Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 3.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
301Complaints
3Recalls
32Crashes
24Fires
28Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (33.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Electrical System complaints here are 3.1× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
102 · 33.9%
Recalled
Recall 23V734000
Service Brakes
36 · 12%
No official action
—
Exterior Lighting
31 · 10.3%
No official action
—
Engine
31 · 10.3%
No official action
—
Air Bags
19 · 6.3%
No official action
—
Structure:body
16 · 5.3%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 301 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020, I SMELLED SMOKE. I LOOKED AT THE TEMPERATURE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT…”NHTSA complaint 11317639 — filed 03/11/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“AUTO HIGH BEAMS STOPPED WORKING DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT STALK ON STEERING WHEEL”NHTSA complaint 11315784 — filed 03/03/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING CAR ONLY HAS 37,000 AND IS 31 MONTHS OLD. DEALER WANTS $1000.00 TO REPAIR.”NHTSA complaint 11315782 — filed 03/03/2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 102 of 301 NHTSA complaints (33.9%), followed by unspecified/other issues (61), service brakes (36), exterior lighting (31). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
301 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 32 involved a crash, 24 involved a fire, and 28 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V503000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2017 Toyota RAV4's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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