2023 Toyota Rav4

The rear fixed panoramic roof glass panel spontaneously shattered while driving on the highway at 70 mph with no external impact or road debris present. The shattering sounded like a gunshot. The sliding panel below the glass was closed at the time, but this could have been a major safety issue if it was open and glass shattered into the vehicle and hit the driver. The roof glass was inspected by the collision center and our insurance company covered it as a comprehensive claim with zero evidence of a collision or impact. There was no warnings prior to failure of the glass.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the dealer repeatedly delayed the repair due to parts availability issues. The dealer kept the vehicle for the duration due to the instrument panel failing. Once the parts had arrived and the repairs started, the dealer declined to complete the recall repair because the vehicle had accumulated too many miles. The failure mileage was 126,293.

My daughter was driving it on the interstate and I was the passenger. When she got up to 60MPH, the hood of the car began a slight vibration. When she got up to 70MPH, the hood began to flutter. As soon as possible, she exited the interstate so that I could be sure the hood was closed properly. It was, but it was still possible to press down on the hood. Though I've had the car two years, most of my driving is local with speed limits far below 60MP. The few times I've been on open highway, I can't see the hood seated in the driver's seat...I am short. I've found information on the Internet that this is a known issue with Rav4's in a certain year range. I have NOT been able to find out if it is only some Rav4's in those years or all models. I feel this is a safety issue....what is to keep the hood from flying open or OFF at highway speeds? Is the buyer expected to drive under 60MPH for the life of the vehicle? This defect WAS NOT disclosed when I purchased the car in 2024.

While in stop and go traffic during heavy rain, vehicle stalled and would not restart. After several attempts, it did restart but ran very rough. A couple days before, a red warning light came on for the steering system, also during a rain event.

Vehicle produces a plastic-sounding grinding noise from the brake area whenever the vehicle rolls over a rough or uneven road surface while braking. This has occurred since purchase of the vehicle and continues to occur as of current mileage (approximately 45,000 miles). The noise is distinct from normal brake pad wear squeal -- it sounds like a hard plastic component grinding or rattling, correlated specifically with braking over bumps/uneven pavement rather than constant or speed-dependent. The dealer has not yet inspected this specific complaint. Other owners of the same model year have filed similar NHTSA complaints describing brake grinding/squealing noise beginning well under 10,000 miles, with one referencing a technical service bulletin for brake noise on 2019-2023 model year vehicles of this make/model, suggesting this may be a widespread condition rather than an isolated defect.

Fuel gauge needle drops to empty when approximately one-quarter tank or more of fuel remains. First noticedXXX; the exact day is approximate (first noticed sometime in XXX). Dealer (Toyota of Gastonia, [XXX], phone [XXX]; repair order XXX dated XXX) diagnosed a suspected deformed fuel tank and faulty fuel level sender causing improper fuel level readings, and quoted $1,788.85 for tank removal, inspection, and tank assembly replacement. This is the same defect family Toyota acknowledged in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0109-20 and Customer Support Program 20TE04 (fuel tank shape variation causing the fuel sender gauge to read incorrectly) for 2019-2021 RAV4 Hybrids. The vehicle is a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid exhibiting the same failure. Inaccurate fuel level readings prevent the driver from knowing the actual fuel remaining, creating a risk of unexpected fuel exhaustion and stalling. Dealer has submitted a coverage request to Toyota; no resolution yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. System Failure & Availability: Vehicle's automated driver-assist (Lane Tracing/Keeping Assist) and steering modules failed. The vehicle is intact and available for inspection under a strict spoliation hold at an independent facility. 2. Safety Risk & Injuries: On a curve at ~50 mph, the automated steering suffered a violent uncommanded intervention, overrode human control, and jerked the wheel out of the driver's hands, causing a head-on collision with a tree. Injuries required immediate ambulance transport. Diagnoses include a concussion, a severe large left leg hematoma with extreme swelling, open wounds, and deep tissue trauma causing foot numbness. This required a secondary ER return and an active orthopedic referral from a specialized Wound Care Center. 3. Problem Reproduction: The vehicle was rendered a total loss and is non-operational, preventing physical test-driving. The defect is expected to be confirmed forensically via electronic diagnostics. Onboard modules contain recorded Pre-Crash Steering Torque Discrepancies and Vehicle Control History (VCH) metrics showing the automation overrode manual input. 4. Inspections Conducted: The manufacturer's corporate liability division opened an accident investigation. A signed Imaging Authorization form is executed; corporate technicians have contacted the driver to finalize the date to download Event Data Recorder (EDR) logs at the yard. The auto insurer explicitly refused to inspect the vehicle or download data, citing a 4-month policy lapse. 5. Prior Warning Symptoms: No dashboard warning indicators occurred immediately preceding the crash. Intermittently, vehicle logs from April 2025 show an electronic control malfunction alert and master warning directing a dealership visit for safety module failure. Manufacturing data confirms a known defect loop where lane-assist features toggle back on automatically, overriding active driver deactivation.

The exterior plastic parts on this 2023 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium are warping, bubbling, and melting. It began with both side mirror covers (left and right). Later, the black plastic trim panels alongside the rear windows (rear pillar trim) began failing the same way. The damage is on different parts, on different sides of the vehicle, and appeared at different times. All affected parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. The manufacturer claims the cause is "solar convergence" or "outside influence" — sunlight reflecting off a window. This does not hold up. Sunlight is not selective. It cannot single out only certain black plastic pieces and melt them while leaving the paint, glass, and every surrounding surface undamaged. If concentrated sunlight were really hitting these areas, the nearby surfaces would be damaged too — and they are not. The only thing the failed parts share is the type of plastic they are made from. That points to poor-quality material that cannot handle normal sun and heat, not to an outside cause. I first reported this to a Toyota dealership while the vehicle was still under warranty. The dealership took photographs and sent them to the manufacturer's regional representatives. The claim was denied based on those photos alone. No one physically inspected the vehicle, and no one ever identified the specific window or surface supposedly responsible. A denial based on an unverified theory, with no inspection, is not a credible finding of the cause. This is a known, recurring problem reported by many RAV4 owners across multiple model years, including in mild climates — the mark of a material defect. There were no warning lights. This is a gradual physical failure that has worsened over months. I have not had a crash, fire, or injury from it. Safety: the side mirror covers are part of the exterior mirrors used for visibility and blind-spot checks; continued degradation could affect mirror function, which is a safety risk.

The "failed or malfunctioning" system is the JBL infotainment system software, and it is available for inspection upon request. The safety of others and my own safety was compromised by the system's natural but inconsistent tendency to often default to the Toyota "Experience Drive Connect" advertisement screen rather than immediately resuming apple CarPlay or android auto. The reason this is a safety concern is because attention is taken away from the road to click the CarPlay/android auto button on screen to resume navigation, causing a risk of diverted attention and potentially collisions. The problem is easily reproduced by the vehicle owner, it has not been brought to the attention of a dealer or service center. The vehicle/component for this specific issue has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or others. No other symptoms.

The rotating mechanism does not allow the seat to lock properly.

The backup camera display only works intermittently. About 75% of the time the screen is blank when I put it into reverse

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Destination LE2, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: [XXX]. The contact stated that while driving on [XXX], the red light illuminated and there was an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact pulled over at the exit and became aware that the outside circumference of the tire was shredded on the driver’s side rear tire. The tread was in good working order. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about rebates on the tires. The tire and failure mileage was approximately 58,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Front forward camera unavailable, World wide shortage of part. No known date of supply.

The vehicle experienced a sudden, severe loss of vehicle control while driving twice. Without any warning lights, dash indicators, or stored error codes, it began violently surging and decelerating uncontrollably around 20 mph with severe bucking. My [XXX] daughter was driving. Fortunately, this occurred on a quiet local residential road at 5 am; had this sudden failure occurred at highway speeds, it would have resulted in a catastrophic rear-end collision. The vehicle was purchased in May 2023, has 42k miles, and was used normally for school commuting. Incident 1 (XXX): Towed to Toyota. Techs could not diagnose it and opened a Tech Case. Per instructions, dealer replaced shifter assembly due to internal short (Part 33560-0R070). However, within 24 hours of return, the exact same dangerous failure reoccurred suddenly without warning in mild traffic. Experiencing an uncontrollable vehicle was terrifying. Fortunately no crash occurred, but it was towed back immediately. When I raised urgent safety concerns and sought a permanent resolution, Toyota stated it takes 60 days for review. During this period, if the dealer requests loaner return, I must return it immediately. They further stated that as soon as the dealer declares the vehicle "ready for pickup," I must retrieve it immediately or be charged daily storage fees. When I asked how the dealer could diagnose and repair the car entirely on their own—without Toyota Corporate engineering instructions while Toyota is supposedly still investigating the root cause—Toyota had no logical answer. When I asked who assumes legal and safety responsibility if another failure or accident occurs after pickup, Toyota Executive Offices explicitly stated "no one" assumes responsibility. No reasonable consumer would drive an unresolved, life-threatening defect under an explicit disclaimer of safety accountability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Description of the Defect:I am reporting a premature and dangerous failure of the electronic door lock actuators on my 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE. The issue began with the driver’s door lock intermittently failing to respond to the key fob and the internal master switch. Shortly after, the rear passenger door developed the exact same failure. Both doors can now only be operated strictly by manual intervention. The vehicle currently has over 36,000 miles, meaning this safety-critical component failed immediately after the expiration of the manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty.Safety Risk:This component defect poses a severe safety hazard. In the event of a severe crash, electrical failure, or fire, passengers (especially children or occupants in the rear seats) face a high risk of entrapment, as the doors cannot be unlocked electronically for a quick evacuation. Furthermore, because the doors fail to lock automatically while driving, the occupants are left vulnerable to carjacking or external intrusion at intersections, and the doors could potentially be forced open by a child pulling the lever while the vehicle is in motion. This is a well-documented systemic issue across Toyota's 5th generation RAV4 platform, and a safety recall is urgently needed

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal bang coming from the vehicle, and the rear glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the damage was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 57,079.

On August 6 2026, my RAV4 just cut off at the traffic light. The car was completely dead. I was unable to unlock the trunk but the doors did open. The vehicle was towed to the local dealership. The tow truck man hooked up his portable car charger and the car started. On August 8, 2026 the car cut off after parking in a parking space and would not start so I had to get a jump off. After driving for approximately 50 miles to home, I got a low voltage warning and a statement the battery is charging. The local Toyota dealership did a diagnostic test on August 11, 2026 and stated the battery, starter, and alternator were okay. The same thing happened again on August 12, 2026. The car just cut off after stopping in the parking lot. After getting a jump off, I received a message that the battery is charging. Also, the car shifts speed while driving.

Driving South on [XXX] and almost to [XXX] about 60 MPH. The rubber roof drip moldings released and starting flying against my car very hard, this was beyond scary. I had to pull over and try to tuck them in, they are so worn and keep scratching my car from hitting it and could possibly break window or fly off damaging another vehicle. These rubber moldings have flown all over the place ever since I got vehicle in 2023, I have continually tried to glue them in they won't stay. There is one on each side and their both loose, I keep pushing back in but won't stay. They have scratched my paint and trim so badly. I called and reported to Toyota they didn't care. They told me you shouldn't run vehicle through car wash, that was a very dumb response, everyone uses car washes. I don't have time to hand wash my vehicle weekly, this should be made to go through a car wash. This is my company vehicle and its the most dangerous vehicle I've ever driven, I'm working in it all day long. I would never buy this vehicle because of this issue, I don't feel safe. Everyone at my company that has this vehicle has the same problem. We purchase all our fleet cars from Toyota and are a huge company Nationwide, Old Dominion Freight Line. This is a major hazard and I'm asking you publish a recall immediately, Toyota needs to fix this dangerous issue and should not sell a vehicle like this. Please I'm asking for your help, thanks so much. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While making a left turn in my 2026 Toyota RAV4, the vehicle's Automatic Emergency Braking / Pre-Collision System suddenly activated without cause. The system sounded an audible warning beep and forced the vehicle to brake and come to a hard stop mid-turn. There was nothing in front of me that should have triggered the system. This put my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. The forced stop occurred suddenly and unexpectedly while turning, which nearly caused an accident, as vehicles behind me had no warning that I would suddenly brake mid-turn. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the incident — the false activation occurred suddenly with no prior symptoms. I have dashcam footage of the incident attached below.

Hello Respected Sir/Madam, I am the owner of a 2023 Toyota RAV4. I discovered a visible hairline crack in the windshield that originated from the lower left corner on the passenger side. The crack measured approximately 6 inches when I first noticed it in the morning and grew to approximately 12 inches by the afternoon. The windshield was not impacted by a rock, road debris, or any other object, and the vehicle was not involved in an accident. There were no visible chips or signs of external damage at the point where the crack originated. The crack appeared to develop spontaneously and continued to spread on its own. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned that the windshield may have a manufacturing or installation defect that could affect visibility and vehicle safety. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)