This page covers 3 recalls, 314 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Toyota RAV4.
25–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate what owners report for the 2017 RAV4, accounting by far for the largest share of filings. Within that category, owners describe fires originating near the battery area on parked, powered-off vehicles, with several accounts describing rapid flame spread and total vehicle loss. Service brakes and exterior lighting each come in as the next most-reported systems. On the brake side, owners frequently report the pre-collision braking system activating unexpectedly, engaging hard stops in situations where no hazard was present, such as debris falling from trees or objects at low speed. Exterior lighting complaints center on headlight and taillight failures, with owners describing lights dimming, flickering, or going out entirely. The unexpected pre-collision brake activation pattern shows up across multiple reports, with owners describing abrupt, unintended stops that they felt were unnecessary given the road conditions at the time.
314
Total Complaints
33
Crash-Related
24
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a replacement 12-volt battery that may not sit securely in its tray, allowing it to shift and contact the hold-down bracket in a way that can cause a short circuit and start a fire.
The other two recalls are lower in severity but worth noting. On vehicles distributed through Gulf States Toyota, the spare tire may not have been inflated to the correct pressure at the time of sale, meaning the spare could perform unpredictably if you ever need to use it. Separately distributed vehicles sold through Southeast Toyota may have an incorrect load carrying capacity label on the door jamb, which can lead an owner to unknowingly exceed the safe weight limit for passengers and cargo, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
Some replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit securely in the battery tray, allowing the battery to shift and contact the hold-down bracket, which can cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load carrying capacity label on the vehicle may show incorrect information, which means the vehicle does not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will provide a corrected label to place over the incorrect one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spare tire on affected vehicles has incorrect air pressure and does not match the pressure specified on the Tire Pressure Label.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spare tire and adjust its pressure to the correct level at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
