2023 Toyota RAV4: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · VA

The vehicle exhibits a consistent and reproducible malfunction in the powertrain system, specifically related to acceleration response and drivetrain engagement. While driving at a steady speed, when the accelerator is pressed gradually (approximately 50–60%), the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate accordingly. There is a delay in power delivery. When the accelerator is released, the engine may continue revving briefly, followed by a sudden and jerky engagement of the drivetrain. This issue occurs consistently under the same driving conditions and can be reproduced every time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction creates a safety risk when merging into traffic, entering intersections, or making turns. The vehicle does not respond when acceleration is required, which can lead to dangerous situations where other vehicles may approach at higher speeds. After the delay, the vehicle may surge forward unexpectedly, increasing the risk of collision. The issue has been reported to multiple authorized Toyota dealerships on several occasions within the first 15 months of ownership. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership technicians, but the concern has not been diagnosed or repaired. Dealerships have stated that the behavior is normal, despite the repeatable nature of the issue. No warning lights, error messages, or diagnostic indicators have appeared at any time. No diagnostic trouble codes have been reported. The vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the behavior appears consistent with a possible transmission, torque converter, or drivetrain control malfunction affecting acceleration response. The condition is not related to driver input and occurs under controlled, repeatable conditions.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Body · OH · crash

When pulling into a driveway, sudden acceleration while slowing down caused crash into side of the garage and damage to the right front fender, side panel and hood.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · crash

While entering my garage (video available)The 2023 Hybrid Rav 4 accelerated on its own when I was braking to put it into reverse to back up to realign to park in my space. I was hitting the brake and the brake lights were on the dashboard while the car keep accelerating hitting the garage wall.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Brakes · ME

1.) The component/system that failed/malfunctioned is the brakes and/or anti-lock braking system. 2.) My safety and that of the people in front of the vehicle is placed at risk because the vehicle's braking system fails, allowing the vehicle to surge forward for a split second, temporarily out of control. 3.) While the problem has occurred many times with various drivers, the Toyota service technician said they were unable to reproduce the issue. However, with the information (date/time) I have provided, they confirmed the computer indicates the ABS system was triggered each time. 4.) The vehicle has been inspected by the Toyota service center representatives. 5.) There were no warnings, messages or other symptoms prior to the brakes failing. The problem is the braking ability is failing for a split second, when the car hits a bump. The size of the bump can be as small as the crack in the asphalt where two roads meet. The problem occurs when I am driving at slow speeds and riding the brake because I am in a situation like being in slow-moving bumper-to-bumper traffic, approaching an intersection requiring a stop, or coasting down hill. On numerous occasions, the brakes release, allowing the car to surge forward for a split second, before re-engaging. Toyota has told me it is the ABS working as intended. To be clear, the braking failure is happening at slow speeds and on dry pavement. This is not how ABS normally works. I have driven numerous makes and models of cars for 40 years and I have never experienced this type of situation triggering an ABS system. I report this to Toyota each time I bring my car in for regular maintenance. During the last visit, my regular service technician told me that they have now seen at least 5 or 6 other cars doing what I have described above. I don't have a specific date of the incidence because it happens frequently and has done so since I bought the car (10/01/23), so below, I am just listing the last time I reported it to Toyota.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · FL · crash

I was pulling into a parking spot and my vehicle suddenly accelerated. I slammed on the brakes and the car did stop, but not before hitting a railing in front of me. There were also trees close to the railing, so the camera should have detected those as a barrier and I believe the veauto-braked, even if I had not hit the brakes. This is a safety concern because the vehicle would have plowed over any person in front of the vehicle.

Filed Aug 11, 2024 · HI · crash

While making a slow right turn into a carport (1-2 mph), the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into the carport wall, continued to full throttle causing the tire to skip along side of the wall. The vehicle is currently not being used as we continue with the process with our insurance provider and begin to initiate contact with the car dealer. There were no warning lights or indications of a malfunctioning vehicle prior to that point. Initial online research provided at least 10 other reports that the exact same occurence happended to other 2023 RAV owners causing vehcile and property damage. We are fearful to use this vehicle now and would like to submit a safety report to prevent any similar instances in the future that may result in serious injury or death. NOTE: We also have video footage of the incident from our carport security camera, if you need that for further review.

Filed Jun 2, 2024 · Brakes · IL · 1 injury

The incredibly frightening incident occurred 2 times within 3 days. My 2023 RAV unexpectedly and very forcibly accelerated on its own when I was pulling into a parking space. Luckily I am in the habit of parking my RAV far away from other vehicles in parking lots when the option exists. The first ‘acceleration and/or braking’ malfunction occurred 5/31/24 in a Walmart parking lot. When pulling into a parking spot my right foot was fully off the accelerator (I use my right foot only for the accelerator and brake pedals) and was gradually depressing the parking brake pedal to come to a complete stop. Instead my RAV suddenly and forcibly accelerated forward through the empty parking spot in front of me and beyond!! I would have absolutely smashed into the car and or person if one were there!! As the RAV shot forward I began desperately pushing full force on the brake pedal; the RAV did not stop! so, I began full force repeatedly pushing and pumping the brake pedal. My RAV eventually came to a halt as the tires may have locked up which it skidded about 12-18 inches. By God’s grace no one was hurt! On 6/2/24 ‘it’ happened again!! Pulling into a parking spot at an outdoor cafe, as I was gradually depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop my RAV instead quickly and forcibly accelerated forward!! I thank God that I did not pull into the other spot (my sister took that one) which was just a few feet away from around 12 people and families enjoying their outside lunch dining!!! This 2nd horrifying incident my RAV took longer to come to a complete stop. I fully and forcefully pushed on the brake pedal but my RAV kept going!! I continued repeatedly releasing and fully depressing the brake pedal but it kept going! The next thing my RAV was approaching was someone’s backyard and house!! I forcibly pushed the brake pedal one more time and also threw the RAV shifter into “park” finally the RAV stopped! I am so shaken up by these traumatic malfunction incidents.

Filed Feb 19, 2024 · Brakes, Wheels · CA

I was turning left pulling into my carport with my foot lightly on brake and the car suddenly accelerated forward !!! I slammed the break hard and was able to stop the car from hitting the concrete wall because my front tire hit the wall to the left and the car hit the cement parking bumper in my carport!! It scared me so bad I am afraid to drive the car in fear I could hurt someone. The dealer could not replicate the problem and sent me home with the car. I am not happy with Toyota !! The car is 8 months old with 7,000 miles on it!!

Filed Oct 21, 2023 · CA · crash · 2 injuries

I was coasting into a parking space (at 6.8 mph) and as I attempted to park, the car suddenly accelerated and went up and over the concrete rectangle park stop and smashed into a brick building (12.4 mph) and went back over the park stop before the engine in the vehicle finally died. During the acceleration, I was trying to brake the car, but the car wouldn’t stop. I was yelling to my husband that the car wouldn’t stop. The driver airbags deployed as well as the knee air bag. The passenger airbags did not deploy as there was not a passenger in the front seat. The car had 4258 miles and was totaled. My husband and I both sustained injuries. According to the Toyota app, the vehicle had a “0” rating for fast acceleration and a “1” rating for harsh braking during this particular trip. I contacted Toyota and an investigation was conducted using Bosch Crash Data Retrieval Tool 23.2.1. The data shows a 5 second timeframe with .50 second intervals. The vehicle speed at the 5 second mark was 6.8mph with 0% accelerator pedal. At 2 seconds, the speed was 5.0mph with 8.5% accelerator pedal. And, at the crash point the vehicle speed was 12.4mph with 100% accelerator pedal. Toyota product liability contacted me with their report stating that there was no brake pedal application prior to the impact and that pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal at wide open throttle seconds prior to the impact, and they found no obstructions or interference with the operation of the accelerator pedal. Further, they found the brakes to be operational However, the vehicle could not be test test driven as it would not turn on. In summary they did not find any evidence of an issue or defect with the vehicle based on inspection and electronic data.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · CO

As I was entering a covered parking structure, I came to a complete stop at the entrance of the gate to obtain my parking ticket. I was driving very slow less than 5 mph, and engaged the brakes as to stop to get my parking ticket before entering the parking garage. I have my foot on the brake pedal, I am at a complete stop of 0mph for several seconds now, and suddenly the engine revved and my car lunged forward a bit. I had not lifted my foot from the brake pedal, and yet the engine revved and my car lunged forwards. My passenger at the time yelled, WHOAA why are you pressing on the gas!!? So my passenger in the car at the time was also startled by this incident and felt the car surge forward. He thought that I had pressed on the gas pedal. If someone was to be in front of my vehicle they would have potentially been hit with my car, or if I had been closer to the parking entrance gate my car could have hit the gate. I am highly concerned this just occurred as this could cause a great accident or injury. I have 1,100 miles on the car. It was purchased brand new. Another issue I have been experiencing is when I engage the gas pedal, it does not accelerate and takes a few seconds to accelerate causing my forward momentum to stall out, this is an issue when I have been trying to merge into traffic and my car does not drive as I have anticipated. I am not sure if this is an issue with it being in "ECO" mode or not, but there is a stalled acceleration issue, that happens sometimes, but not always and I cannot pin point why it is happening at certain moments.