2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid driver assistance problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · OR

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NJ

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MD

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

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.

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

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 the federal safety agency to investigate whether this is a recurring safety issue with the 2026 RAV4.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · AZ

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).

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Driver assistance · 300 miles · IL

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Driver assistance · NC

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Body, Driver assistance · CA

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 the federal safety agency investigate the automatic emergency braking system and the defective overhead sunglass-holder latch on the 2026 Toyota RAV4.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · MD

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 the federal safety agency 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.