keep complain that its get bazuka after 35--39 and move up miles per hours, power steering wheel Out of control basically. can be turn 65 to 90 degree angle without even sorry to say spitting on it..., the UGLY safety feature that will help you to change the lane on freeway, we wouldn't even will be mentioning that. I think its million dollars case here as a LEMON LAW against Toyota Corporation
NHTSA complaint #11435490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I bumped the car in front of me when starting from a red light at an intersection. Impact speed was less than 3 MPH. The damage from this impact resulted in repair cost of almost $4,200. This is outrageous and an example of poor design on the part of Toyota. It is my understanding that the standards require vehicles to absorb up to 5 MPH frontal impact with no damage. Had I known this vehicle was so poorly protected I would have chosen to purchase something else.
NHTSA complaint #11421657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I bumped the car in front of me when starting from a red light at an intersection. Impact speed was less than 3 MPH. The damage from this impact resulted in repair cost of almost $4,200. This is outrageous and an example of poor design on the part of Toyota. It is my understanding that the standards require vehicles to absorb up to 5 MPH frontal impact with no damage. Had I known this vehicle was so poorly protected I would have chosen to purchase something else.
NHTSA complaint #11421657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
WHEN THE FEATURE IS ENGAGED, THE CAR CHANGES LANES. HAD IT INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER. DEALER SAID "IF I DON'T LIKE THE FEATURE, TURN IT OFF" SO I DO NOT USE THIS "SAFETY" FEATURE AS IT WOULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE ONLY TURNED IT ON WHEN I CAN DO SO SAFELY WITHOUT SOMEONE NEAR ME TO SHOW. FEATURE IS ONLY ENGAGED OVER 35 MPH SO WHEN I AM ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11399805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
NEW VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR IT'S 5K MAINTENANCE, TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. I POINTED OUT SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK RANGE, BSM, CAMERA SHUTTING OFF, AND THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEARING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GO STRAIGHT. 5K MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED, THEY NOTICED THE CAR NEEDED TO BE REALIGNED. DRIVING HOME, NO DIFFERENCE FROM WHEN FIRST BROUGHT IN. BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY, THE DAY AFTER, I'AM NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR IS READY FOR PICK UP, I ASK WERE IF THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND WHAT CAUSED THE AGLINMENT TO GO OUT A SECOND TIME. THERE RESPONSE IS THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF WHAT CAUSED IT. INFORM THEM THAT 1. I'AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND 2. THE LONG TERM DAMAGE THIS IS CAUSING. THEY INFORM ME THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE PROCESS, AND HAVE MANAGEMENT INVOLVED. NEXT DAY, MANAGER INFORMS ME THAT THE AGLINMENT MACHINE WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION, HE HAD TO STOP A TECHNICIAN FROM WORKING ON THE CAR, HAD THE MACHINE CALIBRATED, AND THAT HE PERSONALLY PERFORMED THE ALGINMENT. I PICK UP THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT TO GO STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 35-45MPH, SLOWING DOWN/STOPPING & ACCLERATING. BRING IT IN NEXT DAY, MANGER HAS 3 ALGINMENTS PERFORMED TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VARIATIONS, TELLS ME EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. IT IS SO PERFECT THEY DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO TAKE A WRENCH TO IT. REASSURES ME NUMEROUS TIMES THAT IT IS SAFE AND IN SPEC, HANDS ME A PAPER "PROVING" SO. DRIVE HOME, STEERING WHEEL IS STILL TO THE LEFT. I LOOK AT THE PAPER AND IT CLEARLY LISTS 3 VALUES THAT ARE MARKED AS NOT WITHIN SPEC, AND THAT IT MAY CAUSE WEAR, HANDLING AND SAFETY ISSUES. CAR IS TOWED TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. DURING THERE TEST DRIVE THE TECH NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS JERKING TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEARING WHEEL NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE & THE ALGIMENT IS OUT OF SPEC.
NHTSA complaint #11397651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11390814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11390814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF INSTANCES WHERE MY VEHICLE'S LANE KEEP ASSIST WILL RANDOMLY JERK ME OUT OF MY LANE. IN SEPT 2020 I EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED RIGHT SUDDENLY, PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND ALMOST DROVE ME OFF THE INTERSTATE. ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT INSTANCE HAPPENED ON 1/23/2021. I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-44 AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF 3 LANES. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT INTO THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER THINKING I WAS GOING TO HIT THEM. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REGULAR INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS THESE TWO.*DT*DT THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON I-44, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS TRAFFIC. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE DULICATE THE FAILURE BUT, UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.
NHTSA complaint #11389740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
THE TOYOTA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS A SAFE DISTANCE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, SLOWING AND ACCELERATING PROPERLY TO KEEP A SET DISTANCE EVEN DOWN TO A FULL STOP. HOWEVER, WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND ANOTHER CAR ENTERS MY LANE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE NEW VEHICLE AND HOW CLOSE IT IS TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT SLOW AT ALL EVEN IF THE DISTANCE TO THE INTRUDER IS ONLY A CAR LENGTH OR LESS. I HAVE TO MANUALLY BRAKE QUICKLY TO PREVENT FOLLOWING TO CLOSE AND CAUSING A POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME A CAR SQUEEZES IN FROM OF ME WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUSE ON AND IS VERY REPEATABLE. I'VE EXPERIENCED IT IN ANOTHER NEW RAV 4 TOO. THIS HAS BEEN REPEATABLY GOING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW ON JAN, 2020
NHTSA complaint #11388918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 MILES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED. WITHIN ANOTHER 2-4 MILES THE FAILURE WAS INDEPENDENTLY REMEDIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DELUCA TOYOTA (1719 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 732-0770) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *LN*JB *BF
NHTSA complaint #11340719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARKQUART TOYOTA (1844 COMMERCIAL BLVD, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI 54729), ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800.
NHTSA complaint #11330596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.