2017 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 307 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 33 involved a crash and 24 involved a fire. 28 people were injured and 2 people 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
Equipment, other, labelsJun 28, 2019
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Campaign 19V503000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireMay 2, 2017
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Campaign 17V295000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
62 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2022
While driving the vehicle, the sun roof glass shattered. The cover of the roof was closed, so no glass spilled into the car, but could have been dangerous if it the cover was open.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2022
6 months after warantee expired passenger front door lock actuator failed. Dor can only be locked /unlocked from manual rocker lock inside door. Electrick lock doesnt function. Within 6 months of that failure, drivers door developed same problem. Door can only be locked from inside and unlocked from outside with key.
Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2022
My mechanic showed me that the axle shaft assembly on my Toyota RAV4 is leaking grease and that, if not repaired soon, could be a safety issue when driving.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022, crash
The axle broke while I was driving. I was on CA HWY 101 NB, it was a day after the rain so I was careful not to speed. As I was heading towards a decline the car made a loud pop sound that came from the rear left side. I looked back because my initial thought was the tire popped but as I looked at my rear view mirror the car veered rapidly to the left headed straight to the median. Safety at risk: I tried to break but it seemed like the breaks were not responding well. I turned the wheel to not hit the median and the car turned completely, facing traffic and sliding to the right side of the freeway where it stopped on its side. The car was checked and we have a letter from Toyota saying the part broke due to speeds over 80 mph. But I was not driving over 80, and and axle is probably not supposed to break at that speed. There were no warning lights, or symptoms. My vehicle seemed completely healthy.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
The shifter makes a irregularly rough shift out of park . It is available for inspection if possible. The safety of me or passengers has not been compromised. The problem has not been confirmed from any dealer or manufacturer. The shifter component has not been inspected or checked to confirm the issue or potential issue. There was no warning light to indicate a issue.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, May 11, 2021
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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 20, 2021
TOOK MY 2017 RAV4 LE TO TOYOTA FOR SHAKING/VIBRATING AT STOPLIGHT WHEN FULLY WARMED UP. IT DOES THIS EVERY TIME I STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THEY CANNOT FIND ANY FAULTS OR CODES RELATED TO THE ISSUE AND CLAIM EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WILL STALL AT EVERY LIGHT. HOWEVER THEY DID TELL ME THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE ON ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE LOT WITH SIMILAR MILEAGE, BUT THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. SEEMS TO BE ON ALL 2017 RAV4 LE'S NOT JUST MINE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2021
THE VEHICLE IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. WHEN I GO TO TURN IT MAKES A CRACKING NOISE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2021
THREE DAYS AGO, I PARKED MY 2017 RAV4 LIMITED IN MY DRIVEWAY, STOPPED THE ENGINE, GOT OUT, LOCKED THE DOOR AND WENT IN TO MY HOUSE. SEVERAL HOURS LATER I WENT OUTSIDE AND FOUND MY RAV4 RUNNING. FOR HOW LONG I DON'T KNOW. I THOUGHT I MAY HAVE DONE SOMETHING INCORRECT. NOW BEING VERY CAREFUL ABOUT SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE, YESTERDAY I PARKED THE RAV4 IN THE SAME DRIVEWAY. TWO HOURS LATER, I WENT OUSIDE TO CHECK AND AGAIN FOUND THE RAV4 RUNNING, WITH THE LIGHTS ON. I FOUND SEVERAL REPORTS ON-LINE ABOUT OTHERS HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR RAV4S. I CALLED SEVERAL TOYOTA DEALERS TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND SEE IF THEY HAD EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS. NONE DID. IT APPEARS THAT I CAN'T BE CONFIDENT THAT MY RAV4 WILL BE WHEREVER I PARKED IT WHEN I RETURN TO IT.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2021
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED SHEET FOR ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 2 TIMES IN 3 YEARS AS WELL. I HAVE NEW BATTERY AND IT BECAME CORRODED FAST. MY CAR KEPT TELLING ME THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND ALL OF THE FAILS LED TO THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2021
BACK HATCH IS FROZEN AND WILL NOT OPEN. AT FIRST IT OPENED A FEW INCHES, NOW IT DOESN'T OPEN AT ALL. JUST PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE IN JUNE! VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR.*JB
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2020
MY HUSBAND HAD DRIVEN THE CAR AND HAD THOUGHT HE HAD PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO "OFF". HE THEN CLOSED THE GARAGE DOOR AND LEFT OUR HOME FOR A WALK. WHEN I CAME HOME A FEW HOURS LATER AND OPENED GARAGE DOOR THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND FILLING OUR GARAGE WITH CARBON MONOXIDE. THIS POINTS TO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH OUR HYBRID TOYOTA , UNLESS THERE IS SOMETHING AMISS WITH OUR CAR, WHICH I DON'T BELIEVE IS THE CASE. SPECIFICALLY, THE ENGINE CAN BE LEFT ON AND THE CAR MAKES NO SOUND MUCH OF THE TIME WHEN IT IS PARKED. I CAN JUST IMAGINE A PARENT LIKE ME LEAVING AN INFANT SLEEPING AND UNATTENDED IN A CLOSED GARAGE WHILE THEY GO INSIDE. IF THE CAR WINDOWS ARE LEFT OPEN HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE FOR A TRAGIC ENDING TO THIS SCENARIO.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2020
IT WAS ABOUT 6:05 AM. I WAS DRIVING ON 288 HIGHWAY IN PEARLAND, TEXAS. THERE WAS LIGHT RAIN. I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG ON THE ROOF AND SOUNDED OF GLASS SUBSTANCE RUNNING THE THE BACK OF THE ROOF. THAT NOISE FREAKED ME OUT, BUT I COULD STILL KEEP DRIVING TO MY WORK.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2020
I CALLED UP TO MY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY AIR CONDITIONING HAS BEEN ACTING UP. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY AFTER I'VE DRIVEN MY CAR FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN 30 MINUTES. THE AIR SLOWLY STOPS BLOWING OUT. WHEN TURNING THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF SOMETIMES IT WILL BLOW OUT FULLY AND OTHER TIMES IT WON'T BLOW OUT AT ALL. UPON SPEAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY SEE THIS OFTEN AND KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT IT WAS MY BLOWER MOTOR AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME MORE THAN $300.00
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 3, 2020, fire
I HAD OWN 2017 TOYOTA RAV4LE FOR LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND LESS THEN 25000 MILE, WE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE A SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE. WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEM AT ALL, OVERALL IT WAS GOOD DRIVING CAR. HOWEVER, ON 5/4/2020, I PARKED MY CAR AT PARKING LOT, TURNED OFF ENGINE. I HEARD GENTLE CLICK CLICK TWO SOUND, DO NOT REALIZED IT WAS FROM MY CAR (OTHER PEOPLE WAS UNLOAD STUFF). I OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR GET READY TO OFF MY CAR AND GO. I SMELLED RUBBER BURNING. I LOOK AROUND AND SEE MY ENGINE HAD LIGHT SMOKE CAME OUT FROM ENGINE, THEN BECAME DARKER SMOKE, AND FOLLOW BY FIRE. I CALLED 911, THEY SEND A FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT OFF THE FIRE FOR ME. MY TOYOTA RAV4 LE WAS ALL BURNED BY UNKNOWN REASON. I DO NOT SMOKE, I PAID OFF MY CAR AND I HAVE NO FINANCIAL GAIN TO HAVE CAR BURN. I JUST WANT TO WARNING OTHER OWNER, IT COULD HAPPENED TO YOU, I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO WORK OUT FROM MY BURNING VEHICLE. MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT TOYOTA DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ABLE TO HONOR SUCH WARRANTY, ASKED ME CALL HEADQUARTER, I TRIED TO EMAIL BUT AFTER I UPLOAD PICTURES AND IT WAS SUDDENLY INTERCEPTED IN THE CLOUD-DISAPPEAR. I AM REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO WARNING OTHERS. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2020, crash
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN A LEFT HAND TURN LANE. A VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ACCIDENTALLY DROVE HEAD FIRST INTO MY CAR. MY PASSENGER AND I HAD SEAT BELTS ON. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WAS GREATER THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE CONSIDERABLE FRONT END DAMAGE. A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAYS "SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. VISIT YOUR DEALER". I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. I HAVE READ THAT IF A VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND THE SEAT BELTS ARE ON IT MAY NOT ACTIVATE. THAT IS OK - JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS THE INTENT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AS WHITE SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AS FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUHISED THE FIRE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED WAS AWAITING INSPECTION BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER THE DEALERSHIP WAS MADE OF AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2020
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS A PRESSURE CRACK HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY WIPER BLADES JUMPING/CHIRPING! ALSO HAVING AN ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION SLIPPING FROM TIME TO TIME! BREAKS BEEN REPLACED AND STILL HAVE A SQUEAL AND NOT WANTING TO STOP SOMETIMES HAVE TO PUSH PETAL TO FLOOR
Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2019
TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER AND SHIFT HESITATION - SHUDDERS BETWEEN GEARS, OCCURS BETWEEN ANY TWO GEARS BUT MOSTLY WITHIN THE 20-55 MPH RANGE. BEGUN MOST NOTICEABLY AT ~90K, VEHICLE NOW HAS 103K ON IT AND SHUDDER CONTINUES TO WORSEN AND BECOME MORE FREQUENT. BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND THEY HAVE ADVISED MOST LIKELY TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (APPROX $3-$4K REPAIR). SAME PROBLEM AS THE GENERATION BEFORE WHERE TOYOTA EVENTUALLY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVER FOR: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/2013-2015-TOYOTA-RAV4-TRANSMISSION-SHUDDER-WARRANTY-EXTENSION-ZH1.1148/PAGE-2
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 28, 2019, crash
I HAD TO VISIT TOYOTA BECAUSE MY RADIO WILL TURN ON BY ITSELF, WHEN I PARK. EVEN AFTER VISITING TOYOTA FOR AN UPDATE, MY RADIO WILL CHANGE ON ITS OWN, NOT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL) BUT ON ITS OWN.SO IT IS NOT FIXED. WIPERS WILL TURN ON THEN STOP. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEVICE BEHIND THE DASH THAT I CAN HEAR CLICKING ON AND OFF WELL AFTER THE IGNITION IS OFF OR WHILE THE CAR IS IDLE FOR A BIT. MY CLIMATE CONTROL CHANGES ON ITS ON EVEN THOUGH IT WORKS FINE MOST OF THE TIME. IT IS AS IF MY CAR IS RECEIVING ADDITIONAL COMMANDS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. LAST WEEK, AT NIGHT, I WITNESSED TWO MEN STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, SOMEHOW ACTIVATING CAR ALARMS FROM RANDOM CARS. JUST YESTERDAY, NOT FAR FROM WHERE I LIVE A DRIVER "LOST CONTROL" AND RAN INTO TWO HOMES. THE DRIVER WAS THROWN FROM THE CAR, WHILE THE CAR AND THE HOUSE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THAT WAS STRANGE TO HEAR ABOUT. IF THERE IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR MY CAR, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. THANK YOU.
Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA RAV4 XLE WITH 17089 MILES ON IT DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT WAS LIKE A GUN SHOT THROUGH MY SUNROOF. GLASS EVERYWHERE I DIDN'T HAVE ANY WINDOWS OPEN JUST THE SUN SHADE WAS BACK TO LET SUN IN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SWITCHED LANES AND THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP ABRUPTLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DETECTION SYSTEM ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE PRECEDING VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 150 FEET AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. *TT*JB
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 9, 2018
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR BRAKE NOISES AND ROTATED WARPING. CURRENTLY THE CAR HAS 35,XXX. EVERY 5-7K THE ROTARS OR PADS ARE REPLACED. THERE IS USUALLY A NOISE THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AND A DUPLICATE VIDEO WAS FOUND ON YOUTUBE AND TURNED OUT TO BE A MASTER CYLINDER AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT IS NOT THAT BUT I HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS. BRAKES ARE A MAJOR PART OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES I THOUGHT ABOUT TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. BUT THEY CLAIM THAT THE NOISES ARE NORMAL AND ARE JUST THE PADS SHIFTING, I HAVE HAD MY SHARE FAR OF CARS AND DRIVEN MANY DIFFERENT BRANDS AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE EVEN WITH MY PRIOR TOYOTA'S. SECOND COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO MY LOCKS. THERE ARE TIMES THE LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE WILL NOT LOCK OR CONSTANTLY MAKES NOISE WHILE TRYING TO LOCK/UNLOCK AND THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY CAN NOT REPRODUCE THE NOISE BUT THE SECOND I STEP IN THE CAR IT MAKES THE NOISE.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2018, crash
I WAS IN A CRASH, SIDE IMPACT, PRETTY BAD. INJURED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT MY HEAD AND SHOULDER AGAINST THE SIDE ON THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE. TRAVELING ON FREEWAY 50-60MPH, HEARD SCREECHING BEHIND DRIVERS SIDE OF ME... HEARD CRASH THEN I WAS IMPACTED ON DRIVERSIDE AND EVENTUALLY REAR PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO BE AIRBORNE AND LAND UPRIGHT. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED!
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2018
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR IS LOSE (AND GETTING WORSE). IT IS AN OBSTRUCTION AND DISTRACTION TO DRIVING; I CONSIDER IT TO BE DANGEROUS. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO REPAIR SOLUTION; THE ITEM NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.