NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
239 reports9,000 miles · Mar 2, 2017
Service Brakes
I HAVE BEEN THREE TIMES AT LIPTON TOYOTA OF OAKLAND PARK, FORT LAUDERDALE REGARDING A NOISE IN MY BREAKS, SPECIALLY WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. THEY STATE THEY DON'T HEAR ANYTHING BUT IT IS CLEARY HEARD WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. I BELIEVE THEY DON'T WANT TO REPAIR NOR DO ANYTHING REGARDING MY SITUATION. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR…
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I HAVE BEEN THREE TIMES AT LIPTON TOYOTA OF OAKLAND PARK, FORT LAUDERDALE REGARDING A NOISE IN MY BREAKS, SPECIALLY WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. THEY STATE THEY DON'T HEAR ANYTHING BUT IT IS CLEARY HEARD WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS. I BELIEVE THEY DON'T WANT TO REPAIR NOR DO ANYTHING REGARDING MY SITUATION. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR, SPECIALLY I AM A REALTOR AND I AM ALWAYS DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10958261
10 miles · Feb 17, 2017
Unknown Or Other
AT FIRST READING THIS MAY NOT SEEM TO BE MUCH OF A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT GIVING IT THOUGHT IT REALLY IS. MY RAV4 HAS A JBL GREENEDGE RADIO INSTALLED WITH XM CAPABILITY. THE RADIO DISPLAY SCREEN IS DIVIDED INTO 2 SECTIONS, THE RIGHT SHOWS WHAT SONG IS PLAYING WHILE THE LEFT SIDE DISPLAYS MY PRESET CHANNEL LISTINGS. I HAVE MY PRESET C…
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AT FIRST READING THIS MAY NOT SEEM TO BE MUCH OF A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT GIVING IT THOUGHT IT REALLY IS. MY RAV4 HAS A JBL GREENEDGE RADIO INSTALLED WITH XM CAPABILITY. THE RADIO DISPLAY SCREEN IS DIVIDED INTO 2 SECTIONS, THE RIGHT SHOWS WHAT SONG IS PLAYING WHILE THE LEFT SIDE DISPLAYS MY PRESET CHANNEL LISTINGS. I HAVE MY PRESET CHANNELS BATCHED TOGETHER WITH ALL AM, FM AND XM STATIONS GROUPED TOGETHER. WHEN CHANGING FROM AM TO FM OR BACK AGAIN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DISPLAY CHANGES ACCORDINGLY, DISPLAYING THE PRESET CHANNEL LIST AND HIGHLIGHTING THE CHANNEL BEING LISTENED TO. HOWEVER IF I GO FROM EITHER AM OR FM TO XM THE PRESET DISPLAY DOES NOT CHANGE, THE HIGHLIGHT BAR DISAPPEARS BUT THE DISPLAY STAYS ON EITHER THE AM OR FM PRESET LIST. I AM FORCED TO EITHER MANUALLY SCROLL BY REPEATEDLY TOUCHING THE SCREEN SCROLL ICONS OR REACH OVER AND TURN THE RADIO OFF THEN BACK ON AGAIN. WHEN THE CAR STARTS UP A WARNING SCREEN APPEARS ON THE RADIO WARNING THAT BEING DISTRACTED BY THE SCREEN MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, YET THE RADIO THEY INSTALLED FORCES YOU TO DO JUST THAT. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH TOYOTA AND JBL. ONLY TOYOTA HAS RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT'S JUST HOW THIS RADIO WORKS. I AM HOPEFUL YOU WILL SEE THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND URGE TOYOTA AND JBL TO AMEND THE SOFTWARE FOR THIS RADIO TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO SHOWING THAT AN XM STATION IS PLAYING BUT THE PRESET DISPLAY IS STILL ON FM.
NHTSA ODI #10955326
3,316 miles · Feb 12, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemCrash
TAKATA RECALL; WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK OUT OF A DRIVE WAY, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT A BUSH AND A HOUSE. AFTER RECOVERING AND ATTEMPTING AGAIN, THE CAR ACCELERATOR STUCK A SECOND TIME CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT ANOTHER BUSH.
NHTSA ODI #10954087
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2017
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE AND RELEASED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE AND RELEASED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V198000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10949874
3,550 miles · Jan 21, 2017
Service Brakes
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER 1 MONTH I STARTED NOTICING A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I WOULD APPLY MY BRAKES, ONLY IF I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY. 2 MONTHS LATER I STARTED HEARING A GRINDING NOISE AS IF METAL WAS GRINDING ON METAL AND THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY REGARDLESS OF HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY I WOULD HEAR IT …
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER 1 MONTH I STARTED NOTICING A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I WOULD APPLY MY BRAKES, ONLY IF I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY. 2 MONTHS LATER I STARTED HEARING A GRINDING NOISE AS IF METAL WAS GRINDING ON METAL AND THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY REGARDLESS OF HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY I WOULD HEAR IT WHEN I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AS WELL. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE ROTORS HAD DEVELOPED "HOT SPOTS" AND THAT THIS WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES OR CRUISING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES. I HAD A 2009 NISSAN CUBE FOR 7 YEARS AND DROVE THE SAME WAY AND NEVER ONCE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES IN THAT TIME PERIOD OR EVEN HAD TO SERVICE/REPLACE THEM. EVEN IF THIS ISSUE IS CAUSED BY THE WAY I AM DRIVING, MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS OLD AND ROTORS SHOULD NOT BE WEARING DOWN THAT QUICKLY. THANKFULLY NO SAFETY ISSUES OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THIS BUT I IMAGINE IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED IT CAN CERTAINLY AFFECT BRAKE FUNCTION WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10946843
7,700 miles · Dec 21, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
ON DECEMBER 5, 2016 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE LEFT FRONT FENDER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. IMPACT WAS DIRECT AS THE OTHER VEHICLE STRUCK MINE AT A NINETY DEGREE ANGLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FENDER AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY. IMPACT FORCED MY VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A CONCRETE PILLA…
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ON DECEMBER 5, 2016 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE LEFT FRONT FENDER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. IMPACT WAS DIRECT AS THE OTHER VEHICLE STRUCK MINE AT A NINETY DEGREE ANGLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FENDER AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY. IMPACT FORCED MY VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR SUPPORTING A STEEL LIGHTPOLE. I WAS TRAVELLING ABOUT 30 MPH AT TIME OF IMPACT WITH THE CONCRETE PILLAR. SUDDEN IMPACT CAUSED THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE GROUND. THIS WAS THE DIRECT RESPONSE TO THE SUDDEN STOP. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT I WAS TRAVELLING ON A HIGHWAY AND IN MOTION. VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER, PASSENGER AND SIDE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI #10936651
1,025 miles · Dec 15, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE IN PARK ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,025.
NHTSA ODI #10935415
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2016
Service Brakes
I DROVE THIS CAR FOR 12500 MILES ONLY AND I HAD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM BREAKS I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT AND NO CHARGE FOR IT. SO BREAK HAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY DID NOT ADMIT IT. THE MECHANIC SAID IF IS NOT MANUFACTURE DEFECT NO NEED TO RESURFACE AND REPLACE THE BREAK. IT CAUSES THE SURFACE TO BE THIN AND EITHER I HAV…
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I DROVE THIS CAR FOR 12500 MILES ONLY AND I HAD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM BREAKS I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT AND NO CHARGE FOR IT. SO BREAK HAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY DID NOT ADMIT IT. THE MECHANIC SAID IF IS NOT MANUFACTURE DEFECT NO NEED TO RESURFACE AND REPLACE THE BREAK. IT CAUSES THE SURFACE TO BE THIN AND EITHER I HAVE TO REPLACE IT OR WILL SONN BE BAD AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10934353
25,000 miles · Dec 2, 2016
StructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO THE CONTACT, WHICH CAUSED INJURY AND DISCOLORATION TO THE CONTACT'S SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. ..UPDATED 03/0…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE CRASHED DOWN ONTO THE CONTACT, WHICH CAUSED INJURY AND DISCOLORATION TO THE CONTACT'S SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. ..UPDATED 03/09/17 *BF CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER INJURY TOYOTA ISSUED A "LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN" TO REMEDY OR REPLACE THE POWER BACK DOOR ECU (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT). UPDATED 7/16/18*JB *TR
NHTSA ODI #10929666
9,000 miles · Nov 28, 2016
Power Train
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION CAN TAKE 2-3 SECONDS TO ACTUALLY "SHIFT" INTO THE DRIVE GEAR AND HAVE THE GAS PEDAL MOVE CAR FORWARD. DURING THE 2-3 SECONDS, PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING BUT REV/INCREASE THE RPM IN THE ENGINE. IF YOU DO PRESS THE GAS AND THE "SHIFT" TAKES PLACE IT WILL…
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I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION CAN TAKE 2-3 SECONDS TO ACTUALLY "SHIFT" INTO THE DRIVE GEAR AND HAVE THE GAS PEDAL MOVE CAR FORWARD. DURING THE 2-3 SECONDS, PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING BUT REV/INCREASE THE RPM IN THE ENGINE. IF YOU DO PRESS THE GAS AND THE "SHIFT" TAKES PLACE IT WILL JERK THE VEHICLE FORWARD A BIT.
NHTSA ODI #10928394
Official recalls
3Nov 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.
Apr 22, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:labels
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Tires
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Apr 7, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
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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