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
- 307
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 307 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 879 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 387 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 157 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 88 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
36% · 109 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switch.
Show 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, 2026-08-06
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, 2026-07-31
Service brakes
12% · 38 reportsShow 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, 2026-08-29
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-29
Exterior lighting
10% · 32 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The tail light assembly on these vehicles seems to be a reoccurring issue reported by other owners on online forums and unfortunately we seem to fall under the same category.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09
Engine
10% · 31 reportsShow 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, 2023-09-11
Air bags
7% · 20 reportsShow 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, 2018-06-25
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-16
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, 2017-07-14
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-06-15Tires17V295000 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.
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2019-08-23Equipment19V503000 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.
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I
2021-02-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-08-12 Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
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2024-12-27Electrical system23V734000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 109 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V295000 · Tires
- Recall 19V503000 · Equipment
- Recall 23V734000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.