What 28 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my vehicle where the braking system did not respond as expected during an emergency. While traveling southbound on I-575 in Georgia, I experienced a sudden tire blowout. As I moved to the shoulder and applied the brakes firmly, the vehicle did not slow down as expected. Despite pressing the brake pedal continuously and with significant force, the vehicle continued traveling for approximately 1–2 miles before finally coming to a stop near Exit 11. This was a highly dangerous situation, as the brakes appeared to be ineffective during a critical moment. Fortunately, there was no crash or injury. After the incident, the vehicle was towed to a Toyota service center (Cherokee Toyota) where the damaged tire was repaired/replaced. I was informed that no other mechanical issues were found. However, I remain concerned that the braking system may have a defect or intermittent issue that was not detected during a standard inspection. Given the severity of the incident, I request a thorough investigation into the braking system performance under such conditions. A failure or significant delay in braking response presents a major safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11729161

I was driving on a busy road at rush-hour. I was behind a school bus at a light. I stopped the car the way I always do but the car kept inching up very very slowly. I could not stop the car. It just kept moving until I hit the back of the bus!!! there was no damage to the bus, but my vehicle has a lot of damage on it. It was almost new 2024 RAV4 prime!!! I have since read that there have been a lot of recalls on this vehicle for brake problems. I could not drive the car and had to have it towed to the dealership Of course they say they know nothing of anything like this and were very uncooperative. I have been leasing the car with the agreement to buy it outright at the end of the term and now I am afraid of this car! I am a senior citizen, and I drive my grandchildren all over.. please help!!

NHTSA ODI 11703466

While driving at no more than 5 mph, looking for a parking space, the car suddenly accelerated dramatically. I vigorously applied pressure to the brake but the car continued to go forward, sideswiping a parked pickup truck and crashing through a metal fence and coming up against a rock wall. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians walking through the parking lot and no one was injured. I don’t know if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by an inspector hired by the manufacturer and also inspected by my auto insurance representative. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptons of this sudden unintended acceleration prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11670603

I have owned vehicle for 3 months. Noticed loud banging sound whenever brakes are applied at low speeds, on rough bumps/rough road. At times banging is loud enough to sound like vehicle hit something. No issues with braking currently. Not sure if noise is from ABS but sound is coming from front and back. Toyota inspected vehicle and said sound is the ABS activating..."totally normal for newer hybrids and no fix at this time...test drove other 2024 Rav4 Primes and all had same noise". TAS#242180433. No accident/incident to report at this time, however noise is loud enough to cause uneasiness while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11608693