Toyota · RAV4 · 2011
11
Recalls
286
Complaints
3/5
Safety Rating
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 11 recalls and 286 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: vehicle speed control (38 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
18.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Remedy Status
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Remedy Status
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAV4 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 24, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 19, 2011. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS, PROPELLANT WITH THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION WAS USED FOR THE INITIATOR ASSEMBLED IN THE AIRBAG INFLATOR. IN THIS CONDITION, THE INFLATOR MAY NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, CAUSING ONE OR BOTH CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY.
Remedy Status
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE CURTAIN SHIELD ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THE ASSEMBLIES AS NECESSARY WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 8, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Remedy Status
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Remedy Status
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Remedy Status
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 89,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 230,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 146,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local State Secretary, that the mileage was 190,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle continued to accelerate unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal and shifted to neutral(N), and the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop and while reversing from the driveway onto the roadway. The failure only occurred while the cruise control was activated but not set. The contact previously owned another 2011 Toyota Rav4 vehicle, which also experienced the failure. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the manufacturer had previously provided a remedy for the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electric power steering problem, steering wheel is very stiff and wont return to center ,car is very difficult to drive, I have read that nhtsa issued some safety recalls on 2011 toyota rav4 related to this mfg. defect in the circut board -ecu -electronic control unit in the electric power steering , I purchased this used car on 9/17/2025 .I am taking it to Toyota dealer 10/9/2025
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if the rear suspension had failed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the rear suspension arms were detaching from the subframe. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in TSB: 0042-14, NHTSA ID Number: 10060729 (Suspension), and was repaired in 2013. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension), and the campaign had since expired in 2019; and the repair was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while reversing to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and entering the residence, the vehicle independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
235/55R 18 I took my car for a tire rotation at a tire shop. I was told that the right front tire was not good so I asked to be replace with another new tire I had, which was exactly the same Yokohama tire my car had on. When I drove off the shop the tire started making a weird loud noise so I drove back to the shop. They switch the tire to the rear and there I noticed that was a different tire, not the new tire I have provided them. I asked the guys where my tire was and why they had switched it with an old-use worn tire. They denied doing so and refused to give me back my tire. Besides putting a used-worn out tire, the tire also has a different speed rate than the rest of my tires. Since it is raining in Houston and having different speed tires is itself dangerous, I found this improper and in disregard of putting my safety in danger. My tire was a Yokohama Brand; The shop switched it to a worn-used Dimax brand with a different speed.
I bought a pre-own car for my daughter in November 2022 from CARMAX in the City of Colma, California. The car is white color 2011 Toyota Rav4. In March 2025, my daughter started noticing the paint peeling off from the roof and driver side front panel. I found out that the paint issue is due to the defects from manufacturer when I visited paint shop to repair. I did researched online and found out Toyota had Customer Support Program until December 2022 for the issue. I contacted Toyota Corporate office but was told that CSP has ended and nothing they can do. Even though I am now aware that CSP has ended in December 2022, I found that it is unfair for the owner whose car just started exhibiting the issue after the program ended especially for the second owner like me who has never received any notice about the issue and bought the Toyota believing it will be a good investment. Can you please look into the issue and help for those owner like me who are unfairly left out? The attached picture shows the current condition of my car for your reference.
I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.
After pressing the accelerator pedal, I released the pressure on the pedal because of traffic and the accelerator continued to accelerate. had to hold the brake pedal down and then shifted to Park and shutoff engine. When restarted the car operate normally. This has happened in the past and is very scary and unsafe. My internet research on problem shows that there have been two problems associated with this occurrence. One, accelerator trapped by floor mats and the second was because the accelerator pedal could "stick". The floor mats are secured by manufacture securing systems so it must be the in the sticking pedal. I am contacting Toyota but not optimistic...is there anything the NHTA can do for Toyota at least checking my car for a sticking accelerator pedal sticking. Finally, has there been any other reports of this happening?
Everything working
I bought my RAV4 in May 2018, and it currently has just under 100,000 miles. My local mechanic says he "was kneeling on the driver's seat while reinstalling the center console after replacing the e-brake cable, when the side curtain air bags deployed!" He is frantic as this has never happened before, and his shop insurance won't cover the replacement costs. I know that insurance companies tend to "total" cars after air bags have deployed. Have you ever heard of such an incident with the recalled 2011 RAV4 air bags?
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while stopped at a red light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and rolled forward. The contact quickly put the vehicle in park and was able to pull over down the road. The contact stated that while pulling over and then shifting from park to drive with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated, and the contact quickly shifted back into park. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was left in front of an independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced and the throttle body needed servicing. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,751.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and the rear differential fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Side curtain airbag failed to deploy in side-impact crash. Passenger suffered significant concussion and broken ribs.
To begin with, the 2011 Toyota Rav4 in question was a loaner provided to me by Fiore VW AUDI (1000 S. Logan Blvd in Hollidaysburg, PA 16648) at @ 10:45 AM on 9/16/23. My 2018 Toyota Sienna was being serviced at this location on 9/18/23 and they provided me the 2011 Rav4 in the meantime. The brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the sudden acceleration of this 2011 Rav4 occurred later that afternoon @ 4 PM in a Sheetz parking lot at 3261 W. College Ave. State College, PA 16801. As I was turning left into an open parking space at the rear entrance of this Sheetz, I began to turn the steering wheel to the right, straighten out, and park properly in the parking space; I also began to press down on brake to stop the car. As I pressed down on the brake pedal, the brakes quickly locked up and became unresponsive. Simultaneously, the steering wheel locked up becoming unresponsive with the front wheels still slightly turned to the left. I was still coming out of my turn when this vehicle failure began. I quickly took my foot off the brake, then the car suddenly burst forward with an intense acceleration. I immediately put my foot back down on the brake, but the car still proceeded forward towards the building; moving slightly to the left due to the steering wheel still locked in place and unresponsive. I slowly rolled into a metal obstruction at the end of the parking space, hitting it at an angle. I had my seat belt on and no air bags were deployed. No injuries to me, but some cosmetic damage to the front of the Rav4. There were no warning lights or audible warnings prior to this vehicle failure. I didn't notice any warning lights or alarms during the failure. Prior to this incident everything seemed fine. After the incident, I drove the car home, drove it to my insurance agent on 9/18/23, and I drove it back to the dealer on 9/20/23. That was it. I would believe Sheetz has this complete incident recorded w/security cameras at that back entrance way.
In hot weather the steering wheel sticks and is hard to turn and will not allow car to straighten up after the turn.
For the past three months, in increasing frequency, whenever parking, firm pressure on brake pedal engages sudden burst of acceleration, with engine loudly revving at 1000 revs or higher (audibly beyond the cabin to passers by on the street), that lurches vehicle forward.Within close spaces of parking garage pillars or walls or while parallel parking this is a hazard and threatens sudden accident of 1 mph or less up to 5-10 mph and a 1-2 yard-long jerking lurch to try to recover from. This occurred, twice this week, and 4 times within past 3 months’ time, to where this is no longer a fluke or due to my immediate reactions. This is an increasing pattern that threatens myself and others. I am headed to local dealership, within the hour, to request diagnostics and to attempt to have technician repeat this issue.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. The brake pedal was continuously depressed. The "low tire" message was displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, neck, and chest, and medical attention was provided. There was not a report of any fire, air bag deployment, or police report being filed. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the collision center. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the car suddenly accelerated with a loud rev and crashed into the wall. The car was going so fast the airbag deployed and thrust me against my seatbelt. Airbag caused fracture of 5th metacarpal in my right hand. Was unable to drive for 12 weeks. When I got the car back from the Toyota Body Shop ($9000+ in repairs), I took it over to the dealer and began filing a case with the Toyota Customer Experience Center to have Toyota inspect the car. I am especially concerned about the brake sensor system. Case is pending
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 11 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 286 owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Toyota RAV4.
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 received an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2011 Toyota RAV4 are vehicle speed control (38 reports), visibility/wiper (30 reports), seat belts,visibility/wiper (15 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 11 recalls on record for the 2011 Toyota RAV4. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.