2017 Toyota RAV4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 303 |
| 2016 | 237 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 330 |
| 2019 | 875 |
| 2020 | 630 |
| 2021 | 382 |
| 2022 | 141 |
| 2023 | 150 |
| 2024 | 170 |
| 2025 | 81 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: electrical system — 108 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
This vehicle has twice had the same issue where the sunroof drain lines become clogged or dislocated and the water fills the liner in the front driver and passenger seats resulting in flooding in the compartment and mold damage throughout the...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
Also filed under AIR BAGS
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Toyota Rav4. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260731
12% of complaints: service brakes — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage and pressed on the brake. The brake pedal did not offer the usual resistance and went flat to the floor. The car began to accelerate and smashed into a concrete I-beam on the wall of the garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260829
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING AND TAKING A TURN AND AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN RESULT IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20161229
10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, fire was detected near the engine and front of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The fire department extinguished the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230911
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY WIFE DROVE HER CAR (2017 TOYOTA RAV4 , PURCHASED ON NOV 17TH,2016) INTO MY NEIGHBOR 'S MAILBOX AND A SMALL TREE NEXT TO THE MAILBOX IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA ON THE MORNING OF JUN 22TH,2018.PLEASE FIND ATTACHED PICTURE AND YOU WILL FIND THE AIR BAG...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180625
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 50 MPH CRASH ON THE FREEWAY WHERE ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR SPUN AND THE FRONT END WAS HIT AGAIN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
NHTSA ODI report, 20180516
WHILE PULLING INTO TO A PARKING SPACE,MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED THE CURB CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT A TREE,CAUSING ALL AIR BAGS TO GO OFF. I WAS ASKED IF I HIT THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170714
Also filed under STRUCTURE
SAFETY TIMELINE
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074.
Campaign 17V295000 — check if this car was fixed
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Campaign 19V503000 — check if this car was fixed
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners.
Campaign 23V734000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (108 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V295000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V503000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V734000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.