2017 Toyota RAV4: jerking or lurching

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Driver assistance · VA

My 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE is experiencing unsafe behavior with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When driving around modest or slight turns, the ACC frequently loses tracking of the vehicle ahead and suddenly accelerates, then harshly brakes once it reacquires the vehicle. This creates a jerking motion and significantly reduces my confidence in the system. On one occasion while traveling approximately 45 miles per hour on a slight curve, the ACC began rapidly accelerating toward the vehicle in front of me as if no vehicle was there, forcing me to perform an emergency manual takeover and disengage the ACC to avoid a potential rear end collision. This issue is repeatable and appears to be related to how the ACC detects vehicles ahead while cornering. I am requesting that this behavior be investigated as a potential safety defect.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Body, Driver assistance · LA · crash · 1 injury

I have a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE that I bought brand New. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the Northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The Mechanic said Even though I took care of the vehicle this was going to happen anyways due to the subframe suspension parts that Toyota puts in the RAV4. Being flung into a ditch coming off a highway is a dangerous situation, and could of cost me my life because Toyota wants to save money and put in parts knowing that the rust problem will and could occur. I did my research, and found out this has been going on since 2007 and there have been recalls on models all the way up to 2012. If this is a known thing then why is Toyota being allowed to still make a weak subframe. Does someone have to die for this to be stoped. I’m am asking for a recall on all models of 2017 Rav4 hybrids and on to fix this problem. I am lucky to escape with minor injures, but maybe the next person isn’t. Something has to be done.

Filed Nov 8, 2023 · Acceleration · 24,971 miles · OH · crash

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive (D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lurched, accelerated unintendedly, and crashed into the base of a lamp pole; however, the engine continued to rev loudly. The air bags did not deploy. The contact depressed the brake pedal and while attempting to reverse away from the lamp pole, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and impacted a curb. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact then pulled into a parking space. The contact did not sustain any injury. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an autobody repair shop, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was significantly damaged. The contact was referred to an auto collision center. The vehicle was towed to the auto collision center where repairs were made. The vehicle was the taken to the dealer, where the EDR crash data report was read. The manufacturer sent a letter to the contact, informing her that the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact followed up with the manufacturer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 24, 971.

Filed May 22, 2020 · Body · 15,000 miles · CT

When approaching a stop sign I applied the brakes and the car lunged forward forcing me to hit the car in front of me. Since I've owned this car, this has happened many times fortunately causing an accident only twice, 9/4/2018 and 11/2 2019. In both cases this occurred on a city street. I believe the cause of this is because the gas pedal and the brake pedal are too close together . If I don't apply the brakes on the left side of the brake pedal, I will hit the gas pedal causing the car to lurch forward. I have a normal size foot - size 10 shoe. This is an unsafe car I do not allow my wife or grown children to drive it. The car is leased and expires sept 1st of this year. I can't wait to get rid of it

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 17,500 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 toyota rav4. While driving various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal traveled all the way to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle did not brake in a timely manner. There were no warning indicators illuminated. While driving 30 or 50 MPH, the rpms abruptly increased without warning, which caused the vehicle to jerk and shake uncontrollably. The contact took the vehicle to hudson toyota (599 nj-440, jersey city, nj 07305, 201‑713‑5508) and paid to have the vehicle diagnosed. The dealer informed him that the front brake pads needed to be replaced and the rear brake pads needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures continued. The contact took the vehicle to route 22 toyota (109 us-22, hillside, nj 07205, 973‑287‑4741) where they did not honor his extended warranty and attempted to charge $250 for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.*bf contact stated engine control was replaced and transmission failure was repaired.

Filed Aug 5, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 4,712 miles · NY · crash

As I was approaching the mail box area in my apartment complex at approximately 15 MPH, I put my foot on the brake to turn into the parking area in front of the four metal mailboxes and put the vehicle in "park" when the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and jumped the six-inch, brick-paver curb. I crashed into the mailbox structure, completely uplifting the base that was bolted into the concrete and hit a wood trash container holder. I depressed the brake pedal harder but my vehicle would not slow down or stop and I also could not control the steering. I continued up a hill (at 45-50 MPH) consisting of tall grass, wildflowers, rocks, etc., across a walking path of woodchips and mulch, then down the hill (still with my foot on the brake) grazing the branches and leaves of a small tree before coming off the six-inch curb and back onto the street, where I hit a light post. I managed to lift the parking brake, slam on the brake again and the vehicle rolled to a stop. It should be noted that none of the airbags deployed.