Home · 2011 Toyota RAV4 Hv · Complaints

What 287 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Toyota RAV4 Hv

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (287)Crash / fire / injury (49)Speed control (69)Visibility & wipers (50)Brakes (47)Engine (33)Seat belts (30)Transmission & drivetrain (25)Airbags (20)Electrical system (19)Body & structure (16)Suspension (16)

Newest first · 287 complaints · page 5 of 12

Sep 12, 2017SteeringSuspension

I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT A BIT "LOOSE" AT ANY RATE OF SPEED. I ALSO OBSERVED THAT MY R BACK SEAT SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED(50 MPH +). MY VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 66K MILES ON IT. I MAINTAIN IT ACCORDING TO THE USER MANUAL. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN A FOR FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE REAR TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED BECAUSE THE NUTS FOR ADJUSTING THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WERE FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO BE ALIGNED, THE REAR TIRE ROD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BACK IN AUGUST 2013 ( FOR 2006-2011 RAV4), HOWEVER, MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THUS I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET IN ORDER TO FOR MY CAR TO BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY (REPLACED THE REAR ROD). THIS IS THE 2ND REPORT I'VE SEEN ON THIS SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUE(FROZEN TOE) - SAME MODEL VEHICLE. IS THERE ANYTHING TO BE DONE TO GET THIS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY? THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11022779

Aug 14, 2017Speed controlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (BENARDI TOYOTA 1626 WORCESTER ROAD, FRAMINGHAM, MA, 01702) WAS CONTACTED AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI 11015191

Aug 9, 2017Steering

TODAY WHEN I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN PARKING LOT, I REALIZED THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT AND RIGHT. IT WAS REALLY DIFFICULT OR REQUIRED A LOT OF FORCE TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL WHILE PARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN STATIONARY OR MOVING VERY SLOWLY AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION EASILY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE FACED THIS STEERING WHEEL ISSUE I HAD NEVER FACED THIS ISSUE BEFORE WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11013842

Jul 3, 2017Visibility & wipers

SUN VISOR ON LEFT DRIVER SIDE NOW DROOPS AFTER ONLY OWNING VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS. NOTICED TOYOTA WARRANTY EXTENSIONS FOR TOYOTA CAMRYS BUT NOT TOYOTA RAV4S. THE PARTS ARE NOT DIFFERENT AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA.

NHTSA ODI 11002801

Jun 30, 2017Transmission & drivetrainCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, IT ROLLED DOWN HILL INTO THE BACK YARD, THROUGH LAWN FURNITURE, AND STOPPED IN THE WOODS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11002463

Jun 28, 2017Electrical system

CPCS:TOYOTA RAV4 WITH WIRING THAT HAS SOY COATED INSULATION.THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS "RODENT" DAMAGE. WE CONTACTED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, ETC., BUT NO ONE WANTS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *BD UPDATED 06/28/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI 11002293

Jun 5, 2017Transmission & drivetrain

AT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A "TRANSAXLE LEAK" THAT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE LEAK IN THE DRIVEWAY, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER WARNING. SO WHEN THIS DEVELOPED IS UNKNOWN. TOLD NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. REPAIR WOULD BE $3000. TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REMOVED TO SEAL LEAKING. THIS VEHICLE HAS 34K MILES ON IT. WAS TOLD THIS ONLY SEEN IN CARS OVER 100K. HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED--ALL SERVICE CHECKS AND RECALLS COMPLETED. TOYOTA ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY. NO SIGN OF A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI 10993273

May 30, 2017Speed control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10992142

May 9, 2017Suspension

SUSPENSION: WHILE DRIVING IN THE INTERSTATE, I HEARD A "POP" AND THE SOUND OF SOMETHING SLIDING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TOO THE BACK DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I THEN FELT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE "WOBBLING" AND I HEARD A "CLUCKING AND RUBBING" SOUND. I MANAGED TO GET TO A REPAIR STATION, AND OBSERVED THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE LEANING INWARD AT THE TOP, AND IT HAD BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL AND A CORD. THE REPAIRMAN LOOKED IT OVER AND FOUND NO REASON FOR A BOLT THAT RANGED ABOUT 5-7 INCHES TO SHOOT OUT, RESULTING IN THE BACK WHEEL TO ALMOST FALL COMPLETELY OFF THAT WAY, AS THE UNDERCARRIAGE "LOOKED PRETTY GOOD." I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUST OVER 3 MONTHS AGO FROM A CERTIFIED DEALER. THE CARFAX REPORTED NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS AND THE CAR WAS REPORTEDLY MAINTENANCE AS RECOMMENDED, (EVERY 3000 MILES). I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. WHAT'S TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO THE OTHER THREE TIRES???

NHTSA ODI 10984480

Apr 11, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS. THE PARTS HAD NOT BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO THE DEALER FOR OVER A YEAR. THE DEALER KEPT STATING THAT THEY WOULD CALL, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10971942

Apr 10, 2017Electrical system

2011 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CAR HACKING ISSUE. *LD UPDATED 04/10/2017 *JS

NHTSA ODI 10970208

Mar 15, 2017

2011 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CAR HACKING ISSUE. *LD

NHTSA ODI 10965509

Mar 3, 2017Speed control

CAR SITTING IN PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE IN PARK, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED HAD TO TURN IGNITION KEY OFF TO STOP ENGINE FROM RUNNING AT HIGH SPEED. WHEN RESTARTED ENGINE RAN AT NORMAL IDLE SPEED. CHECKED FLOOR MAT AND HOSES ON ENGINE, ALL OK. SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA DEALER FOR 3/6/2017. CAR HAS 28,563 MILES ON ODOMETER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CAR IS GARAGED, NO ACCIDENTS AND IS REGULARLY SERVICED BY TOYOTA DEALER. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS 41 DEGREES. I CHECKED THE FOOT PEDAL (THROTTLE) FOR FREE TRAVEL IT WAS OK.

NHTSA ODI 10958530

Feb 8, 2017Transmission & drivetrain

AT APPROXIMATELY 67,000 MILES (OR LIKELY MUCH SOONER), THIS 4WD VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LEAKING SEAL IN THE LEFT REAR DIFFERENTIAL/AXLE. THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED BY THE DEALER DURING A RECENT VISIT TO HANDLE SEVERAL OUTSTANDING RECALL ISSUES. FROM DOING EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 4WD RAV4S. IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR (AS MUCH AS $800 AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER), SO I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE NTSB INVESTIGATE THE RAV4 REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL LEAKS FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL OR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. PLEASE NOTE THAT TOYOTA ALREADY ISSUED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION (Z4F) WHICH EXTENDS THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY FOR A REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT SHOULD EXTEND TO THE REAR AXLE SEALS AS WELL. FAILURE OF THE REAR SEAL(S) CAN OF COURSE LEAD TO TOTAL FAILURE OF THE POWERTRAIN AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO SHOWING THE LEAKING LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL.

NHTSA ODI 10950337

Feb 7, 2017Speed controlCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE IN A PARKING AREA APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE RPMS RACED AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH DUE TO THE FAILURE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR CENTER TO REPAIR THE DAMAGES AND FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY BE ABLE TO INVESTIGATE THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 10950154

Dec 27, 2016Lights

TAKATA RECALL: WHY THE LIGHT 4WD , TRAC ON AND CHECK ACTIVATE WENT IS RAINING WENT I MY CAR IS PARK

NHTSA ODI 10937568

Dec 5, 2016AirbagsSeat belts

WE RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICES NHTSA 16V-096 AND 15V-577 STATING WE WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN (THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED). I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER WHO SAID THAT WOULD CHECK INTO THE MATTER AS TOO MUCH TIME HAS ELAPSED IN THIS REPAIR PROCESS AND THEY WOULD ALSO CONTACT ME. NEITHER THE DEALER OR CORPORATE HAS FOLLOWED TROUGH WITH THE REPAIR PARTS OR REPAIRS. I STILL CANNOT GET THE RECALLED REPAIRS COMPLETED. I DON'T TRUST CORPORATE TOYOTA OR THEIR DEALERSHIP IN THEIR HANDLING OF THESE RECALLS. I DEMAND THAT NHYSA INVESTIGATE AND REPORT TO ME THEIR FINDINGS.

NHTSA ODI 10929851

Nov 29, 2016Speed control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 10928520

Nov 7, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V770000 (VISIBILITY WIPER). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 10924624

Nov 7, 2016Seat beltsVisibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND ORDER THE PART, BUT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE BACK ORDER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10924649

Oct 17, 2016Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

SINCE SUMMER OF 2014, AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING MY NEW 2011 RAV4, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAS NOT OPERATED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO DOWN OR UP, OFTEN, IT WILL GET STUCK. THE LIGHT ON THE BUTTON BLINKS AT TIMES, AT TIMES IT DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THE WINDOW MOTOR I AM TOLD HAS SEVERAL FINGERS THAT OPERATES THE WINDOWS AND SEEMS TO WORK WHEN TRIED ON SOME KIND OF MACHINE, HOWEVER, TWO GOOD MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT SHORTS OUT WITH OPERATING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. REPLACING THE WINDOW MOTOR IS APPROXIMATELY $460.00 FOR THE PART ALONE, BUT MECHANICS CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE WINDOW WILL NOT SHORT OUT SOMEHOW AGAIN. WHEN THE WINDOW IS STUCK DOWN, I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND, WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE RAIN, SNOW, EXTREME COLD--MAY KEEP ME FROM DRIVING THE CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM. I FOUND A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SAME WINDOW PROBLEM; HOWEVER, TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT IN THAT PARTICULAR RECALL. RADIO/CD PLAYER--HAS SHORTED OUT SINCE 2014. WHEN I PRESS A BUTTON TO CHANGE STATIONS, THE RADIO WILL TURN OFF. IF I PRESS REWIND ON THE CD PLAYER, THE PLAYER TURNS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THREE YEARS ON MY RAV4 THAT WAS BRAND NEW WHEN PURCHASED DECEMBER 2011. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10916401

Oct 13, 2016AirbagsSeat belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE REAR SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 10915702

Oct 6, 2016Seat belts

I RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING THAT I HAD A RECALL ON THE REAR OUTWARD SEAT BELT. I CALLED ON 7/25/16 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE A REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THE REP THAT THE LETTER SOUNDED LIKE THEY HAD A SOLUTION "DEALER WILL INSTALL PLASTIC COVERS OVER THE METAL SEAT FRAME." THE REP INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH A SOLUTION WAS FOUND, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. I CALLED ON 8/10/16 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT IN. I CALLED ON 10/6/16..SAME THING...PARTS ARE NOT IN. NOT SURE WHY IT TAKES 3 MONTHS TO GET THIS PART. I THINK MY CAR ALSO HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR AND I NEVER HEARD BACK REGARDING THAT EITHER.

NHTSA ODI 10914233

Oct 1, 2016Seat beltsVisibility & wipers

I TOOK CAR TWICE AND NOBODY BEEN ABLE TO HELP 'ME EVERTIME THEY TELL ME TO COME BACK BECAUSE THEY DONT THE EQUIMENT OR THEY DONT HAVE TIME.. THIS HAPPEND AT A ROCKVILLE/GAITHERBURG LOCATION.

NHTSA ODI 10910907

Sep 27, 2016Visibility & wipers

NHTSA RECALL: 15V-577 OVER A YEAR AND NO FIX? HOW HARD CAN THIS BE?

NHTSA ODI 10910051

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Toyota RAV4 Hv verdict →