I purchased this car used in December 2025 with 10k miles on it. After 15k mileage, the rear tires were bald and I had to buy new tires. I then took it back to the dealer and had to pay to get an allignment, as I was concerned that is what was causing the tires to go bald so fast. That was less than 2 months ago and now I'm in getting the 20k service appointment and the rear allignment is now off way more than when I paid to get it checked. Apparently the rear wheels cannot be adjusted? The right rear is way off and this is for sure causing uneven wear on my tires. It is for sure an issue and should not be, in that the car is new. It is obvious it is a fault in design and for sure can cause major safety issues, let alone burn my money up in needing new tires every less than a year.
NHTSA complaint #11743189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the NHTSA intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .
NHTSA complaint #11739536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car makes a whining noise Toyota Pinellas park said it was normal but the transmission is jolting/slipping not accelerating vs the first test drive. Both cv axles were bad tires were bald when sold to me tps sensors were bad. Had to get a new set of tires and paid the Toyota for work on the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11737608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car is out of alignment resolutions in the rear passenger tire to wear down at an abnormal rate. Had the vehicle inspected by a local mechanic and two different dealerships. All three inspections came back with the same answer. The camber and the toe for the right rear tire can not be set to a center good alignment. Leaving it in the red zone that will result in excessive Tire wear, handling and safety problems.
NHTSA complaint #11731545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were traveling across country from Michigan to Arizona. We were 50 miles outside Tucson, AZ on [XXX]. Traveling 80 mph in a 75 mph zone, in passing lane and felt like car exploded and all airbags deployed and we came to a quick stop. No major injuries to either of us. One vehicle incident, did not collide with anything or hit any debris. It was a clear day, road conditions good, no noises, lights etc. My husband was able to keep from rolling and we came to a stop with many semi's etc flying by, very scary. When we were able to safely get out and call 911, there was significant drivers side front end damage around tire area and inside near axle. Looked like something broke inside car, sheered off bottom of tire. Police arrived and had to push vehicle on to shoulder of road. He assessed scene and thought it had to be a mechanicla failure as there was no other vehicle or debris on site. We did contact our insurance company and subsequently it was totaled. We also have Toyota investigating what the cause was if it was a faulty part or mechanical failure. We have not heard back but did receive the "recording of time of crash". I have a short video of damage but I'm unable to attach it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, VIN [XXX]. Steering defect appeared at approximately 12,000 miles (April 2025). Vehicle pulls significantly to the right, requiring constant steering correction. Driver must continuously hold left side of steering wheel to maintain straight path. If steering wheel released, vehicle immediately drifts right. Pull is constant and especially noticeable at highway speeds. THREE REPAIR ATTEMPTS FAILED: June 2025 (14,715 miles): Two wheel alignments performed same day - both failed to correct pull. November 2025 (16,091 miles): Replaced blown passenger rear shock absorber - pull persisted. December 2025 (16,819 miles): Performed 10+ wheel alignments. Toyota Corporate Technical Assistance filed case #53530239 and instructed ABS/SAS reset - failed. Technicians documented "rear suspension binding" but did not mechanically repair. SUSPECTED CAUSE: Strut mount bearing binding/failure or suspension binding. Dealership replaced shock but not strut mounts (industry best practice is replacing both together when shock fails at low mileage). Documented binding issue was not mechanically repaired - only software reset attempted. CURRENT STATUS: Vehicle unsafe to drive. 16,819 miles in two years. New rattling noise developed in right front dashboard after December repairs. This is a manufacturing defect appearing in first year at low mileage, not wear and tear. SAFETY CONCERN: Driver must maintain constant corrective pressure on steering wheel to prevent rightward drift. Risk of vehicle drifting into adjacent lane or off road if driver momentarily distracted. Defect creates dangerous driving condition, particularly at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front camera fails which does not allow for the cruise control to operate. The speed odometer does not specify the correct speed when driving the car. The feature of telling you how fast you are supposed to go does not operate correctly specifying the wrong speed you are supposed to go. The tires have already been replaced because the metal was coming out of the tires causing the car to not operate correctly there was wobbling in the tires causing the car to feel like the tires were about to come off the tires. The transmission not shifting properly in eco mode.
NHTSA complaint #11705348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After routine service at South Coast Toyota in Costa Mesa, CA, I unknowingly drove my 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for over a week with two missing lug nuts and one extremely loose lug nut on the front passenger wheel. The service performed on April 5, 2025, included an oil change, tire rotation, and full inspection. No issues were reported to me at pickup. Over the next several days, I heard increasing thumping and metallic noises from the front right wheel area, especially at highway speeds. On [XXX], while driving with children in the car, the vehicle made loud metal screeching noises and the steering became impaired—I could not complete a basic turn. I limped the car home at 4 mph. Upon inspection, I found two lug nuts missing and one so loose I could unscrew it by hand. I had the car towed back to South Coast Toyota on April 18. The dealership admitted two lug nuts were missing but failed to apologize or fully document the issue. I was told via text that the only action needed was replacing the missing lug nuts. I received no formal inspection report or confirmation that the vehicle was safe. I paid out of pocket for a third-party inspection at a separate Toyota dealership, which confirmed that the previously recommended sway bar replacement was unnecessary and that my tires and components were in better condition than initially claimed. This was a clear service-related safety failure that could have led to wheel detachment and a serious accident. I drove over 200 miles on freeways with children in the vehicle. The dealership failed to follow basic safety protocols and has not taken responsibility. I am reporting this to NHTSA in the interest of safety and accountability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11659811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
- Passenger side rear tire failed - Tire is at dealer and available for inspection - Extremely dangerous situation, tire failed on a section of interstate highway under construction. Only 2 lanes available and they were narrower than normal width. Part of the shoulder was converted to driving lane so almost no shoulder to pull off on. The incident happened on a Sunday afternoon and interstate was extremely busy with weekend traffic. My wife was extremely lucky not to be involved in a serious accident. - Tire has not been inspected by anyone other than the car dealer - If the tire pressure warning light came on it wasn't noticed. There were no symptoms or warnings prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11621461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manufacture r sold us a car with faulty Falcon tires. At 2.5 years 50K miles, tire blew out completely on highway, with no previous service warning duriing regular maintenance check-ups. Tires were problematic at less than 36K miles, but dealer did not mention anything other than a need to rotate and balance the tires.
NHTSA complaint #11613238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4 equipped with four Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX; Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: A32YHOOB0224. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the passenger’s side front tire exploded. The hub cap detached and flew off the rim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called AAA and was informed that the tires were not properly installed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the tire was replaced. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware that the driver's side front tire was flat. The contact's neighbor replaced the tire with the spare tire. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 102,580. The tire failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11605790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Happened at ~644pm on 04/08/24- I heard the noise like a thump or thunk, The car initially pulled towards the roadside, then I corrected the wheel and slowly stopped the car. Upon exiting the car, it became apparent that the ball joint broke just above the plate that attaches to the axle.
NHTSA complaint #11589078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was turning left pulling into my carport with my foot lightly on brake and the car suddenly accelerated forward !!! I slammed the break hard and was able to stop the car from hitting the concrete wall because my front tire hit the wall to the left and the car hit the cement parking bumper in my carport!! It scared me so bad I am afraid to drive the car in fear I could hurt someone. The dealer could not replicate the problem and sent me home with the car. I am not happy with Toyota !! The car is 8 months old with 7,000 miles on it!!
NHTSA complaint #11572749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
there is no access to tpms data unless purchasing subscription from toyota to read the onboard computer where the data is readily available. this leaves a major safety feature is behind a paywall and should not be counted as installed as it does not work independantly.
NHTSA complaint #11530369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spare tire rear mount cover. The cover is made out of metal and fabric. After a few years the thread holding the material that holds the cover on deteriorates causing the metal cover to fall off. This happens while driving the car having the paint matched metal disk to fall off while driving leaving a tire sized metal disk bouncing around in traffic endangering other cars and drivers. Thread and zipper need to be made out of a better material or a hard latched metal band could be used to hold it on like many other manufacturers do.
NHTSA complaint #11482746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been having continuous problems with the transmission jerking and slipping passengers can also feel this. I am also experiencing vibration in the steering when you get up to high speeds around 60-80 mph. The car also has a habit of lunging forward suddenly when the gas saver light goes off which can cause it to hit other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11474455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TPS monitoring systems were reading or installed on the wrong tires. Asked if possibly the sensors need to be recalibrated after rotations, dealership said no the vehicle is suppose to relearn the new location. One morning my front tire said it was low, added air and rechecked it with a handheld PSI reader. Also visually checked it for nails or defects. Tire appeared fine so I got in to drive home. It was the rear tire that blew on the interstate driving home not the front left which was the one that was telling me was low. I did look at the rear while getting in the vehicle. It didn’t appear low visually but it was dark at the time and was reading just fine through the Toyota’s PSI monitoring system. Also didn’t drive any different. Typically you can tell if your tire is low or flat by how it drives. You usually can hear a thumping too. Thought maybe the cold weather was just telling me it’s low, cold weather causes tire air to contract dropping PSI but it will stabilize later. Thought maybe it was that or possibly the sensor was bad in it. All I knew was I checked it and made sure the PSI was at the factories recommended amount. Turns out all 4 tires were reading on the wrong location. Which I didn’t know at the time. Caused my vehicle to hit the side of the bridge from fish tailing. Which resulted in damage to the rear arm that needed to be replaced and significant suspension damage. Totaling 3K+ in repairs. Toyota opened an investigation but has been dragging their feet on the issue. And don’t want to take responsibility nor tell me why my tires are reading in the wrong locations. They stated that I should have checked all the tires PSI by hand because back in the day they didn’t have monitoring systems that told you the exact tire that was low. But if you are going to integrate a monitoring system, it should work properly. If it doesn’t then it shouldn’t be used with the public at all. How is the customer suppose to know that your system is unreliable.
NHTSA complaint #11452160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, while driving on the interstate the vehicle began vibrating heavily. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Upon inspection it was noticed that the inner tread of the left rear tire was damaged, worn away and scalloped or cupped. The tire was replaced with a spare, and vehicle driven to the nearest Toyota dealer for service. The damaged tire is available for inspection. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the servicing dealer informed us that the left rear camber was out of manufacturer specification being -1.8 deg. The minimum allowed is -1.7, and the minimum recommended is -1.3. We were informed that to be safe the vehicle required repairs; however, they were unable. We then took the vehicle to the selling dealer who also found the issue and were unable to repair. Two additional service centers also confirmed the rear camber was out of specifications, and posed a safety risk. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the dealer stated that a manufacturer representative from Toyota inspected the vehicle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Safety was compromised as the damage to the tire was severe and hidden. This damage could have resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle remains in the unsafe condition. It is also important to note that the tires were being rotated every 5,000 miles by a manufacturer service center as recommended.
NHTSA complaint #11421166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON RAINY DAYS, WHEN I AM STANDING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND STARTING TO GET OUT OF THE GREEN LIGHT, MY CAR BECOMES UNSTABLE, AS IF IT WERE GOING TO SKID. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER THE STREET IS WET. REPORT THIS PROBLEM FROM THE FIRST INSPECTION OF THE CAR. AT THAT TIME THEY CHANGED AN AXIS, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS
NHTSA complaint #11416062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.