What 162 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

I was driving down the Interstate and my sunroof exploded without apparent cause. This was in Colorado, and there was a change in altitude, so I thought perhaps a difference in pressure might have played a part. There were no cars in front of me nor any visible debris. I was just driving, and heard a loud bang over my head. My sunroof and shade were closed at the time.

NHTSA ODI 11732651

The hood on the Rav4 has excessive vibration at speeds 60 to 70 mph. This is very distracting to the driver. It was reported to the Toyota dealer (Gettle of Charlotte County Florida). Their response was they drove another one on the lot it had the same issue. It has happened since purchased new.

NHTSA ODI 11727830

The hood flutters, and this shimmering is distracting, especially on the highway. The dealership adjusted the rubber stoppers, and this did not fix the problem. On the highway, I have had sunlight flashing in my eyes which poses a safety concern, due to this hood flexing. The problem was noted by the sales rep at the dealership when test driving, and even after a service visit two days later. I bought this car, gold certified, a few days ago and it has persisted since. This seems to be a common problem for which there is a TSB for a Lexus vehicle already.

NHTSA ODI 11690709

Hood vibration/fluttering at 40 speed and more at highway speeds, visible shaking even when closed. I took my car to dealer but they said no recalls. No help me with the car issues. That vibration distracted me and made me feel not safety as well as my passengers.

NHTSA ODI 11689909

The hood of the vehicle vibrates excessively, especially at high speeds. I have reported this issue since the day of purchase and have taken the vehicle to the dealership four times without a resolution. This situation poses a significant safety risk to me and my family, as I believe the hood could open and cause a serious accident. I request an official inspection and resolution regarding this matter. Please advise on how to proceed with a possible warranty claim or further investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11677289

- While driving the vehicle engaged in the automatic emergency breaking system due to the car in front of me, the car was awaiting to turn left, but my lane was clear and I actually did not have the car in front of my vehicle. - While driving to work, at about 40 miles per hour speed, during a not so windy day, in an non-graveled road, my sunroof glass shattered out of nowhere. the dealership checked the affected area and confirmed there was no foreign objects that might have caused the incident. (not covered under warranty)

NHTSA ODI 11652058

Vehicle hood vibrates under both idle and driving speeds. At highway speeds or bumpy roads the vibration / flexing of the hood metal causes sun and light glare (like a strobe light effect) causing visual disturbances making it hard to stay focused on the road. There is no seal above the headlights which allows additional air under the hood - the faster the speed and / or windy conditions , the more the hood flexes and causes reflection to the drivers eyes. The easiest explanation is if the hood safety latch is engaged and you see the mood moving up and down prompting you to stall and see if the hood is loose.

NHTSA ODI 11637122

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the hood was shuddering significantly. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the hood shuddered and rose continuously while remaining closed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road each time the failure occurred due to safety concerns. The contact stated that the failure had reduced the ability to pay attention to the road while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure occurred because the hood was no longer made with metal material but with aluminum material. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11622532

This incident occurred on the morning of [XXX]. I was driving my new, 2024 Toyota RAV4 hybrid on the highway (it has less than 20,000 miles on it). There were no vehicles or other obstacles or road debris of any kind near me. I suddenly heard an incredibly loud, explosive sound. It was like a gunshot or as if a body had fallen on my roof. I then heard the noise of wind. My sunroof had exploded. Fortunately, I had the sunroof and the interior screen closed, so glass did not fall into my car. Once I was able to pull over, I examined the sunroof to find it had shattered and there was no indication of anything falling on or colliding with it. I took two photos and proceeded slowly to the Toyota dealer (Ourisman Toyota in Richmond, Va.) where I purchased the car brand-new/off-the-truck in February 2024. The dealer stated that they would not cover glass, including a spontaneously exploding sunroof on a new car, and so I am required to pay out of pocket. Although fortunately I was able to keep control of my car and was not injured, this was a serious and dangerous event. (Note, I was unable to upload the photos below, but have them available.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11619857

Brand new vehicle recently purchased 9/28/2024 at the Dealership, Toyota of AA, Michigan. While driving at highway speeds greater than 70 mph, the flimsy hood balloons/bubbles up and starts flexing visibly and violently with almost 2 inch amplitude waves and looks like it wants to become unlatched and slam into the windshield. Pretty scary! This is definitely a safety risk that raises the fear in me of a potential serious crash. Vehicle dropped back at the Dealership 10/7/2024 for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11618615

Hood shakes in the middle presenting the appearance that the hood will open on its own, side mirrors shake causing distorted view

NHTSA ODI 11599866

I was pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage. My foot was off the accretor ready to brake and then the car self accelerated and hit the cement wall. The red brake light came on and I slammed on the brake but the damage was done. The front bumper was cracked on the left side and dented on the right side. There whole front end was scraped and scratched. The collision sensor is damaged

NHTSA ODI 11591433

Moon roof spontaneously shattered while driving. No impact from any object caused this, no other vehicles around and vehicle was only at 5 MPH at time of shattering. It’s as if the glass just shattered outwards from inside the cabin of the vehicle. Showered driver with glass and could have caused injury especially if glass fell into eyes.

NHTSA ODI 11568993

None of the doors has puddle/ courtesy lights which can cause hazard situation when doors need to open in dark environment. Those lights when available alerts oncoming vehicles pedestrians or cyclists. Oncoming vehicles cyclists at danger of poor visibility if the doors open. There use to be lights on all 4 doors few years ago on any motor vehicle. Then certain manufacturers made them available only on front doors. Now they are all gone from all doors at least in the car I have. In my opinion this should be a safety requirement. Kindly evaluate and see if what I mention make sense. It was a simple technology which may have prevent certain hazardous situation.

NHTSA ODI 11565448