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Toyota RAV4 collision warning problems

55 of the 9,428 owner complaints about the Toyota RAV4 describe false forward collision warnings, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
55
worst model year
2019
typical repair cost reported
$2,100
typical mileage
4,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

SAFETY RISK!!!! Component: Forward Collision Avoidance / Lane Departure / Electrical System / Exterior Lighting Description: While driving my 2023 Toyota RAV4 XSE, the dashboard suddenly displayed simultaneous critical safety errors: "Front Camera Unavailable," "RSA Malfunction" (Road Sign Assist), and "Pre-Collision System (PCS) Malfunction." Recently, the "Headlight System Malfunction" warning also triggered because the Automatic High Beam (AHB) system relies on the same sensor. An official diagnosis by a certified Toyota dealership confirmed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C1A9447: Image processing microcomputer in front recognition camera watchdog/safety MCU failure. The dealership confirmed this is an internal component hardware failure requiring a full camera replacement and ADAS calibration. Safety Risk: This manufacturing defect completely disables the vehicle’s Pre-Collision System, entirely removing automated emergency braking, lane-keep safety features, and automatic high-beam headlight safety controls without warning. Driving without automated emergency braking puts the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic at an immediate risk of an unmitigated collision. Toyota is aware of these microcomputer watchdog failures via internal Technical Service Bulletins but is forcing consumers to pay over $2,100 out-of-pocket to repair a failed factory safety module. A formal safety investigation and recall are urgently required to address this widespread component defect.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Driver assistance · AZ

My 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has intermittently displayed multiple safety-system malfunction warnings at the same time. The messages include “LTA Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer,” “Pre-Collision System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer,” “RSA Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer,” and “Headlight System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer.” This has occurred on two separate occasions. The warnings appear together and then later clear, making the problem intermittent. When the warnings are present, multiple advanced driver-assistance/safety features, including Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and the Pre-Collision System, are indicated as malfunctioning or unavailable. The vehicle has approximately 43,000 miles. There has been no known collision or damage that would explain the simultaneous warnings. I am concerned that a single intermittent fault involving the forward camera, associated wiring/electronics, or another shared component may be disabling multiple safety systems at once. Because the problem is intermittent, the warnings may disappear before the vehicle can be inspected, but they have now occurred twice. I am reporting the issue because the simultaneous loss of several collision-avoidance and driver-assistance systems on a relatively new vehicle could present a safety concern if the malfunction continues or becomes permanent.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The concern involves the vehicle's Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety systems, specifically Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Steering wheel assistance and the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).The suspected systems/components involved include the forward-facing camera, front radar sensor, steering assistance/LTA system, and related ADAS software calibration. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue is with system performance during operation, not a visible physical component failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving on highways or non-highways with clear lane markings and LTA/DRCC activated, the vehicle has shown inconsistent lane-centering behavior. The vehicle can weave within the lane and has drifted toward an adjacent lane without intentional steering input from me. This creates concern about unintended lane departure and reduced driver confidence in a safety assistance feature.I also have concerns regarding the Pre-Collision System's ability to detect stopped vehicles ahead early enough to provide appropriate warning or automatic braking intervention. A delayed response from an active safety system could increase the risk of a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have reported the concern to the Longo Toyota dealership multiple times in Prosper, Texas. The dealership inspection identified. However, to my knowledge, the dealer has not successfully reproduced or documented the specific driving conditions required to observe the issue (highway or non-highway driving with LTA/DRCC active) with me present. The issue continues after the service visit. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Only Toyota Dealership inspected No warnings displayed .

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NY

Toyota ABS Actuator Accumulator shows problems after a while. Most common on hybrid vehicles. Signs comes up such ABS Malfunction, Pre-Collision Malfunction, Low Braking Power, and lose traction control.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

On August 25, 2026 when I went to turn my vehicle on in the morning, and I started to drive the vehicle alert the LTA malfunction Visit your dealer on the dash. Call dealer and scheduled service for the next day August 26, 2026. In the morning I went to go start my vehicle to take it in and it wont start at this point on the dashboard was showing Not Ready to Drive and it would not start and I reached out again to the dealer and the had roadside assistance to tow the vehicle in to the dealer. When roadside assistance I gave him my keys and the vehicle started up but now vehicle dash alerted Drive-start Control Malfunction visit your dealer. Roadside did nothing but up the key in the ignition. Vehicle once towed to the dealer was running and no alerts showed on the dashboard and the dealer informed that the multi- point vehicle everything checked out. Jayleen informed that tech ran the computer and saw the alert but could not do no repair due to at the time of service there was no sign on the dash and if where to happen to bring the vehicle in to the dealer. Jayleen also mention that wire my have been chewed.I asked it they inspected for that, she informed No due to no alerts where I dashboard. Then she when on to say that it was my dash camera that was draining my battery. I mention to her that the vehicle was not coming in for battery issues. So I uninstalled my dash camera to see if that was the issues. My vehicel has been parked mostly. Now today September 7,2026 car did not start and show pre-Collision System Malfuntion.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · CO

While driving in the mountains on a hot day, the car suddenly reported numerous faults, including check engine, parking brake malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, AWD system malfunction, and secondary collision brake system malfunction. The car lost power and forced us to pull over on the side of a dangerous mountain highway. We powered-off the car for a few minutes and started it again and were able to proceed to our nearby remote mountain destination without another loss of power, but the faults remained. The next day we were able to get the car to a nearby NAPA store to read the check engine codes, which there were only 2 of the "P0087" code. I had them clear the fault codes in order to be able to safely drive the car (~120 miles) back home. Some quick research shows a known issue and TSB for that in our exact high-altitude and high-temperature situation - Toyota T-SB-0058-22, related to a known design flaw with the ECM and fuel suction tube. Luckily, it did not throw the errors again during our drive home. I made an appointment at our local AutoNation Toyota Arapahoe for the following week. I detailed the issue and provided pictures of the errors - including the code reader display. The dealer claimed to not find any issues and refused to address/execute the TSB, stating that the code must be active and present in order for them to fix it and that my pictures were not sufficient proof. I explained that it was an unacceptable safety risk to have left the car in that state and that the issue is known to only occur in certain conditions (e.g. high-altitude, high-temperature mountain driving). Issue remains un-addressed, which is highly unacceptable and poses a serious on-going safety risk.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · CA

The car is Rav4 2022 fuel: gas. Dashboard showing Headlight System malfunction, Pre-Collision System malfunction and RSA System Malfunction. The alarm beep and sign of malfunction keep popping up on dashboard. I took it to Toyota dealership to be inspected and they notified me that "The Front Recognition camera Watchdog/Safety MCU Failure." This front camera is connecting to headlight system, Pre-Collision system and RSA system that causing them to be malfunction while I am driving. With all those system malfunction in the car, I am driving with a huge risk. I am certain that not only I have those problems but some owner of RAV4 2022 or perhaps other year that has the same microcomputer for Front Recognition camera for Safety have the same failure that would trickle down to safety of others on the road. The car is only 4 years old. The Microcomputer in the front camera should have been functioning with no problem, unless the factory didn't calibrate well or install malfunction microcomputer for the car. The dealership estimated the price to change the microcomputer $ 2000 and labor $ 400 something. Toyota should have recall and reimburse this service to customers since these problems are factory problems.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the Headlight System Malfunction, Pre-collision System Malfunction, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the remedy for Special Service Campaign: 26TC03, which addressed an incorrect MAF Sensor reading failure, had been performed two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was informed of the issues. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · MD

On July 31, 2026, while traveling approximately 55 mph on a Maryland highway, my 2025 Toyota RAV4 unexpectedly lost power and shut off while in motion. There was no check-engine warning before the failure. The vehicle became disabled in a travel lane. Police responded, and the lane had to be closed because the vehicle could not be safely moved. There was no crash, fire, or injury. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota dealership. The dealer documented that it had “shut off mid drive,” reported finding no codes in the engine ECU, and performed service campaign 26TC03 concerning an incorrect mass airflow sensor reading. The dealer replaced a radiator air guide and stated that the vehicle should return for further diagnosis if it stalled again. On August 2, only approximately 36 miles after that service, the vehicle failed to restart at approximately 40,529 miles and required a jump. LTA and pre-collision system malfunction warnings appeared. The pre-collision warning returned while the vehicle was moving, and the Toyota connected app also recorded the malfunction. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealership and is available for inspection. The cause remains unknown. The concern involves an intermittent engine shutdown/no-start condition, a possible 12-volt electrical or charging-system failure, and the loss of forward-collision and lane-assistance functions. The dealer’s prior multipoint inspection marked the battery as acceptable, but no actual CCA battery-test result was documented.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

While making a left turn in my 2026 Toyota RAV4, the vehicle's Automatic Emergency Braking / Pre-Collision System suddenly activated without cause. The system sounded an audible warning beep and forced the vehicle to brake and come to a hard stop mid-turn. There was nothing in front of me that should have triggered the system. This put my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. The forced stop occurred suddenly and unexpectedly while turning, which nearly caused an accident, as vehicles behind me had no warning that I would suddenly brake mid-turn. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the incident — the false activation occurred suddenly with no prior symptoms. I have dashcam footage of the incident attached below.

Related recalls

Back over prevention: display functionReported October 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Recall number 25V744000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported August 6, 2019 · 14,215 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Due to a damaged electrical connector, the back-up camera may not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
If the backup camera system does not activate and the driver does not check his/her surroundings while reversing, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0N.

Recall number 19V576000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported April 7, 2016 · 16,656 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.

Recall number 16V198000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported February 12, 2014 · 261,114 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 14V054000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota RAV4 collision warning

Which Toyota RAV4 years have false forward collision warnings problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (12 complaints), 2023 (9 complaints) and 2017 (6 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix false forward collision warnings on the Toyota RAV4?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,100 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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