1,077 of the
12,161 complaints filed about the Toyota RAV4
are about the other systems —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
The internal GPS compass is faulty, causing turn-by-turn instructions to be confusing, constantly changing, and suggesting illegal turns. These problems are constant, which makes driving dangerous unless GPS is not used. Evidence: [XXX] [XXX] Toyota acknowledges the problem, but will not fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on a 4 lane highway heading north bound in the right hand lane with my sister in the passenger seat both wearing seat belts traveling at approximately 55-60 miles per hour. Traffic was light. At the time of the incident other cars were at least 1/2 mile in front of me with no car close behind me and no one passing me. There were also no overpasses at the time of the incident. I heard what sounded as a large and loud explosion. The car continued to drive just fine but within minutes I realized the panoramic sunroof roof exploded. My exit was approximately 1 mile from the incident and I live 1/2 mile from that exit so I continued driving to my driveway. I continued hearing what sounded like ice cubes cracking after being placed in a warm liquid. The window was completely shattered and all the frame was out of the window laying on the top of my car. I made calls to my insurance, Toyota corporate in [XXX], my specific car dealer where I purchased and service my vehicle and XXX. The incident happened on Wednesday XXX at 1:15pm. Photos were sent to Toyota corporate. The car was towed that day to my dealer and was inspected Thursday XXX by my insurance adjuster. It is currently being inspected by my Toyota dealer. I’m currently waiting for a call from my car dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11756950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car is Rav4 2022 fuel: gas. Dashboard showing Headlight System malfunction, Pre-Collision System malfunction and RSA System Malfunction. The alarm beep and sign of malfunction keep popping up on dashboard. I took it to Toyota dealership to be inspected and they notified me that "The Front Recognition camera Watchdog/Safety MCU Failure." This front camera is connecting to headlight system, Pre-Collision system and RSA system that causing them to be malfunction while I am driving. With all those system malfunction in the car, I am driving with a huge risk. I am certain that not only I have those problems but some owner of RAV4 2022 or perhaps other year that has the same microcomputer for Front Recognition camera for Safety have the same failure that would trickle down to safety of others on the road. The car is only 4 years old. The Microcomputer in the front camera should have been functioning with no problem, unless the factory didn't calibrate well or install malfunction microcomputer for the car. The dealership estimated the price to change the microcomputer $ 2000 and labor $ 400 something. Toyota should have recall and reimburse this service to customers since these problems are factory problems.
NHTSA complaint #11756791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving with apple carplay and maps displayed for directions, Toyota's Experience Drive Connect screen appears on display. The only way to get back to navigation is to pull over shut the car off, or reboot the display by holding the volume button in. It's a safety issue— a driver distraction The owner is held captive with the advertising until they buy a subscription, over and over again
NHTSA complaint #11755990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The sunroof/moonroof glass on my 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE suddenly shattered while I was driving on the highway. I heard a very loud explosion-like sound, and the sunroof glass broke unexpectedly. I did not observe any object, rock, or road debris striking the sunroof before it shattered. The remaining damaged sunroof and vehicle are currently available for inspection upon request. This incident put my safety and the safety of others at risk because the sunroof shattered unexpectedly while I was traveling on the highway. The sudden loud sound startled me while I was driving, and broken glass was left across the sunroof area and continued to break and fall from the damaged glass. I was concerned that additional pieces could come loose while the vehicle was being driven. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Toyota dealership or independent repair facility. The sunroof has not yet been professionally repaired. At this time, the vehicle and sunroof have not been inspected by Toyota or a Toyota dealership regarding the cause of the failure. I have photographs and/or video documenting the condition of the sunroof after the incident. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other warning symptoms before the sunroof shattered. The failure happened suddenly and without warning while I was driving on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11755676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving South on [XXX] and almost to [XXX] about 60 MPH. The rubber roof drip moldings released and starting flying against my car very hard, this was beyond scary. I had to pull over and try to tuck them in, they are so worn and keep scratching my car from hitting it and could possibly break window or fly off damaging another vehicle. These rubber moldings have flown all over the place ever since I got vehicle in 2023, I have continually tried to glue them in they won't stay. There is one on each side and their both loose, I keep pushing back in but won't stay. They have scratched my paint and trim so badly. I called and reported to Toyota they didn't care. They told me you shouldn't run vehicle through car wash, that was a very dumb response, everyone uses car washes. I don't have time to hand wash my vehicle weekly, this should be made to go through a car wash. This is my company vehicle and its the most dangerous vehicle I've ever driven, I'm working in it all day long. I would never buy this vehicle because of this issue, I don't feel safe. Everyone at my company that has this vehicle has the same problem. We purchase all our fleet cars from Toyota and are a huge company Nationwide, Old Dominion Freight Line. This is a major hazard and I'm asking you publish a recall immediately, Toyota needs to fix this dangerous issue and should not sell a vehicle like this. Please I'm asking for your help, thanks so much. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down a county road at approx 40mph, the glass of the sunroof of my 2019 RAV4 suddenly cracked, with shards falling down into the vehicle. There was no apparent cause or impact. After moving to a safe location to further inspect, I noticed the following details; - the rectangular glass of the sunroof is cracked through at multiple points along the edges of the pane, and a "web" pattern of partially shattered glass extends across the whole pane. - there is no pattern that I would associate with an impact spot and no evidence of impact from any falling object. At the time, I was driving under open skies in a rural area, not under any trees, overpasses, etc. - the glass appears to be buckled outwards, as though internal cabin pressure was a factor - the car had been parked outside my office all day, the day was overcast with a high in the 80s. There was no rain/hail/etc. Overall, the lack of apparent impact and outward-buckling pattern raise concern for a material or manufacturing defect. While no one was hurt in this incident, a similar failure could have been a significant problem if it occurred on an interstate or other location the operator could not pull over, or during adverse weather. The vehicle is being taken for inspection at Stapp interstate Toyota, Frederick CO on 29 July 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11753279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 began experiencing intermittent shuddering and vibration at low speeds around May 2026. The condition occurred while accelerating from a stop or at slow speeds and became more frequent over time. Because the problem was intermittent, the dealership was initially unable to duplicate it. Independent inspection later found dark transmission fluid containing metal debris, indicating internal transmission failure. I was informed the transmission requires replacement or rebuild. My vehicle has approximately 94,000 miles, which is well below the expected service life of a modern transmission. The symptoms are consistent with numerous reported complaints involving Toyota’s UA80 automatic transmission and torque converter. An unexpected loss of smooth power delivery or hesitation during acceleration creates a potential safety risk, particularly when entering traffic or crossing intersections. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate as this is a very dangerous and concearning issue.
NHTSA complaint #11752345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving using Apple Carplay with maps loaded, the multimedia screen switches to Toyota's Experience Drive Connect. The only way to get directions back up is to reboot the Multimedia screen by holding down the power switch, which takes a long time while trying to navigate. I called Toyota Connected Services and was informed that they are aware of the problem, but there is nothing they can do unless I pay for services I don't want or need. this has been happening since we purchased the car new 12/31/2026
NHTSA complaint #11752060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toyota issues a Customer Support Program Notification regarding paint peeling on vehicles with factory applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint. The original expiration date was December 11, 2022 with secondary expiration being 10 years after first use, in my case October 14, 2023. Within the period I had 3 different parts of my car repainted due to peeling paint. On July 19, 2026, paint began peeling again on the roof which is one of the panels that was repainted. I contacted Toyota Customer Care and their response was that the program was closed and no one could reopen the issue. I feel that the 10 year time was just an arbitrary deadline and since this issue had already been repaired once, the issue should be resolved again.
NHTSA complaint #11751458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I ordered a plastic underbody cover (about 12×20 inches) through Toyota Arapahoe and paid $70 for the part. I was given an appointment for installation. When I arrived, I was told that the installation would take an hour and a half, even though the work consisted of fastening nine screws, while the old cover had been factory‑attached with only five simple self‑tapping fasteners, and this work was supposed to be free. After about an hour, I found my vehicle in the general parking lot, with no notification, no status update, and no explanation from the employees. When I asked why the work had not been completed, I was told: “There is not a single screw in the station,” “The screws may arrive in a week,” “The installation will cost about $100.” I asked the manager: “You want one hundred dollars just to fasten nine screws?” At that moment, the situation escalated. A man appeared who claimed to be “the boss of the entire station.” His behavior was aggressive and unprofessional. He refused to give his name or provide a business card. Because I speak English poorly, I asked him to say his name again. I tried to say “last name,” but due to stress I mistakenly said “famaly.” Instead of offering an electronic translator, this person began acting in a disturbing and irrational manner: shouting “family, family!”, rolling his eyes, moving around the room in an agitated way, and repeating the word loudly. I was confused and repeated the word after him, not understanding what was happening. Two other employees approached and began repeating “Go, go,” pressuring me to leave. Their behavior was clearly aimed at intimidation and forcing me out of the premises. After returning home, I measured my blood pressure: 170/90, which is significantly higher than my usual level of 140/80 and is considered a pre‑heart‑attack indicator. This dangerous spike in blood pressure was a direct result of the aggressive and humiliating treatment by the employees of Toyota Arapahoe.
NHTSA complaint #11751302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When using the CarPlay feature I am not able to use the maps. When using the maps the it glitches out and constantly reroutes spastically and feels very unsafe while driving. I looked up if this was a common issue with other 2024 rav4 owners and I learned it is. It was explained as an issue with the antenna not being able to keep up with the location of the phone. This issue has caused me to not be able to use my screen while driving and defeats the whole purpose of having that feature in the car. I tried calling a Toyota dealership to fix the problem but was told I would need to pay 200 dollars just to get the car looked at and being as this is a defect with the vehicle that feels unfair. I appreciate any assistance you can offer to resolve this issue for myself and any others experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11751276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The sunroof exploded spontaneously while I was driving. It sounded like a gunshot. There were no other vehicles around, so it wasn't caused by a stray rock. It was only 73 degrees, so I don't think it was heat related.
NHTSA complaint #11751099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navigation system does not place the car in the correct location. The location will shift and "float" while trying to navigate. Toyota has acknowledged that the navigation failure is due to a firmware issue with no current available solution or repair. We have tried working with the dealer with repeated visits, a certified letter and arbitration with NCDS.
NHTSA complaint #11749804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection? The roof/water sealing system failed, allowing water to enter the vehicle interior. It is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? Water intrusion through the roof caused visible mold growth, interior deterioration, and a severe foul odor. The mold and contamination inside the vehicle is causing constant illness to the occupant, creating a serious ongoing health and safety hazard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? The vehicle was brought to a service center for inspection, however they refused to inspect it. The problem has not been formally confirmed. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? The vehicle was taken in for inspection but the dealer/service center declined to inspect it. No manufacturer, police, or insurance inspection has taken place. Were there warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure? When did they first appear? No warning lamps or messages appeared. The symptoms that developed include: Water entering through the roof Visible mold growth Interior deterioration Severe foul odor described as "rotten rat" smell Occupant experiencing constant illness due to exposure
NHTSA complaint #11745546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was in a drive thru and my car had been idling for less than 5 minutes in the rain and started shuttering really bad with my roms dipping low. i put the vehicle in park and the the entire vehicle shut off and would not stay on without dying. for the next 20 minutes everytime i tried to start it it shut off immediately no matter what i would do. the vehicular kept telling me “Engine Stopped steering power low”. it let me put the vehicle in accessory mode and was fine but my steering wheel remained locked. after about 30 minutes i was able to get the vehicle to start and pull up about 15 feet before it shuttered and i put it in park and it died again. i had to get it towed to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11745756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As i was driving to work my sunroof shattered out of nowhere, there was no provocation. There was a big pop and then there were noises coming from the roof. When i checked I saw the sunroof had shattered into tine pieces. Toyota does not want to take responsability into this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11745366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota sending out letters to RAV4 owners reference factory paint peeling. The letter stated, “Customer Support Program Notification Paint Peeling (Vehicles Painted with factory-applied blizzard pearl or super white paint). In this letter it stated that it is a possibility veh’s painted with this paint may experience paint peeling off. In the letter it states that if you are not experiencing this issue, there is nothing you need to do at this time. I did not experience any issues at the time. The letter was sent approximately 6-7 years ago. On May 20th 2026 I noticed on the roof of my vehicle between the windshield and sun roof a large softball size area of metal where the paint peeled/flaked off. In contacting Toyota dealership they said there is nothing they can do. Contact was made today 6/15/26 ( I didn’t notice the paint peeling off until 6/13/26). I then called Toyota Corporate and they said since the extended warranty expired 12/11/2025 I have to pay for the fix and they will not. Online there are thousands of others experiencing the same issue. I received a quote of $1600 and $2300 dollars just to strip and repaint the roof. I have the video showing the paint peeling off by itself. This is ridiculous and Toyota needs to be held accountable. According to Toyota the cause of this issue is due to sunlight over time degrades the adhesion between the factory-applied paint primer coat layer and the base metal electrodeposition layer causing the paint to peel from the metal body panel.
NHTSA complaint #11744319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.