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.
Starting around 24,500 miles, Toyota Rav4 ev 2014 started to make a loud noise with acceleration. This noise was diagnosed by the authorized Toyota dealer as an issue with the drive motor made by Tesla, but I was told that at that time the noise is "not loud enough" to get anything done by Toyota/Tesla. Since then, another 2000 miles have passed and the noise is only louder. The dealer has again diagnosed the issue as the drive motor, submitted recording of noise to Toyota/Tesla but states that Toyota/Tesla not ready to replace drive motor. This is clearly an issue with a vehicle under warranty. I haver noticed my overall range is being affected and down by 10%. I am very concerned that the vehicle will malfunction while I am driving around, possibly ending in an accident where someone gets seriously injured.
Was driving in city at about 30 mph, car stopped having propulsion, stopped with a shudder and warnings lights pop up. "check ev system" was able to reset the computer by powering off/on for 3 cycles to make it over to the curb. Called tow to Transport to the dealer. Send me away after resetting the error message in the computer. Week later it happened again backing out of a parking spot. Now Toyota is blaming my add ons like charge indicator (showing volts/amps of the J1772 input) and the fact I fitted a trailer hitch (for a bike rack). Which has absolutely nothing to do with the electrical propulsion system.
Lost driving power on highway at 45mph. Car switched automatically to neutral. Displayed "check ev system. Take to dealer" warning. Was able to turn power on and off and regain motor, but still displayed message. Drove home. Took to dealer next morning.
Whilst driving at 70mph on the hov lane of the freeway, the car switched into neutral and coasted to a stop. Because this happened at night, and on a lane that does not have a stopping lane, it was grossly unsafe as cars whizzed by. The car was towed to a dealer for repairs. The dealership, Toyota carlsbad, has informed me that a new drive motor will be installed. Unfortunately, this issue with the propulsion system failing is common in the Toyota Rav4 ev (it uses a Tesla motor). There are so many drive motors being replaced right now, I have to wait at least two weeks for a new one. Others have recently waiting up to a month.
I was driving on the freeway going about 65mph in the hov lane when the accelerator pedal stopped working and a warning light came on the dashboard. I was not able to get over to the shoulder due to not having power and all of the cars on the freeway. I came to a complete stop, powered off the car and then powered it back on again hoping it would work and it did. Power came back to the accelerator pedal and I was able to safely take the car to the dealership. Luckily I didn't create an accident and nobody was hurt. I took my car to the dealership on Dec 16 2014 and I just got my car back yesterday January 31st 2015. The dealer replaced the drive unit assembly which they said they were waiting to receive the part from Tesla.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Castro Valley, CA, USA