2015 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 304 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 37 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v batteryNov 1, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Campaign 23V734000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V144000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesJan 16, 2015
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Campaign 15V011000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 30, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Campaign 14V828000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
304 reports, newest first.
Visibility, Jul 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE PRIOR TO THE SHATTERING OF THE SUN ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2016
ON JUNE 13, 2016, I NOTICED MY GAS TANK WAS FULL, AFTER IT WAS TANK THE DAY BEFORE. SO, I THOUGHT MY HUSBAND HAD FILLED IT UP BEFORE HE LEFT FOR HIS BUSINESS TRIP THAT MORNING. TOWARDS THE END OF THE WEEK, I NOTICED THE TANK WAS STILL FULL, SO I KNEW SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT. SPOKE TO MY HUSBAND WHO HAD THEN CONFIRMED THAT HE DID NOT FILL UP THE TANK BEFORE HE LEFT. WENT TO THE GAS STATION AND IT COST ME $34.00 DOLLARS TO FILL IT UP, I ALMOST RAN OUT OF GAS! I COULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO A BAD ACCIDENT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY! TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE EITHER THE FLOATER OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN RODENTS NIBBLING AT THE WIRES, BECAUSE SOMEONE HAD HAD THAT EXPERIENCE ALREADY. ANYWAY, OF COURSE IT ENDS OF BEING THE RODENTS. SO, I SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO GET MORE FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND A LOAD OF INFORMATION. APPARENTLY, THIS IS CONTRIBUTED TO TOYOTA'S MOVE TO ECO-FRIENDLY ORGANIC WIRING INSULATOR COMPOUNDS THAT ATTRACT RODENTS AS A FOOD SOURCE! THIS IS CAUSING A PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA CAR OWNERS. I HAVE A RAV4 2010 WHICH IS KEPT INSIDE AND THIS SITUATION HAS NEVER HAPPENED. THIS 2015 RAV4, WHICH IS GARAGE KEPT, RODENTS SEEM TO ENJOY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED WIRING DAMAGE BY MUNCHING RODENTS, WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER TOYOTA WARRANTY - A VERY EXPENSIVE PROPOSITION. NOT TO MENTION A SAFETY HAZARD, HAD I RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY! LAST WEEK, IT COST ME $611.51, HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME THE NEXT TIME WHEN THEY MUNCH ON ANOTHER PART OF THE CAR?
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 23, 2016, crash
WHILE PULLING UP TO A GAS PUMP THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT WENT FROM ZERO TO 40 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING. HE PUMPED THE BRAKES BUT CAR MADE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND WOULD NOT STOP. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING A TRUCK, BUT THE CAR WENT OVER A CONCRETE MEDIANO AND ONLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH AIRBAG SMOKE EVEN THOUGH THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A WITNESS SAID THAT HE COULD TELL IT WAS A MECHANICAL ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE LOUD REVVING NOISE THE CAR WAS MAKING. TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL US WHAT HAPPENED. THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES OR ACCELERATOR. THE CAR HIT THE MEDIAN SO HARD THAT THE FRAME HAS BEEN BENT. EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER FOR OVER 20 YEARS, MY HOPE IS THAT THEY TOTAL THE CAR SO THAT I DON'T EVER HAVE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. OUR TOYOTA CASE # IS1604122141. I KNOW THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES-THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR.
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. THE FAILURE WAS SPORADIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY RESTART INDEPENDENTLY. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AIR BAG, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000. UPDATED 08/31/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHT O HE CRUISE CONTROL STALK BLINKS OFF AND ON CRUISE CONTROL DROPS OUT UNEXPECTEDLY. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND YOU LOSE ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. IT WILL SOMETIMES NOT RESTART FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES. THE ENGINES SHUTS DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS TO A MINUTE AND THEN RESTARTS ON ITS OWN. IT LEAVES THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR THE ABS, AWD AND TRACTION CONTROL ON AND THEY DON'T GO OFF UNTIL YOU CYCLE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE RADIO/ NAVIGATION SCREEN ALSO LOCKS UP WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE CAR HAS BEEN LOOKED AT A TOTAL OF SEVEN TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. CAR HAS SPUN 9 TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. UPDATED 6/12/18*JB
Service brakes, May 11, 2016, crash
INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE. TWO INSTANCES OF BRAKES FAILING TO ENGAGE WHEN PRESSURE APPLIED. FIRST INSTANCE CAUSED CAR TO CRASH INTO CONCRETE MEDIAN; NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR STRUCTURE AND INCIDENT NOT REPORTED. SECOND BRAKE FAILURE APRIL 14, 2016 AS CAR WAS DESCENDING PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY (DOWNHILL SLOPE) AND DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES. BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. AS DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE CAR CAREENED OVER A COMMENT CURB, THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE AND INTO A GAS MAIN AND APARTMENT BUILDING WALL. DRIVER SUSTAINED SOME INJURY TO NECK AND BACK DUE TO FORCE OF IMPACT. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOWED OUT OF ACCIDENT BACK ON TO THE ACCESS ROAD. POLICE OFFICERS IN TAKOMA PARK, MD THEN TESTED CAR. ACCIDENT REPORT DESCRIBES "IMPACT AND DAMAGE" AS "DISABLING", HOWEVER OWNER WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME. DRIVER IS NOT FLUENT IN ENGLISH AND DUE TO TRANSLATION ERRORS THE POLICE REPORT DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF ACCIDENT. CAR IS NOW AT DARCARS TOYOTA IN ROCKVILLE WITH AT LEAST $12,000 IN REPAIRS PENDING. OWNER HAS AUTO INSURANCE AND CAR WILL BE REPAIRED OR TOTALED OUT. HOWEVER, OWNER IS (UNDERSTANDABLY) TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE RAV4 AGAIN FOR FEAR THAT THE BRAKES WILL FAIL A THIRD TIME - WITH POSSIBLLY CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES TO DRIVER AND OTHERS. OWNER SPEAKS LIMITED ENGLISH AND IS A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY. I AM CONCERNED FOR NOT ONLY HER SAFELY, BUT THE SAFELY OF OTHERS EITHER FROM AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD BE CAUSED BY THIS CAR OR A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION THAT AFFECTS A GREATER NUMBER OF RAV4'S ON THE ROAD. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE VERY SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATED BEFORE PLACING THE CAR ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
Steering, May 11, 2016
THE CAR WANTS TO PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN ACCELERATING OR,JUST RELEASING THE BRAKE TO COAST.TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA SAID IT IS NORMAL.I NEVER HAD A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR DO THIS.I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE,BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAPPEL ALL THE TIME.THE FRONT END IS ALIGNED CORRECTLY.
Air bags, Service brakes, May 10, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH DOWN AN INCLINE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED TWICE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Engine, May 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,896.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 3, 2016
THE LIGHT ON THE CRUISE CONTROL STALK BLINKS AND IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL STARTED DROPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES WERE STORED IN THE COMPUTER WHEN CHECKED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, BUT THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. THE ENGINE STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A TOTAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART DUE TO NO ELECTRICAL POWER. THE DEALER THEN ADJUSTED THE SWITCH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. THE RADIO/NAVIGATION SCREEN HAS SINCE LOCKED UP AND YOU HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR TO RESET IT. THE ENGINE WILL SOMETIMES SHUT OF FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THE RESTART ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON (ABS, AIRBAGS, TRACTION CONTROL & ALL WHEEL DRIVE). THE LIGHTS DO NOT RESET UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BY THE KEY. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN 3 ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS. THE CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE FAILURE OF THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE CAR AND THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT IS AT A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE SELLING DEALERS INCOMPETENCE IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND MANAGEMENT TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 5 MONTHS AND OVER A PERIOD OF 15,000 MILES AND I DO NOT BELIEVE IT CAN BE FIXED AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER IS REALLY TRYING TO REPAIR THE CAR BECAUSE OF ALL THE STALLING THEY ARE CURRENTLY DOING AT THIS TIME. I NEED YOUR HELP.
Steering, Apr 1, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE FACE AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Mar 6, 2016, fire
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN PHILADELPHIA AT A LOW SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE QUICKLY WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND DESTROYED MOST OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, DASHBOARD, FRONT SEATS, WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS, FRONT TIRES WHICH EXPLODED, AND AIRBAGS.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS DEPERESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN AN EXPLANATION FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY ONCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Structure, Feb 11, 2016, crash
I HAD A VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE WITH A 2015 TOYOTARV4 XLE. I WAS GOING UP AN EXIT RAMP SLOWLY WITH THE TRAFFIC GOING AND STOPPING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STUCK BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL. I COULD NOT RETRACT MY FOOT TO BRAKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUING GOING FORWARD. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE BRAKING/ACCELERATION DUE TO THE SHORT SPACE BETWEEN AND OR THE HEIGHT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY MANY OTHER DRIVERS THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT AND I AM SURE THIS NOT NEW TO THE TOYOTA COMPANY. I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND HAVE FILED A CASE NUMBER.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ENTERING AN ON-RAMP, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FENDER AND PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Structure, Dec 28, 2015
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ROUGHLY 10 MONTHS. IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWO WINDSHIELDS IN THAT TIME. ONE WAS CRACKED IN EARLY OCTOBER 2015 AND REPLACED ON NOVEMBER 7, 2015(LENGTHY DUE TO REPLACEMENT UNAVAILABILITY). THE OTHER HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 23,2015 AND REPLACED ON DECEMBER 26,2015 BOTH CRACKS WERE DUE TO (WHAT I CONSIDER) RELATIVELY SMALL STONE CHIPS THAT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 90 NEAR NORTH EAST, PA. I HAVE OWNED IN EXCESS OF 15 VEHICLES IN MY 44 YEARS OF DRIVING. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD IN ANY OF THE OTHERS (YES SOME REPAIRS WERE DONE). I AM QUESTIONING IF THE WINDSHIELDS IN THESE CARS ARE BEING MANUFACTURED TO THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS AS IN THE PAST AND IF NOT DO THEY STILL MEET THE CURRENT SAFETY STANDARDS.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 26, 2015
THE CAR SIGNIFICANTLY ACCELERATES WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE. WHEN STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT IT IS EAGER TO GO IF THE BRAKES ARE NOT DEPRESSED VERY FIRMLY AND BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MILES PER HOUR IT SHIFTS INTO A HIGHER GEAR WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. IT HAS ALSO DONE THIS WHEN ONCE GOING UP A HILL AT 39 MILES PER HOUR. IT FEELS DANGEROUS TO ME WHEN I AM APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND IT CHOOSES TO ACCELERATES UNLESS I AM BRAKING LONG BEFORE THE SIGN. THE CAN WAS EXAMINED BY THE DEAQLERSHIP 2 TIMES AND "NOTHING WAS FOUND". I THEN CONTACTED SOMEONE IN TOYOTA'S COLORADO ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. THIS PERSON TOOK A COMPUTER APPARATUS ATTACHED IT TO MY CAR, WE TEST DROVE IT AROUND AND THEY DETERMINED IT DOES AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR DURING THESE ACCELERATION TIMES. THE CAR FEELS UNSAFE AND WILL SOONER OR LATER BE THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2015
THE ROOF RACK THAT CAME WITH THE RAV4 STATES THAT EACH STRUT CAN HOLD 100LBS, BUT IN THE MANUAL IT STATES THAT IT IS 100 LBS TOTAL. I PURCHASED SOME LUMBER AND MY ROOF RACK FAILED ON THE RETURN TRIP HOME. I BELIEVE IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ONE SIDE OF EACH STRUT BROKE AND DENTED THE ROOF OF MY CAR. IF THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STRUTS FAILED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SOME DEVASTATION BEHIND ME AS LUMBER AND ROOF RACK PARTS WOULD HAVE FLOWN OFF BEHIND ME. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT WEIGHT OF THE LUMBER, BUT BASED ON THE QUANTITY I PURCHASED I CAN ASSUME IT WEIGHED AROUND 110-120 LBS. IF I KNEW THAT IT COULDN'T HANDLE 200LBS LIKE I WAS LED TO BELIEVE, I WOULD HAVE EASILY PUT ONE BOARD OR ALL OF THEM IN THE CAR INSTEAD OF THE ROOF RACK. I WOULD ALSO ASSUME THAT TOYOTA WOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF FACTOR OF SAFETY ON THE STRUTS. ALSO THE SIDE OF THE STRUTS THAT DIDN'T FAIL I ASSUME HAD AN INCREASED LOAD APPLIED TO THEM. THIS WOULD MAKE ME THINK THAT THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM IN THEIR MOLDING PROCESS AS WELL. THE PICTURE SHOWS THAT EACH ONE SAYS THAT IT CAN TAKE 100LBS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED. MY POINT IF MY TIRE SAYS 40PSI MAX THEN I DON'T FILL IT TO 10PSI BECAUSE THERE ARE 4 OF THEM. THE STRUTS ARE ALSO SEPARATE PIECES, WHAT IF I MIXED AND MATCHED OR ONLY HAD ONE ON THE CAR. ALSO THESE STRUTS ARE SOLD WITH THE RAV4 MODEL I GOT AND NOT PURCHASED AS AFTERMARKET OR AS AN ADD ON ITEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Dec 23, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY, RELEASING A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ARM, LEGS AND WHIPLASH INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ...UPDATED 12/06/16 *BF UPDATED 03/09/17.*JB
Power train, Dec 20, 2015
THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT ROLLS BACK ON THE SLOPE WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED. ROLLING BACK CONTINUES UNTIL THE BRAKE IS PRESSED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN "DRIVE". IT ROLLS BACK USUALLY WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN AT THE LOW SPEED WITH FREQUENT TURNS. IRVINE AUTONATION TOYOTA LEAD TECHNICIAN MARCO STATED THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR SOME CARS WITH A CERTAIN TRANSMISSION (760AE?). HE DEMONSTRATED WITH ANOTHER RAV4. THAT CAR ROLLED BACK ALSO UNTIL THE BRAKE IS PRESSED WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN "DRIVE". PROBLEM IS IT DOESN'T ROLL BACK ALWAYS. I EXPECT THE CAR WOULD NOT ROLL BACK WHILE IT'S IN "DRIVE". IT WOULD HIT THE CAR BEHIND IF I DON'T PRESS THE BRAKE FAST ENOUGH OR PRESS THE GAS PEDAL FAST ENOUGH. IT ACTS LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION RATHER THAN AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IF I DON'T HAVE FAST REACTION, DRIVING IN A HILLY AREA WOULD BE DANGEROUS.
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT PROGRESSED RANDOMLY. VARIOUS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND ALSO WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MORE THAN ONCE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,700.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2015
PURCHASED THIS CAR DEALER CERTIFIED AFTER BEING LEASED FOR 9 MONTHS BY SOMEONE ELSE, FROM NEW ROCHELLE TOYOTA. HAD 5700 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. SINCE PURCHASE IT DOES NOT ALWAYS START THE FIRST TIME, SOMETIMES TAKING 3-4 TIMES TO START, AND MAKING STRANGE NOISES, IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS GOING TO START AND THEN DIES. HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP 3 TIMES AND GOING IN FOR THE 4TH TIME TODAY, ON 12/4 A NEW FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS INSTALLED, STARTS BETTER BUT STILL UNKNOWN REASON WHY IT AT TIMES IT STILL TAKES 3-4 TIMES TO START IT. IS A MYSTERY , NOTHING SHOWS UP ON THE TECH COMPUTERS AFTER IT HAPPENS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS FOR OVER 17 YEARS NEVER EXPECTED AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. ALSO LIGHTS FLICKER AND THERE ARE STRANGE NOISES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START AND UNSUCCESSFUL. NO RHYME OR REASON TO THIS ISSUE.TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR 10-13-15 I THINK IT IS A LEMON. I HAVE A VIDEO OF WHAT HAPPENS DONT THINK I CAN UPLOAD TO THIS WEBSITE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2015
AFTER FUELING, GAS SPLATTERED ALL OVER ME AND RUINED MY CLOTHING. THIS IS A RENTAL CAR.
Visibility, Nov 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,100.