RoadVitals

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Sep 14, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 2, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 168 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance316.7%
  • Electrical316.7%
  • Body & structure211.1%
  • Brakes211.1%
  • Visibility211.1%
  • Fuel system15.6%
  • Interior & seats15.6%
  • Other / unspecified15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

May 2, 2017
409 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc.Manufacturer number 17R2View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Sep 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the vehicle was being charged, the battery intermittently failed to charge. As a result, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated but turned off after the battery was on charge mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined, and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be driven more often. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11544590
Incident
Sep 14, 2023
Mileage
41,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 3, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he attempted to avoid a rock but was unsuccessful. The contact stated that rock struck the fuel neck and caused a substantial fuel leak, 13/8 hose was unprotected and cut. A fellow motorist alerted the contact of the failure. The contact inspected the vehicle and found the leak. The contact temporarily fixed the leak and drove to the residence. The contact ordered a new filler neck and repaired the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer recommended that the contact take the vehicle to an authorized local dealer for inspection. The vehicle was inspected by a service dealer. The vehicle was repaired by owner. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11419467
Incident
May 31, 2021
Mileage
40,000 mi
Driver assistanceSeat belts
Filed May 8, 2019

LDA AUDIO WARNING TOO LOW TO BE HEARD WHEN DRIVING I SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE LOOKING AT A SCREEN INSTEAD OF THE ROAD. SEAT BELT WARNING NOT AUDIBLE

NHTSA ID
11206177
Incident
May 6, 2019
Mileage
41,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Feb 22, 2019

2017 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED BRAKING WHILE CAR IS IN CRUISE CONTROL. *LD *TR

NHTSA ID
11175470
Incident
Dec 17, 2018
Filed Jan 30, 2019

JAN 29, 4:45PM, EVERETT WA. SHORTLY AFTER MERGING ONTO SOUTHBOUND I-5 FROM 526 THERE WAS A SINGLE LOUD EXPLODING NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF GLASS PIECES. THE SHADE GUARD WAS CLOSED. OPENING SHADE GUARD SHOWED THAT SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED LEAVING JAGGED GLASS AROUND THE EDGE TILTING UPWARDS. VEHICLE SPEED ABOUT 55MPH. WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND ABOUT 40 DEGREES.

NHTSA ID
11173169
Incident
Jan 29, 2019
Mileage
42,800 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Oct 9, 2018

RE.: PREMATURE FAILURE OF 2017 TOYOTA RAV-4 SE HYBRID 4-WD ALUMINUM WHEEL. ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 2018, WHILE DRIVING EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 70 AT AROUND 10:25 A.M., THE LEFT REAR WHEEL FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY ON MY WIFE'S 2018 TOYOTA RAV-4 SE HYBRID. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE, MY 13-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, AND MY 9-YEAR OLD SON WHEN WE WERE STARTLED BY A LOUD BOOM, WHICH SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT I HAD RAN OVER SOMETHING, BUT QUICKLY RULED THAT OUT BECAUSE WITHIN SECONDS I COULD FEEL THE VEHICLE'S REAR END MAKING LOUD NOISES AND VIBRATED STRONGLY. I KNEW THEN THAT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. WE WERE GOING ABOUT 65MPH AND TRAVELING EAST ON THE FAR LEFT HAND OF A 4-LANE HIGHWAY. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE, I TOOK THE DAMAGED TIRE OUT TO INSPECT IT. I WAS TRYING TO SEE WHAT HAD CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. BUT AS I WAS INSPECTING THE TIRE I THEN NOTICED THE FRACTURED AREA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ALUMINUM WHEEL. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM MY PICTURES, THE INNER AND OUTER ALUMINUM WHEEL BEADS HAS NO SIGN OF DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, I COULD NOT DETECT ANY PUNCTURE HOLE IN AND AROUND THE RUBBER TIRE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE METAL FRACTURES. I WANT TO ALERT YOU TO THE POTENTIAL ALUMINUM WHEEL DEFECT THAT MAY EXIST IN MY OTHER THREE FACTORY SUPPLIED WHEELS, AS WELL AS OTHER RAV-4 THAT HAVE THE SAME SE WHEELS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. I HOPE THAT NHTSA WILL REVIEW THE EVIDENCE I HAVE PROVIDED AND BEGIN A FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DANGEROUS WHEEL DEFECT. I WILL KEEP THE DAMAGED WHEEL AND WILL NOT ALLOW TOYOTA OR BOMMARITO TO TAKE POSSESSION OF MY DAMAGED ALUMINUM WHEEL UNTIL I HAVE RECEIVED FURTHER INSTRUCTION FROM YOUR OFFICE. (SEE ATTACHED PDF FOR ADDITIONAL VEHICLE INFO)

NHTSA ID
11139134
Incident
Oct 7, 2018
Mileage
9,425 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Aug 17, 2018
1 injury reported

PURCHASED 02/13/17. MAR VA TO FL, SEAT HEATER ON, NOTICED HOT SMELL SEAT GOT EXTREMELY HOT, TURNED IT OFF, TAKES 10-15 MINS TO COOL DOWN WHILE IN SEAT. DAY 2 OF TRIP, HAPPENED AGAIN. STOPPED AT REST AREA, JEANS STUCK TO LEG, EXAM SHOWED RED POPPED BLISTER ON UPPER RIGHT LEG, EXTREMELY PAINFUL. APPLIED BURN CREAM AND BANDAID. DROVE TO FRIENDS, SITTING ON LEFT CHEEK. TOOK PICS, WENT TO URGENT CARE. DIAGNOSIS 2ND DEGREE BURN. 3/23 DEALER INSPECTED SEAT HEATER, STATED IT'S DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF AT 107 BUT WOULD PUT IN SYSTEM INCASE IT HAPPENED AGAIN, DIAGNOSED OPERATING AS DESIGNED. IN MAR CORPORATE OPENED 1ST CASE. BURNED 5 MORE TIMES, LAST ON 3/19/18, VEHICLE TO DEALER EACH TIME, ALWAYS DIAGNOSED "OPERATING AS DESIGNED". ONE TECH CHECKED TEMP WITH 3 DIFFERENT GUNS, HIGHEST TEMP WAS 111 OTHER GUNS WITHIN 3 DEGREES. ONE DEALERS SERVICE WRITER SUGGESTED THEY DISCONNECT IT TO ENSURE NO MORE BURNS. HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES, THAT WHILE DRIVING ARE EASED WITH THE HEAT FROM THE SEAT. ON 6/15 AND 7/12 18, VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO DRIVER'S SEAT GETTING EXTREMELY HOT, SHUT DOWN AND NOT OPERABLE FOR 3 HOURS, THO THE PASSENGER SEAT WORKED. REPORTED ISSUES TO MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED ANOTHER CASE NUMBER. JUST FOUND OUT BOTH HAVE BEEN CLOSED. 7 TIMES TO DEALER FOR NAV/RADIO PROBLEMS, 2 CASES, STOPPED WORKING BLACK SCREEN, SYSTEM FREEZING UP, TAKES 5-7 MINS CALCULATING DIRECTIONS, NOT RECOGNIZE ROADS DRVING ON, USE CELL PHONE AS GPS. SOME SERVICE WRITERS DON'T WRITE ALL CONCERNS ON REPAIR ORDER, REPEATED BLOWN FUSES, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR SLAMS ON BRAKES, CRUISE SLOWS THO CAR AHEAD IS IN OTHER LANE. CODES SINCE PURCHASE, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH BCM-3 TIMES, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH NAV CONTROL MODULE ONCE, LOST COMMUNICATION WITH BCM MODULE B-ONCE, PRE COLLISION SYS-TWICE, 1 ROUGH IDLLE. DEALER NEVER TOLD ABOUT CODES, ALWAYS "SYSTEM OPERATING AS DESIGNED".

NHTSA ID
11120657
Incident
Mar 13, 2017
Mileage
1,123 mi
Visibility
Filed Apr 16, 2018

THE WIPERS DO NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER, THE WIPERS ARE STUCK EVEN WITH A CLEAN WINDSHIELD

NHTSA ID
11088492
Incident
Apr 16, 2018
Mileage
4,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0119-15 Rev2

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

T-SB-0009-26

ENGINE

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

T-SB-0058-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110036.9
2025520
2024120
2023710
2022521
2021221146.1
2020135149.2
2019223157.7
2018150142.3
2017Viewing141147.7
2016000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.