Vehicles · Insights

2018 Toyota Rav4

Electrical problems dominate the complaints, with a notable count of fires

Across 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, electrical system issues are by far the most reported, making up 127 reports (39%) and linked to 22 fires, 5 crashes, and 3 injuries. Engine complaints come next with 32 reports (10%) and 10 fires. The brake reports are smaller in number (30, 9%) but carry the most crashes of any area, with 10. Power train and exterior lighting round out the top five. No deaths were reported in any of these areas.

Most reported areas

Electrical System safety 39%
The clear top complaint with 127 reports (39%). It is also the area with the most fires by far, at 22, along with 5 crashes and 3 injuries. Worth a careful inspection of the electronics and warning systems.
Engine safety 10%
The second most reported area with 32 reports (10%), including 10 fires, 3 crashes, and 1 injury. Several owners describe sudden loss of engine power while driving.
Service Brakes safety 9%
30 reports (9%), but the highest crash count of any area here at 10, plus 2 fires and 2 injuries. Owners describe brakes going to the floor with no stopping power, so check this closely.
Power Train safety 8%
26 reports (8%), tied to 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported. Complaints include hesitation followed by sudden surges of acceleration.
Exterior Lighting safety 7%
22 reports (7%), with 1 crash and 1 fire and no injuries. The recurring theme is headlights that owners feel are too dim to drive safely on dark roads.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 324 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.