NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
12 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 4, 2026
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
Request for Investigation – 2014 Toyota RAV4 Airbag Non-Deployment On [XXX], at approximately [XXX]., the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision in Lakeland, Florida. The vehicle sustained a significant impact to the driver’s-side front area. Despite the nature and location of the collision, the Supplemental Restraint Syst…
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Request for Investigation – 2014 Toyota RAV4 Airbag Non-Deployment On [XXX], at approximately [XXX]., the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision in Lakeland, Florida. The vehicle sustained a significant impact to the driver’s-side front area. Despite the nature and location of the collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags did not deploy. Law enforcement responded to the scene and completed Police Report. Emergency medical services also responded, and the driver was transported from the scene by ambulance due to injuries sustained in the collision. The primary concern is whether the airbag system, including the crash sensors and SRS components, functioned as designed during this crash. Based on the impact, I am seeking an investigation into whether the non-deployment of the airbags was the result of a defect or malfunction. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this incident, document it within its vehicle safety database, and determine whether similar complaints involving 2014 Toyota RAV4 vehicles exist that may indicate a broader safety concern warranting further investigation. Supporting documentation, including photographs of the vehicle damage, the police report, and any other relevant records, can be provided upon request. Thank you for your attention to this important vehicle safety matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11754652
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2026
Air BagsCrashInjury
I was in a car accident and the side and steering airbags deployed. While the main steering airbag deflated successfully following the accident, the driver's side door side airbag never deflated. Once I was trying to get out of the car and had the door open, this meant it was much harder and took longer to get out as I had to sl…
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I was in a car accident and the side and steering airbags deployed. While the main steering airbag deflated successfully following the accident, the driver's side door side airbag never deflated. Once I was trying to get out of the car and had the door open, this meant it was much harder and took longer to get out as I had to slide out from underneath it. Because I wasn't able to get out quickly, I remained in a car in direct line of traffic with my driver's side door where it would have been hit first putting me in more danger.
NHTSA ODI #11721674
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2021
Air BagsCrash
My 2014 Toyota RAV4 had an accident (front end collision) No air bags deploy
NHTSA ODI #11440729
83,098 miles · Oct 24, 2020
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AFTER A CRASH THAT LEFT THE CAR CONSIDERED A 'TOTAL LOSS'. THE CAR HIT A POLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. CAUSING DRIVER TO INJURE FINGER AND MISS TIME FROM WORK.
NHTSA ODI #11366198
48,000 miles · Jul 6, 2020
Air BagsCrashInjury
MY SISTER ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF A BOX TRUCK ON 7/2/2020 AND THE KNEE AIRBAG IN HER TOYOTA 2014 RAV4 DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG OR COVER CAUSED MAJOR GASHES IN HER LEG AND SHE IS NOW IN THE HOSPITAL AND WILL NEED TO HAVE SKIN GRAFTS. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT THAT IS NOT YET READY. I AM ATTACHING PICTURES OF THE LEG. I HAVE…
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MY SISTER ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF A BOX TRUCK ON 7/2/2020 AND THE KNEE AIRBAG IN HER TOYOTA 2014 RAV4 DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG OR COVER CAUSED MAJOR GASHES IN HER LEG AND SHE IS NOW IN THE HOSPITAL AND WILL NEED TO HAVE SKIN GRAFTS. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT THAT IS NOT YET READY. I AM ATTACHING PICTURES OF THE LEG. I HAVE NEVER SEEN DAMAGE LIKE THIS CAUSED BY AIRBAG AND WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF ISSUES WITH KNEE AIRBAGS?
NHTSA ODI #11337736
32,000 miles · Dec 21, 2018
Air BagsPower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BODY REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BODY REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $4,700. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE ACCELERATION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11162919
2,577 miles · Nov 30, 2015
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. BEFORE STARTING WORK, MY WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOWLY PARK OUR 2014 RAV4 AT LESS THAN 2 MPH IN AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE IN THE PUBLIC PARKING LOT WHERE SHE WORKS WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN REACHING A FINAL SPEED OF 21 MPH IN THE SPAN OF APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 SECONDS. DURING THESE 2 TO…
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UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. BEFORE STARTING WORK, MY WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOWLY PARK OUR 2014 RAV4 AT LESS THAN 2 MPH IN AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE IN THE PUBLIC PARKING LOT WHERE SHE WORKS WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN REACHING A FINAL SPEED OF 21 MPH IN THE SPAN OF APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 SECONDS. DURING THESE 2 TO 3 SECONDS THE VEHICLE TRAVELED A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 27 FEET FROM THE EMPTY PARKING SPACE, RUNNING OVER THE PARKING SPACE CONCRETE CURBS AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE ON THE RAV4 RIGHT AND THEN RAN INTO A TREE, WHICH WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE APPLIED THE SERVICE BRAKE TO TRY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT THIS EFFORT DID NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. AFTER HITTING THE TREE MY WIFE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND PUSHED A BUTTON TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING THE TREE AT 21 MPH. WE NOTIFIED TOYOTA OF THE PROBLEMS REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION, SERVICE BRAKE AND THE NON-DEPLOYED AIR BAGS. TOYOTA OPENED A CASE AND SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE RAV4. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THEY FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY TYPE OF MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE NOT DRIVING THE 2014 RAV4 DUE TO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. VEHICLE SAFETY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,577 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10807599
20,000 miles · Nov 2, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsStructureCrashInjury
CAR 1 CUT IN FRONT OF CAR 2, CAR 3 (OURS) STOPPED 1 CAR LENGTH AWAY, WHEN STARTED TO DRIVE PAST THE CRASH SUDDENLY CAR 4 SLAMMED INTO CAR 3 (OURS) AND PUSHED MY WIFE'S CAR INTO CAR 2 AND CAR 2 INTO CAR 1 AGAIN. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, SEAT BELT LOCKED AND EMS HAD TO GET MY WIFE OUT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I95…
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CAR 1 CUT IN FRONT OF CAR 2, CAR 3 (OURS) STOPPED 1 CAR LENGTH AWAY, WHEN STARTED TO DRIVE PAST THE CRASH SUDDENLY CAR 4 SLAMMED INTO CAR 3 (OURS) AND PUSHED MY WIFE'S CAR INTO CAR 2 AND CAR 2 INTO CAR 1 AGAIN. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, SEAT BELT LOCKED AND EMS HAD TO GET MY WIFE OUT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I95 HEADING SOUTH JUST PASSING EXIT 60 HYPOLUXO DR AT ABOUT 45MPH WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP. SHE WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH WHEN SHE WAS HIT BY CAR 4....UPDATED 11/05/15 *BF *JS
NHTSA ODI #10787567
11,400 miles · Aug 13, 2015
Air BagsCrash
I WAS DRIVING ON AN OVERPASS AND WAS ABOUT TO TURN ONTO AN ON RAMP TO ENTER INTERSTATE 70 IN LIMON COLORADO AND I STRUCK A VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF BOTH OUR CARS. AND MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING COLUMN WITH MY RIGHT ARM AND LEFT SIDE OF MY CHEST AND STOMACH.
NHTSA ODI #10748492
2,300 miles · Jan 19, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesCrash
AT APPROXIMATELY 8:20 AM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2015, I WAS PULLING INTO AN EMPTY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AFTER DROPPING MY 6 YEAR-OLD AT SCHOOL. THIS WAS A ROUTINE AS I DO THIS EVERY MORNING. HOWEVER, AS I WAS SLOWING THE CAR DOWN PREPARING TO PARK (5-10 MPH), THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (APPROXIMATELY …
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AT APPROXIMATELY 8:20 AM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2015, I WAS PULLING INTO AN EMPTY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AFTER DROPPING MY 6 YEAR-OLD AT SCHOOL. THIS WAS A ROUTINE AS I DO THIS EVERY MORNING. HOWEVER, AS I WAS SLOWING THE CAR DOWN PREPARING TO PARK (5-10 MPH), THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH) AND RAN OVER THE SIDEWALK, BUSHES AND INTO THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX. DESPITE MY ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. IN THE PROCESS I RAN THROUGH THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WALL AND FRONT GATE, NEARLY GOING RIGHT THROUGH MY FRONT DOOR AND LIVING ROOM WHERE MY 6 MONTH OLD AND WIFE WERE PLAYING. I HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF. THAT STOPPED THE CAR. I THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND REVERSED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AND MY VEHICLE. SHOULD BE NOTED, THAT DESPITE THE IMPACT, NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. AT THE MOMENT, MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ME AT FAULT. I HAVE FILED WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY ARE HAVING A SPECIALIST INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR. AND HOPE THAT THIS IS INVESTIGATED FURTHER. HAD I NOT TURNED OFF MY CAR, I WOULD HAVE SURELY GONE THROUGH MY FRONT DOOR AND INTO MY LIVING ROOM, POTENTIALLY HURTING MY 6 MONTH OLD AND WIFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10676497
Official recalls
4Nov 1, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Mar 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Jan 16, 2015
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Consequence: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Exterior Lighting
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Consequence: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Dec 30, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE21005 · Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Opened Feb 25, 2021 · Closed Aug 12, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of opening, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 – MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (NHTSA 23V-734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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