RoadVitals

2023 Toyota RAV4

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.
155
+6 complaints in 30 days
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.
3
Latest Oct 30, 2025
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.
0
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.
19
14 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 155 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Toyota RAV4, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 122 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

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

3 campaigns 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Oct 30, 2025
1,024,407 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 25TB13/25LB06/WRE25View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Sep 11, 2025
591,377 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number See Part 573 ReportView on NHTSA.gov

TIRES:VALVE

Jul 11, 2023
195 units potentially affected
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk: A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc.Manufacturer number 23R1View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Sep 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11766288
Incident
Apr 29, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 21, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11765855
Incident
Sep 12, 2026
Filed Sep 10, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11763436
Incident
May 1, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 1, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID
11761355
Incident
Aug 30, 2026
Mileage
58,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Aug 31, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11760990
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 31, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID
11760840
Incident
Aug 3, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Aug 14, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11757071
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
Visibility
Filed Aug 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11756676
Incident
Aug 12, 2026
Mileage
57,079 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

26TC03

ENGINE

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMISSION NONCOMPLIANCE RECALL 26TC03 Certain 2022 – 2025 Model Year RAV4 Incorrect Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading

26TC03

ENGINE

In wet conditions, water contacting the radiator in the subject vehicles after idling for an extended period can create steam that can cause an incorrect engine sensor reading. This can lead to a warning light, a rough-running engine, or a potential engine stall while idling or operating at low speeds.

26TC03

ENGINE

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMISSION NONCOMPLIANCE RECALL 26TC03 Certain 2022 – 2025 Model Year RAV4 Incorrect Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading

26TC03

ENGINE

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMISSION NONCOMPLIANCE RECALL 26TC03 Certain 2022 – 2025 Model Year RAV4 Incorrect Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading

26TC03

ENGINE

In wet conditions, water contacting the radiator in the subject vehicles after idling for an extended period can create steam that can cause an incorrect engine sensor reading. This can lead to a warning light, a rough-running engine, or a potential engine stall while idling or operating at low speeds.

T-SB-0029-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A new head unit software update is available for 2023 – 2024 model year RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and RAV4 Prime vehicles equipped with Toyota Multimedia (earlier than version 1861). This software update includes the following improvements: • Usability of CarPlay® exit. • User Profile. • User interface. • Cloud navigation. • Intelligent assistant voice recognition. • Bug fixes.

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025873060.2
20241743062.8
2023Viewing1553061.6
20221451052.0
20213861053.5
20206346051.3
20198787052.6
20183313164.0
20173073163.4
20162393162.4
20153044166.7
20141974169.8
20132572161.8
20122605056.6
201128711163.9
201040014161.9
200932715367.0
200857514462.8
20071,00414462.6
200670411256.3
20051415056.7
20041542053.2
20033140141.1
20025270038.3
20013090036.1
2000303058.9
1999615058.6
1998775057.7
1997541046.2
1996471046.0
1995100—
1994400—

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.