Complaint volume
324 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Toyota RAV4 Complaints
324 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Toyota RAV4, grouped by component category.
324 Total complaints
30 Crash reports
32 Fire reports
13 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are electrical system, unknown or other, exterior lighting. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 30 crash reports, 32 fire reports, 13 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 143 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 25,416 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, unknown or other, exterior lighting?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Toyota RAV4?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Toyota RAV4
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Toyota RAV4 complaints?
30 Crash
32 Fire
13 Injury
0 Fatality
31 Towed
10 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Toyota RAV4 complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 84
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 47
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 17
SERVICE BRAKES 13
VISIBILITY/WIPER 13
POWER TRAIN 12
AIR BAGS 11
ENGINE 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8
STRUCTURE 8
324 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I received a safety recall from Toyota in January 2025. I called my Toyota dealership and they told me there was currently no remedy for the recall. I checked [XXX] and it confirmed that there has been a known recall since November 2023 on their 12 V battery and battery tray that could cause a fire. This hazard from the battery could not only affect myself, but others on the road if there were to be an accident. I am not impressed with the lack of remedy for a recall that has been known from Toyota since November 2023. My car has not yet been inspected, because there is nothing for them to address even if they do find a problem. There has not yet been a fire, but I am afraid to drive my vehicle that I paid off earlier this year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Transmission range sensor switch and rear ccs axle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE | I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and they only asked for registration and vehicle ownership which I hadn't presented but since a tow truck was on its way already they really had no reason to be there other than to make sure I was okay I do have case number and any other information needed for my vehicles abrupt explosion. This incident has been reported to Toyota of Anaheim as well as brand engagement been calling but haven't received helpful information on my loss | Crash: Yes Fire: Yes Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Toyota hasn’t remedied this battery tray and tiedown fire risk recall in a timely manner. It’s been over a year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I’ve been waiting for more than a year for this recall, there is still no remedy for me. This is unacceptable and Toyota has offered me nothing to compensate for my inability to use my vehicle for such a long time. Hoping this complaint can do something before I go to a court. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while cranking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a battery replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,291 VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 49,291 |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | On Dec 5, 2024, our 2018 Toyota Rav 4 caught fire in our garage. We had turned on the car for a few minutes and then turned it off. Shortly thereafter smoke came out of the passenger side of the front wheel well and then flames. It just happened that we came back out into the garage and were able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. If we had not returned to the garage, our house would have caught on fire and perhaps with us in the house. Toyota shows no concern for us. Wouldn’t consider paying for a loaner car. Have told us it will be 40-60 days to perhaps tell us what happened. They did send an inspector to look at the car Dec 26 2024. He sent us some information that we do not understand. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | battery has slipped around in the carrier. I have to check periodically to make sure it can't tip over and I readjust the tie down. I shouldn't have to do this if the dealer would install the fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, Summary Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. Safety Risk The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Manufacturer Recall Number23TB13 NHTSA Recall Number23V734 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available It has been more than a year since recall. Toyota Dealerships said no remede avaialble. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the battery had died. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the 12-volt battery. No warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jump-start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the battery was not holding a full charge and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 25,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 2,500 |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound underneath the floorboard. The contact pulled over and it was difficult shifting to park(P). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not functioning normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had taken the vehicle to the same mechanic prior to the failure for two other transmission failures. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within 18 months. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | Crankshaft Sprocket prematurely breaks the guide for timing chain and engine issues. Results in a harsh start starting around 60k miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | STRUCTURE | The paint on my entire vehicle is peeling and flaking off. Every panel has a paint issue. I have had my toyota dealership check several times over the last 2 years to see if my vin is on the ZKG program approved and it keeps coming back no. My vehicle paint is peeling more and more. I would like this to be addressed and looked into please. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |