Toyota RAV4 water leak problems

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Seats, Visibility · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s seat became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the front driver’s and passenger sides, causing puddles of water in the front driver’s and passenger’s seats with an abnormal odor. The contact stated that the leak was near the bolts and screws. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the water leak could not be repaired and that the condition was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C system and several other unknown components needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · FL

What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection? The roof/water sealing system failed, allowing water to enter the vehicle interior. It is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? Water intrusion through the roof caused visible mold growth, interior deterioration, and a severe foul odor. The mold and contamination inside the vehicle is causing constant illness to the occupant, creating a serious ongoing health and safety hazard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? The vehicle was brought to a service center for inspection, however they refused to inspect it. The problem has not been formally confirmed. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? The vehicle was taken in for inspection but the dealer/service center declined to inspect it. No manufacturer, police, or insurance inspection has taken place. Were there warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure? When did they first appear? No warning lamps or messages appeared. The symptoms that developed include: Water entering through the roof Visible mold growth Interior deterioration Severe foul odor described as "rotten rat" smell Occupant experiencing constant illness due to exposure

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Body · 60,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was an unusual sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact parked and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the rear passenger's side door, the contact noticed water leaking from the bottom of the door panel onto the ground. The contact stated about a gallon of water leaked from the rear passenger's side door panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Body · NY

The rear door (lift gate) hinges are failing and tearing away from the vehicle body, causing misalignment of the rear door, operational failure of the automated lift gate, and water leaking into the interior. This has occurred under normal use conditions. It appears that the hinge design is insufficient to handle the load and forces of normal operation of the door. The failure has been documented in pictures. The Toyota dealership where the vehicle was purchased stated that the vehicle is out of warranty and there is no recall for the hinges, therefore the owner is responsible for repair costs. Had the issue not been found and the hinges failed completely, it could have been extremely hazardous.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Body · MD

Tailgate problem since Purchase. Tailgate won't close. Gets stuck open. Dangerous. Known issue. Fixed 3 times at Toyota dealer. Faulty hinge and other real parts problems. Dealer says there is a class action lawsuit about the problem. 1st occurred only during Winters starting 2022. Gas door broken 2023. Water leaking into passenger front door 2022. Also door actuator . Have had to replace front 2, now rear broken. Can report separately.

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Body, Seats · FL

A recall was issued for a roof leak defect that allowed water intrusion into my vehicle. The recall repair was performed at Autonation Toyota of Weston dealership, where the roof was replaced due to water staining. However, water intrusion which led to black mold growth into the interior carpeting and floor board remained after the repair. The dealership stated that the remaining water intrusion affecting the carpeting was caused by another source. Documentation showing that the recall repair procedure was completed according to the manufacturer’s requirements was requested but has not been provided. The defect involving water entering the vehicle interior remains unresolved. I was last told by the General Manager that my requests and concerns were forwarded to legal, but I have not heard back from October of 2025.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Suspension, Visibility · 149,782 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the sunroof. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that front alignment was needed, and that the roof rails needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,782.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · FL · 3 injuries

We discovered severe mold contamination and water intrusion in our 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. My wife, our [XXX] child, and I have been experiencing dizziness and nausea for months whenever we were inside the vehicle, but we did not know the cause until the dealer (DLL) showed us extensive mold throughout the cabin and standing water trapped inside the vehicle. The dealer confirmed that this was not normal wear and tear. The mold has spread into the floors, interior panels, and even the steering components. This is a serious health hazard. After doing research, we found many other RAV4 Hybrid owners reporting similar water leaks and mold growth issues. This raises the concern of a potential design or sealing defect in this model. This vehicle is unsafe to drive, especially with a young child. We are requesting a full safety investigation into the water intrusion, sealing integrity, and air quality risks associated with this model. Symptoms:     •    Dizziness     •    Nausea     •    Headache     •    Strong mold smell     •    Corrosion of interior components This is a serious safety and health issue, and we are asking the federal safety agency to investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Body · 100,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that during a rainstorm, rainwater leaked into the cabin of the vehicle from the A, B, C, and D pillars and the ceiling control center. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced several times due to the failure, but the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the rear passenger side carpet was previously replaced due to excessive water entering the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the leaks were near the curtain air bag housing and might cause the air bags to malfunction. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Visibility · LA

When it rains, water leaks in the interior of the car where the windshield meets the roof of the car. It leaks at the both visor attachments, the light in the middle, and along the sides of where the windshield is attached. I understand there is a recall for older RAV4's for a similar issue. I think the same thing is happening here. It's is causing visibility issues when it is raining and distracts the driver.