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Toyota RAV4 no deployment problems

237 of the 9,428 owner complaints about the Toyota RAV4 describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, most of them for the 2002 model year.

owner complaints
237
worst model year
2002
typical mileage
36,250
Is there a fix? There are 11 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · MD · crash · 4 injuries

Airbags, seats, and headrest all failed. State Farm insurance currently has the vehicle. I do not know if the people has been inspected by anybody. The vehicle had no warning lamps message or other symptoms of problems or failure before the collision. I was traveling in the far left lane when traffic came to abrupt stop and I was able to stop 10 to 15 ft from the vehicle in front of me. Two vehicles in my line behind me swerved out of the way. Then a semi truck with a trailer rear-ended me. The front end of the semi truck struck the rear end of my vehicle getting lodged inside my vehicle. My car was then pushed into the car in front of me and dragged 100 to 200 yards down The highway by the semi. The seat belts did not lock. The airbags did not deploy. Both front seat frames were bent and ripped apart. The rear seat that's became detached. The headrest for the front seats flew off. All four seats were occupied by adult males all weighing around 190 pounds or above. All four occupants were wearing seat belts. I the driver was knocked unconscious and received a concussion plus facial damage/injuries. Rear passenger side occupant received a broken jaw and a skull fracture. The other two passengers were also injured. All four passengers of the vehicle were transport to emergency room via ambulance.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Airbags, Body · FL · crash · 1 injury

Request for Investigation – 2014 Toyota RAV4 Airbag Non-Deployment On [XXX], at approximately [XXX]., the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision in Lakeland, Florida. The vehicle sustained a significant impact to the driver’s-side front area. Despite the nature and location of the collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags did not deploy. Law enforcement responded to the scene and completed Police Report. Emergency medical services also responded, and the driver was transported from the scene by ambulance due to injuries sustained in the collision. The primary concern is whether the airbag system, including the crash sensors and SRS components, functioned as designed during this crash. Based on the impact, I am seeking an investigation into whether the non-deployment of the airbags was the result of a defect or malfunction. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this incident, document it within its vehicle safety database, and determine whether similar complaints involving 2014 Toyota RAV4 vehicles exist that may indicate a broader safety concern warranting further investigation. Supporting documentation, including photographs of the vehicle damage, the police report, and any other relevant records, can be provided upon request. Thank you for your attention to this important vehicle safety matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Airbags · CA · crash

We were part of a 4 car collision on the freeway. A Ford Expedition that was slammed into then slammed into our RAV. The airbags never deployed and an error code came up saying fail for airbags.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Airbags · 62,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact was traveling at approximately 50 MPH directly behind a van in the same lane of traffic. The van suddenly made an emergency avoidance maneuver to bypass a stationary vehicle completely stopped in the lane. Despite the attempt, the van rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The contact immediately initiated an evasive maneuver to avoid the sudden collision occurring ahead. However, due to proximity and immediate lane obstruction, the contact was unable to avoid an impact and struck the vehicle. The severe front-end impact resulted in catastrophic damage to the contact's vehicle before it came to a complete stop. The airbags failed to deploy, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. A police report was filed. The driver and her pet were the only occupants of the vehicle, and the contact was the only injured passenger. The contact sustained moderate chest pain, but no medical assistance was received. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · AR · 1 injury

Was in a front driver side T-bone @ 35 miles and hour accident and no Airbags deployed

Filed May 12, 2026 · Acceleration · PR · crash

COMPONENT: Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) / accelerator pedal. Vehicle is available for inspection at Autocentro Toyota, San Juan, PR, where it has been retained since 2/28/2026. INCIDENT: On 2/28/2026 at 7:45 AM, while entering a private driveway at under 5 MPH to park, my 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE (VIN [XXX] , 3,164 miles) suddenly and involuntarily accelerated without driver input. I categorically affirm I did NOT press the accelerator. The vehicle struck a metal gate, causing frontal damage. Airbags did not deploy. OEM floor mat was properly secured; no aftermarket parts installed. SAFETY RISK: Sudden unintended acceleration at low-speed parking maneuver. Had a pedestrian, child, or another vehicle been in the path, this would have caused serious injury or death. The defect is unpredictable and the driver cannot anticipate or override it. INSPECTION: Vehicle inspected 3/20/2026 by Engineering Analysis Associates (EAA), a firm contracted and paid by Toyota — NOT independent. EAA downloaded electronic data and concluded the accelerator was pressed 1 second before impact. I dispute this finding: I did not press the pedal. No independent inspection has been allowed. Full EAA report was never provided to me. On 4/23/2026, Toyota Motor North America (Ms. Delve L., Legal Claims Administrator) declined assistance based solely on EAA's data. WARNING SIGNS: UNKNOWN. No warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms appeared before the incident. The vehicle had functioned normally since purchase on 4/25/2025. ADDITIONAL: Vehicle retained by dealer 73+ days without repair or substitute vehicle. Consumer complaint filed with Puerto Rico DACO (Case XXX). Similar unintended acceleration incidents reported in 2024 RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models in the federal safety agency database. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway at approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn and collided with the contact's vehicle. The point of impact was the front driver's side wheel well and side bumper area, with additional damage noted on the front passenger side bumper. No warning lights illuminated. The other vehicle was driving at an undisclosed speed and sustained damage to its front-end frame. There was no property damage reported. Both vehicles came to a stop in the roadway at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] in San Jose, California. The contact's vehicle remained drivable and was driven to the residence; towing was not required. The airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries, including a fractured vertebra and a fractured sternum, and received medical treatment. The driver believes that the injuries may have been prevented if the airbags had deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 23V865000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was unavailable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Airbags · VA · crash · 2 injuries

3/4/2026 5:10 pm Vehicle (2018 RAV4) was sitting in backed up traffic waiting to exist highway and was hit from behind by a sedan travelling at 65+ mph, pushed into a pickup truck in front, then deflected left into a guardrail. SO, three separate impacts with extensive damage to the entire rear of the car, the front end, and right front quarter. Two occupants in the car, driver and front passenger, no airbags deployed. Driver's head contacted the steerring wheel (back eye, cut lip, swelling on forehead and around eye, headache), and legs and arms of driver and passenger contacted other portions of the interior of the vehicle and experienced severe whiplash, but no broken bones per initial ER xrays and scans. Vehicle towed and is currently available for inspection.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CT · crash

On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], in Greenwich CT, while I was very slowly driving into a parking space, the engine suddenly and unexpectedly surged,. The vehicle overcame the brakes and raced forward and collided with a stone wall, about 3 ft away. This was a new (since May 2025) vehicle with only approx 3,500 miles on it. I had not had any previous problems with it and there were no warning lights on the instrument panel. At the time, I was proceeding at a very low rate of speed, 1 - 3 mph. I drive only with my right foot which was on the brake, not on the gas. The vehicle accelerated with NO action on my part and collided with a stone wall approx 3 ft away and bounced back several feet. Fortunately I was close to the wall so the vehicle did not have a long distance to accelerate and I was wearing my seat belt which probably protected me from injury. No other vehicle was involved. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. I was wearing my seat-belt, the OEM rubber mats were securely in place. The airbags did not deploy and I was not injured. I had the car towed to the Toyota dealership by AAA because I was afraid it might accelerate into traffic at a red light or stop sign if I drove it before the problem was repaired. I have reported this incident to Toyota Motor Corporation USA, through their Brand Engagement Center (as instructed by the dealership) and they are sending out an engineer to the dealership to inspect the vehicle. I do not know which part malfunctioned or failed. The vehicle is at a Toyota dealership and presumably could be inspected (unless they replace some parts). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Acceleration, Airbags · AZ · crash

My wife was going at about 10 - 15 mph coming up about 2 car lengths to a small curve in a residential area when all of a sudden she heard a pop or snap and the Rav4 went to a super high speed by itself. The acceleration could not be stopped even though she had her feet on the brakes. She had both hands on the steering wheel to avoid hitting a house and ended up going through a wall in the yard. There were no warning sounds and no signals indicating a problem. it appeared that the display was blank. There was no pre-collision warning or braking except as my wife was pushing on the brakes. She also hit the right side into side wall. No air bags deployed even though Windshield and all door glass on sides shattered. My wife the driver was okay and not hurt, and the grandchild in the car seat behind my wife was fine also. Neither had injuries. There were checked by emt. The police looked but all would not try to get in except to remove my granddaughter. My wife was removed also because she could not get out the door was jammed against shed and rock, and handles broken off This happened after the recall work was done by toyota dealer on 12/04/2025. There were no problems prior to the recall. I've listed the recall below. 25TD01 Rear Traction Motor Cable Corrosion - Multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Hybrid (AWD) Vehicles the federal safety agency Recall ID AWAITING# Recall Date Dealer Reference ID 25TD01 Description The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio Static during certain driving cycles, or the vehicle may not start. Status Remedy Available Remedy Any authorized Toyota dealer will apply a wire harness protector seal to the HV Floor Under Wire Connector. Toyota corporate engagement is looking into this.

Related recalls

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported December 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Recall number 23V865000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported July 21, 2022 · 3,533 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA08.

Recall number 22V519000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported November 25, 2020 · 161 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Recall number 20V734000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 22, 2020 · 138,842 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Recall number 20V033000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported October 17, 2019 · 928,220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371 or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Recall number 19V741000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported May 13, 2015 · 159,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 15V284000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported April 9, 2014 · 1,486,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑762‑2737.

Recall number 14V168000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported January 16, 2013 · 3,235 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.

Recall number 13V014000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported February 1, 2012 · 427 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 rav4 vehicles, manufactured from november 24, 2011, through december 19, 2011. In the curtain shield airbags, propellant with the incorrect specification was used for the initiator assembled in the airbag inflator. In this condition, the inflator may not perform properly, causing one or both curtain shield airbags to not deploy.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the airbags may not deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicle identification number to identify the curtain shield assemblies and replace the assemblies as necessary with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on march 8, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 12V029000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/windowReported April 21, 2011 · 307,848 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 rav4 vehicles. In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: mil) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag csa remains available in the event of a side crash. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously after initial airbag system check, the csa and the seat belt pretensioner could be inadvertently activated.
Risk
Inadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Toyota will replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll rate sensors, free of charge. Toyota intends to send an interim owner notification to owners early to mid-may, 2011 when sufficient parts and remedy becomes available. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 11V245000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota RAV4 no deployment

Which Toyota RAV4 years have airbags did not deploy in a crash problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2002 (16 complaints), 2021 (16 complaints) and 2007 (15 complaints).

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