2022 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Re: Formal complaint — dealer billed for unperformed work, uncompleted Special Service Campaign 26TC03, $6,000 transmission quote with zero diagnostic codes, lifetime powertrain warranty not honored On RAV4 stalled while I was driving. I brought it to the above dealer. The service advisor told me a sensor was replaced. It was not: the mass air flow sensor in the vehicle is dust-covered with inspection paint marks and is clearly not new (photo attached). Worse, the advisor's own TIS screenshot shows Special Service Campaign 26TC03 — Incorrect Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading — with Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED on my VIN. The campaign was never performed, yet work was represented as done. The dealer is now pushing a $6,000 transmission replacement, which I declined. Their own diagnostic scan shows 0 engine codes and 0 transmission codes — there is no diagnostic basis for this recommendation. The vehicle carries a lifetime powertrain warranty; the dealer has not filed a warranty claim and has provided no written denial citing a specific exclusion. I am requesting that Toyota: 1. Open a case and assign a regional case manager; 2. Investigate this dealer's representation of completed campaign/warranty work versus the TIS record and photographic evidence; 3. Ensure the [XXX] remedy is properly completed on my VIN at no charge; 4. Confirm how the lifetime powertrain warranty claim is being handled. Attachments: repair order / $6,000 estimate, sensor photograph, advisor's TIS screenshot, advisor's scan results, warranty contract. I expect a written [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · 10,000 miles · NJ

The contact’s uncle owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. While the uncle was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the instrument panel remained illuminated, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While with the local mechanic the vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Idling, received a warning of "engine stopped. steering power low". Trying to restart the car - it would start up then immediately shut down w/ the same error. Letting it sit for 15 minutes allowed it to reset and start again. It was raining at the time, wind shield wipers were on if that matters.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 52,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the economy feature disengaged while driving. While the lane assist was activated, the vehicle drifted over into another lane. The engine was revving and backfired. The vehicle lost motive power while driving at undisclosed speeds. The driver's side windshield had a glaze or wax on the outside. While idling, the vehicle surged forward. The driver hovered a foot over the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, AutoNation Toyota Winter Park Service Center (225 N Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792); Claremont Toyota (601 Auto Center Dr, Claremont, CA 91711); and Miracle Toyota (37048 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine · RI

TSB T-SB-0010-24 P0303 code 163,000 miles Toyota denied goodwill assistance Cost: $2,549.65 Check engine light came on with vehicle hesitation on acceleration almost caused to stall with reduced power while driving , the dealership diagnosed the issue as TSB T-SB-0010-24 with cylinder #3 misfire requiring exhaust valve lash adjuster to be replaced. Contacted Toyota corporate to request help with goodwill or discount , was denied , was told they couldn't help no reason given .This issue is a well know Toyota RAV4 defect and even though they claim it only happens when is cold this happened to my SUV at 60*F. Please help.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · MS

I was driving through pretty heavy rain for about 65 miles. When I got to my destination, I was idling in the car for a few minutes when the car started to shake. I turned the car off. Upon turning it back on the engine would start and the car would shake before getting a message “engine stopped. Power steering low.” After two hours, I was able to turn the car on and move a little bit but the car was lurching and the RPM needle was rapidly bouncing between 1,000 and 2,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

After turning my car on and the car running for several minutes, the engine shut off on its own and it said “engine stopped steering power low”. This is the second time this has happened. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because I am concerned about this happening while driving, or being stranded somewhere. I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but many other RAV4 owners have this issue from my internet searches. This has happened twice to me in the past two weeks. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps/messages/lights prior to failure.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · MI · crash

We were traveling across country from Michigan to Arizona. We were 50 miles outside Tucson, AZ on [XXX]. Traveling 80 mph in a 75 mph zone, in passing lane and felt like car exploded and all airbags deployed and we came to a quick stop. No major injuries to either of us. One vehicle incident, did not collide with anything or hit any debris. It was a clear day, road conditions good, no noises, lights etc. My husband was able to keep from rolling and we came to a stop with many semi's etc flying by, very scary. When we were able to safely get out and call 911, there was significant drivers side front end damage around tire area and inside near axle. Looked like something broke inside car, sheered off bottom of tire. Police arrived and had to push vehicle on to shoulder of road. He assessed scene and thought it had to be a mechanicla failure as there was no other vehicle or debris on site. We did contact our insurance company and subsequently it was totaled. We also have Toyota investigating what the cause was if it was a faulty part or mechanical failure. We have not heard back but did receive the "recording of time of crash". I have a short video of damage but I'm unable to attach it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CT

I was driving home in the rain for about 75 minutes and when I arrived in my driveway I saw steam coming from the front grille area. It wasn't due to a high engine coolant temperature so I decided to carefully open the hood and check for the source. I saw water inside the bottom of the engine bay behind the radiator steaming from the heat of the engine. A few seconds later, the engine stalled and the following message appeared: "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" which came on with a check engine light, red battery light, and steering light. I used my scan tool and obtained the code: P0171, System Too Lean. After doing research, I've come up with a conclusion to the potential cause. Starting with the 2022 model year RAV4 non-hybrid (and onwards to the 2025 model year RAV4), the air intake inlet was redesigned from the prior one in the 2019-2021 RAV4 non-hybrid models, as seen in numerous comparison images online. This new design presents a dangerous fault. When driving in rainy conditions, especially at higher speeds with mist kicked up from cars in front, the air intake will take in water. The water will flow to the air filter and then reach the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF). The MAF sensor monitors the amount of air entering the engine and sends signals to the car's computer to help determine how much fuel to send to the engine to maintain an ideal ratio for optimal efficiency. Considering that water is getting to the MAF sensor, it thinks that the water is excess air, so less fuel is sent to the engine as a result. Since I came to a stop in my driveway, the engine is now at its idle speed and only commands a small amount of fuel to remain running. Now, when combined with the water, that lower fuel flow is practically cut off, leading to the stall. This happened to me before when driving in the rain, but in more dangerous conditions in stop-and-go traffic. Toyota must follow up on T-TT-0763-24 because it has been well over a year since their initial investigation.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

It was a rainy day and I had come home to pick up someone, didn’t turn my car off but had it in park. I went to reverse and pressed on gas, all of a sudden my engine started to aggressively shake/vibrate while showing on the dash that power steering was off, I couldn’t move my car anymore. I turned it off and same thing. Finally after 15 minutes, it started back up like normal. Scary to think others have been experiencing this with or without rain involved, and also while driving. Toyota is suppose to be reliable. Taking it in to Toyota service department tomorrow, but scared to drive it and just be told nothing is wrong like others have been told.