2011 Toyota RAV4

Above average

Owners filed 287 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 11 times.

Not among the Toyota RAV4 years to avoid. Which Toyota RAV4 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
45,936 milesMedian miles at failure

192 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Toyota RAV4 problems

47 of the 287 complaints (16%) are about the throttle and acceleration.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration47
1513
Service Brakes · brakes32
1002
Visibility/Wiper · wipers31
000
Seat Belts25
000
Power Train · transmission20
210
Engine18
120
Air Bags · airbags16
9111
Suspension13
000
Electrical System12
111
Steering11
111

2011 Toyota RAV4 throttle and acceleration problems

16% of all complaints

47 of the 287 complaints are about the throttle and acceleration. This is what owners describe:

  • accelerates on its own32% · 15
  • drops into neutral23% · 11
  • jerks, lurches or bucks17% · 8

Share of the 47 throttle and acceleration complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
23,594 mi
median of 43 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
9 throttle and acceleration complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
15 · 1 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the throttle and acceleration
None
“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and accelerated forward crashing into a parked van. During the incident, the airbags did not deploy. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. the vehicle was later towed to a collision center and repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 23, 2023 at 85,000 miles
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 14, 2017 at 83,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2011: 19 complaints, 8 about the throttle and acceleration'112012: 26 complaints, 8 about the throttle and acceleration2013: 16 complaints, 6 about the throttle and acceleration'132014: 31 complaints, 9 about the throttle and acceleration2015: 18 complaints, 2 about the throttle and acceleration'152016: 62 complaints, 3 about the throttle and acceleration2017: 21 complaints, 4 about the throttle and acceleration'172018: 22 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration2019: 27 complaints, 3 about the throttle and acceleration'192020: 7 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2021: 4 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration'212022: 5 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2023: 12 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration'232024: 7 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2025: 4 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration'252026: 6 complaints, 1 about the throttle and accelerationRecall 12V029000 (airbags)Recall 12V373000 (suspension)Recall 13V014000 (seats)Recall 13V123000 (equipment)Recall 14V743000 (seats)Recall 15V577000 (wipers)Recall 15V689000 (visibility)Recall 16V096000 (seat belts)Recall 16V396000 (seats)
All complaintsAbout the throttle and accelerationRecall (red: the throttle and acceleration)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2011 RAV4 peaked in 2016, with 62 filed that year. No recall on file covers the throttle and acceleration, the subject of 16% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 6 so far.

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear16V596000
Filed Aug 12, 2016337,449 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other16V096000
Filed Feb 19, 20161,123,752 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.

Risk. A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls15V689000
Filed Oct 22, 20151,814,284 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Risk. If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Visibility/Wiper15V577000
Filed Sep 18, 2015423,456 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.

Risk. Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler14V743000
Filed Nov 19, 20143,233 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Suspension › Rear13V383000
Filed Aug 28, 2013780,584 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.

Equipment › Other › Labels13V123000
Filed Apr 9, 20137,525 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Filed Jan 16, 20133,235 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Suspension › Rear12V373000
Filed Aug 2, 2012780,584 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Air Bags › Side/Window12V029000
Filed Feb 1, 2012427 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAV4 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 24, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 19, 2011. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS, PROPELLANT WITH THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION WAS USED FOR THE INITIATOR ASSEMBLED IN THE AIRBAG INFLATOR. IN THIS CONDITION, THE INFLATOR MAY NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, CAUSING ONE OR BOTH CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy. TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE CURTAIN SHIELD ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THE ASSEMBLIES AS NECESSARY WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 8, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2011 RAV4.

Autoliv Air Bag Propellant MixtureInvestigation EQ12002Closed
Opened Feb 14, 2012Closed May 8, 2012airbags

The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.

Technical service bulletins

283 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 RAV4. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 103body and frame 53engine 27electrical system 23transmission 20equipment adaptive/mobility 9suspension 8tires 7
KR3_Region EmailService campaignOct 23, 2019equipment

Region Email: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

KR3_Region LetteService campaignOct 23, 2019equipment

Region Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

KR3_Dealer EmailService campaignOct 23, 2019equipment

Dealer Email: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

KR3_Dealer PackaService campaignOct 23, 2019equipment

Dealer Package: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

TSB003220Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 17, 2023throttle and acceleration

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request …

TSB-0087-12Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 13, 2012throttle and acceleration

TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED. *PE

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2011 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2011 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2026ME

Airbag light is on

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Apr 10, 2026230,000 milesIN

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 89,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 230,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 2026195,000 milesME

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if the rear suspension had failed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the rear suspension arms were detaching from the subframe. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in TSB: 0042-14, NHTSA ID Number: 10060729 (Suspension), and was repaired in 2013. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension), and the campaign had since expired in 2019; and the repair was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 24, 2026135,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle continued to accelerate unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal and shifted to neutral(N), and the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop and while reversing from the driveway onto the roadway. The failure only occurred while the cruise control was activated but not set. The contact previously owned another 2011 Toyota Rav4 vehicle, which also experienced the failure. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the manufacturer had previously provided a remedy for the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 19, 2026CA

I bought a pre-own car for my daughter in November 2022 from CARMAX in the City of Colma, California. The car is white color 2011 Toyota Rav4. In March 2025, my daughter started noticing the paint peeling off from the roof and driver side front panel. I found out that the paint issue is due to the defects from manufacturer when I visited paint shop to repair. I did researched online and found out Toyota had Customer Support Program until December 2022 for the issue. I contacted Toyota Corporate office but was told that CSP has ended and nothing they can do. Even though I am now aware that CSP has ended in December 2022, I found that it is unfair for the owner whose car just started exhibiting the issue after the program ended especially for the second owner like me who has never received any notice about the issue and bought the Toyota believing it will be a good investment. Can you please look into the issue and help for those owner like me who are unfairly left out? The attached picture shows the current condition of my car for your reference.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Feb 18, 2026190,000 milesIL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 146,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local State Secretary, that the mileage was 190,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 3, 2025NH

Electric power steering problem, steering wheel is very stiff and wont return to center ,car is very difficult to drive, I have read that nhtsa issued some safety recalls on 2011 toyota rav4 related to this mfg. defect in the circut board -ecu -electronic control unit in the electric power steering , I purchased this used car on 9/17/2025 .I am taking it to Toyota dealer 10/9/2025

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 29, 2025120,000 milesCA

The contact's sister owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the dealer performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V096000(Seat Belts); however, after the recall repair, the seat belts became inoperable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic fee was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 202580,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while reversing to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and entering the residence, the vehicle independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Tires
Filed Mar 28, 2025TX

235/55R 18 I took my car for a tire rotation at a tire shop. I was told that the right front tire was not good so I asked to be replace with another new tire I had, which was exactly the same Yokohama tire my car had on. When I drove off the shop the tire started making a weird loud noise so I drove back to the shop. They switch the tire to the rear and there I noticed that was a different tire, not the new tire I have provided them. I asked the guys where my tire was and why they had switched it with an old-use worn tire. They denied doing so and refused to give me back my tire. Besides putting a used-worn out tire, the tire also has a different speed rate than the rest of my tires. Since it is raining in Houston and having different speed tires is itself dangerous, I found this improper and in disregard of putting my safety in danger. My tire was a Yokohama Brand; The shop switched it to a worn-used Dimax brand with a different speed.

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2024CA

A lot oil consumption from oil change to 1000 miles 4 quarts of oil consumption no warning light until car stops I’m been charging oil every 4 k miles now I have to check oil every day is been almost 4years with this problem

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 23, 2024NC

I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2024OH

After pressing the accelerator pedal, I released the pressure on the pedal because of traffic and the accelerator continued to accelerate. had to hold the brake pedal down and then shifted to Park and shutoff engine. When restarted the car operate normally. This has happened in the past and is very scary and unsafe. My internet research on problem shows that there have been two problems associated with this occurrence. One, accelerator trapped by floor mats and the second was because the accelerator pedal could "stick". The floor mats are secured by manufacture securing systems so it must be the in the sticking pedal. I am contacting Toyota but not optimistic...is there anything the NHTA can do for Toyota at least checking my car for a sticking accelerator pedal sticking. Finally, has there been any other reports of this happening?

Unknown or Other
Filed May 18, 2024TX

Everything working

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2024MA

I bought my RAV4 in May 2018, and it currently has just under 100,000 miles. My local mechanic says he "was kneeling on the driver's seat while reinstalling the center console after replacing the e-brake cable, when the side curtain air bags deployed!" He is frantic as this has never happened before, and his shop insurance won't cover the replacement costs. I know that insurance companies tend to "total" cars after air bags have deployed. Have you ever heard of such an incident with the recalled 2011 RAV4 air bags?

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 23, 2024TX

Unknown

Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2024193,751 milesNY

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while stopped at a red light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and rolled forward. The contact quickly put the vehicle in park and was able to pull over down the road. The contact stated that while pulling over and then shifting from park to drive with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated, and the contact quickly shifted back into park. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was left in front of an independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced and the throttle body needed servicing. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,751.

Power Train
Filed Dec 19, 2023111,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and the rear differential fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 29, 2023WA

Side curtain airbag failed to deploy in side-impact crash. Passenger suffered significant concussion and broken ribs.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 24, 2023PA

To begin with, the 2011 Toyota Rav4 in question was a loaner provided to me by Fiore VW AUDI (1000 S. Logan Blvd in Hollidaysburg, PA 16648) at @ 10:45 AM on 9/16/23. My 2018 Toyota Sienna was being serviced at this location on 9/18/23 and they provided me the 2011 Rav4 in the meantime. The brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the sudden acceleration of this 2011 Rav4 occurred later that afternoon @ 4 PM in a Sheetz parking lot at 3261 W. College Ave. State College, PA 16801. As I was turning left into an open parking space at the rear entrance of this Sheetz, I began to turn the steering wheel to the right, straighten out, and park properly in the parking space; I also began to press down on brake to stop the car. As I pressed down on the brake pedal, the brakes quickly locked up and became unresponsive. Simultaneously, the steering wheel locked up becoming unresponsive with the front wheels still slightly turned to the left. I was still coming out of my turn when this vehicle failure began. I quickly took my foot off the brake, then the car suddenly burst forward with an intense acceleration. I immediately put my foot back down on the brake, but the car still proceeded forward towards the building; moving slightly to the left due to the steering wheel still locked in place and unresponsive. I slowly rolled into a metal obstruction at the end of the parking space, hitting it at an angle. I had my seat belt on and no air bags were deployed. No injuries to me, bu

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 1, 2023IN

Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the car suddenly accelerated with a loud rev and crashed into the wall. The car was going so fast the airbag deployed and thrust me against my seatbelt. Airbag caused fracture of 5th metacarpal in my right hand. Was unable to drive for 12 weeks. When I got the car back from the Toyota Body Shop ($9000+ in repairs), I took it over to the dealer and began filing a case with the Toyota Customer Experience Center to have Toyota inspect the car. I am especially concerned about the brake sensor system. Case is pending

Steering
Filed Aug 30, 2023MO

In hot weather the steering wheel sticks and is hard to turn and will not allow car to straighten up after the turn.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 2023VA

For the past three months, in increasing frequency, whenever parking, firm pressure on brake pedal engages sudden burst of acceleration, with engine loudly revving at 1000 revs or higher (audibly beyond the cabin to passers by on the street), that lurches vehicle forward.Within close spaces of parking garage pillars or walls or while parallel parking this is a hazard and threatens sudden accident of 1 mph or less up to 5-10 mph and a 1-2 yard-long jerking lurch to try to recover from. This occurred, twice this week, and 4 times within past 3 months’ time, to where this is no longer a fluke or due to my immediate reactions. This is an increasing pattern that threatens myself and others. I am headed to local dealership, within the hour, to request diagnostics and to attempt to have technician repeat this issue.

Service Brakes, AirCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 24, 2023143,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. The brake pedal was continuously depressed. The "low tire" message was displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, neck, and chest, and medical attention was provided. There was not a report of any fire, air bag deployment, or police report being filed. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the collision center. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 12, 2023NY

Driver's side rear passenger seat belt keeps getting jammed in the intake storage and hard to nearly impossible to engage. Had it fixed a few times but passengers continue to have difficulty pulling the seat belt from its storage position.

Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2023TX

There has not been an incident yet. The problem is that the steering is slightly stiff and what I would call jerky. It kind of sticks as you turn and you have to exert a little more pressure on the steering wheel and it lets go and moves on to where you wanted. It is not intermittent and it is getting worse all the time. The car has 74,000 miles on it. Is there a danger of this locking up some day to where a person would loose control of the car, or is it just an aggravating nuisance ? The exact date this started is not known but it has probably been at least 18 months. It is the worst at slow speeds.

Service Brakes
Filed May 13, 2023CA

When applying the brakes to stop at a stoplight, I noticed the brake pedal was very hard and was not stopping the vehicle as it normally did. The stop at the light was not a sudden stop. At the time this incident occurred, the brakes were being gradually applied as the vehicle was coasting to a slow stop. As the vehicle came to rest, the engine started to race with tachometer showing 4500 rpm. I placed the transmission into neutral fearing the car would accelerate through the stoplight. As I placed the car into neutral, the engine raced up to 6500 rpm. When the light turned green, I made a right turn into a parking lot, and the engine stopped racing and the brakes and engine began performing properly. Today was the first time this happened. The stop was being made on level ground at time of incident. The car's speed before the incident had been 35 mph and was at less than 5 mph when issue began happening. Prior to traveling in the 35 mph zone, the car had recently been on the highway traveling between 55-70 mph for 20 minutes. Mileage on vehicle is currently 141,295. The vehicle is available for inspection. Slow response braking and unintended acceleration place vehicle occupants as well as other vehicles at risk for collision and possible injury. Problem has not been reproduced nor inspected by a dealer or independent service station yet. No parties have inspected the vehicle yet. No warning lights or messages were generated at the time of the incident. There have been no pr

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 6, 2023PA

I have replaced the front suspension and the back suspension. I have replaced the driveshaft and the muffler and tail pipes. Now they say the entire undercarriage and the brake lines are all rusting out. This car is 2011 and has just 34,607 miles on it and has been keep in a garage its entire time. Now it is unsafe to drive. Drive Shaft fell off in December.2022.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Feb 23, 202385,000 milesVT

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and accelerated forward crashing into a parked van. During the incident, the airbags did not deploy. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. the vehicle was later towed to a collision center and repaired. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the same failure had occurred after the husband stopped at a red light. During the incident, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Wheels
Filed Sep 3, 2022TX

Spare tire rear mount cover. The cover is made out of metal and fabric. After a few years the thread holding the material that holds the cover on deteriorates causing the metal cover to fall off. This happens while driving the car having the paint matched metal disk to fall off while driving leaving a tire sized metal disk bouncing around in traffic endangering other cars and drivers. Thread and zipper need to be made out of a better material or a hard latched metal band could be used to hold it on like many other manufacturers do.

Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2022GA

Steering : Steering is tight to a point where it takes effort to get the steering wheel to turn . I tried adjusting the column up and down . It may ease the problem temporally , but it returns .

Suspension
Filed Jul 11, 2022TX

I have discovered that my 2011 rav4 is part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 even thought my vin doesn't list it as being part of the recall. As I recently tried to get a rear wheel alignment done due to misaligned rear tires (bowing out). The 3rd party mechanic stated that doing a rear wheel alignment was impossible due to NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383 repair/fix done by a Toyota dealer where epoxy resin was used to seal the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arm No. 1 (“arm”) for looseness. The only way to complete the alignment safely would be to completely replace the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arms. Which perfectly matches the required fixed from the newer NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 which remedies the improper temporary repair/fix done by the Toyota dealer to fix the earlier NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383. As such the VIN range and manufacture date for the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 likely need to be extended to cover all rav4 2011 models.

Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2022NJ

The car had 115,000 miles on the engine and was just at 3,000 miles post oil change. Making a left turn over oncoming traffic the car died. Barely missed having an accident. As the car sat it did restart. No lights on the dash for engine issues. Drove 2 miles directly to my mechanic. The car had half a quart of oil remaining! Car now closely monitored burns 1/2 quart every 500 miles and more if highway driven.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Feb 16, 2022PA

I was Driving down the road, and the engine quit. At that time smoke started pouring out of the hood and into the car, through the vents. I pulled over, the power breaks no longer worked but I was able to stop. I got out of the car quickly to avoidmore smoke inhalation. Flames were already starting to come out. Within a few minutes the entire car was engulfed in fire. Possibly the fuel line had a problem. Car was a total loss. Police were present. there were no warning lights or symptoms before hand. It was the best car I ever had and was working perfectly.

Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2021NJ

Making a left hand turn across traffic and the car completely shut down. Restarted car. A mile later making a right turn and the car completely shut down. Took the car to my mechanic and they had it fail 3X while turning. Only 2000 miles since last oil change I had less than a quart of oil remaining. Oil burning / consumption put me and others at serious risk for a car accident.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 23, 2021CA

When i driving around 50 miles the car is producing a grinding noise, stalling and reducing the speed, putting in danger the cars driving behind us. that kind of fail is on and off.

Power Train
Filed Sep 10, 202180,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking differential fluid. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contract was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the viscous coupling unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Tires
Filed Sep 1, 202190,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4 equipped with Kelly Tires (Brand Unknown), Tire Size: 225/65/R17 DOT NUMBER: (Unknown). The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, her tire pressure warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact stated that she would frequently add air to her front, driver side tire as the air pressure would frequently run low. The tire had yet to be replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The tire failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 6, 2020130,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARY FORCE HONDA (2325 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104) WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TRACTION, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SENSORS. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND FLIPPED OVER, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE FOR MINOR CUTS TO HER FACE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE NEXT DAY FOR CHECK UP, DESPITE BOTH THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCING SORENESS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT, NO MAJOR INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT JUNK YARD. THE MANUFACTURER NOR A TOYOTA DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. *DT*LN*JB*JB

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Apr 24, 2020180,000 milesIN

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON ENTIRE OWNERSHIP ALONG WITH SEATBELT LIGHT FLASHING FOR PASSENGER SEATBELT. WHETHER BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. OR EVEN WHEN NOBODY IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. CONSTANT ISSUE WHETHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION, AND ON HIGHWAYS/CITY STREETS.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 21, 202075,600 milesNY

I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2013. SINCE THEN, I HAVE REPLACED 3 BATTERIES AS THE SHOP'S ADVICE THAT MY INTERMITTENT NO-START MUST BE CAUSED BY THE BATTERY. IT HAS BEEN TO TWO DELAERSHIPS AS WELL AS A PRIVATE SHOP. NO ONE CAN DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR WILL BE OPERATING FINE AND THEN INTERMITTENTLY GO TO START MY CAR AND NOTHING. ALTERNATOR AND STARTER ALSO HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND STATED ARE FINE. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN SEARCHING ABOUT MY CAR, ISSUES WITH INTERMITTENT BATTERY ISSUES, I AM NOT LEAVING ANYTHING PLUGGED IN, MAKING SURE LIGHTS ALL GO OFF. CAR WILL START FINE, WILL GO TO A STORE OR SOMETHING. COME BACK OUT AND DEAD. I CAN'T EVEN LEAVE MY DOORS OPEN FOR 10 MINUTES SAY IF I AM CLEANING IT OUT WITHOUT IT GOING DEAD. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT HAS HAD THIS KIND OF ISSUE, IF I EVER DID HAVE A BATTERY ISSUE WITH OTHER VEHICLES IT WAS BECAUSE SOMETHING GOT LEFT ON. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT NO ONE CAN DETERMINE WHY THIS OVER YEARS HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN INTERMITTENTLY AN ISSUE. IT HASN'T THANKFULLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING, IT IS LITERALLY MORE JUST LEFT ME STRANDED UNTIL HELP COMES TO JUMP START IT. IT WORKS FOR A WHILE, THEN LIKE IN THIS RECENT CASE, TWICE, IN ONE WEEK'S TIME, HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM STARTING IT, MAKING EITHER A LONG TRIP OR SHORT TRIP, AND GO TO START TO GO ON TO NEXT DESTINATION AND NO START.

Suspension
Filed Feb 20, 2020VA

REPLACED BOTH REAR CONTROL ARMS AND ADJUSTMENT BOLTS. TECHNICIAN SAID I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN DRIVING. SUPPOSEDLY WHEN ALIGNING MY TIRES - THE SCREWS SHOWED RUSTY AND BROKE OFF. PAID $900 TO HAVE REPLACED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN A CAR LIKE TOYOTA. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2020104,000 milesOH

JUST PURCHASED 2011 RAV4 WITH 104K MILES AND SOON FOUND OUT IT HAS A BAD CAM GEAR! APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR THIS YEAR! OF COURSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS MILEAGE! SHOCKED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE TO FIND OUT THIS WASN'T RECALLED BY TOYOTA. THEY NEED TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS KNOWN FAULTY PART! NOT HAPPY WITH MY FIRST TOYOTA!

Suspension
Filed Jan 16, 2020NY

I HAVE FIXED MY REAR SUSPENSION MORE THAN 4X AND IT CONTINUES TO GO BAD, IT WORKS FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BUT STILL NOT RUNNING WELL THEN IT SHOCKS AND GOES BACK TO BOUNCING WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP OR ANYTHING NOT SMOOTH ON THE ROADS. IT HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND YOU FEEL IT A LOT MORE WHEN IT'S RUNNING ON LOCAL ROADS. THE VISIBILITY IS BAD, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 15-20 MINS OR OPEN THE WINDOW. WHEN I PUT MY HANDS ON THE VENT FOR THE DEFOGGER THERE IS NO AIR COMING FROM IT.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 1, 2020KS

FACTORY ORIGINAL SUPER WHITE PAINT IS DELAMINATING FROM THE BODY OF THE FRONT PANEL RIGHT PANEL (PASSENGER SIDE) AS WELL AS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER RIGHT OF WINDSHIELD, CURRENTLY, EXPOSING THE GREY METAL. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF A PROBLEM, BUT THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DECIDED ON A SOLUTION.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Dec 25, 2019103,122 milesIL

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS & PUT IT ON THE BRAKE 2 SLOW DOWN BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT & THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. I REPEATEDLY TRIED THE BRAKE WITH NO LUCK, I ENDED UP HITTING A UTILITY BOX ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE INTERSECTION.

Power Train
Filed Dec 17, 201993,000 milesNY

REAR AXLE SEALS FAILED DUE TO CLOGGED DIFFERENTIAL VENT. CAR HAS 93K MILES ON IT. THE VENT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH AND CAN'T BE CLEANED EASILY. ALSO IT COSTS $1300 TO FIX IT.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 8, 201993,882 milesMD

DURING THE PAST SIX WEEKS MY 2011 RAV4 HAS ACCELERATED AFTER LIFTING MY FOOD OFF OF THE BRAKE. I DID NOT ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR AT ALL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY WHEN I STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK WITH PEOPLE CROSSING. SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. THIS IS EITHER THE THIRD OR FOUR TIME THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED, ONLY TODAY IT WAS MORE SEVERE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 26, 201930,000 milesRI

THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP SECURELY. IT WILL SOMETIMES REMAIN PROPPED UP UNTIL IT FALLS DOWN JUST GOING OVER A SLIGHTLY UNEVEN ROAD SERVICE. IT STARTLES THE DRIVER AND SOMETIMES BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S VISION DEPENDING UPON THE GRADE OF THE ROADWAY. TOYOTA CHARGES A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR IT

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 201950,000 milesPA

SINCE 2015 THE PAINT STARTED PEELING, MY RAV4 HAS BLIZZARD PEARL WHITE COLOR, EVERYTHING THATS METAL HAS BEEN PEELING AND LIFTING. THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS SPREAD ALL OVER THE VEHICLES, EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPER.

Complaints 1-50 of 287, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202591300Routine
2024176300Routine
2023164310Routine
2022149102Fatalities reported
2021389170Above average
2020639650Above average
2019884730Above average
20183333330High concern
20173073242Fatalities reported
20162403120Above average
20153054411Fatalities reported
20141974250High concern
20132572291Fatalities reported
2012260540Above average
2011 — this page2871180Above average
20104001430High concern
20093271530High concern
200857514162Fatalities reported
20071,00414370High concern
20067051151Fatalities reported
2005141520Do not drive
2004154240Do not drive
2003315040Above average
20025270150Above average
2001309021Fatalities reported
200030302Fatalities reported
199962540Routine
199877500Routine
199754120Routine
199647120Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine

Compare every RAV4 year →

2011 Toyota RAV4: questions buyers ask

Is the 2011 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

It is not among the RAV4 years to avoid. Owners filed 287 complaints, against about 287 for a typical RAV4 year. The most common complaint is about the throttle and acceleration (16%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 3 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Toyota RAV4?

The throttle and acceleration: 47 of the 287 complaints (16%) are about it. Owners most often say it accelerates on its own (32%), drops into neutral (23%) and jerks, lurches or bucks (17%). The typical report comes at 23,594 miles.

How many recalls does the 2011 Toyota RAV4 have?

11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 12, 2016. The largest, 15V689000, covered 1,814,284 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2011 Toyota RAV4 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 45,936 miles. For the throttle and acceleration the midpoint is 23,594 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Toyota RAV4?

Yes, once. EQ12002 ("Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture") was opened Feb 14, 2012 and closed May 8, 2012.

Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Toyota RAV4?

The manufacturer filed 283 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (53), the engine (27) and the electrical system (23). They include a service campaign, KR3_Region Email, filed Oct 23, 2019. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.