This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Rav4. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control and crash into a traffic light pole. During the crash, the vehicle shook and wobbled from side to side and could not be stopped when depressing the brake pedal. The driver sustained a fractured rib and upper torso contusions. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,500.
On Thursday 18 December, my wife and I left springfield, Missouri to dallas, Texas to visit our family for the christmas holiday. We were driving our recently purchased 2012 Rav4 with approximately 33,000 miles which we purchased in late September 2014. We stopped several times during our trip to refuel and allow my wife, who is 6 month pregnant, a chance to stretch her legs. For much of the trip, I used cruise control when possible at varying speeds from 65 mph (in Missouri) to 75 mph (in parts of Oklahoma). At approximately 4:30 pm, while driving through tushka, Oklahoma we approached a stoplight where the speed limit dropped from 65 to 45 mph. The light was red, a semi was stopped at the light, and I attempted to apply the car's brakes. As I did so, the car felt as if it was fighting my attempts to stop it. I had to keep both hands on the wheel, and I do not know if the cruise control disengaged. As I approached the semi, I pressed harder on the brakes in order to stop my vehicle. Finally with less than a car length, my car came to a full stop. With my foot still pressed firmly on the brakes, both my wife and I heard the car begin to make a high-pitched noise. I immediately put the car into 'park, ' at which point the engine began to rev and I saw that the RPM gauge on the car rose to 7-8,000 RPM. At this point, I turned the car off at the ignition switch. My intent was to re-start the car and safely pull over after we proceeded through the intersection. However, at this point the light turned green and, as I restarted the car, we were hit from behind by another vehicle. On Friday, the 19th, I took my vehicle to Toyota of lewisville (tx) where they proved unable to diagnose the problem. I was contacted by a representative on 12/29/2014 who informed me that nothing would be done unless the event "replicated" or someone had been injured.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota rav-4. the contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact indicated that while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. As a result, the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal in order to slow the vehicle down. The failure was progressing. The safety concern was reported to an authorized dealer and the manufacturer, and neither were able to replicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Updated 12/9/14
I was pulling into a parking place at our church. When I turned into the parking place the car took off and it jumped an 8 inch curbing and ran into the parish center wall. It tried to climb the wall. I push the accelerator to turn into the parking space and the car took off! it was not driver error!
- Oakwood, IL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. While driving various speeds or while idling at a traffic light, the vehicle would surge forward independently. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 4,000. Updated 10/22/14
I drive a Toyota Rav4 V6 ltd, 2012 purchased on Jan 2, 2013. Prior to that we had a Toyota Camry 1999 with more 200K miles on it. On July 24th, 2013, I was driving at a speed of 10 mph inside the apartment complex and was turning right to park. I was almost parked when all of a sudden the car surged and zoomed over parking stopper, breaking overhead storage bin, zoomed ahead and banged into the building stairs. I kept pumping the brake all through, but the car didnt stop until it hit on to the stairs of apartment. The wheels were still rolling but it couldn't go ahead because of the heavy stairs and finally after continuously stepping on the brake it stopped. My right foot was all along on the brake as it always is when I'm parking. Body of the car was severely damaged with glass pieces all over me. Luckily my 3 year old was safer at back in her car seat. The airbags did not deploy on impact. I'm having more than 10 years of driving experience and it was the first time that I was involved in an accident. Since I'm a woman everyone was quick to conclude that, I had stepped on the gas pedal instead of brake. But I know my foot was all along on the brake, until the car finally stopped. This has caused a lot of damage, although I had insurance to cover the car, the value is zilch now. The car was not totaled and repairs was worth more than 20K. Driving the car now, doesn't feel the same as the collision center did a crappy repair job. Now the car makes sounds while driving, as though it will come apart. We are left with no options other than just to drive the same car because we can't afford another car. After notifying Toyota and after numerous calls they collected the edr and sent us a report stating that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. It was our fault that we didn't realize Toyota had issues related to unintended acceleration prior to buying the Rav4.
Rough engine, car speed up without feet on pedal, slow braking I took the car into dealer the next day(3/19/2014) this am and they told me they have to duplicate what I had experienced. They stated they did not see anything on the computer data, but will test on next morning of 3/20/2014 to drive it.the complaints were that I was driving in a 70 mile zone and the car accelerated to 90 miles the car shifted out of D drive to 3D on it's own while driving and also rough engine while accelerating higher than the speed limit, and while braking, isaw very little stoppage.also same day near my home, I stopped at a stop sign, when taking off the car jerks forward to 22 miles.this was not the first time I had reported to them, was after I had the 2010 Toyota rava4 about similar problems, they offered to buy it back the 2010 model in return for the 2012 Toyota Rav4 that I got in 2012.my maintenance is up to date also.it is scary when you experience a problem like this, thank god for no accident.update as of last night no communication on findings or repairs, I received a call while reporting this information to you(safer car), a rep [xxx],stated they cannot find anything wrong with car, they checked all data drove the car could not fine anything, I asked about engine and transmission, he stated that they checked the levels, data could not find anything, for me to could come pick the car up, I insist they do a more intensive look into this, the guy became aggressive, and stated he has to check with his manager to check again later today.tony meyers manager of gainesville Toyota called stated could not duplicate what I was experiencing, stated he drove the car to the mall of Georgia, he found a down shift when going down a hill, car was safe, and that the shift was a normal thing, and there is nothing else they could do and for me to come and pick up the car. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Approaching stop light and slowing down to 35 mph. Stepped on brake with right foot and engine went from 2000 to 3000 RPM without anything against accelerator. Stepped on brake as hard as possible, but could not get vehicle to slow down until well past the stop light. This exact same thing happened again three days later on 2/14/14. Had walser Toyota run a diagnostic check on this vehicle on 2/14/14, but it did not show any errors.
11 Oct 12 - I bought a 2012 Rav4. 24 Oct 12 - I stopped at a stop sign. As I applied the brake the car accelerated. I pushed the brake hard and the car decelerated. A few minutes later I approached a stop sign at my house. When I applied the brake the car accelerated. Before I could push harder on the brake the car ran the stop sign and then decelerated. I called Toyota customer service. I explained what happened with the acceleration issues. I told the rep I looked at my foot position in between incidents and there was no way I could press the accelerator and brake pedals together. The rep told me there was no recalls on this year Rav4. He said take the car to the nearest Toyota dealer. I took the car to Toyota and explained everything to them. The service man told me that the floor mat being caught up underneath the brake was the issue. He told me that the rep from Toyota would look at it. 5 Nov 12 - Toyota called to say the Toyota rep couldn't duplicate the problem. 6 Nov 12 - I went to Toyota to pick up my car. I left the dealership and stopped the car to wait for traffic. After sitting with my foot on the brake for about 4-5 seconds, the car began accelerating on its own. I firmly pushed hard on the brake and looked at my foot to assure myself I wasn't near the gas pedal. I verified the floor mat wasn't on the gas pedal. I placed the car in neutral as it was revving up and noticed the tachometer went between 6500 to 7000 RPM's (in the red). When traffic cleared for me to turn, I made a turn, the car lunged forward and the acceleration decelerated. I drove the car directly to Toyota and explained what just happened. 7 Nov 12 I got a phone call from Toyota customer service corporate telling me that I could pick up the vehicle from the Toyota dealership. They could not duplicate the problem and they said the car was safe to drive.
On three occasions during 2013, the car accelerated and jumped forward as the brake was being applied to stop the car. On September 5, 2013 the acceleration and movement forward was more pronounced and was accompanied by a noticeable sound of the engine. This occurred as the brake was being slowly applied during an approach to an intersection. There was no movement or involvement of the floor mat on the driver?S side and no possibility that the driver's foot could have hit the accelerator at the same time as his foot was placed on the brake. We requested that the car be examined by the Toyota dealer in order to determine the nature of the defect and the corrective action needed. The dealer reported that it could not identify any problem.
I was slowly maneuvering into a parking space when the car revved up, jumped over the concrete barrier, over the curb and sidewalk. I was headed directly toward a building and a large plate glass window. The brakes did not stop the car, and felt squishy when I pushed them all the way to the floor. I swerved to the right, turned off the key and hit a parked car in order to stop. I also want to mention that the tire pressure gauge light would come on any time I was driving on the highway at speeds over 50 mph.
Accelerating from a stop light, the car lost power. The electric motor stopped and the check ev system warning came on. There was no engine power, power steering or power brakes. The car was stopped in the middle of the street.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota rav 4. the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning while driving 1 mph. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated the sudden acceleration was a normal occurrence. The failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 10/17/13
The latest incident was the 8th time this has occurred since purchased new in Sept. 2012. After highway driving approached a traffic light and when brake applied car revved up and lurched forward. Since nothing stops this except turning off ignition this was done again and car restarted and no further incident. Contacted dealership and after having car there for 2 days was told no replication could be made. I contacted the Toyota office in California and after more delays have not been given a rental. Car is still at dealership and the service manager said he is doing nothing until he hears from California that may approve super tech to look at car. Very dissatisfied with Toyota dangerous situation and they are in deny mode until someone is seriously hurt or killed. Will never buy another Toyota after this poor run around service on both coasts.
Vehicle was slowing down from original speed of 45mph approaching a traffic light. After applying the brake the vehicle's engine started to rev up and accelerate with foot on the brake. The harder the brake pedal depressed the higher the rpms and foot was not touching the gas pedal. After a few seconds and brake pressed as hard as possible the engine quit running and the car was totally shut off after jolting forward. After getting car restarted it was running rough at 45 mph and short distance from home. This was a Friday night. Called Toyota dealer next morning and made appointment for them to check it out on Tuesday June 4. had to use the rav on Sunday June 2 to pick up a part at the hardware. Ran fine for the 4 miles or so to the hardware. Upon starting the car, after leaving the hardware, it revved up to a very high RPM then dropped back to normal. Drive back home was ok. On the way to the Toyota dealer on June 4 I could watch rpms fluctuate in an abnormal manner after hitting the brake for a stop at traffic light. While at the dealer I filed a case with Toyota. I sat there for about 4 hours before they told me they did not find anything. I said I was not going to take the vehicle home if they had not tried anything to fix the problem. They put a call in for the local Toyota rep and they are waiting for a response.
I was driving approximately 20 mph. When tried to stop at the traffic signal and pressed the brake then instead of stopping the car was going forward. It almost hit the car at front of me. There was a sudden acceleration and RPM went upto 9000. I pressed the brake pedal multiple number of times then the car engine stopped. Once the vehicle was restarted, it resumed as normal. It was really scary.
2012 Rav4, second incident, 1st was dismissed. Was driving approx 20 mph in a 35mph business district on 4 lane street. Pressed brake with right foot to decelerate for stop light & car in front of me, car suddenly surged forward with engine revving. I depressed brake further with more strength and took left foot and place on top of right foot. Had the feeling the accelerator pedal was moving as well but wasn't touching it. Car continued to jerk forward, engine revving, with brakes partially engaged for approx. 20 feet. Then engine shut off completely and brakes fully engaged stopping the car. Was inches from car in front. Restarted car and finished drive home. Checked car mats but still in place on brackets. Had car towed to Toyota dealership. They found no unintended acceleration but did find that both brake and accelerator pedals had been depressed. Suggested I must have stepped on both accidentally. Not a chance. Was well aware of foot/feet placement. Service mgr showed me what to do "should this happen again." Excuse me?! told to shift into neutral for brakes to engage or another gear to stall the engine and stop the car. 1 wk later, regional inspector spent day w/car and reported nothing wrong. Did show both pedals depressed at same time long enough to trip sensor but nothing was wrong. Dealer suggested I report to Toyota. Reported incident to Toyota customer experience center. Not happy. 2 incidents, other reports online, and it's a 2012 that wasn't supposed to do this. Feel lucky I didn't rear end someone, especially as the car didn't slow very much until it died. Scared silly for next time. Do not want my rav. Am being told car is perfectly safe but no one at dealership would sign statement saying I was safe and this wouldn't happen again. Hmmm. Want them to take car back! purchased new in Oct. 2012 w/less than 10 miles on it.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph and approaching a stop signal when there was an abnormal increase in acceleration. The engine rpms increased rapidly. The contact shifted into neutral and the engine was turned off. Once the vehicle was restarted, it resumed as normal. The failure recurred eight times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and they were unable to detect a failure code. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 190. The VIN was unavailable.
While attempting to roll the vehicle forward to clear a doorway, the vehicle jumped forward about 6 feet. At that time I pulled my foot off the gas and pushed the brake pedal to the floor. The vehicle stopped momentarily, then began to accelerate picking up speed rapidly as evidenced by the revving of the engine. I continued to pump the brake since holding it to the floor was doing nothing. By this time I had gone through a chain link fence, through a ditch over a curb and continued to pick up speed to pass through a concrete block wall and into the back of a parked R.,the vehicle impaling itself on the steel pipes of a motorcycle carrier attached to the back of the R.V. the vehicle could not move any further but the engine was still revving. Needless to say the Rav4 was totaled and amazingly I suffered only minor bumps and bruises. At no time did any of the air bags deploy.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chicago, IL, USA