2018 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WA · fire

All warning lights came on and started flashing, steering wheel locked completely and total system failure. Car suddenly died and I had no control of it. Engine started smoking with black smoke. I got out of car and engine immediately caught fire starting at the bottom left driver side of engine and within a few minutes vehicle was completely engulfed with flames. It exploded and car was gone.

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Engine · 56,368 miles · MO · crash

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while at a stop at a traffic light, the vehicle independently accelerated and rear-ended another vehicle. The engine revved during the acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle continued to accelerate for 20 feet. No warning lights illuminated. No air bags deployed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not sought. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred while at a stop, and the vehicle traveled approximately 20 feet before coming to a complete stop while forcefully depressing the brake pedal. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,368.

Filed May 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MA

The recall (the federal safety agency Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in my case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle for the last for the past year (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA · crash · fire · 1 injury

I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and they only asked for registration and vehicle ownership which I hadn't presented but since a tow truck was on its way already they really had no reason to be there other than to make sure I was okay I do have case number and any other information needed for my vehicles abrupt explosion. This incident has been reported to Toyota of Anaheim as well as brand engagement been calling but haven't received helpful information on my loss

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Engine · NY

Crankshaft Sprocket prematurely breaks the guide for timing chain and engine issues. Results in a harsh start starting around 60k miles

Filed Nov 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Vehicle check engine light comes on, followed within 20 minutes by emergency alerts stating that multiple systems are failing or unavailable. It then says to get to a safe place within .3 miles. The car shuts itself down after .3 and is bricked until it is towed to a mechanic.this has happened 6 times this year.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

My car caught on fire due to the battery shifting in February. I have all documentation of the process it took for Toyota to ever reach out just to tell me there was nothing they could do. I had to file a claim through insurance and pay some out of pocket for a fix. All for them to still have no remedy almost a year later. I can’t trade it in or else I’ll be under and have nearly 4-5k in negative equity since the car is now worth nothing due to the safety recall.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

I was driving my car through the mountains on a very hot day. The speed limits are 65-70mph. After driving for a couple of hours, a warning light/message appeared: Hybrid system overheated Reduced output power The car began to have trouble maintaining speed. At one point I had to pull over and wait a while because the car became unresponsive to the accelerator. After waiting a bit, I was able to continue, but only at speeds around 40mph. I put my blinkers on because I was afraid of being hit by the other vehicles/trucks going 70. I took the car to a dealer outside of Pittsburgh and they could find nothing wrong, and no indication in the car's computer that anything had happened. I took the car to my local dealer when I got back home to Maryland, and they could find nothing. If they can't find what's wrong, they can't fix it. I have been in contact with Toyota customer service and they have no answers other than "see if it happens again". I am concerned that the car is no longer safe to drive if the temperature outside is high, and I need to go up steep hills.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NV

See attached document for complaint

Filed May 10, 2024 · Engine · CA

Incident - [XXX] Car was not accelerating, started to lose power while driving on freeway approximately 70 mph, putting myself and other drivers in danger. Car finally stalled, was not turning on and AAA towed car to my local service shop - Downtown Toyota of Oakland 4145 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611. Downtown Toyota of Oakland quoted me for diagnostic, new battery, new alternator and labor. [XXX] Looked my vehicle up by VIN and discovered multiple recalls due to battery issues and electrical issues resulting in the risk of fire. [XXX] Downtown Toyota of Oakland replace battery due to failing battery test results. [XXX] Submitted Battery Reimbursement form through AAA because battery fell under warranty. Battery had been purchased through AAA on [XXX]. [XXX] My 2018 Toyota is on its third battery replacement and needing a new alternator after 5 years with under 55,000 miles. This to me, confirms my Toyota is experiencing battery/electrical issues outlined in the recalls and the costs incurred having to replace an alternator which typically get replaced on vehicles much older than mine with between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. [XXX] Take my Toyota into Downtown Toyota to be looked at because of recalls. I provided Toyota's numbers for this recall (23TB13 and 23TA13). They did not do an inspection or service because they said that they did not have a solution yet. [XXX] Recall displayed on your website for my vehicle's VIN number. [XXX] The message "No recalls are currently applicable to your vehicle" displayed through Downtown Toyota of Oakland's website under OEM Recalls section when provided my vehicle's VIN number. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1). Toyota is failing to remedy this safety recall on my vehicle in a timely manner. 2). Downtown Toyota of Oakland website not displaying the current recall information is misleading to consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)