2023 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 157 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 19 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, display functionOct 30, 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Campaign 25V744000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelSep 11, 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Campaign 25V595000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, valveJul 11, 2023
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.
Campaign 23V485000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
157 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2024
Leaving my house and around 20 ft away the soon roof burst. Nothing hit it, i live in a rural area, asphalt road. Now toyota dealer is saying that something hit the soon roof. I checked online and there are several incidents with the same model.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2024
While driving at about 30 mph on [XXX] on Sunday, [XXX] at [XXX] the moonroof suddenly exploded. It sounded like a gunshot and startled me. I was not going under an overpass, there were no people nearby who would have thrown anything at the car, and I was not following another vehicle. I believe the glass shattered as result of mechanical defect. The moonroof was closed at the time so I was not hit with flying glass, but the situation could have been quite dangerous had the roof been open. I also think the loud sound of glass exploding could cause other motorists to jerk the wheel in shock at the loud noise. Naturally, there were shards of glass flying off my vehicle afterward, which creates something of a road hazard for anyone following behind. I have had the moonroof inspected by the Toyota dealer. They advise that glass is not covered under warranty, which is nonsense because at the least it violates the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. But, it is hard to prove a manufacturer's defect so I will be submitting a claim through insurance. In my opnion, Toyota should cover the repair costs as I did nothing wrong and was not hit by a foreign object. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Sep 28, 2024
Under braking conditions and hitting a bump on a paved road, the vehicle will have a 1 to 3 second momentary loss of braking. At the same time, a grinding noise, similar to (if not the same as) the ABS system is heard, and the VSC light flashes. The occurrence of this problem is unpredictable, the severity is inconsistent. It happens across various ranges of brake pressure/deceleration rates and speeds. No accident has occurred to date with this vehicle, but we have had close calls. In some cases, our vehicle has inadvertently entered controlled intersections due to loss of braking. Dealer has inspected the problem but has been unable to replicate or resolve to date. Based on internet research, this appears to be a common problem. Very concerned this could occur at the wrong time and lead to an accident, causing injury or death due to behaviors of the vehicle's braking (and loss of) being outside the driver's control.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2024
Sunroof glass blew out. Driving down road, no traffic, sounded like a shotgun blast. Pulled over and saw the sunroof had a hole and the rest was crystallized. Had the interior cover been pulled back we would have been showered with broken glass.
Structure, Aug 20, 2024
The paint of the exterior body is peeling off after becoming bubble on the surface. It appears all over the body including hood, roof, doors, etc. For reference, please see attached photos. This can eventually start rusting. This has come to know only after using a car for a year and four months, which proves this needs to be addressed because it may be going to start rusting other parts of the body or structural components. Car is available for inspection, on request.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 19, 2024
UNKNOWN. I drove my car off the dealership lot and not even 10 minutes into my ride home, as I pulled of the highway, I noticed that the RPM of the vehicle was slowing down. I pressed down harder on the gas to get it to accelerate but it just kept jerking and slowing down. Eventually I tried to get off to the side of the road and the car stopped in the middle of two lanes. The Check Engine, Battery warning and Electric Power Steering lights all came on the dashboard. There was also another error message: Engine Stopped Steering Power Low. I called the dealership and they came and towed the car. Not sure what the issue is but saw on some forums that this has happened to other RAV4 owners on used and brand new cars as well. Someone encouraged users to report it to the NHTSA so Toyota is aware of the issue.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2024, crash
While making a slow right turn into a carport (1-2 mph), the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into the carport wall, continued to full throttle causing the tire to skip along side of the wall. The vehicle is currently not being used as we continue with the process with our insurance provider and begin to initiate contact with the car dealer. There were no warning lights or indications of a malfunctioning vehicle prior to that point. Initial online research provided at least 10 other reports that the exact same occurence happended to other 2023 RAV owners causing vehcile and property damage. We are fearful to use this vehicle now and would like to submit a safety report to prevent any similar instances in the future that may result in serious injury or death. NOTE: We also have video footage of the incident from our carport security camera, if you need that for further review.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2024
While driving early in the morning on 95 without other traffic nearby, my moonroof exploded. There was no crack of a rock, only a very loud pop. The glass broke outward. I pushed it in to vacuum the pieces out in the picture attached
Lane departure, Aug 4, 2024
When I do these checks I have my hands lightly on the wheel ready to correct the car when needed. The lane control assist tends to stay to the left of the lane, crossing over the left side lane markers, it also tends to head towards the right side of the lane, crossing over the right side lane markers without compensating. At times it does compensate but it causes the car to go back and forth in the lane without settling out. There have been times when the car is steered to the right with no compensation and without my correction would have gone off the road. The lane warning system doesn't always work. If I did not have diligence when using the system I would no doubt have gone off the road and crashed. The dealer has not checked the car, they say this is how it works even on their personal Toyotas. These problems have been prominent and have existed since the purchase of the car in 2023.
Structure, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while cleaning the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was water coming from the rear passenger’s side door. The contact opened the rear passenger’s side door, and water poured onto the ground. Additionally, the rear passenger’s side door made a sloshing sound while being closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Technical Service Bulletin: 0084-21 (Sloshing or Splashing Noise from Inside One or More Door Panels) was performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,100.
Suspension, Jul 16, 2024
At estimated 25500 miles in the vehicle, I started to feel vibration at 65- 75 mph. Bouncy ride and slight bad bearing noise at 45 mph . After taking to the dealer, they also felt vibration and recommended tire balancing. After having that done, the problem still existed. I took the car next day and at first they where not willing to check my car but then when I forced, they test drove and confirmed light road noise and light vibration. After a little checking, they said the tires are feathering and should get new tires and or alignment. The tires only have 25500 miles and they were serviced by totota .I got new tires from from NTB and rebalanced and the issue still existed. I then also got alignment from another shop even then the vibration and bad bearing noise still exist. After searching, I have read many others had this issue with their rav4 and dealers just say it's normal . I as years of experience know it's not normal. The origin equipment tires that came with new vehicle were Dunlop grandtrek pt20. The new tires I got are Cooper Endeavor plus. Issue is definitely not the tires. Humbly request NHTSA to look into this as this is ongoing issue with many new Toyota Rav4.
Air bags, Jun 27, 2024, crash
Driving NB when a Toyota Corolla drove into my lane of traffic hitting me head on. No air bag deployed in my RAV but all air bags deployed in the Corolla. No air bag light was on prior to the accident. My vehicle data recorder was copied by a Bosch technician and forwarded to Toyota Corp. The body shop manager stated that my vehicle was the first he had encountered with the extent of front damage where the air bag(s) did not deploy
Visibility/wiper, Jun 12, 2024
Toyota OEM windshield glass has SEVERE distortions/waviness in glass. I have had my windshield replaced 3 times now with Toyota OEM glass and the issue is still not resolved all 3 have had this distortion/wavyness in the glass. I don’t want aftermarket glass in a brand new car especially with all the safety features that relies on glass clarity, but Toyota is making it hard not to choose that option. Toyota needs to do better on quality control of their glass. The distortion is happening in the line of sight for the driver causing dizziness and issues while driving, as well as BAD wavyness around the edges. Ive done some research into this as well and I am not the only Toyota driver having this issue with their glass. I’ve never owned a vehicle that did this and it’s very disappointing and frustrating that I am not able to have a clear windshield in my brand new car. I called Toyota of America but they basically pushed me off onto the dealership. Someone needs to contact the MFG and make them aware of this problem so I can get glass that is normal.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2024
I believe Toyota is falsifying the MPG rating to make it appear they are getting better gas mileage than they are actually getting. On a new Toyota Rav4 bought last year, the speedometer always reads 3 miles faster that my actual speed. This is confirmed by my stand-alone GPS unit and my iPhone as well. I have since checked out other new Toyotas and found the same error. This error favors Toyota because if make the onboard computer report that you are achieving better MPG that you are. This error is also recording more fictitious miles driven, on your car, than you actually have driven and causing you to get servicing sooner as well as running out your warranty quicker than it should. However, I have since traded in this vehicle for a different vehicle that I feel is more honest and accurate with their information.
Structure, Service brakes, Jun 3, 2024, crash
The brakes failed, without warning, while parking; causing me to hit a pole/wall in my employer’s parking garage on April 12, 2024. I was injured, and obtained care from UChicago Medical Center. Toyota assigned an independent investigator to assess my vehicle; which was completed on April 29, 2024. Per Toyota, no brake issues were noted. My vehicle remained at Oak Lawn Toyota from April 12, 2024- May 31, 2024.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 2, 2024
The incredibly frightening incident occurred 2 times within 3 days. My 2023 RAV unexpectedly and very forcibly accelerated on its own when I was pulling into a parking space. Luckily I am in the habit of parking my RAV far away from other vehicles in parking lots when the option exists. The first ‘acceleration and/or braking’ malfunction occurred 5/31/24 in a Walmart parking lot. When pulling into a parking spot my right foot was fully off the accelerator (I use my right foot only for the accelerator and brake pedals) and was gradually depressing the parking brake pedal to come to a complete stop. Instead my RAV suddenly and forcibly accelerated forward through the empty parking spot in front of me and beyond!! I would have absolutely smashed into the car and or person if one were there!! As the RAV shot forward I began desperately pushing full force on the brake pedal; the RAV did not stop! so, I began full force repeatedly pushing and pumping the brake pedal. My RAV eventually came to a halt as the tires may have locked up which it skidded about 12-18 inches. By God’s grace no one was hurt! On 6/2/24 ‘it’ happened again!! Pulling into a parking spot at an outdoor cafe, as I was gradually depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop my RAV instead quickly and forcibly accelerated forward!! I thank God that I did not pull into the other spot (my sister took that one) which was just a few feet away from around 12 people and families enjoying their outside lunch dining!!! This 2nd horrifying incident my RAV took longer to come to a complete stop. I fully and forcefully pushed on the brake pedal but my RAV kept going!! I continued repeatedly releasing and fully depressing the brake pedal but it kept going! The next thing my RAV was approaching was someone’s backyard and house!! I forcibly pushed the brake pedal one more time and also threw the RAV shifter into “park” finally the RAV stopped! I am so shaken up by these traumatic malfunction incidents.
Suspension, Wheels, May 16, 2024
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.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 12, 2024, crash
Unintended sudden aggressive acceleration when I made a right as I was slowly pulling into a spot in the parking lot. Breast’s did not work fast enough and car ended up going up the hill and front colliding with it.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2024
Toyota RAV4 2023 , had it not even a whole year bought it from the dealer 0miles. Today while running errands parked on the side of the road, car started to vibrate weirdly and then it shut off. I try starting the vehicle again and it just keep showing the same message “Engine Stopped Steering Power Low” with the check engine light and steering wheel light on. After 30minutes I let it sit and when I tried turning the car on again, it ran perfectly but I wasn’t risking it happening again. So I had to call Toyota roadside to tow it since the warranty still covers it. And now I gotta wait to see what’s going on. I did my research on google and a lot of people have the same problem going on with RAV4s.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2024, crash
A car pulled out right infront of me at an intersection, I hit their back drivers side rear with most of the front of my car. I was doing approximately 41-45 mph. No airbags were deployed and my SOS button didn't work nor did it call for help.
Structure, Apr 18, 2024
At less than 8000 miles on this brand new vehicle, the paint started chipping away all the way down to the metal under the paint on the front of the car… The dealership that I ordered from the manufacturer through stated it will probably start to rust and that I need to have someone repaint it… They tried to refer me to someone that they use for paintwork… And stated it will be at my expense; although I was forced to purchase Toyoguard Platinum and the clear paint cover protection packages/warranties. I have owned multiple of this make and model vehicle in the past and have never had an issue with the paint peeling off and chipping as it is on this brand new vehicle.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Apr 17, 2024
I was driving on a highway posted speed limit 75mph on a clear day with no precipitation and without cause, the panoramic sunroof above my head imploded with glass shattering down upon my head. I did not hit anything and nothing hit me. No rocks, no debris, no outside force caused this. The panoramic sunroof showed a crack around the seal where it meets the body of the car and it imploded and cracked (shattered) inward from this cracking.
Steering, Engine, Apr 13, 2024
I was sitting in line at a drive-thru with my wiper blades on the intermittent setting when suddenly the engine shut off and I got an error message that said “engine shut off steering power low”. The check engine light, battery, and steering light all came on. I turned the car off and then on again. It rumbled and then shut off again with the same message. I had to shift to neutral and push into a parking spot.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 13, 2024
Pre collision malfunction, RSA malfunction, LTA malfunction, Headlight malfunction. These warnings keep coming up showing the vehicle is not safe. Parts were ordered in February but are on back order. Might get by June. Vehicle has also rebooted the screens, tried to lane change, and failed to start once. To me this is a programming problem. This has been an on going problem for months now. The dealership claims that it is a wonky camera causing the problem.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2024, crash
A strong fuel odor was evident in the cabin, and also under the hood after operation. Vehicle use was low, approx. 6K miles from new. My wife reported this to the dealer service department. They said nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Approx. 2K miles later, I reported the same problem to the dealer. Service rep said vehicle was unsafe to drive due to over torqued and leaking fuel line. They repaired it for no charge. No fuel vapors now, but if this is a production quality issue that others have reported, only to be told nothing was wrong, I think a major fuel-combustion safety issue may be overlooked. I am submitting documentation. Also, I am concerned about health effects of sustained fuel vapor exposure over months of driving. My wife rear-ended a stopped vehicle, possibly due to cognitive impairment from fuel vapor exposure. No warning indicators were ever triggered. Thank you.