2018 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 331 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 31 involved a crash and 32 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
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
Equipment, other, labelsDec 20, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. 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 load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Campaign 17V831000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
331 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 28, 2023
Bought brand new 04/02/2018. First battery died July 2018. First cooling system needed replaced December 2019 due to overheating issues. There has been 7 battery replacements, about two each year, the two most recent was July 2022 and October 31, 2022. Second cooling system replaced December 2022 due to overheating issue. Damaged engine and needed to replace engine. Other issues have been stalling while driving in traffic; stalling while turning and at traffic lights. Was told by Toyota technician that it was due to extremely low oil. I asked why no low oil light came on and he stated it must be damaged but too expensive to repair. My wife and I had our safety at risk due to stalling in traffic and being stranded due to dead batteries. One night we had to sleep in a grocery store parking lot as a tow truck wasn’t available that night. Toyota states they test the batteries and find nothing wrong even after at least two of them exploded and leaked acid. This could have created a fire and/or engine damage. They just keep replacing them over and over. I have estimate from independent repair shop of possible diagnosis for battery issue. I can not have an independent repair shop even move a bolt or warranties will be voided. During the second overheating was told by Geico insurance inspector no codes were found despite overheating had occurred and severe enough to cause engine damage. Never receive any warning lights for any problems that occurred; the problems happen with no warnings. The second overheating issue left us almost freezing to death as we could not make it back home and had to pull over; tow truck was unavailable that night. Have all service records; too many to upload here; files too big. Please contact via email overtherainbow0126@gmail.com.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2023
Since I bought the car in 2018, the car has stalled two times while I am driving on the road. That was very dangerous because other drivers almost hit me from behind. The first time I had the problem, the Toyota dealer told me that it was likely caused by bad gas. It happened again this time today. I am bringing it to the dealer again, but likely not able to get a solution. At the same time, I am scared of driving it, yet I need to drive it for work and other necessities. Happened at 32k in August 2020, and 55k in January 9, 2022.
Steering, Dec 29, 2022
Power steering failed in April 2022, fixed by dealer in May 2022. Failed again in December 2022. Electric power steering system was replaced, contacting dealer today to have system checked. Very dangerous when steering goes out. It’s like manual steering from the old days.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 23, 2022, crash
During a turn... The steering locked up and a julting from all wheel drive system. No warning, slammed into road railing.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2022, fire
UNKNOWN since insurance or fire department does not want to investigate. However car randomly caught on fire when driving. Could be due to a new battery installed a week prior. Driver and daughter claim as well an electrical issue with AC turning on by itself the morning of car fire which it has never done before. Driver suspects faulty battery since a new battery installed by dealer a week prior and the year before and it is not the first case late model RAV4s are caught on fire due to battery issues.
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2022
At approximately 65K miles on my 2018 vehicle, my alternator and battery have malfunctioned. The car has routine maintenance done on it, the battery had a dead cell according to the repair shop with the battery reader. The car started fine and while driving the battery picture came on dash and said malfunction to park in a safe location all lights on dash came on. I tried to turn my car off in a drive thru, it wouldn’t start. The repair shop says it’s only charging at 12.5 volts and needs to be replaced. I only have manufactured items in my car and seems puzzling to why a 2018 with way less than 100k miles on would have a battery and alternator just die.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 9, 2022, crash
On 8/31/2022 I was turning into the driveway of a friend. All of a sudden my car accelerated. There was another car in the driveway in front of me. I was trying not to hit it, so turned my steering wheel sharply to the right. I left the driveway, turning into a side yard, and then it seemed the brakes wouldn't work. I hit a tree, and went over a large rock, which stopped my car. As it happened, I did hit the other car. its back right bumper was hit, and my front left was crushed. My car was towed to an auto shop on 9/6/2022. It is not drivable. Incident was reported to my insurance that evening. My local agent told me to report to you on 9/9/2022.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2022
Toyota etunes systems are apparently fatally flawed or are exquisitely attuned to planned obsolescence. My bluetooth began initializing 6 weeks ago and has not stopped since. This is a safety concern because, as a 67 year old driver, it is important to have my hands free to drive. I purchased this vehicle because of this feature. Toyota maintains the only solution to my problem is to purchase a new $1,500 radio. Because this is not just my problem but one experienced by a majority of Toyota owners, Toyota should bear the cost for replacement
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2022
My car is everything is good condition.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2022
My car is everything is good condition
Air bags, Aug 28, 2022
little red blinking light
Air bags, Aug 19, 2022, crash
We had a car accident on I-84 in Oregon, westbound, was hit on the driver side rear area which caused us to spin around. We were hit by a semi truck on the driver side rear. We ended up perpendicular to the concrete median (this is a highway with two lanes on either side) which is what stopped us. The semi truck also sustained damage to their passenger side front wheel and had to be towed. Our car had to be towed. None of the airbags went off. The back window of the RAV4 hybrid was gone. There was damage to the front passenger side, front, rear driver side, rear of car. Sheriff and Oregon state patrol came, both vehicles towed. Contacted Toyota who says they are going to retrieve event data recorder box to investigate. We have a police crash report case #.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2022
Sunroof just shattered/exploded while driving on highway. (Entering route I95N from Philadelphia). I did not see or was near any foreign object that could've caused this incident. Sunroof was closed, however the interior cover was open. When glass shattered, multiple fragments entered the car and fell on my body. Thankfully I was the only person in the vehicle. I was not injured by fragments. I was able to close the interior lining and continue driving to my house. Once home I was able to assess damage and vacuumed car. I took the vehicle to Thompson Toyota in Doylestown, PA yesterday 8/12/22 where it is being inspected and repaired. I am convinced this requires further investigation since I think this may be safety issue with this type of vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2022
Wiring harness in many vehicles defective. Letter sent, but not a recall. I drove from NY to VA unaware that a headlight was out- I had to change bulbs several times, and ended up having to pay $500 for a new lighting system because I put the bulb in (apparently) wrong the 5th time. Accident could have happened due to bad lighting, but fortunately did not. Toyota did not make this issue easily known, or easily fixed.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2022
I received a consumer advisory notice from Toyota. Notice number appears to be 21TG01 and is related to battery fires. Apparently the wrong size battery was installed and Toyota issued the notice to have the battery size checked. It should be a Group 35 battery. However, a Toyota Group 35 measures 6 7/8 inches wide across and after market batteries to the best of my research are 6 3/8 inches wide. The top battery hold down that fits over the top of the battery does not fit a 6 3/8 wide battery which appears to be the standard with the exception of Toyota. The top hold down bracket is too big and does not fit properly over the top of the battery. If that makes sense.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2022
I am told by the Dealer, Dolan Toyota in Reno NV, that my car has TPMS sensors and an idiot light that indicates when there is a problem with these sensors. I bought a second set of wheels to facilitate winter/spring tire changes and the wheels were not equipped with TPMS sensors. The idiot light never activated to tell me there is a problem, so I went to the dealer and asked about this issue. The service department at Dolan told me there are aware of the problem of not indicating when there is an issue but there is nothing they can do about it. It's my understanding that federal regulations require TPMS to be installed AND operating on this car. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate and all they said was there is no recall on this problem and they have noted it. The reference number for my complaint with Toyota corporate is 220531001527.
Firerelated, May 12, 2022, fire
The contact's mother owned a 2018 Toyota RAV-4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and noticed that there was smoke coming from the driver's side of the hood. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely before it caught fire. No medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE21005O. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The contact stated that while traveling at speeds of approximately 35-40 mph the electrical system started flashing and stopped working. Smoke and fire emerged from the left front hood and the contact was unable to turn the vehicle off. The manufacturer has since been made aware of this incident. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss.
Service brakes, May 4, 2022
The brakes needed complete redo at 28.000 miles. The pads and rotors. The front passenger brakes were through to rotors. Was not expecting to do a complete brake job at this mileage and the only indication we had a problem was the sudden grinding on the front passenger side and we were glad we were not on a long trip. We took it to an independent mechanic who saved the parts for us. There was no indication we needed a complete brake job until that sudden grinding on the one wheel which was worn way more than the other three.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 13, 2022, fire
My husband and I were driving down the road when we had warning lights and signals going off in the car and the electric was trying to reset in the car. The car was sputtering and stalled out. we managed to pull the car over as white smoke came from under the hood of the car and we jumped out and grabbed our dog as flames started to shoot from under the hood. We have never had any incident happen prior to this to indicate there would be any problems. The car is available for inspection if requested. The insurance company has not inspected the vehicle yet and is transporting it to a salvage yard for inspection.
Air bags, Apr 12, 2022, crash
Had an accident and the air bags did not deploy on April 08, 2022. Me and my son got injured. The impact was strong, and my vehicle was dragged about 300' feet on the street and the other vehicles air bags deployed.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a squishy sound while depressing the brake pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a vacuum leak underneath the pedal. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign 18V211000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake warning light and an unknown triangle warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that rodents had been chewing through the soy-based wiring. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred seven months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that rodents had been chewing through the soy-based wiring again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Mar 11, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately at 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut down completely. Prior to the shutdown, the instrument panel continuously was flashing. The contact drove safely to the side of the highway. The contact noticed smoke and fire being exhausted from under the driver side of the engine. The contact notified 911, and the fire department arrived on the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire with water and a fire extinguisher. There was a fire department report filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The fire department and towing company informed the contact the vehicle was completely lost. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 19, 2022
While driving on a 50 mph Highway with the cruise control on and no vehicles or anything in front of the car for more than a half a mile the vehicle braked suddenly as if the system sensed it was going to hit something. I pulled off the road shut the car off and restarted the car and it operated normally after that. I would be concerned of a rear Collision due to this occurring for no reason
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while idling in the pharmacy drive-through line, smoke was suddenly present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was quickly parked before flames were seen coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 49,000