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
307 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake violently, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from the battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles. We purchased this vehicle new. Both inner CV Axles are leaking grease. I expected, for a Toyota brand, for these parts to last much longer. It is difficult to know how long these have been leaking, but suspect for quite some time. Meaning these parts have been quite defective for possibly over a year or two. If these were to dry out without knowing, the CV could completely lock up--very dangerous.
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
Driving along, and all of sudden engine shuts down. Message indicated a malfunction, showed picture of battery, and indicated to put vehicle in park, and restart engine. Did so, and engine started. Dangerous situation, but luckily traffic was light.
Engine, Apr 21, 2024
The batter recall was not fixed till April 2024 as mentioned by Toyota.
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2024
Toyota RAV4 sunroof shattered for no reason. Car was sitting all day under my carport. I opened driver door. Needed to go back in the house. I closed the driver door. Sunroof shattered. If I had been in the car, or driving, it could have caused very serious cuts, or a deadly accident. No warning signs at all. Car is presently at Clearwater Toyota being fixed. Insurance (State Farm) has been contacted and is taking care of my claim.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN JULY OF 2023. THERE HAD BEEN A PERSISTANT CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR WHEN THE ROAD IS BUMPY ALONG WITH SOME STABILTY OR SWAYING FEELING. I HAD IT INSPECTED BY INDEPENDANT MECHANICAL SHOPS. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE SHOCK ABSORBERS AND THE STABILIZER LINKS WHICH I DID. THE RT REAR SHOCK ABOSBORBER WAS BAD. MARCH OF 2024 I TOOK A ROAD TRIP TO FLORIDA. FIRST LONG TRIP SINCE REPLACING THE PARTS. ON THE DRIVE DOWN I WAS BY MYSELF AND FELT AS THOUGH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH A LOT WORSE THAN BEFORE CHANGING THE PARTS LISTED ABOVE. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS THE CONDITION OF THE ROADS. ON THE WAY HOME MY SON WAS FOLLOWING ME IN HIS VEHCLE. HE HAD TOLD ME THAT WHEN THE "SWAYING" FEELING IS HAPPENING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING SEPARATE TO THE FRONT. THE CLUNKING SOUND IS STILL THERE AND THAT STABILITY ISSUE SEEMS TO HAVE WORSEN SINCE CHANGING THE SUSPENSION PARTS PREVIOUSLY LISTED. THERE WAS A POINT IN DRIVING HOME IN THE RAIN WHERE I DEFINITELY FELT THE ABITLITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. I WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED FURTHER. I'VE READ INFORMATION ON A TOYOTA FORUM THAT THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. I DO HAVE VIDIO AND YOU CAN SEE MY BODY ROCKING BACK AND FORTH IN THE DRIVER SEAT WHILE IT'S HAPPENING AND THE HOOD SWAYING BUT AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD IT.
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact had received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact was aware that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator but the vehicle did not gain any forward momentum. The contact stated that all of the instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering failed and also noted that the brake pedal took more than normal force to depress the pedal. The contact stated that as he was pulling over he saw smoke being emitted from under the hood. The contact stated that he was able to stop the vehicle and when he opened the hood he saw that flames were coming from the location of the battery. The contact was able to extinguish the flames with his shirt. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact had notified the manufacturer who sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
I received this recall notice several months ago, and the letter stated that the remedy would be available in middle of 2024. I have had an inspection that confirmed I have a replacement battery, not an original. If there is a potential that the vehicle could catch on fire, it seems as though waiting until the middle of 2024 is an unreasonable amount of time.
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2024, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, a collision occurred ahead of her, and she was unable to avoid colliding with the rear end of another passenger vehicle. As a result, the engine compartment burst into flames, engulfing the entire vehicle within minutes. The contact was unsure if local fire emergency services were able to extinguish the flames or if the fire had exhausted itself. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was not filed. A police report was filed, with no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a total yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2024, crash
I would like to report my safety concerns from the crash accident. Feb.14 Wednesday I drove my wife’s car 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE. On intersection l stop completely on red stop lights.l was first, had no car up front of me.Than from behind other car Ford Focus fit me with a full speed 45. I was only in the car. On the hit my seat slid forward causing my knees to hit the dashboard. Then the seat flattened causing me to fall backward.Also the cover of moonroof got opened. While lying back on flat seat l saw sky.I was able to self extricate.l was in shock from what just happened.3 hours after the accident l had gradual onset neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and a generalized headache.After 5 hours l Went to ER on same day , than again ER next Monday , than l saw my primary care doctor a week later-next Wednesday. Now if l will have a child in baby seat or teenager or adult seating behind driver , for sure they will get hurt badly or injured or killed. I have reported this situation to Toyota HQ. They responded that this accident will be under investigation. P.S. Takata airbags did not blow out
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2024
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?
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2024
Fuel pump has small leak causing evaporative emissions codes and fuel to accumulate on top of the pump. This is the same concern which there is a recall for the 2018 models and beyond. They equipment is the same between the years and 2017 should be included in the recall as well.
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery was replaced several times. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the battery terminal posts were gummed up and required to be cleaned frequently. The contact also stated that there was smoke coming from the auxiliary power outlet or cigarette lighter. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test discovered that the fuel pump had failed to operate as needed. Upon further inspection, the dealer discovered that the plastic canister inside the fuel tank had become hot and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 114,837.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2024, crash, fire
This vehicle was involved in a T-Bone crash, where the battery came out and the vehicle caught fire. The driver of this vehicle died at the scene. This involves NHTSA recall number 23V734 & Manufacturer Recall number 23TB13.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2024
Summary Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. Safety Risk The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2024, fire
--Battery terminal/wiring for negative terminal came into contact with the metal hold down clamp --Caused a two alarm structure fire and loss of two vehicles --Current recall in place but remedy of situation not available until 2024 --Current recall in place --Maintenance required light appeared and owner took vehicle in for service two weeks prior to the incident
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2023
Battery became disabled without any warning. Safety of driving down the road and battery stop working is an issue. I replaced battery through no help of Toyota. Only person to inspect was person replacing battery.
Air bags, Dec 16, 2023, crash
When the passenger front airbag deployed in an accident, a coil about 3 inches long and an inch wide was ejected from the airbag compartment and info the face of the occupant. Minor injuries sustained but was near the eye. The coil became embedded in the skin and the coil had to be removed.
Suspension, Structure, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 13, 2023, crash
I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE that I bought brand New. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the Northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The Mechanic said Even though I took care of the vehicle this was going to happen anyways due to the subframe suspension parts that Toyota puts in the RAV4. Being flung into a ditch coming off a highway is a dangerous situation, and could of cost me my life because Toyota wants to save money and put in parts knowing that the rust problem will and could occur. I did my research, and found out this has been going on since 2007 and there have been recalls on models all the way up to 2012. If this is a known thing then why is Toyota being allowed to still make a weak subframe. Does someone have to die for this to be stoped. I’m am asking for a recall on all models of 2017 Rav4 hybrids and on to fix this problem. I am lucky to escape with minor injures, but maybe the next person isn’t. Something has to be done.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving downhill at night with the headlights illuminated, the windshield darkened, and the contact lost visibility of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the windshield was compliant to safety standards. The contact stated that he had contacted an unknown dealer, who informed him that the failure was related to the design of the headlights. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to turn the key in the ignition switch, the key would not turn and remained stuck. The contact stated that he continuously attempted to turn the key while wiggling the steering wheel, and he was able to turn the key in the ignition switch. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.