2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Driver assistance Problems

I have owned my RAV4 Hybrid for 3 months and have never felt safe to drive it. There seems to be some brake and stability control issues. On October 25, 2026, as I was driving on a wet road and turning a corner, the car slid and lost control, causing the side to slide against a cement wall on the freeway. This cause wheel damage to the vehicle. This is the not first time this car has felt unsteady while driving. I owned a previous 2024 RAV4 with no issues. I am suffer from anxiety and now PTSD and do not want to drive this car. I have an appointment with the dealership on October 30, 2026 for a check up.

NHTSA ID

11774544

Incident

Oct 25, 2026

Approximately 6 weeks ago I was driving on the Garden State Parkway North in the middle lane at about 65mph when the car just stopped. A voice came over the car speaker asking if I had a problem. I was panicked for fear I would be rear ended so rather than talk to the person I tried to restart the car. This took maybe 15 seconds after which I continued driving home. Fortunately, the cars behind me were able to stop in time. I brought the car into my dealer's service dept. a couple of days later. They could not offer any explanation or advice. This past Friday I heard that the 2026 plug in RAV 4 is being recalled for a similar situation. I am thus further convinced that there is a problem that needs to be addressed with this car. Currently my wife will only drive in this car on local trips off of major highways.

NHTSA ID

11772167

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

While I was pulling into a parking spot at Aldi’s grocery store, another car was also parking in the slot right in front of my car. There was no danger at all, yet my 2026 Toyota RAV4 emergency braking system stopped my car and totally locked up the brakes. The engine and EV system was running, and I could shift to any gear, the wheels were so locked the car tried to move but couldn’t forward or backwards. I tried back and forth, finally turned off and car restarted. Same result about 5 times. Finally the wheels unlocked and I was able to drive. If this happened on an expressway or busy road, I feel my life would be in danger. The dealer couldn’t duplicate the problem next day, but was able to disable the emergency braking.

NHTSA ID

11772148

Incident

Oct 18, 2026

While driving today, I was at a stop light waiting to turn left. There was a car in front of me at their designated light waiting to turn right. When light turned green, the rav 4 registered the car turning as a potential accident and slammed the safety breaks while we turned left. RAV4 went in full stop in the middle of the turning street. Thankfully a car was not behind us or that could’ve caused an accident. The sensors seem to be too sensitive.

NHTSA ID

11771970

Incident

Oct 18, 2026

My 2026 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD suddenly applied the brakes and shifted into neutral while I was making a protected left turn on a green arrow. An oncoming vehicle was also turning left on a green arrow into its nearest lane, so our paths should not have crossed. The unexpected intervention was dangerous and could have caused a collision. I am concerned the Pre-Collision System incorrectly detected an imminent collision. I would like NHTSA to investigate whether this is a recurring safety issue with the 2026 RAV4.

NHTSA ID

11771871

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking – 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited While driving straight, I approached a vehicle near the exit of a residential complex. The other vehicle was not pulling out or entering my lane, and there was no apparent risk of collision. My RAV4 unexpectedly applied the brakes very hard, causing significant deceleration. I believe the red “BRAKE!” warning appeared on the dashboard along with an audible alert. I did not initiate the braking, and the other vehicle did not enter my path. Concern: Possible false activation of the Pre-Collision System (PCS).

NHTSA ID

11770603

Incident

Oct 11, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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