NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
21 reportsClear category filter70,450 miles · Dec 4, 2025
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was parking the vehicle. The contact's vehicle crashed into a vehicle that was parked beside the contact's vehicle. In addition,…
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was parking the vehicle. The contact's vehicle crashed into a vehicle that was parked beside the contact's vehicle. In addition, the vehicle crashed into the Dollar Tree Store doors. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that it was very scary. The Dollar Store door glass was completely shattered. The Dollar Store was closed down as a result of the damage. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that an insurance claim was filed. The contact stated that the failure needed to be investigated by NHTSA. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,450. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI #11703014
100,000 miles · May 1, 2024
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the mother was driving at a slow rate of speed while in a parking lot and when the brake pedal was pressed the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a tree. During the incident, the driver …
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the mother was driving at a slow rate of speed while in a parking lot and when the brake pedal was pressed the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a tree. During the incident, the driver sustained a right leg and right arm injury and was transported to the hospital and treated for multiple fractures. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11586365
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
My friend was leaving church and cranked my vehicle engine. My friend proceeded to exit the church parking lot onto a main road. Prior to exiting the parking lot, she heard the engine "rev", where my vehicle began moving forward without her control. She was consistently pressing the brake pedal; to no avail. where my vehicle wa…
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My friend was leaving church and cranked my vehicle engine. My friend proceeded to exit the church parking lot onto a main road. Prior to exiting the parking lot, she heard the engine "rev", where my vehicle began moving forward without her control. She was consistently pressing the brake pedal; to no avail. where my vehicle was only stopped by careening into a nearby yard. She could hear my vehicle's engine continue rev until she turned it off.
NHTSA ODI #11566083
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control
While leaving the bank parking lot my 2015 Rav 4 started to accelerate while my foot was on the brakes. I barely missed hitting an incoming car. This was not first time something like this happened. There were other incidents prior to this but I dismissed them as maybe me hitting the wrong pedal.
NHTSA ODI #11491439
18,870 miles · Jun 10, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated while pulling into to a testing facility. The contact depressed the brake pedal and steered away from the tent and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights being …
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated while pulling into to a testing facility. The contact depressed the brake pedal and steered away from the tent and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,870.
NHTSA ODI #11468596
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
My vehicle has a problem with torque converter shudder that has gotten worse over time. At first it was shuddering and now vehicle bulks and momentarily slows down at the speed of 20mph thus creating an unsafe situation. Toyota has a Torque Converter Shudder Warranty Enhancement Program (ZH1) for vehicles of my age and mileage, …
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My vehicle has a problem with torque converter shudder that has gotten worse over time. At first it was shuddering and now vehicle bulks and momentarily slows down at the speed of 20mph thus creating an unsafe situation. Toyota has a Torque Converter Shudder Warranty Enhancement Program (ZH1) for vehicles of my age and mileage, but my specific VIN number does not fall under this warranty enhancement. I spoke to Toyota Brand Engagement Center senior adviser Drew and explained to him that it is a safety issue due to my vehicle unexpectedly slowing down in traffic. But he refused to do anything to mitigate this safety concern.
NHTSA ODI #11466414
35,569 miles · Dec 16, 2021
Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was i…
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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 35,569.
NHTSA ODI #11444002
55,000 miles · Jun 12, 2020
Service BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
SUA INCIDENT - COASTING BEFORE ENTERING GARAGE AS USUAL WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON FLOOR AND NOT ENGAGED WITH ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE. UPON ENTERING THE GARAGE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, NATURALLY SHOCKING/BAFFLING ME, AS I HAD ALREADY STARTED BRAKING AND CONTINUED TO DO THAT TO NO AVAIL AS CAR PROCEEDED TO HIT BACK WALL OF THE GARAGE WH…
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SUA INCIDENT - COASTING BEFORE ENTERING GARAGE AS USUAL WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON FLOOR AND NOT ENGAGED WITH ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE. UPON ENTERING THE GARAGE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, NATURALLY SHOCKING/BAFFLING ME, AS I HAD ALREADY STARTED BRAKING AND CONTINUED TO DO THAT TO NO AVAIL AS CAR PROCEEDED TO HIT BACK WALL OF THE GARAGE WHERE ACCELERATION STOPPED,CAR CAME TO REST. I NEVER DRIVE WITH TWO FEET AND AM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND BRAKE WAS NOT RESPONDING. ALSO CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE SAME SOUND AS IT NORMALLY WOULD IF I PRESSED THE GAS PEDDLE. IT ACCELERATED MORE LIKE IT WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL...VERY SMOOTH AND STEADY. ACTUALLY I'M GRATEFUL THE WALL WASN'T FAR AWAY SO IT DIDN'T ACCELERATE FURTHER. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED JUNE 11,2020 AT AROUND 10 AM. DO NOT KNOW REASON FOR SUA, BUT WILL NOTE THAT WE HAD THE GARAGE DOOR SENSORS REPOSITIONED ON JUNE 10. I'M NOTING THAT BECAUSE WHERE THEY ARE IS ABOUT WHEN I FELT ACCELERATION STARTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328441
31,300 miles · Jun 9, 2020
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE SLOWLY PULLING INTO OWNERS GARAGE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH HIGH WHINING SOUND. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO GARAGE WALL AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. FRONT END COMPLETELY DESTROYED, DOORS DO NOT OPEN, RADIATOR LEAKING AND GARAGE CABINET DESTROYED. INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE HAS 31,300 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11327926
40,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE OF A PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE OF A PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV EVEN THOUGH THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO MOVE BACKWARDS WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL DEPRESSED. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO REACH THE GEAR SHIFT AND PLACE IT IN THE PARK POSITION TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11141402
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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