2021 Toyota RAV4 Driver assistance Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle aggressively accelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11752373

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

My Toyota hybrid AWD vehicle experienced corrosion of the rear traction motor cable, which Toyota has acknowledged in Service Campaign 25TD01. This corrosion affects the electrical connection to the rear drive motor and can result in loss of AWD propulsion capability. Loss of rear-wheel propulsion significantly reduces traction and stability, particularly in snow, ice, and wet conditions. Drivers may believe the vehicle still has AWD capability when in fact the rear drive system is compromised. In addition, the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system repeatedly turned off unexpectedly while driving and displayed “unavailable” warnings. These malfunctions occurred alongside the electrical issues related to the rear traction motor cable corrosion, suggesting the defect may affect multiple vehicle systems. Toyota has acknowledged this defect through Service Campaign 25TD01 but has not issued a safety recall. Given the potential for loss of propulsion and malfunction of driver-assistance systems, this issue should be investigated as a safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11723795

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

My wife was pulling her car into a parking area consisting of a few small storefronts. When pulling in, the brakes completely failed as did the forward collision warning system and the automatic emergency braking system. As she continued to press the brake pedal it just went to the floor of the car. The end result was that the car struck one of the storefronts causing damage to the building as well as her car. Fortunately the store was closed at the time and no one was injured, nor was she. There were not any warning lamps or messages prior to the brakes failing. The brakes worked fine in the approx. 15 minute drive prior to the accident. I realize that drivers sometimes press the accelerator in error instead of the brakes and I can assure you that this was not the case (we wife is not elderly and is a very safe driver). We spoke to the auto body shop who will be repairing the car and they told us that the brakes currently seem to work. A online search revealed that this problem as been reported / discussed by others in the past. We expect to have the car repaired and returned to us in the next week but are very concerned with driving it as another accident could be fatal.

NHTSA ID

11711075

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

I was involved in an accident on the interstate traveling at about 80 mph and I hit a guard rail. I swerved, and then the lane assistance kicked in and made me lose control of the car completely, which is how I slammed into the guard rail. In that process, none of the airbags deployed and I had a passenger in the car.

NHTSA ID

11700985

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

I have a carbon monoxide leak going on since I bought this vehicle. I have been complaining about noises I have been hearing from the drive train and got a diagnosis from the same dealer with well over 1k worth of work. This has caused me a lot of lost money since I have been from dr to dr and back and forth with the dealership and now I tested for carbon monoxide and it’s leaking into my vehicle the dealer keeps telling me it’s fine it need a tune up or evap system clean. I am not able to drive this car safely and I have permanent brain damages from the carbon monoxide gas

NHTSA ID

11688113

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

Coolant bypass valve problem with several rav4s. My car is unusable and I need it to work.

NHTSA ID

11672368

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

The High voltage floor underwire harness and rear traction motor cable corroded. This caused many if the vehicles sensors to fail completely including the tire pressure monitor system, adaptive cruise, collision avoidance, and more. Toyota is aware of this problem and attempted to do a silent warranty extension. This is a safety hazard and all of the known vehicles affected should be recalled!

NHTSA ID

11658737

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

Cruise control suddenly quit working, alarms for hybrid system malfunction, cruise control malfunction. This is a known issue for Toyota, high voltage leaking out because of a corroded ground. This repair is going to cost around $7,000 out of pocket.. My car is 3 years old.

NHTSA ID

11597374

Incident

Jun 27, 2024

On February 14, 2024, I was driving to pick up a friend who needed a ride to an appointment. I had the lane correction feature on while I was driving on the interstate. When I exited the interstate, I traveled on a two-lane road that becomes narrow as it travels along a downhill slope. This road has a steep ravine on the right side of the road caused by rainwater runoff. There are reflector signs cemented into the road along the steep drop off. Because there was no oncoming traffic, I crossed the center line avoiding getting too close to the edge. When I did so, the lane correction feature activated, pulling the car hard into the signs along the road. As a result, the entire right side of the car received extensive damage. I was fortunate not to have lost control of the vehicle and gone through the signs into the ditch. My first reaction was to think that I had lost a wheel or had a tire blow out for the car to have jerked so hard to the right. When I stopped, I saw that this was not the case. I have since read that there have been many instances where the auto lane correction has caused other accidents like mine, some of which have been more severe. It is unfortunate that I have the inconvenience of getting the damages fixed and an accident being reflected in my insurance as a result. However, I feel fortunate that I was driving the car and not one of my children who may have lost control. I am glad the signs were securely installed to keep me from rolling into the ditch. I feel most blessed that nobody was injured. What if I had swerved to avoid a person walking on the road instead of the signs posted there? There was not a police report taken on this accident. It was reported to the dealer and insurance company who referred me to Caliber Collision for repairs where it is currently. There were no warning lights prior to the incident.

NHTSA ID

11577218

Incident

Feb 14, 2024

On Nov 05, at approximately 11:10pm, I was driving my RAV4 on Alafaya Trail, Orange County, Orlando. While approaching the traffic signal which had turned red, despite multiple attempts to engage the brakes, the vehicle continued moving, ultimately leading to the collision with the traffic turning left at the signal (coming from her right). The impact of the collision resulted in significant damage to the RAV4, and unfortunately, the airbags did not deploy as they should have. As a result, I hit my face on the steering wheel, and then hit the head on the left window when a second vehicle hit my RAV4 on the passenger side. The complete failure of airbag deployment has raised serious safety concerns for me. As of 28th November, I have been informed by our insurance company that the vehicle cannot be repaired and has been totaled. Our insurance company GEICO has been requested to hold on to the vehicle for necessary investigations.

NHTSA ID

11557504

Incident

Nov 5, 2023

I was on highway 41 going around 40mph when my car out of nowhere slammed on the breaks ( the pre collision censor ) I believe is what caused it. About 10 mins prior to the incident when I was backing out of the gas station it braked (abruptly with noise) even though nothing was in the way or approaching my vehicle. I would say that I was stuck in the car for about 5 mins before I could get it to start driving again. The electrical flashed and shut off right when the car braked. I did have my two dogs in the backseat and thankfully no one was harmed.

NHTSA ID

11542448

Incident

Aug 11, 2023

While waiting at a red light with my car stationary, the lane I occupied divided into two. I gently adjusted my steering wheel to the left, and in an unexpected turn of events, a dashboard indicator illuminated before my steering wheel rapidly veered to the right. This abrupt motion resulted in a collision with another vehicle, causing damage to both cars. Despite my attempts to avert the situation, my right thumb became trapped in the wheel, leading to a fracture. Shortly after the accident, the dashboard and multimedia system displayed multiple malfunctions: a VSC, TRAC, or Hill Start Assist Control system malfunction, a rear cross traffic alert malfunction, LTA malfunction, and a PKSB malfunction, all prompting a visit to the dealer. Upon contacting Toyota, they offered no assistance, asserting that the incident occurred at an approximate speed of 22 miles per hour due to data from the EDR. However, this contradicted the facts as my vehicle was stationary at a red light. The explanations provided by Toyota's representative, Alexis Turner, appeared inconsistent with the circumstances.

NHTSA ID

11538176

Incident

May 31, 2023

I was in a bad car accident last Wednesday July 26, 2023 It was very scary and Bizarre; My car accelerated (started racing)and when I stepped on brake, it accelerated more. I saw a message flash up on my GPS screen but obviously couldn't read it as I was trying to stop my car. The Auto brakes didn’t work, I crashed into a tree; air bags didn’t deploy and I got this message ("CHECK ENGINE! A MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE ENGINE,THROTTLE, OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DETECTED.CONTACT YOUR TOYOTA DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED." (See attached). Luckily I was in an almost empty parking lot when this happened, if not i could have been killed or killed someone else. All the safety back ups failed. I took a picture of the message-will attach it to this report. I was taken to Huntington Hospital ER and had a cat scan to make Sure my sternum and ribs aren’t broken-showed Soft tissue abdominal swelling and bruised sternum and ribs from my seat belt. Pain to chest, ribs an right side. I believe my car is totaled Just had it inspected and serviced a few weeks ago at the Toyota dealership where I purchased it and it only has 10,000 miles on it! I am Fighting with insurance company to make sure the car's computer is interrogated before they do anything else.-The insurance company was pressuring me to release the car to Copart without this being done and I refused. My car was towed to and remains at Combined Auto Collision 4035 Jericho Tpk, East Northport, NY. This incident could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome and loss of life. Aa investigation needs to be taken to insure this does not happen to anyone else. Thank you for your kind assistance The consumer stated that the dealer identified the problem being that the water drainage pillars short out the electrical system.

NHTSA ID

11535677

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

Driving with cruise control on, on a 2 lane road with a left turn lane. Approx 40MPH. Vehicle ahead of me by 4-5 car lengths got into left lane. When I has about 10 feet from him my brakes automatically slammed on, he was in his lane, I was in my lane. This has happened 4-5 times since I've had the veh. I now stay aware that this might happen and stay ready to cancel the cruise. This could be very dangerous if someone was right behind me. Dealer test drove and ran scan no problem found. Which as expected, if it doesn't happen when they test drive there's not a lot they can do. I understand this.

NHTSA ID

11529084

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

While traveling on highway with adaptive cruise control engaged and maximum following distance selected, adaptive cruise control applies excessive braking force than necessary when vehicle in front exits highway. Safety concern because following vehicles must abruptly apply brakes. Internet search reveals numerous, similar complaints. We were almost rear-ended on the highway. This feature is great, but needs attention for safety reasons.

NHTSA ID

11525040

Incident

May 23, 2023

While traveling on highway with adaptive cruise control engaged and maximum following distance selected, adaptive cruise control applies excessive braking force than necessary when vehicle in front exits highway. Safety concern because following vehicles must abruptly apply brakes. Dealership or police have not inspected vehicle. No visual or audio warnings. Internet search reveals numerous, similar complaints.

NHTSA ID

11518515

Incident

Apr 22, 2023

While accelerating ~6ft from a complete stop, a minor collision occurred affecting the front right headlight. The air-bags did not activate and the engine compartment was immediately on fire. Within ~1minute, the fire had spread to and completely engulfed the passenger compartment. The contents were immediately destroyed. The speed with which the fire spread through the vehicle was a significant risk to my life and the motorists around me. There were no warning lights on the dashboard prior to the incident, and the car had never before experienced an accident. Witnesses and firefighters estimated that any fire barrier between the engine and passenger compartments had failed, and that a fire of that severity from such a minor accident indicated some fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was an immediate total loss as inspected by our insurer.

NHTSA ID

11515666

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

While driving to friends house, the collision warning popped on screen 1 or 2x but no vehicle was close to front of the car. When I turned into driveway and pulled onto yard to park the collision warning went off and red screen flased and I tried to brake but brakes would not depress. The car suddenly lurched forward quickly and I tried to steer away but it slammed into a line of cars with great force. I crashed into the parked car in front of me with such force it pushed a line of 4 cars. I had mild issues after crash: Whiplash, neck pain, head pain, and soreness. The RAV-4 had passed inspection with the dealer with no issues, The car had less than 15K miles driven. The collision warning lights seemed to start to have issues the day of the crash; approximately 15 min before the crash. Post-note for 3/27/2023 - we picked up from the collision repair and the car and the collision control was still flashing in error - and will be taken back to Toyota dealer on 3/28/2023 to have them read the computer. Other similar incidents have been reported for 2021 RAV-4 - and a similar recall went out for Toyota Prius we found after the crash.

NHTSA ID

11514109

Incident

Feb 25, 2023

The contact owned a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving 65 mph and attempting to merge into the next lane, he was depressing on the brake pedal but it began to accelerate independently, and lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated he crashed into a concrete shoulder off the road, bounced off the concert shoulder, and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did deploy. The contact stated the brake malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained injuries on his left shoulder left neck and right hip area. The contact sought medical attention for his injuries. The contact stated that 6 additional people from the other vehicle also sustained injuries but was unaware if they sought any medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to his residence and then to a collision center. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,322. The consumer stated his dispute is what the Event Data Recorder (EDR) indicated on May 15, 2022 prior to impact of the collision, the EDR was incorrect. He was trying to stop and slow the vehicle down, but there was in increase in acceleration.

NHTSA ID

11470874

Incident

May 15, 2022

Mileage

13,322 mi

I have reported this issue to Brunswick Toyota Service Advisors twice. The lane keep assist will pull and yank all over the lane. This is an SUV and it is a very scary experience feeling a taller vehicle make quick adjustments and almost feel as if the steering wheel is going to be yanked out of your hands. This will happen at all speeds cruise control and lane keep are active.Both times the Service Advisors advised me that I should just turn it off because that is what most people do. I did not buy a car with this feature to turn it off. The 2nd time I was advised I would be contacted by someone to schedule an appointment to have it looked at, no one ever contacted me. There are multiple reports of other people experiencing the same sharp adjustments and unable to keep in it's lane and this needs to be investigated. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11465308

Incident

May 19, 2022

Does not maintain cruse control speed that I set when traffic becomes heavier around the car for example….cruise control stops working and car slows down as vehicles are passing my car, or are driving in front of me or in back of me. It does not like traffic near by. If there’s no traffic it works and maintains the set speed.

NHTSA ID

11461952

Incident

Jun 5, 2020

On Monday, March 21, 2022, at about 11:40 AM CT, I was at the Walgreens pharmacy drive-thru window. I used the brake-hold feature on the vehicle. I did not have my feet on any pedals or the steering wheel. I did not get any notifications, warnings, alerts, or beeps from the vehicle prior to the incident. As I reached my arm out to get my medications and payment from the pharmacy window, the vehicle sped off (accelerated) at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was on break-hold and I did not touch anything. I was able to bring my arm inside and stop the vehicle and put it into the park position. I then put it into reverse and returned to get my medications. When I went to put it back into drive, the brake-hold indicator was still on and so I pressed the button to disable it. I drove the vehicle home and parked it. The vehicle did not roll forward. The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and my arm was sore afterward. Luckily, there was no one in front of me at the time of the incident. The pharmacy technician stated, "That was close!" The next day, I took the vehicle into service at the Toyota dealership in which the vehicle was purchased. I explained to them about the similar incidents reported I had found online and the outcomes. They kept the vehicle all day, only to get the same response as the previous complainant; they did not find anything wrong. The technician stated if any warning lights turn on to bring it in right away. He stated that it would have given you(me) the warning to keep the brake-hold on, otherwise, the e-brake would have engaged. I asked him, so how do you explain how it took off full speed ahead if it was supposed to stop, not accelerate? I am very afraid of how the vehicle accelerated during this incident. When I got the vehicle back I tried the brake-hold on my driveway; if you tap the gas pedal, it just starts to roll forward; this is not what happened on 21Mar22.

NHTSA ID

11457960

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

1. 5th generation Rav4 LE Hybrid does not allow adjustment of intermittent wiper intervals that constitutes safety hazard. Every single vehicle on the road has had this feature for decades, its absence constitutes negligence on Toyota's part. 2. Traditional and intuitive industry standard cruise control lever with push-button switch has been replaced with counter-intuitive button controls that distract attention and can hardly be operated without having looked at them.

NHTSA ID

11455420

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

I had 2 sudden acceleration incidents. The first occurred 10/6/21.My car lurched forward & hit a pole. I was with my mom who saw me press the brake, which did not engage. My car has an auto-braking system which did not function as designed. I took it to Toyota.They determined there were no issues w/the vehicle. I insisted there was something wrong & warned this will happen again & could be much worse. I felt defeated but hoped it was an isolated glitch & hoped for the best. Fast forward 2 months to 12/13/21 I was in a drive-thru using the hold button, which is a feature that holds the brake in place, so my foot was not on any pedal. All of a sudden, my car began to accelerate & the brakes would not engage. An error message on the dash said “BRAKE MALFUNCTION”. I could not stop the car. I put in park, but it did not stop the car. The car jumped the curb & drove into oncoming traffic & hit two cars. They were traveling north, I was traveling west. It’s a miracle another car did not hit & kill me. The most frightening experience of my life. I had the car towed to Toyota as the front wheel blew out & could not be driven. Another inspection was done & once again Toyota came back with “they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle.” And added that the brakes were never engaged, which is an outright lie & utterly insane. I spoke to an attorney & what he told me was quite eye opening. He has been practicing product liability law for 30 years. He told me the letter received from Toyota was a standard letter that all car companies respond with. They never admit a problem unless forced to, usually by the govt, to do a recall after enough people file a complaint. I really believed Toyota would tell the truth. I never imagined they would lie & participate in a cover-up. They would rather fight you in court. As mentioned earlier, my car has an auto braking system, so why didn't it work? Clearly it malfunctioned. My hope is that this deceit by car manufacturers ends.

NHTSA ID

11448547

Incident

Dec 13, 2021

We bought our new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on Sept. 1, 2021, but didn't drive it on a highway until Oct. 4, 2021. On that day, I was driving on Interstate Hwy 70. I entered that highway near Copper Mountain, CO and was driving east to return to Denver. It is a big highway with wide, well marked lanes. I set my cruise control speed to 63 mph. Almost immediately, I noticed that the Lane Centering steering adjustment system seemed to be taking the car from close to the left lane line to close to the right lane line, and back and forth. A couple of times, it even drifted to or over the lane line and triggered the Land Departure Alert alarm. At first, I tried to overcome the automated Lane Centering adjustment by manually steering against it, but the swaying back and forth across the lane became increasingly wide and violent. I was unable to control it. It was terrifying. For a moment, I was sure that I would crash. I don’t know if I hit the brake pedal, but I did quickly press the CANCEL button on the cruise control, and that ended the swaying back and forth. The whole experience lasted probably less than one minute, and at no time did I notice any alarms or warning signals. I took the car to my dealership and asked them to check the functioning and settings of the cruise control and lane tracing assist functions. They told me that my settings were normal and that everything was working properly. I informed Toyota customer service about the problem and told them of my near crash. They consulted with my dealership's service department and repeated that everything was working properly. Neither the dealer nor Toyota customer service offered any explanation of reasons for my near crash. I have continued to drive the car, but I have tried to disable all the "safety" features that allow the car to take control of my steering. I am afraid to try to reproduce the problem myself, and I am quite sure that my dealer did not attempt to do that either.

NHTSA ID

11440411

Incident

Oct 4, 2021