NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
This page covers 4 recalls, 337 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 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
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2018 RAV4 centers on electrical system issues, which account by far for the largest share of reports. Owners frequently describe a range of electrical faults, warning lights illuminating without clear cause, various modules behaving erratically, and accessory systems failing unexpectedly. The powertrain draws the next notable cluster of complaints, with several owners reporting transmission shudder during acceleration, typically felt in the 25–50 mph range, and in some cases describing the need for significant transmission work at relatively modest mileage with no warning lights preceding the problem. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three reported systems, with owners noting failures in rear lighting components. A handful of reports also mention the power liftgate becoming misaligned, which owners describe as preventing the rear gate from closing fully and in some cases damaging adjacent trim or lighting.
337
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
32
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a tire defect and a battery fire risk: certain Continental tires can develop sidewall cracks or tread separation, and a replacement 12-volt battery may shift in its tray and short-circuit.
On the tire side, the affected units were cured too long during manufacturing, which weakens the rubber and can lead to a sudden loss of air pressure or a full tire failure at speed, either of which can cause the driver to lose control. Note that this recall only affects vehicles fitted with specific Continental tires identified by particular date codes and mold numbers, so not every RAV4 of this year is affected. The battery concern is separate: if a replacement 12-volt battery does not seat properly in the tray, it can move enough to contact the metal hold-down bracket, creating a short circuit that can start a fire. Both of the remaining recalls involve load carrying capacity labels that may display incorrect information, which could lead an owner to unknowingly haul more weight than the vehicle is rated for. One of these label recalls applies to vehicles sold through Southeast Toyota Distributors with factory-installed floor mats, while the other covers a broader set of Toyota and Lexus models with the same labeling error.
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.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires may have been cured too long during manufacturing. This can cause the sidewall to crack or the tread and belts to separate, leading to sudden air loss and tire failure.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect your tires and replace them if needed.
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 load carrying capacity labels on these vehicles are incorrect, causing them to not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will provide owners with corrected labels at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
