2018 Toyota RAV4 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
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On September 3, 2025, I was driving down the I-10 in Biloxi, MS, at 6:45 a.m. It was around 75-80 degrees and the sun was just barely coming up. All of the sudden the glass in my sunroof completely shattered. There were no cars around me and it was an open portion of the road, so no rocks were flung up by nearby vehicles. Luckily, my kids were not with me, because a majority of the glass ended up in my backseat, ranging from huge chunks of about 3-4 inches in diameter to smaller shards being everywhere. I cut myself several times while trying to clean it up, so I can only imagine what it could have done to my kids! Luckily, I was able to keep my cool and not swerve off the road, as it was quite startling.
I had just gotten off my vehicle, we were at a shopping center specifically Marshall’s, the employee announced a blue Toyota, I went outside and my car was in flames, the Fire Department said it was an electrical fire. I had never received a letter of a recall let alone Toyota calling me to tell my car was defective. Not only until after my vehicle was damaged I received a call from them which made it suspicious.
The tailgate does not lift all the way. The hinges are intact. I believe its a pistón or sensor problem.
battery has slipped around in the carrier. I have to check periodically to make sure it can't tip over and I readjust the tie down. I shouldn't have to do this if the dealer would install the fix.
The recall was for the battery size. This issues has been repaired by the Toyota Dealership 6969 Tyee Dr. SW Tumwater, Wa 98512 360 539-4000. Customer# [XXX] and invoice # [XXX]. I do not understand why I am getting notified of this recall from 2023 stating it has not been taken care of as of this date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The recall (Manufacturer Recall # 23TB13; NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall has not caused a safety issue in my case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle for over a year (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
The battery recall for my 2018 RAV4 remains unresolved. What is your agency doing to remedy this situation.
The recall on my vehicle has been delayed for almost 2 years. What’s the hold up on getting the remedy available for your customers?!
I purchased my 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid in June 2018. The automatic liftgate has been a consistent issue with this vehicle since January 2024. It either fails to close completely or takes an unusually long time to shut. I followed the official Toyota dealership videos and performed the recommended recalibration steps, but the problem remains unresolved. This is not just a matter of convenience. It presents a safety concern, particularly when loading items at night. Living in the Pacific Northwest, where it gets dark around 5 p.m., makes this even more concerning. I’m aware there is existing litigation related to this issue.
The recall (Manufacturer Recall # 23TB13; NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in this case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
Transmission range sensor switch and rear ccs axle
There has not been a remedy for this recall for almost a year now. We were notified of the recall in Nov23'. Toyota said they'd have a remedy by mid 2024. It's now Sept2024 with no remedy in sight. It's not fair to the paying customers that we're just driving around vehicles that have the potential to actually explode. When discussing with my local Toyota dealership (in their defense, this was around Feb24' ), they said they'd be charging me for the pre-remedy inspection despite Consumer Advisory 21TG01.
Toyota issued a recall in November of 2023, claiming there would be a rememdy in December, but I have had no more communication and the dealers still can't offer a fix. It is May 2024 and I feel uncomfortable driving me car
Back rear window on truck door just shattered. Was sitting outside and just popped and shattered.
I received the recall notice a long time ago (DEC 2023?) I contacted Toyota 07/08/24 and they advised that a remedy was still being sought with a solution mid 2024? We are now in October and I have been told my battery should be replaced before it doesn't start. How long can they work on a solution? It seems the Toyotas affected will be retired before they do anything. Please address this concern for Toyota owners.
While driving, the sunroof shattered for no reason. Upon inspection, one could see the glass pushed upwards. Since this is tempered glass and not lamented, glass shards were blown all over the place, big safety hazard.
roof leaks,elecktrical connections problems
Unknown I didn’t have any accidents
The torque converter on my 2018 Toyota Rav4 failed and needed to be replaced according to the Toyota dealership. As an experienced driver, I became aware that something was not right with the drivetrain which prompted a service appointment at my local dealership. The problem was detected early and the torque converter was replaced by the dealer at a cost to me of $3,300. If I had not noticed this problem early, it could have resulted in a complete loss of power to the drivetrain even while driving. In addition, although my vehicle is a 2018 model, Toyota acknowledged and addressed this same problem with 2013-2015 models and offered enhanced warranty protection to cover the cost of repairs as documented by Toyota's Warranty Policy Bulletin, No. POL17-06. I contacted Toyota customer service to alert them to this issue but was told there had not been any incidents reported for model years outside of 2013-2015. My concern and the reason for my writing is that Toyota's torque converter problems might exist beyond the 2013-2015 model years.
The rear lift gate on my 2018 RAV4 failed. The lifts went out of alignment and pulled the tailgate out of alignment to the point where it's pulling the hinges off the car and will not close. This is a safety issue because I have to drive with the hatch open. There is nothing I could have done to prevent it, or cause it.
The backup camera stopped working when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The screen used to work but now goes black. The screen work fine for everything else. The display works perfect until the xar is put in reverse, then the display goes black.
Police Report - 23-146OF
I bought my 2018 rav4 from dolan toyota of Reno, NV in January of 2022 I also purchased both of the platinum bumper to bumper warranties they offered. Well throughout the year of 2022 I had my vehicle in the shop 5-6 times for bluetooth echoing effect happening ( making my bluetooth hands free feature inoperable). Everytime I took it in the techs say that the can't replicate the problem. Even tho a tech went on a teat ride with me and heard the issue occurring. Now my bluetooth is having paring issues and I have tried to reach out to the service department multiple times since I've had my car in last and the won't respond. I've even sent a ertified demand letter on the 28th of January giving them until March 1st to fix the problem and haven't gotten a response from them yet. I have even brought to their attention there is clearly a problem with their head units because there was a class action lawsuit file in 2021 for this exact problem happening.
Sunroof just shattered/exploded while driving on highway. (Entering route I95N from Philadelphia). I did not see or was near any foreign object that could've caused this incident. Sunroof was closed, however the interior cover was open. When glass shattered, multiple fragments entered the car and fell on my body. Thankfully I was the only person in the vehicle. I was not injured by fragments. I was able to close the interior lining and continue driving to my house. Once home I was able to assess damage and vacuumed car. I took the vehicle to Thompson Toyota in Doylestown, PA yesterday 8/12/22 where it is being inspected and repaired. I am convinced this requires further investigation since I think this may be safety issue with this type of vehicle.
My car is everything is good condition
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has 46 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.