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2013 Toyota Rav4 Other Problems

32 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

32
Complaints
1
Crashes
10
Fires
Jan 2024Dec 2022
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (32)

mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

Your car's roof and front side panels are experiencing significant paint peeling that started in January 2025, with at least a 2-foot section where paint has completely come off. The dealer confirmed excessive paint peeling but declined to repair it, and Toyota customer care has denied your claim despite a previous recall for this issue. Without protection from the missing paint, your car's metal will rust and potentially become unsafe. Fixing this will likely require professional repainting or panel replacement to prevent rust and corrosion damage.

NHTSA #: 11636610
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2024

On 4/4/18 I purchased a preowned 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited from Grappone Toyota. It had approximately 80000 miles on it. I was told it was gone over completely and everything was good with it. For quite some time now I have been feeling a vibration/shudder when pressing the gas. I initially thought it was just getting old & that it was normal. During the winters I have tried dry gas thinking that could be helpful. I had also tried higher octane gas. It's been getting considerably worse so when I made an appointment at Grappone for my oil change, I asked them to diagnose it. They came back saying I need a new $4000 Torque Converter. Once I got home I began doing research. I found T-SB-0023-15. Then an extension on it to 8 years or 150000 miles. It's a problem big enough to put a TSB out. I tried contacting Toyota & they said my car is beyond the warranty (it has 135000 miles on it, but over 8 years old). My gripe is I was never told of this TSB. If I would've known, I would've jumped on it as soon as I started feeling the vibration. I feel like Grappone sold this car to me deceitfully as I was never told about it. Toyota confirmed the TSB was sent to the previous owner as I didn't buy until 04/18. I have the estimate for repair from Grappone. I feel betrayed & duped.

NHTSA #: 11614906
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2024

The paint (Blizzard Pearl) on the roof of my car came off in very large sheets while I was driving. I contacted my local dealership to have my car repainted (per the warranty with Toyota) only to find out that the warranty on the paint for my particular vehicle had expired in 2023. I would like to see this warranty on the paint extended so I called Toyota directly and they advised I issue a compliant here so you can force them to extend this warranty.

NHTSA #: 11601013
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2024

It is taking too much time for Toyota to offer a remedy on this recall. I am disappointed. This is affecting me because I have not been able to work with my car for to this unresolved recall. I don't know what to do please help

NHTSA #: 11596033
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2024

In at least 5 or more instances the vehicle has had unintended acceleration and thrust the car forward while I was braking and trying to come to a stop. Once it happened at a 4-way intersection and propelled my car into the middle of the intersection and I had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with another car. I , or the other driver, could have been killed. In all cases the braking failed to stop the car and in fact sped it up even though the brakes were applied.

NHTSA #: 11582671
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2024

My vehicle is a Rav 4, pearl white and the vin number is [XXX] . I called a phone number (1-877-855-8377) provided by Toyota de Puerto Rico so I could work on the paint recall on my 2013 SUV. I was not aware of this recall, but a co-worker told me about the recall when I noticed that my SUV was peeling off the paint on the hood. The gentleman who answered my call told me that they had sent me a recall letter, which is not true because I never get a letter. Now my RAV4 is losing its paint and I need Toyota to answer me for their negligence in relation to their defect in that type of paint. I will be grateful if you give me some help and what I should do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11564787
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Jan 2024

While driving the car, it stalled on the expressway and then started to smoke and seconds later started on fire.

NHTSA #: 11564455
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Jan 2024

Had to make a quick right hand turn, when I did, my vehicle lost power and I thought I had been hit. No power steering or power brakes. Got out, inspected my car, no damages or anything, vehicle restarted and so I continued on my way. Getting back on the road had to make another right, and vehicle sputtered and dash blinked, but seemed to recover. Started to look for a safe place to get off the road, when the dash was blinking and I lost power steering again. Turned into a place of business. As I stopped, smoke was showing from the drivers side, I tried to get out, but my door handle didn't unlock,. I realized I had to manually flip the lock to get out. Dialed 911 from cell phone and went into the business to tell them to keep people away. I could see flames coming down from the engine compartment to the ground. Luckily fire department arrived and extinguished fire. Initially Toyota dealership quoted $12,550 to fix, my insurance company declared it a total loss.

NHTSA #: 11563198
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Nov 2023

My battery was not secure and caused a fire under hood

NHTSA #: 11554855
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Nov 2023

The car stalled on the expressway. Then started smoking and was on fire seconds later.

NHTSA #: 11553069
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2023

Car jerks when shifts gears and the problem just appeared one day with no warning. I went to 4 different mechanics and none can confirm if there is metal in transmission but to solely tell the transmission needs to be replaced. Either defective transmission or another problem not related causing jerking in driving.

NHTSA #: 11530146
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2023

I parked my car at Omaha airport. I came to know that “[XXX]" stole the car and kept it near her Apt at [XXX]”. Her phone number is [XXX]. Please arrest her immediately. She took the car without my consent and without my authorization. She is not even registered as a driver/owner of the car. Please arrest her. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #: 11521655
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2022

Since we purchased the car new in 2013 the trunk doesn’t always open when the button is pushed. I never saw a recall so I figured “my luck” until today. I saw another person unable to open the trunk. Is there a fix?

NHTSA #: 11498737
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Nov 2022

Engine started smoking and a few minutes later the vehicle completely engulfed in flames.

NHTSA #: 11495435
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2022

Please see letter attached. Thank you!

NHTSA #: 11456641
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: May 2021

THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES. FIREFIGHTERS HAD TO EXTINGUISH. CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA #: 11414723
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2021

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED

NHTSA #: 11407406
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Dec 2020

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN PARKING LOT, IGNITION TURNED OFF. LEFT CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 1-2 MINUTES, RETURNED TO PARKING LOT TO FIND VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE APPEARED TO ORIGINATE IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND FIRE EXTINGUISHED. MOST OF DAMAGE DONE TO FRONT OF VEHICLE AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE DESTROYED.

NHTSA #: 11378273
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Nov 2019

THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE PARKING LOT. NOBODY WAS INSIDE THE CAR AT THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED.FIREFIGHTERS PUT OUT THE FLAMES LATER. HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FORTUNATELY, NOBODY WAS INJURED OR HURT.

NHTSA #: 11279270
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Oct 2019

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHED ON, THEN OFF. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND ON TO A PARKING LOT. THINKING THAT A BATTERY CABLE POSSIBLY HAD COME LOOSE, I RAISED THE HOOD. THE AREA AT OR NEAR THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED 9-1-1, BUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE ENTIRE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE 2013 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHER RAV4 DRIVERS MAY NOT BE AS FORTUNATE.

NHTSA #: 11271217
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2019

SPEEDOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE. WHEN USING AN EXTERNAL GPS UNIT IN OTHER VEHICLES, THE SPEED ON THE SPEEDOMETER IS ACCURATE. WHEN I AM DRIVING IN THIS 2013 TOYOTA RAV 4, THE SPEEDOMETER SAYS 60 MPH BUT THE GPS SAYS 57 MPH. THE FASTER YOU DRIVE , THE LARGER THE DISCREPANCY.THIS IS A LIMITED WITH 18 'WHEELS, MAYBE IT WAS SET FROM THE FACTORY FOR 17' WHEELS?

NHTSA #: 11244782
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2018

MY HUSBAND AND I WERE CARPOOLING TO WORK. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MINIMAL TRAFFIC IN A CLEAR STRAIGHT AWAY (NO OVERPASSES) WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND I PANICKED. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT I MAY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OUT OF FEAR. HE WAS ABLE TO COACH ME TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY SO WE COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE SUNROOF HAD LOOKED LIKE IT EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHICH STATED THEY DO NOT COVER ANY GLASS DAMAGE AND REFERRED ME TO SAFELITE WHICH THEN REFERRED ME TO SUNROOF EXPRESS FOR REPAIR. THIS WAS EXTREMELY UPSETTING AS NOTHING STRUCK THE VEHICLE AND WE FEEL THAT WE WERE NOT AT FAULT. WE DID NOTHING TO CAUSE THE BREAKAGE.

NHTSA #: 11155715
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2018

THE RAV4 2013 IS NOT EVEN 5 YEARS OLD YET. THE CAR DOES NOT SPEED UP WHEN PRESSING GAS AND JERKS SUDDENLY. PER DEALER, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND HAD A LOT OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA #: 11121794
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2018

THIS REPAIR IS FOR THE PISTONS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE OF THE 2013 TOYOTA RAV 4

NHTSA #: 11103362
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2018

WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN OKLAHOMA HER SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO SMALL PIECES OF GLASS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SHE DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING HITTING IT PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. IT JUST HAPPENED.

NHTSA #: 11062599
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2016

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD THUD OF SOMETHING HITTING THE ROOF OF OUR CAR, BUT WE WERE DRIVING IN AN OPEN PARK AREA WITH NOTHING OVERHEAD AND NO OTHER CARS WITHIN CLOSE DISTANCE. WE OPENED THE SUNROOF COVER AND SAW THAT IT HAD COMPLETELY CRACKED. BY THE TIME WE GOT HOME, MUCH OF THE GLASS WAS MISSING.

NHTSA #: 10864700
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2016

ON RARE OCCASIONS,THE PUSH BUTTON START WILL NOT TURN OFF ENGINE EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. I ALSO HAD TROUBLE STARTING THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.

NHTSA #: 10853073
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2016

TRIED TO PLACE GEAR SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OUT OF GARAGE AFTER STARTUP. THERE WAS UNUSUAL NOISE, GRINDING, FROM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PUT LEVER BACK INTO PARK AND TRIED AGAIN TO PLACE TRANSMISSJON INTO REVERSE. AND HEARD SAME NOISE. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND MADE RESTART. ALL NORMAL. THIS SAME TYPE OF EVENT HAPPENED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAS NOT, AS YET, OCCURED AGAIN.

NHTSA #: 10852789
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2015

BEFORE MY 2013 RAV4 LIMITED WAS EVEN 2 YEARS OLD, I DISCOVERED AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL ON MY PASSENGER FLOOR. MY DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT MY RAV4 HAD A CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAINAGE TUBE, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WE FOUND ALL EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY. THE SERVICE MANAGER REMOVED TWO PIECES OF TRIM: ONE THAT SITS DIRECTLY BENEATH THE A-PILLAR (WHERE THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THE WATER TRAVELLED) AND ANOTHER THAT SITS BACK UNDERNEATH MY DASH AND GLOVE BOX. BOTH TRIM PIECES HAD PADDING (JUST LIKE THE CARPET PADDING) ON THE BACK SIDE. THE PADDING BENEATH THE A-PILLAR WAS BONE DRY. THE PADDING UNDERNEATH THE DASH WAS DAMP. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW WATER TRAVELING DOWN THE A-PILLAR MANAGED TO MAKE A 90 TURN??? THE DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING BUT CLEAR THE "SUPPOSED" CLOG AND ASK IF I WANTED TO HAVE THE CARPETS AIR-DRIED FOR 24 HOURS. THEY MADE IT SOUND LIKE THEY DID ME SUCH A GREAT FAVOR ON THE INVOICE AND ALSO LIKE I WAS LEAVING THE HOSPITAL AGAINST DOCTORS ORDERS. WHAT THEY FAIL TO MENTION IS THAT A) I HAD ALREADY HAD THE CARPET PADDING AIR-DRIED THE DAY BEFORE AND B) I REQUESTED THAT THEY REPLACE MY CARPET PADDING AND REAPPLY THE BLACK RUBBER SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL ATTACHED TO MY FLOORBOARD (THEY DECLINED). IN HINDSIGHT, NEITHER WOULD HAVE FIXED THE DAMAGE ALREADY INFLICTED UPON MY VEHICLE. BOTH TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA AND NCDS DECLINED MY CASE CLAIMING THAT MY "VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED." I HAVE A NEW CAR THAT IS DRY ROTTING, MOLDING, AN ELECTRICAL FIRE RISK (PAGE 409 OF THE 2013 RAV4 OWNER'S MANUAL) AND IF IT THE WATER ACTUALLY DID RUN DOWN THE A-PILLAR MY TAKATA SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE NOW PRIMED TO THROW SHRAPNEL -- BUT MY VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED!!! IF YOU OWN A 2013 OR 2014 RAV4, PLEASE CHECK UNDER YOUR CARPETS FOR SIGNS OF A WATER LEAK. IF YOU FIND A WATER LEAK IN YOUR RAV4, PLEASE POST IT HERE.

NHTSA #: 10764521
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2015

CROSSWIND CAUSED HOOD TO SHAKE VIOLETLY IN THE CENTER AS IF THE METAL WAS TOO THIN OR NEEDS SOME KIND OF ADDITIONAL SUPPORT .

NHTSA #: 10725049
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Crash / FireFiled: May 2014

DEAR SIRS, I DON'T HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE, WE HERE ON THE ISLAND OF CURACAO HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MANY VEHICLES WHICH ARE CHINESE AND THEIR VIN NO, ARE ALSO CLONED, I BELIEVE THIS IS A WORLD PROBLEM, AND ALSO US MANUFACTURERS HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WORLD PROBLEM, AND THEY CAN ALSO HELP TO EXPOSE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE POSTED MANY ON BLOGS, WHICH HAS TO DO WITH THE CLONING OF CARS. THERE WAS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH SOME ONE BOUGHT A VEHICLE AT THE TOYOTA DEALER A RAV4 2013 AND WE CAME TO FIND OUT THAT IT IS A 2010 MEXICAN CLONE CAR. AND I HAVE REPORTED THESE ALSO TO OTHER AGENCIES IN USA , ONE OF THEM IS THE SEC SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION WHISTLE BLOWER DEPARTMENT. *JS

NHTSA #: 10592365
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2014

THE VEHICLE IS A CLONE RAV4, I HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A TOYOTA DEALER SHIP, AND I PAID FOR A RAV4 2013, WHEN I WENT TO INVESTIGATE I FOUND OUT IT WAS CLONED TOYOTA RAV4 OF THE YEAR 2010, AND IT CAME FROM THE FACTORY IN MEXICO, SO THESE IS AGAINST THE LAWS. SO WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE ME TO DO? *TR

NHTSA #: 10586265

Other 2013 Toyota Rav4 Issues