2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, after pressing the resume button, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration, and accelerated to 88 MPH. The contact pressed the cancel button, but the cruise control failed to disengage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an inspection and determined that the vehicle was operating normally. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

The dash warning "System malfunction/SRS Airbag/advance parking system malfunction" and all the lights lit up as we were on a road trip. it happened 3 times- each after we had been driving 5 hours or more, and each time after we had stopped the car and then got in to drive again. Safety of ourselves and others put at risk as we had NO safety features working as we drove with this warning. Visited 2 dealers on trip- Ramey Princeton Toyota, WV and Toms' River Gateway Toyota, NJ, They told us the part was: ADAS Module part 881C0-42061. Car is currently at dealer where we purchased it: Hendrick Toyota, Wilmington NC. Told the part is on back order and NO ETA for it to arrive.

I am reporting two serious safety concerns involving my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. First, while I was making a normal left turn, the vehicle suddenly activated the automatic emergency braking system and came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the roadway. A vehicle ahead of me was also completing a left turn, and it appears that my RAV4 incorrectly detected an imminent collision. The unexpected braking created a significant accident hazard because a vehicle behind me could have rear-ended my vehicle. Second, the overhead sunglass holder does not remain securely closed. While driving, the holder opened unexpectedly and my glasses fell into the driver’s footwell near the brake pedal. The glasses interfered with my ability to operate the brake pedal safely, creating an additional risk of a crash. I reported these concerns to a Toyota dealership, but the dealership stated that it could not identify a problem with the emergency braking system. These issues are intermittent but present a serious safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the automatic emergency braking system and the defective overhead sunglass-holder latch on the 2026 Toyota RAV4.

While driving on a freeway at approximately 65–70 mph, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes without any apparent obstacle ahead. A warning message “LOOK AHEAD” appeared on the dashboard at the same time. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in front of my car that would justify emergency braking. This unexpected braking created a dangerous situation, as the vehicle behind me had to brake suddenly to avoid a rear-end collision. The incident posed a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. The issue appears to be related to the Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Warning system (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). The event occurred without prior warning signs. This problem has occurred once. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer. The condition may be reproducible under freeway driving conditions. Component is available for inspection upon request.

Vehicle: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid Mileage at time of incident: 145 miles While driving on the highway with my family, I was passing a semi-truck when the vehicle suddenly and aggressively applied the brakes without any warning. The braking was strong enough that the vehicle shook violently and nearly caused me to lose control. This placed my family and surrounding drivers in immediate danger. The unintended braking occurred three times within approximately ten minutes while traveling at highway speed. At the time of the events I was focused on controlling the vehicle and avoiding a collision, so I was not able to check the dashboard immediately. After stopping and allowing the vehicle to sit for about an hour, I restarted the vehicle and multiple warning lights appeared along with a message stating “System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer.” The vehicle was purchased new and had only 145 miles on the odometer at the time of the incident. Because this involved sudden unintended braking at highway speed, I am reporting the issue as a potential safety defect.