RoadVitals

2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
20
+2 complaints in 30 days
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.
3
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
20
Reports on file since Mar 9, 2026

What this page shows

Our database holds 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

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

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–20 of 20

Airbags
Filed Sep 20, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

On September 10th my wife and I were driving on IN-66 and a Corvette ran us off of the road. We went into a culvert, up and embankment and crashed into a tree and fence. Our speed was approximately 50 mph. Our front end was heavily damaged and our airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID
11765684
Incident
Sep 10, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, after pressing the resume button, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration, and accelerated to 88 MPH. The contact pressed the cancel button, but the cruise control failed to disengage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an inspection and determined that the vehicle was operating normally. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

NHTSA ID
11764058
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
Mileage
300 mi
Filed Aug 27, 2026

The sunglasses compartment spontaneously comes open repeatedly when the car is operating, dropping its contents on the driver and passengers

NHTSA ID
11760066
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Body & structureElectricalSuspension
Filed Aug 24, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

While driving my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (VIN [XXX], approximately 354 miles on the odometer), I was involved in a frontal collision. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data retrieved from the vehicle's Airbag Control Module via Bosch CDR tool confirms the following: The Pre-Collision System (PCS) On/Off switch was ON and the system reported "Enable" status (no fault/DTC) throughout the 5-second pre-crash window. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system status was recorded as "On, Non-Engaged" for the entire pre-crash window. The PCS-PBA Request Flag (which would indicate the system requested automatic brake assist) remained OFF for the entire pre-crash window — the system never requested autonomous braking. The PCS-ALM Request Flag (forward collision alert/warning) also remained OFF for the entire pre-crash window — no forward collision warning was issued to the driver at any point. No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) were present at the time of the event. All braking that occurred was driver-initiated: the EDR shows Service Brake changing from Off to On only 0.27 seconds before impact, with brake pedal position reaching 100% by the time of impact. The primary point of impact was recorded as Front (12 o'clock position), a squarely centered frontal impact — the type of scenario Toyota's own marketing materials describe the Pre-Collision System as designed to detect and respond to. The vehicle's Pre-Collision System and Automatic Emergency Braking — both active, switched on, and reporting no internal fault — did not provide any forward collision warning and did not request automatic braking at any point before this frontal impact occurred. This is the first-model-year rollout of Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 on the redesigned 2026 RAV4. I am filing this report to document this incident for NHTSA's records and to flag a potential pattern concern for this new-generation safety system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759205
Incident
Aug 3, 2026
Filed Aug 24, 2026

The sunglasses hatch is impaired which causes items to fall from the overhead, impairing the driver. This is a commonly reported issue amongst Internet forums and at the particular dealer I took it for repair. It is not easily repairable and if someone does not know about this issue, like me, it could cause it to fall on them and wreck when driving.

NHTSA ID
11759135
Incident
Aug 24, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 24, 2026

The dash warning "System malfunction/SRS Airbag/advance parking system malfunction" and all the lights lit up as we were on a road trip. it happened 3 times- each after we had been driving 5 hours or more, and each time after we had stopped the car and then got in to drive again. Safety of ourselves and others put at risk as we had NO safety features working as we drove with this warning. Visited 2 dealers on trip- Ramey Princeton Toyota, WV and Toms' River Gateway Toyota, NJ, They told us the part was: ADAS Module part 881C0-42061. Car is currently at dealer where we purchased it: Hendrick Toyota, Wilmington NC. Told the part is on back order and NO ETA for it to arrive.

NHTSA ID
11759020
Incident
Jul 31, 2026
Filed Aug 22, 2026

Sunglasses fell out of holder now it will not stay closed.

NHTSA ID
11758787
Incident
Aug 22, 2026
Airbags
Filed Aug 17, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

My wife and I were involved in a bad accident in [XXX] on XXX and the main point of impact was the front of the of the vehicle. A driver ran a red light and impacted with our suv. The front was taken off of the vehicle yet no airbags were deployed. The main fuse block is up front in the engine bay and it was damaged during the crash we were bruised up and hurting pretty badly after the crash, A system malfunction lamp illuminated immediately after the crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11757392
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Filed Aug 14, 2026

2 days after picking up my RAV4, I noticed a dimple in my rear hatch right (on the outside) above where it latches. I’ve had my car for a 3 months now. As time has gone on, the dimple has turned into a larger indention and has developed a significant crease. It’s getting worse.

NHTSA ID
11757054
Incident
Apr 10, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jul 23, 2026

The sunroof shattered unprovoked driving at highway speeds

NHTSA ID
11752375
Incident
Jul 21, 2026
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Jul 16, 2026

I am reporting two serious safety concerns involving my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. First, while I was making a normal left turn, the vehicle suddenly activated the automatic emergency braking system and came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the roadway. A vehicle ahead of me was also completing a left turn, and it appears that my RAV4 incorrectly detected an imminent collision. The unexpected braking created a significant accident hazard because a vehicle behind me could have rear-ended my vehicle. Second, the overhead sunglass holder does not remain securely closed. While driving, the holder opened unexpectedly and my glasses fell into the driver’s footwell near the brake pedal. The glasses interfered with my ability to operate the brake pedal safely, creating an additional risk of a crash. I reported these concerns to a Toyota dealership, but the dealership stated that it could not identify a problem with the emergency braking system. These issues are intermittent but present a serious safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the automatic emergency braking system and the defective overhead sunglass-holder latch on the 2026 Toyota RAV4.

NHTSA ID
11750922
Incident
Jun 27, 2026
Visibility
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The windshield on the vehicle has a weird distortion. The distortion is visible around the outline of an object with ///////////////// types of line around it. This gives a false moving sensation when viewing and causes eye strain. This distortion is visible on the whole windshield not just a part of it.

NHTSA ID
11749111
Incident
Feb 8, 2026
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 8, 2026

Parking Assistance malfunction as well as an SRS airbag malfunction. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety concern involving a new 2026 Toyota RAV4 that I purchased from an authorized Toyota dealership. Shortly after taking delivery of the vehicle, I began receiving multiple warning lights and error messages. Because I was concerned that a brand-new vehicle was experiencing these issues, I took it to my local Toyota dealership for diagnosis. According to the service department, the issues appear to be related to aftermarket parts installed on the vehicle. I was advised that aftermarket components can interfere with the vehicle's electronic systems and should not be installed. I informed the dealership that I have not installed, modified, or added any aftermarket parts or accessories since purchasing the vehicle. If the vehicle was sold to me with aftermarket components already installed, I believe this raises significant concerns about whether the vehicle was in the condition represented at the time of sale and whether those components could affect the safe operation of the vehicle. As a consumer, I had every expectation that a new vehicle would be delivered with factory-approved components unless otherwise disclosed. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether there are any safety implications and whether additional investigation is warranted. I am also requesting that this complaint be documented in the event similar complaints are reported involving other vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any additional documentation, including service records or diagnostic reports.

NHTSA ID
11749012
Incident
Jul 7, 2026
Filed Jul 3, 2026

The sunglasses holder suddenly popped open while driving, causing my sunglasses to fall out and me to swerve. This could have caused an accident. The sunglasses holder continues to pop open by itself, especially in hot weather or when hitting bumps in the road. I have already had the sunglasses holder replaced under warranty and the new part has the same issue. This is clearly a poor design and needs to be addressed through a recall before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA ID
11748146
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jun 8, 2026

As I was traveling on the highway, the sunglasses holder opened and my sunglasses fell out and impaired my vision. FORTUNATELY, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and the glasses did not fall to the floor and interfere with the gas or brake pedal operation. The sunglass holder latch does not operate properly and does not latch or stay closed. Called Toyota and was informed there were no other reports or TSP advisory, however encountered many similar incidents on. Reddit threads.

NHTSA ID
11742640
Incident
May 27, 2026
Filed May 21, 2026

While driving on the freeway, I heard a loud explosive sound and pulled over to inspect my car. I found the panoramic sunroof glass shattered, but there were no signs of impact or objects hitting the vehicle. Mike Calvert Toyota inspected the car and denied warranty coverage, claiming impact damage despite no evidence. They advised us to contact insurance, but we believe this is spontaneous shattering not our fault.

NHTSA ID
11739312
Incident
May 11, 2026
Driver assistanceSeat belts
Filed May 17, 2026

I report this issue because the malfunction may affect vehicle safety and I found many cars owner has shown this malfunction just like me on the toyota forums. The dashboard is showing a general “System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer” message along with several driver-assist warning icons. The illuminated symbols appear to relate to the car’s ADAS / safety systems (advanced driver assistance systems), including: Lane keeping / lane departure assist malfunction Pre collision system disabled Traction/Stability control malfunction Adaptive cruise control unavailable Blind spot or parking assist disabled Automatic high beam system malfunction Door / sensor icons problem The first time was happened on Apr 29 and all safety system was not working and the dash board screen got frozen. I brought my cars to dealer for 3 days but they couldn't find any problems. On May 15, it happened again. All safety system stopped operating and I brought car to dealer and after 2 days they still couldn't find the problem. My car is still at dealer until now.

NHTSA ID
11738368
Incident
May 15, 2026
Filed May 4, 2026

I was sitting in car, not moving. Heard loud pop. When parked checked and rear driver side triangle window was totally cracked with small hole - cracking/shattering on inside. Outer layer shows cracks (like spider web) but still has surface intact. Purchased this vehicle on 13 Feb 2026. Toyota thus far not assisting with repair.

NHTSA ID
11735616
Incident
May 4, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed May 1, 2026

While driving on a freeway at approximately 65–70 mph, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes without any apparent obstacle ahead. A warning message “LOOK AHEAD” appeared on the dashboard at the same time. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in front of my car that would justify emergency braking. This unexpected braking created a dangerous situation, as the vehicle behind me had to brake suddenly to avoid a rear-end collision. The incident posed a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. The issue appears to be related to the Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Warning system (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). The event occurred without prior warning signs. This problem has occurred once. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer. The condition may be reproducible under freeway driving conditions. Component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID
11735012
Incident
Apr 30, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Mar 9, 2026

Vehicle: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid Mileage at time of incident: 145 miles While driving on the highway with my family, I was passing a semi-truck when the vehicle suddenly and aggressively applied the brakes without any warning. The braking was strong enough that the vehicle shook violently and nearly caused me to lose control. This placed my family and surrounding drivers in immediate danger. The unintended braking occurred three times within approximately ten minutes while traveling at highway speed. At the time of the events I was focused on controlling the vehicle and avoiding a collision, so I was not able to check the dashboard immediately. After stopping and allowing the vehicle to sit for about an hour, I restarted the vehicle and multiple warning lights appeared along with a message stating “System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer.” The vehicle was purchased new and had only 145 miles on the odometer at the time of the incident. Because this involved sudden unintended braking at highway speed, I am reporting the issue as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID
11722993
Incident
Mar 7, 2026

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.

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