144 of the
12,161 complaints filed about the Toyota RAV4
are about the lighting —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
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.
Vehicle was taken in for a oil change. At check-in I was told that I would be given a rental vehicle due to the overhead rails recall, leaking inside the vehicles at that time I advised of a gas smell which I have been smelling for several years and it was getting stronger. I was told that there was something wrong with the fuel pump and it would need to be replaced and they would also be replacing rails from the top of my vehicle because there was water leaks inside my car, I advised that water has been leaking in my car for several years and clips were already placedbout two years ago. Several days later I received a phone call that my vehicle was ready to pick up when I got there i was informed that the fuel pump assembly was replaced and intake. Manifest gasket , throttle gasket , fuel pump gasket replaced EGR valve replaced EGR inlet gasket replaced EGR valve. ad gasket replaced EGR cooler gasket replaced. I was also told that my air filters would need to be changed and I did consent to my air filters, the air element and a brake system flush as recommended after picking up my vehicle which had 34033 miles on it on 1/24/24. On 2/10 I was driving and a warning flashed on my car and spoke to me it said that there was a malfunction detected in the engine, transmission or throttle of the vehicle and I need to contact Toyota. I was two miles away and drove directly to them. They took the vehicle for several hours. I was told it was the alternator because my lights have been going dim and very bright. I advised that I have issues with the windows closing since the most recent repair as well and the vehicle is losing power. After almost 4 hours I was informed it a thermostat. Everyone had gone home and they could not give me a give me a rental so I had to drive this vehicle until Monday afternoon. The thermostat and gasket were replaced and I was charged because they used insurance without telling me. I believe this is a malfunction in their system related to origina
NHTSA complaint #11571919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Toyota RAV4 perfectly good headlight bulb stops working on low beam selection, severely limiting visibility for night-time driving. Looks like everyone on the internet is having the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11562386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.