146 of the
12,220 complaints filed about the Toyota RAV4
are about the lighting —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
The tail light assembly on these vehicles seems to be a reoccurring issue reported by other owners on online forums and unfortunately we seem to fall under the same category. Water and moisture constantly gets into the rear brake/turn lighting assembly and has been constantly burning out the bulbs it’s become quite ridiculously expensive now. How was my safety put at risk? Well it’s the brake lights! If my brake lights are out or greatly dimmed from moisture that puts me at a higher risk of having someone rear end me at any moment! No the component has not been inspected again by the dealer! I had already brought it up once during a regular maintenance visit but was ignored. There was no warning lamps or such thing. I can not remember when it first began to give problems. But the most recent incident where I had to change out all the bulbs again was just recently on 09/02/2026
NHTSA complaint #11763224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving my one owner 2025 Rav 4 Hybrid- pulling into a parking spot while gently pressing on the brake to slow car. Car was slowing then suddenly accelerated while brake pedal still being pressed, lunged forward and hit a wall in front of the parking space. No warning lamps/alarms went off and drivers seat belt did not engage. Called dealership to report incident.
NHTSA complaint #11761382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is not about my car. It is about other cars. I have seen multiple SUVs traveling on the highway with their front lights on, but no rear lights. This happened the other day when it was dark and with heavy rain. This is a safety issue. A Gemini AI search says this is a problem with many new cars. It is a switch setting error. You need to correct this situation before someone gets rear ended. There should be no switch setting that allows driving with front but no back lights, or at least there should be a warning light on the dash board.
NHTSA complaint #11756736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the premature oxidation developing inside the tail lights on my 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The oxidation is present on both the driver and passenger side tail light assemblies. As the oxidation continues to worsen, it reduces the clarity and effectiveness of the tail lights. This is not only a cosmetic concern but also a potential safety issue. Diminished light output can make it more difficult for other drivers to clearly see my brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals, particularly during nighttime driving or in adverse weather conditions. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions and compromises the safety of both myself and other motorists. I have taken good care of my vehicle, and I do not believe this level of deterioration is reasonable for a 2023 model. Exterior lighting components should remain clear and functional for many years under normal use. The fact that both tail lights are experiencing the same issue suggests this may be a manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that Toyota investigate this matter and inspect my vehicle under the applicable warranty or goodwill policy. If this is a known issue affecting other 2023 RAV4 vehicles, I ask that Toyota consider replacing the affected tail light assemblies at no cost. Vehicle lighting is a critical safety feature, and I believe it is important to address this issue before visibility is further compromised. I have always appreciated Toyota’s reputation for quality, reliability, and commitment to customer safety, and I hope this concern will be resolved promptly. I look forward to your response and a satisfactory resolution. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11750968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I am driving my Toyota RAV4, the car will suddenly shut off and I can restart it and keep driving as the month is going on. The incidents are happening more often and now the dashboard is going black. I’ve had a couple of warning signs on the dashboard. I brought the car to Toyota and Pep Boys. Both of them checked the electrical systems and everything looks good according to their testing.
NHTSA complaint #11748370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The other night driving home i notice that my headlights gotten dimmed. I turned on my fog lights so that i could see the road. after turning on my fog lights i had limited vision on the road. I feel that it's a safety concern that needs to be address so that i won't get into an accident. How should i proceed with the issue?
NHTSA complaint #11734167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights were too small and were difficult for other drivers to see. Due to the failure, several other vehicles crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated the crashes had occurred because of the size of the brake lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 26,278
NHTSA complaint #11728471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Both headlights and taillights are stained on the inside of the lens with a white residue. My headlights are very streaky and it makes it difficult to see out of. Not the outside of the headlight, because when i rub my hands along the outsides, i do not feel any grabbing, scratches, film, etc.
NHTSA complaint #11722314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting at night. While driving at 30 MPH in the dark with the headlights on, making a turn into her subdivision, she crashed into the stop sign, pedestrian crossing sign, and a street sign. There were no reported injuries, fire, or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The local dealer was contacted, who informed her that the headlights were working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11713988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1)I purchased my car during daylight hours. A few days later I drove my car in the evening and could not see street signs or the road 1/3 of the way up through my windshield. There is a definitive line where the windshield turns black. It is extremely dangerous. The Toyota engagement center told me to take my car to the dealership where it was purchased. I also took photos of what I could not see while driving. The dealership said there is nothing they can do and this is normal. The engagement center called back after they received the photos and told me their head technician could not see the street signs looking at my photos either. I was told to take the car back again to the dealership and once again told " there is nothing that can be done." They told me to put on my automatic brights. This feature does not help. The dealership also told me I could just put on my brights manually. This blinds other drivers on the road and then they put on their brights driving towards me, which decreases my ability to see while driving. the Toyota engagement center dropped the ball after 3 months of trying to report how dangerous this situation is. I am now reaching out to your department because of serious safety issues. I did not buy a car to be placed in a dangerous situation where I can't see to drive at night up. It is very dangerous driving up and down hills. 2)I also want to report - most of the time my gas milage ranges between 18 - 22 mph. This is way below the stats that were given to me when the car was purchased. 3)The phone table does not charge my phone and is a complete fail. 4)The visors are too short and hardly serve a purpose.
NHTSA complaint #11709145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlight Brightness - it's been degrading for the last 10 yrs to the point that I don't feel safe driving in the dark anymore. I've already had the lenses buffed out, but that only helped about 20%. The brightness looks like I have a dead battery (it's brand new). Not sure if this is a bulb or lens issue but it's not safe.
NHTSA complaint #11697142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While parked in a commercial lot on [XXX] around [XXX], I noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle while sitting inside. There was a strong burning rubber smell. I exited and saw flames coming from beneath the front left bumper, directly under the fog light area. I had arrived at the location about 30 minutes earlier. I opened the hood from inside the vehicle, stepped back, and called 911. The fire rapidly engulfed the front of the vehicle. Firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and extinguished the fire. Police responded and created a report. Three nearby vehicles also sustained fire damage. The vehicle had previous front-end repairs (driver side bumper and fog light) and was well maintained. The vehicle had not shown any warning lights or messages prior to the fire. I believe the fire originated from an electrical or engine component and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. GEICO insurance has been contacted and a claim has been opened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear right light got water in it after washing the car and the electrical wires shot out and car went on fire. Firefighters came and investigated and came to this conclusion. Car was totaled and insurance company took pictures and wrote report. Car will be towed by insurance company today. Car was in driveway next to house, we saw smoke from window and fire was extinguished quickly but it was fortunate that we were home and saw it in time so it did not spread anywhere else. Car had not been driven for 2 days and was not on, no warning lights in past. No accidents in past, all maintenance done by Toyota dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11656688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights and taillights are fogging/hazing up to where they dimmed out the lights when turned on making is somewhat difficult to see or others behind me to see me.
NHTSA complaint #11648864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the headlights failed to properly illuminate the road above the hood level, nearly causing the vehicle to strike a pedestrian on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
NHTSA complaint #11624921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off and later attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The battery was then recharged. The failure occurred on several occasions before the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. The local mechanic was unable to diagnose a failure or determine a cause for the failure. Additionally, after opening the rear hatch door, the door failed to close and remained open. The contact stated that water and condensation were present inside the rear brake light assembly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A fogging/white residue has developed over time on the inside of the tail lights. As this continues to progress it would make the lights much dimmer and harder to see. ( I see several references to the same issue doing an online search for 2016 rav4 taillight fogging)
NHTSA complaint #11581201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
All 6 of mine lights (front/fog and inside/outside rear) are collecting haze / contamination on the inside of the lens. Lights are a primary safety/warning device. Anything (like interior fogging) that interferes with this function is a SERIOUS safety defect that the manufacturer should fix under a safety recall. I have already spent money replacing one of the side rear light assemblies, due to these being a safety hazard. I would like to avoid an accident or possible legal tickets.
NHTSA complaint #11575378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While we were driving in the mountains, the wiring harness shorted and fried all 4 of our front bulbs, causing us to have no visibility while driving on unlit back roads in Colorado. Toyota has a known TSB for this issue but claims it's not a safety issue, and has a kit to repair the issue, charging us $500 to install the kit. When asking about this 2 different employees explained it was a design issue with the car. Why is this not a recall? How is frying all my headlights not a safety issue?
NHTSA complaint #11572548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.